Murder at the Royal Albert Hall by Strauss Lee

Author:Strauss, Lee [Strauss, Lee]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Mystery, Historical, Crime
ISBN: 9781774091234
Amazon: B08CB1GQFX
Goodreads: 54417231
Publisher: La Plume Press
Published: 2021-05-25T07:00:00+00:00

14

DIARY

Belonging to Miss Ambrosia Summers

1st July 1871

The Harvey manor is large enough to house its own ballroom, and the first dance event since Debbie and Mr. Pettigrew’s engagement was now forthcoming.

Because Theo insisted that our amour remain a secret, “a joy to be shared by us alone”, we would not officially attend together. And yes, Debbie assured me he’d be invited.

The ballroom is vast with high ceilings. Tall walls are papered red and covered in expensive oriental tapestries. Statues of mythical creatures fill corners, along with lush plants in gold pots, and a multitude of candelabra were lit and placed on the shelves located high on the walls. Most gentlemen wore black tailcoats and trousers, white bow ties, and polished shoes. The ladies were resplendent in overly decorated gowns with shallow-cut necklines revealing creamy necks and shoulders. A sea of fans held by white-gloved hands moved in wave-like succession.

The musicians, stretched out along one wall, played Mozart, Beethoven, and Strauss. The ladies in attendance hoped to fill their dance cards. To my delight, Theo often glanced my way, including, at times, during the parade of the dance. We’d be lined up, and our hands would touch briefly, with only enough time for us to make a pretence of a formal association with me saying, “Your Grace,” and him saying, “Miss Summers.”

My eyes were on him alone. His manner and essence filled the room, and other guests went out of their way to greet him, the men bowing and the ladies curtsying. My bosom almost burst with pride, that he—this gorgeous manly specimen—belonged to me.

“You’re awfully cheery,” Josie said as we stood with a few other ladies, resting between dances.

“It’s a cheery occasion,” I said glibly. An eager footman approached with a tray of flutes filled with champagne, and I helped myself to one.

“Is that the Duke’s younger brother?” Josie asked with interest. I followed her gaze to a lanky young man who’d barely begun shaving, though he shared familial characteristics with the Duke, such as a Romanesque nose and a dimpled chin.

“Yes, Lord Percy.”

Clearly, the young lord needed to learn social restraint, as his eyes were locked on Deborah. He’d yet to learn how to observe a pretty lady without staring impolitely.

Josie didn’t seem to notice that. Her eyes twinkled as she said, “He’ll be a good catch one day, won’t he, Brosie?”

“I suppose so,” I said, though I had no opinion about the young man in that regard. My heart was set on his older brother, the only gentleman in the room of any interest to me.

A new dance began, this one for couples, and my gaze immediately sought my duke, hoping that he’d seek me out. My bubble of joy fizzled when I watched him come, not to me, but to Debbie. He extended his hand, and she immediately accepted, leaving Reginald Pettigrew to fend for himself.

It wasn’t until this moment that I took note of Debbie’s exceptional beauty. The gold threads woven decoratively through the fabric of

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