Banished Love by Ramona Flightner

Author:Ramona Flightner [Flightner, Ramona]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: historical romance, historical fiction, romance
ISBN: 9780986050206
Publisher: Ramona Flightner
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

IT WAS A CRISP SATURDAY EVENING in late May, and earlier in April I had accepted an invitation from the Dickersons for a dinner party with Jonas and Savannah, which I now felt obligated to attend. The Dickersons were important members of Boston society and Jonas’ good friends. I was tempted to beg a headache, but, once an invitation had been accepted, only death was an acceptable excuse, or so Jonas said with a fiercely disapproving frown.

I entered the Dickersons’ house, trying not to feel overly awed by the elegant furnishings. The house was far grander than the simpler homes I was accustomed to, and I had to force myself not to gape in awe. It seemed as though I had entered a miniature palace.

The front hall was at least three times as large as our entryway, with a towering black walnut staircase at one end, each spindle elaborately carved. The rail formed an animal like paw as it met large newel posts at the landing in the front hall. An ornate lamp exuding a gentle light was mounted on top of the newel post in the hallway. Upon glancing up the stairs toward the landing, I saw a beautiful stained-glass window featuring a Romanesque woman sitting in her bowery. I wished I could see the stained glass lit from behind on a sunny day, its kaleidoscope of colors cascading down onto the surroundings. The hardwood floors, polished to a high gleam where visible, were covered in plush green-and-black oriental rugs. The elaborate mahogany hall stand had enough coat pegs for at least ten coats, although we gave our wraps to a waiting maid.

“Miss Russell,” the hostess, Mrs. Dickerson, greeted us, delicately taking Savannah’s hand. “What a pleasure to see you again. I do hope you enjoy yourself tonight.” She turned toward me, an assessing glance taking in my appearance. I glanced down, thinking that my ice-blue satin evening dress, white gloves and matching shoes were quite stylish. I had even worn an extra petticoat and silk stockings.

“Mrs. Dickenson,” replied Savannah, with a small nod, “thank you for the invitation. I would like to introduce you to my cousin, Miss Clarissa Sullivan.” Mrs. Dickenson nodded her dismissal and departed to greet arriving guests.

Savannah hooked her arm through Jonas’s elbow, entering the formal parlor. I followed behind into the sumptuously large room, continuing to marvel at the molding, the gold-colored silk wallpaper, the thick cranberry-colored damask draperies, the grand piano in the corner. All flat surfaces were covered with different types of cloths, with red the dominant color. A prominently displayed bust of an imposing-looking man on a pedestal stood to one side, and an étagère of travel knickknacks hung on the wall near the piano. Scattered throughout were potted plants and ferns, lending an exotic feel.

After entering the room, I accepted a glass of wine and headed to a quiet corner. I felt lonely, noting I appeared to be the only unattached guest, so I decided to stand next to the marble bust to give myself the illusion of a companion.

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