Chapter Twenty-One
Alfred and Mathias returned to the dancing pavilion through the main entrance, mingling with the newly arrived couples and groups of women as they spread throughout the room. Mathias gravitated toward the bar and refilled his glass with a second mint julep before joining Thomas and Adolph Grier. Alfred walked the edge of the dance floor, letting his eyes float from face to face as he searched for anyone he recognized among the crowd. As he neared the bar, a familiar voice filled his ear.
“What a man like you must’ve had to do to get his name on this social calendar.”
Alfred kept his eyes on the dance floor as John stepped up beside him, a fresh glass of brandy in his hand. He took a drink and flashed a smile at Alfred as he spoke, scenting the air with liquor.
“That’
