“These free samples?” A man asked.
“First tin on me. We’ll make ourselves a deal for the rest.”
Some of the men approached Jeb, excited about his offer for free tobacco. Others pulled out their own cigars—Cubans, of course—the most expensive and sought-after tobacco in the country.
While the men smoked with Jeb in the Cigar Room, the women gathered in the front lounge. Some of the guests, however, chose this transition to take their leave.
Mrs. Dixon stood smugly at the door and waved ‘good night’ to the Aubrights. She took a satisfied breath and surveyed her surroundings. She knew that Mrs. Aubright was disappointed that Mortimer had not made an a*s of himself that evening. But as a concession, Mrs. Aubright had also admitted, out loud, that Mrs. Dixon threw the best party that Th
