Fifty-Five“It’s as though Christmas has come early!” Isabella gave Seb a quick smile and glanced around the National Exchange Dining room. He knew exactly what she meant. The dining room shone like a Christmas tree, with red napkins and green table centerpieces bathed in the soft incandescence cast by the overhead gas pendants.
“I love the red-and-green decorations,” said Isabella, gesturing to the glossy leaves of the table centerpieces. Her voice vibrated with a faint anxiety.
Seb gave her a searching look. “I do believe the intrepid Miss Wilmington is showing a trace of nerves. I know I am, and I’m not about to perform. Are you ready for later?”
Isabella laughed. “We’re as prepared as we’ll ever be. We really will need to play it by ear — the unexpected could and probably will happen
