Athanasia entered on her brother’s arm. She was dressed in sumptuous ball gown of purple and pink shot silk, liberally embellished with ruffles, beaded lace, and sequin embroidery. Her hair was arranged in a fashionable updo held up by diamond and amethyst pins. A multitude of perfect dark brown ringlets were left loose to cascade down her back. Her jewelry consisted of a necklace, bracelet, earrings, rings, and a tiara made of diamonds and amethysts.

Emilios looked glum as he escorted her into the ballroom. Athanasia had to convince him to attend. She was always trying to get him to live a little. Angelina had been gone for eight months now and it was time for him to move on. She hoped that someday he would marry again. His children needed a mother figure in their lives.

She looked around at the decorations. “Well, it’s nothing like the balls we attended in London, but I suppose it will do. I expect you to dance tonight, Emil, and not only with me.”