Christian Adams Vanderbilt
All head to the dining room, where an exquisite table is already set. During the meal, Violet Stewart strikes up a conversation with my mother. My father, Harrison, remains quieter, only casting calculated glances at me from time to time. I know that sooner or later, we will have a conversation. A conversation that has always been discussed over the phone and now will be face-to-face, damn it! Meanwhile, my uncle remains neutral, just analyzing everyone around as he always does without getting directly involved.
"I'm very happy that we are gathered again. We know how much the Stewarts and the Vanderbilts have been friends for years. We could never have come to New York by ourselves," my mother says, smiling as we await dessert.
Lyra's mother, Violet, nods in a
