Chapter 5After the conclusion of the ceremony, Percy began to relax his vigilance. The service at St. George’s had gone without a hitch, and once in the splendour of the Park Street house, only carefully vetted guests would be permitted over the threshold.
The congregation exited the church, when Mrs. Dalrymple reached Percy’s side in the central aisle. “That went exactly as we hoped. An absolute credit to your management and sense of occasion. And your uncommonly good taste!” she exclaimed, her harmlessly flirtatious manner alluding to Percy’s immaculately suited form. Percy squeezed her arm lightly, grateful for the validation by his closest and most influential supporter in society.
At Park Street, the wedding party was ushered into the generously-sized formal dining room, decorated c
