A huge topaz strung on a thin gold chain circled her neck. It nestled into the valley between her breasts, drawing the eyes of many men to the alluring shadow and high globes of flesh. But then, she would draw attention even without the necklace, and not just because of her daring attire.

Indeed, in such a huge crowd she might have gone almost unnoticed if she were not so striking. Lamplight glinted on her fiery hair with a rich golden sheen, and her pale skin gleamed with flawless, translucent beauty. Only when one drew close enough to see into her slanted green eyes, was it apparent that she was unhappy and desperate.

From across the room, she had an air of regal, aloof beauty. A tarnished rose, perhaps, with her shocking gown and low décolletage, but a rose of incomparable beauty, even in this sea of beautiful women.

Luna kept her close, his hands occasionally brushing casually against her breasts, a proprietary touch that did not escape notice. It branded her as loose, and the women present drew aside when she passed, as if afraid of contamination should she get too close.

Men noticed, eyes staring as he toyed with the edging of her low bodice, hopeful gazes waiting for it to fall away and expose her to their lecherous gazes. Ginny began to feel quite nauseous, and focused instead on the others in the huge room, so many there that it was difficult to see the walls opposite where they stood.

It was not as surprising as it might once have been to find a liberal sprinkling of Americans celebrating Díaz’s ascent to the presidency, for Mexico’s future was closely intertwined with that of the United States. New policies were crucial.

Still, as her gaze drifted around the room, it was a shock to Ginny to see Jim Bishop in attendance, and she had the inescapable feeling that Rafael Luna had known he would be there.

“Is this my answer?” she murmured just before Bishop reached her side, and heard Luna laugh softly.

“General Luna,” Bishop acknowledged with his usual imperturbable smile, “and, of course, it is always pleasant to see you again, Mrs. Morgan. Or should I call you Señora Alvarado?”

Relief flooded her, and she was almost giddy with it as she greeted Bishop, edging away from Luna, who let her go without a murmur. There was a slightly hysterical edge to her laughter as she said, “Mr. Bishop! Perhaps I should not be so surprised to see you here, but I am. You have met General Luna, I see, and you must know President Díaz. Why, it sounds as if I’m babbling, when I am only glad to see you again….”

“May I speak with you privately? I am certain that the general will not mind, will you?”