Chapter 5
I met Nigel’s family at Thanksgiving. His father was a petty bureaucrat who worked at the CIA as an attorney, his stepmother aspired to be a society hostess, and his stepbrother was the sort Father would label a wastrel.
It was an uncomfortable occasion.
“Good afternoon, Peabody,” Nigel said to the butler as he handed him our coats.
“Good afternoon, sir. Everyone is in the study.”
“Thank you.”
We walked into Mr. Mann’s study and found that instead of the intimate family dinner we’d been led to expect, Mr. Mann had invited a number of my parents’ acquaintances as well as his business associates and their wives.
Nigel grew tense. “I’m sorry, Portia. I had no idea.”
I took his hand and threaded my fingers through his. “It’s all right.”
“Let’s get this over with.” He led me
