“Yes! With all those soldiers coming in—they’re bringing over the Third Division from England, which should arrive this weekend, and the Special Brigade from India, since they have experience with insurrections—Father feels he should host a ball to welcome the officers. It will be two weeks from yesterday. That’s not much warning, but it’s not meant to be a grand affair, merely an impromptu entertainment.”

“Will I be invited?” Flora asked, wringing her hands anxiously.

“Of course, you goose. You’re the governor’s granddaughter. And with all those officers about, I’m certain you’ll have to attend, as well, Verity. Magisters seldom enter the military, so I’m afraid few of the officers will be appropriate for you, Flora. They do make good dancing partners, though. But, Verity, you might find a husband. No one ranking below major, of course. You’ll want some polish and seasoning.”

“I’m not in the market for a husband,” I said.

“Why ever not?” Elinor turned to Flora with a conspiratorial wink. “Do you suppose she already has a suitor?”

“She does seem to go out quite often,” Flora said slyly. “Olive said she met a boy in the park once.”

“Oh, really? Verity, do tell.”

I would have preferred not to answer, but this seemed my best opportunity to recover from my earlier faux pas about Henry. “I do have a friend I see from time to time. He’s a student at the university, and he’s quite brilliant.”

“Even if you do have a suitor, it will be good if he finds himself in competition with a dashing young officer. He’ll have to work harder to win you.” Elinor leaned back against her pillows and picked up a lace fan. “I don’t know what having all those soldiers in the city will do to the civic order. Most of them are merely well-disciplined and well-dressed ruffians, if you ask me. There are far too many soldiers to fit in the barracks, even on Governor’s Island. I hear they’re commandeering the student housing around the university. That area seems to be where the troublemakers are, so I suppose that’s a good enough plan. Though your friend might be inconvenienced, Verity.”

Flora didn’t give her a chance to say anything more about the military plans. She directed the conversation back to the ball itself. “It won’t be a costume ball, will it? Those are so tiresome.”

“Why would we have a costume ball when all the men will be wearing uniforms? Any man can be handsome in a uniform.” Elinor smiled at me. “And now Verity is wondering how I know so much when I never leave my bed. I maintain a circle of friends. It’s amazing how readily people share things with someone they don’t think is in communication with anyone else in society.”