The Envy of Angels

Chapter 6

The following evening, I waited for Annabel by the seashore. Hazy stars appeared, but she never did. With a heavy sigh, I went home. The next day was also a disappointment.

On the third day, I looked forward to her birthday party. I rushed through rehearsal with the Chorus, then dressed early, wanting to look my best. A three-piece suit with a contrasting waistcoat, starched wing collar, and well-turned derby flattered me enough. When the time arrived, I hailed a cab to the Lee estate.

The road wound along the coast. Soon we reached the manor, the iron gates boasting a striking letter 'L'. I gave my name to the guards, and they bowed before me. Pert cypress trees lined the circular parkway, guiding all eyes to the great house itself. Its towering walls curved into sleek, contemporary wings. Diagonal accents slanted across the front. Soft light spilled through mullioned rectangular windows, music and laughter pealing from within.

Doors outlined with concentric enamel borders waited, and I rang the bell. A footman answered, and escorted me to the central courtyard. The buoyant rhythms of a jazz quartet sizzled over the celebration. Fresh blossoms accented the scents of wine and imported cologne. A fountain glistened among bronze statues, three abstract angels stretching triangular wings over a tiled pool. Laughing and flirting, guests cavorted in popular dance steps around the torchlit pavilion.

I ignored the stares of brash socialites, searching for Annabel. Before long, I spotted her among a clique of dashing young men. Fleeing the hungry leers of her admirers, she strutted toward me.

I caught my breath. I'd always seen her in riding attire. A drop-waisted frock fluttered about her, bold silk panels angled across the bodice. Her scalloped headband glistened as she kissed my cheek.

"What are you doing here?" she whispered.

I blinked. "Your brother invited me."

"Really?" She glanced about, neck craned like a doe sensing predators. "Dance with me."

I set my harp beside the bandstand and joined her. The music slowed to a sultry cadence. "Is something wrong?" I asked.

"Benedict never invites someone here unless he has plans for them." She gripped my lapel, gliding across the terrace at my lead. "It's my birthday party, but none of these people are my friends. You see those men watching every move I make? They're part of a secret club in Hosanna's underworld, dealing in every vice you can imagine. Benedict hopes I'll find a rat-faced suitor among them."

I pressed my cheek to hers and kept my voice lowered. "What does he want from me?"

"I don't know."

The song ended, audience clapping. Drums quickened. The clarinet and banjo players tapped their feet, then dove into the rhythm.

"Behind you." She squeezed my arm in warning.

I whirled about, as Pastor Lee approached with a grin. "Mr. Herald, it's wonderful to see you," he said.

"You didn't tell me he was coming," Annabel said.

"It was to be a surprise. I assumed you were friends, the way you sneaked off to the cemetery with him. Are you not pleased?"

Her smile was forced. "Of course I am. You throw marvelous parties. Mother would be impressed if she was here."

"That she would." Pastor Lee sipped a glass of blushed wine. "Mr. Herald, would you play a song for us, in honor of Annabel's coming-of-age?"

He reminded me of a snake about to strike, but I nodded. "Certainly. Miss Lee, will you join me?"

"I suppose so."

Pastor Lee raised a brow. "You perform together? How marvelous."

The jazz ensemble stepped aside. I sat upon a cushioned stool, and my beloved stood beside me, resting a hand on my shoulder.