“Very nice to meet you, Mrs. Simms,” Mrs. Adams said, smiling, although she sent a reproving glance up at Jeremiah. “I do not think that is quite an accurate assessment, Mr. Wilcox, although I will say that the Wilcox women do have a good eye for fashion. That is quite a lovely gown, by the bye, Mrs. Simms.”
“Why, thank you,” Lorena replied. “I had it made up not too long before I left New York, and hoped I would have a chance to wear it on this trip.”
“Ah, New York,” Mrs. Adams said. “That makes sense.”
While Lorena was attempting to puzzle out that remark, Jeremiah thanked Mrs. Adams for their dance cards and then drew his companion away, off to the impromptu cloakroom on one side of the chamber, where a number of coat racks clustered like a strange skeletal forest.
“If I might,” he
