A Month Later…
The sun rose over the Hamilton mansion, painting the sky in soft shades of pink and gold. It was a perfect morning. The birds were singing, the dew was sparkling on the grass, and the air smelled of fresh summer flowers.
But inside the room of the mansion, there was no peace. There was only a whirlwind of silk, lace, and nervous energy.
Ines sat on a velvet stool in front of a tall, gilded mirror. She was surrounded.
Three maids were fluttering around her like busy hummingbirds. One was holding a tray of hairpins. Another was holding a tray of white jasmine bud. The third was smoothing the skirts of her dressing gown, as if even her undergarments needed to be perfect.
"Hold still, My Lady," the hairdresser muttered, her tongue poking out of the corner of her mouth in concentration. "If you move, this curl will be crooked, and the whole balance will be ruined."
Ines froze. She held her breath. She stared at her reflection.
