The sound of the carriage wheels against the ground and the neigh of the horses drew Ed’s attention from her. He marched to the rack, grabbed his coat and hat, and held the door open for her.
“Thank you, sir. Tell me… Is there anything that Mrs. Miller enjoys that I should know about for small talk?”
“I know her charity work includes widows, orphans, and the homeless.”
They made their way into the carriage, but Ed remained stiff and sterile.
“I can work with conversations about charity, which will free you men to speak about important business.”
“That’s a good plan.” Ed settled across from her, and the carriage rocked and then moved up the hill. This time she braced herself so as not to fall into Ed’s lap, in fear he’d run away. He sat blank-faced, emotionless, his gaze fixed out the window.
If she were honest with herself, the distance he put between them hurt, but she knew she had to remain unfeeling herself. They couldn’t let the Millers see a rift between them.
At the top of the hill, she thought she’d bolt from the uncomfortable silence, but she knew she had to say something, anything, to salvage their evening and make a good impression. “Think of me like a business transaction. You have to sell me to them if you want to secure their investment.”
He studied her for a moment and offered a nod but then looked out the window. “I will never sell you, but I’ll be proud to have you on my arm.”
“Then smile and pretend to enjoy the evening.”
His lips curled up into a startling grin that looked more deranged than happy.
“Never mind. Just follow my lead.” She descended the carriage with the hope she could stay in Mrs. Miller’s company and avoid any public time with Ed, in fear he’d give them away.
He caught her by the elbow. “Thank you for doing this.”
She knew what he meant, but she needed to pretend otherwise. “Yes, I know I have so much to do, but I couldn’t miss the opportunity to see the inside of this breathtaking mansion.” She took his arm and slid her hand into the crook of his elbow to ascend the stairs into the massive entrance. The inside ceiling stood so high, it felt like a grand cathedral. Different servants stood all around the circular dome, with two taking their coats and hats and another offering them beverages and still another escorting them to the parlor where the Millers awaited.
The room had windows lining the wall, and the length was so long she could barely make out the detail of the intricate molding at the opposite end. Furniture that appeared to have been shipped in from Europe was strategically placed to enjoy the view and conversation.
“Thank you for your invitation.” Cora took the opportunity to release Ed in hopes they’d be splitting up, but instead, Mrs. Miller gestured to the seat opposite her and her husband.
Cora squished her skirts in to allow Ed enough room to sit at her side. After the pleasant greetings, a few sips of champaign that tickled her nose, and the usual small talk, she dove into deeper conversation. “Mr. Neal tells me that you’re involved in many charities. I’d love to help in the future, once I’m settled.”
She noticed Ed stiffen at her use of the word settled.
“Come on, man. This is a social occasion. You look all business.” Mr. Miller rose, walked around the dark wood table with ivory inlay, and clapped Ed on the back. As if he’d jolted the emptiness from Ed, he raised his glass.
“I am overwhelmed with your hospitality is all.” Ed moved into a more relaxed posture, but she knew he still struggled to present them as a united front.
“How are the wedding plans going?”
Cora didn’t give Ed a chance to fumble. “I’ve been too busy planning the party this weekend.”
Ed covered her arm with a light touch. “Miss McKinnie has put together the most glorious event ever held in San Francisco.”
That snagged Mrs. Miller’s attention. “Really? What makes it so special?”
Cora offered a friendly smile. “I can only share that it incorporates all that makes San Francisco unique. I’ve taken some chances and hope it will be well received.”
“I told you Miss McKinnie would be good for our Ed here. She’s a McKinnie, so that means she’s built of strength, ingenuity, imagination, and southern charm. I for one am more than excited to attend. I’ve shared the legend of the McKinnie balls with the top dozen or so entrepreneurs in our city, and their wives told them they had no choice but to attend.”
“I’m honored, and I hope I don’t disappoint,” Cora said with strength, but inside worry floated to the surface that she wasn’t as adept at creating a McKinnie ball as her ma had been.
“You couldn’t, right, Ed?”
“No, she couldn’t disappoint anyone.” Ed’s smile stretched into a prideful grin that stirred Cora to relax a little.
“Aren’t they a lovely couple? I hate that this party my husband thrust upon you is in the way of your plans. What can I do to help? Do you have a date? I can make some calls to secure a location.”
