Annabelle was still at my side when Alec and Mr. Vanderbilt approached.
“Hello, Alec,” Annabelle said.
He offered her a tight smile and replied, “It’s good to see you again.”
“Mother and I were surprised we were invited tonight,” she said. “But we were thankful to be included.”
“Your father and my uncle were good friends.” His voice was a bit stiff. “Almost like family. Aunt Maude will never forget.”
“That’s what I’m afraid of.” Annabelle’s voice trailed away as Mr. Vanderbilt shuffled his feet uncomfortably and Alec lifted his chin.
The four of us stood awkwardly as I tried, in vain, to think of something to say. Alec had come to my rescue several times—couldn’t I rescue him, too?
“Miss Wellington tells me she’s going to Europe, as well,” I said to Alec and Mr. Vanderbilt. “It will be nice to have a familiar friend there.”
Mr. Vanderbilt smiled—but Alec’s face remained a mask of indifference.
“Have you been before?” Mr. Vanderbilt asked me.
I shook my head, so he proceeded to tell me all about the pleasures of France and England.
The moment had been rescued, but Alec didn’t relax as I had hoped he would.
Aunt Maude rose to announce it was time for the evening’s entertainment, and I sighed in relief.
“Annabelle?” Aunt Maude asked, her voice level and even. “Would you sing for us?”
Everyone nodded their agreement and Annabelle’s cheeks blushed prettily.
“Only if Mr. Paxton-Hill will accompany me,” she said.
“Oh, do, Alec,” one of the matrons said. “You and Annabelle make such beautiful music together. I remember when you sang in Newport last summer.”
Alec did not look eager to play for Annabelle, but he was a gentleman and agreed. While he played the piano, Annabelle sang “Silent Night” and then “It Came Upon the MidnightClear.” Her voice was melodic and mesmerizing, and she sang with such purity, it was hard to take my eyes off her beautiful face. When everyone begged her for a third, she shook her head in humility and then turned to me.
“Let’s have Miss Hill take a turn. I don’t want to monopolize the entire evening. She’s so lovely, I’m sure her voice will match.”
I shook my head emphatically as panic engulfed me. Aunt Maude had said she would not ask me to sing tonight. It was too soon.
“Come, Miss Hill,” said a lady with a commanding voice. “We’d all love to hear you.”
“I couldn’t,” I said, looking to Aunt Maude for help.
She looked stern and nodded once, as if Ishouldsing. It was the proper thing to do when several people had asked me.
I swallowed hard and then stood on shaking legs as everyone turned their gazes to me.
Terror filled my heart. I had never sung for a crowd before and the last thing I wanted was to be the center of attention.
“Would you like me to accompany you?” Alec asked, empathy in his gaze.
I shook my head. I couldn’t ask him to ruin himself along with me.
“Are you certain?”
“Yes.” I nodded, my voice quavering with nerves.
He nodded back and then took a seat on a sofa near Annabelle.
