Chapter One
Preparing For Passion
“Is the list complete?” Aunt Caroline looked up from the typewritten column of names.
“Of course,” Uncle Gerritt said around his stubby cigar. He folded his hands across his moderate paunch and settled deeper into the bulky upholstery of his chair.
Richard turned from the large parlor window and shrugged. “I will leave all the details to you. This will be the first Annual Autumn Ball since I arrived this Spring. Do we have enough girls to entertain our male guests?”
Uncle Gerritt chuckled, the cigar ash dribbling onto his tweed vest. “Just got twelve more last night while you were in town posting the invitations. Captain Farrold brought them in on his schooner, as usual.” He closed his eyes and grinned. “Tried out three of them already. Stripped them
