The Cheyenne Mail Order Bride Becomes A Lady by Iris Kelly

Author:Iris Kelly [Kelly, Iris]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: UNKNOWN
Published: 2016-03-11T05:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER SEVEN

As Beatrice and Avery prepared to enter the Opera Hall, he took in yet another appreciative glance at his lovely companion. Her lavender evening gown flattered her to perfection. He had to confess to himself that he did look forward to showing her off. For once, he would no longer be the pitiable bachelor, but a secure man on the verge of marriage and the higher standing that came with it. Not to mention the credit he would receive for bringing such a stunning and fashionable addition to Cheyenne society.

Entering the lobby was a pleasurable assault on the senses. There were gilded edges everywhere, from floor to ceiling. And marble statues. And a warm, luxurious rose tone throughout. There was a full crowd milling about, not content to head immediately for their seats, but anxious to catch a glimpse of their fellow concertgoers.

Avery’s obvious satisfaction with her helped Beatrice to overcome any lingering jitters. She could face anything and anyone with his reassuring presence beside her. She plastered on an accommodating smile as she could feel dozens of pairs of eyes on her at any given moment. How comfortable they all looked, as if they were attending a grand event for the hundredth time. That was the appearance she had to strive for.

The concert had an abundance of vocal and instrumental talent. But that did not prevent a significant portion of the audience from perusing their neighbors with the greatest show of nonchalance. There were many beautiful gowns to be admired. And Beatrice herself couldn’t stop gawking at the collective elegance of the crowd. But this was novelty for her. Weren’t the others all jaded by frequent gatherings of such grandeur?

Avery was not immune to the crowd gazing.

“There are the Gentrys. We really should try to see them during the intermission. And the Roths. And the Prestons. All important people to know.”

Beatrice got the distinct feeling that Avery, and dozens of other audience members, were just biding their time until that twenty minutes of critical mingling arrived. The music provided not only a pretense for the actual business of social interaction, but also a useful topic to start all conversations.

Not surprisingly, everyone loved the music. Who would want to risk offense by saying otherwise? You might wind up insulting someone’s taste who did genuinely love it. Beatrice was a bit worried about when the topic would move on from the performance, but it was easier than anticipated. First, Avery would engage a particular gentleman in a bit of business talk, and the wife would take Beatrice aside for a more personal discussion.

“Is this only your first week? I can’t imagine what your impressions must be,” Mrs. Roth said.

“It’s much smaller than Boston, but also much more interesting,” Beatrice said. “It’s a bit exciting not knowing exactly what to expect.”

“It was a rough place not so long ago. I’m sure it’s much more civilized than you expected.”

“Has it lived up to your expectations?” Beatrice asked, deciding to turn the tables. “What do you like best about living here?”

As it turns out, Mrs.

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