Three days later, waiters carried champagne through The Astoria's Grand Ballroom beneath crystal chandeliers. A thousand white roses lined the stage where my stepmother stood under a soft spotlight, surrounded by designer gowns and tailored suits.
“Losing a daughter to such a terrible illness is a heartbreak I would not wish on anyone.” Martha touched a lace handkerchief to dry eyes and took Arthur's and Lily's hands. “Still, these two found each other. They can lead the Vanderbilt name forward. That gives me hope.”
The guests murmured their sympathy. Arthur arranged his face into solemn lines while Lily lowered her eyes over a virginal white dress. From the hotel's security office, I watched them hold hands whenever a camera turned their way.
I smoothed the silk at my hip. “It's time.”
