When she thought of seeing him again, she could hardly breathe, her palms dampening with anticipation. Those intense brown eyes, his wicked smile . . . as well as his sharp wit and easygoing manner. He was the most interesting person in any room, and she could stand next to him and listen to him talk for eons.

Which could never happen, of course. But she would have him for three days, and that would be enough.

The door to her suite opened and Mama came in, her mouth pinched. Not a hair was out of place, as usual. Her mother was tightly cinched and battle-ready at all times. “You and your father are going to be the death of me,” she said sharply. “Apparently there is a problem with the staff in Boston and he refuses to handle it himself. Says I must return immediately to deal with it, and additionally there is a dinner I must attend with him on Friday.”

As her parents hardly spent any time together these days, Alice knew the interaction would be a chore for both of them. “That sounds like fun. Too bad I am not feeling well enough to travel.” She pointed at her abdomen, as if she had her monthly.

“Your father also suggested leaving you here, which makes no sense. I don’t like leaving you in a hotel by yourself. It’s not safe.”

“You’ve done it twice before, Mama. Remember? Last year, you had to return to Boston and I stayed here.”

“That’s true. But that was before that awful house party in Newport. Just by association you are a hairbreadth away from a scandal, thanks to that tennis-playing strumpet. We cannot risk any whisper of impropriety or else your chances at a good match are ruined. It’s been hard enough to marry you off with just your personality and looks to contend with. Imagine if you lost your reputation.”

The barb barely scratched the surface of Alice’s pride. After all these years she was used to comments such as this. “I promise not to leave the hotel. It’ll be just like last year.” She put her magazine down and groaned in faux agony. “Oh, I think this talking is making it worse.”

“I keep telling you laudanum will help with those monthly pains.”

“No, it’s not quite as bad as that.” Alice hated the dreamy feeling that came with opiates. “I just need to sleep.”

“I will instruct Mary to keep a close eye on you,” Mama said, referring to Alice’s maid. “In case your condition worsens.”

“Don’t worry about me. Just go and I’ll see you upon your return.”

“I shall leave first thing in the morning and return on Saturday.” She heaved a sigh. “You will learn this if you marry, Alice, but wives must sacrifice to keep their husbands happy. It’s the only way a marriage works.”