She couldn’t have stopped her words if she’d wanted to. “It’s not the dress I’m talking about.”

Sherry opened her mouth but snapped it shut again when a young man ran toward them.

“Good evening, ma’am. I’m sorry I kept you waiting. May I park your car for you?”

Madison handed him the car keys. “Good evening. Please see to it that we can depart at any time. Last time, I was totally boxed in.”

“Yes, ma’am.”

When Sherry laid her hand in the crook of Madison’s arm, they started to walk to the main house.

After a few steps, Madison turned back to the man. “Thank you.”

When a servant had opened the door to them and taken their coats, they stood in front of the double doors leading to the parlor.

“Ready?” Madison asked. Her warm hand touched Sherry’s lower back, radiating warmth over her whole body.

Sherry nodded. Her heart was pounding against her ribcage. What if she embarrassed Madison somehow?

Madison pulled the doors open, took Sherry’s hand, and entered the parlor.

Her touch calmed and excited Sherry at the same time. Before she’d met Madison, she had no idea that one touch could evoke both feelings at the same time.

“Madison, there you are,” Mrs. Fielding called from across the room. The sound of her voice reminded Sherry of the screeching of wheels when a car hit the brakes at full speed. And she was aware that Mrs. Fielding had only addressed her granddaughter, while ignoring Sherry completely.

All conversations in the room ceased, and dozens of pairs of eyes turned to them.

Sherry squeezed Madison’s hand tighter.

Mrs. Fielding’s long, high-necked dress allowed for only tiny steps, so it took a while until she had reached them. “I was concerned you wouldn’t show up.”

Either Madison hadn’t heard the criticism in her words or had chosen to ignore it. “We would never miss your legendary New Year’s party.” She leaned forward for an air-kiss.

The corners of Mrs. Fielding’s mouth moved upward, but her facial expression didn’t resemble a smile in the least. “Of course you wouldn’t.” She gestured at the other guests. “You’d better mingle.” Mrs. Fielding shifted her weight but seemed to have problems standing steady while doing so.

“As you wish,” Madison said. With a smile just as fake as her grandmother’s, she led Sherry to a group of five women who were scrutinizing them as if they were aliens.

“Good evening,” Madison said in her most charming voice.