Chapter Two
“Oh, Elise,” Beverly whispered, her voiced tinged with a hushed reverence, “you’re beautiful! You’re the living image of a nymph, or siren. The image is inspiring of...”
“Scandal,” her maid said flatly. “It’s goin’ to cause a scandal, I say. And this family has never had the likes of the one you’re about to bring down on it.”
“Bridget, you will please refrain from your pessimistic diatribe.” Elise fidgeted on her stool, as she considered the worst that could possibly happen. She decided whatever her brother might do to her tomorrow, however he might punish her, it would all be worth it if tonight went well. Because this was the moment she’s dreamed of for as long as she could remember. She wanted to see the expression on Michael’s face when she reappeared to take her place i
