When the song ended the dancers applauded the band and couples rearranged as a slower rhythm started. Isaac spun Mrs. Astor out before bowing and releasing her hand. They parted and Mrs. Astor walked deeper into the crowd. Isaac made his way over to Arabella and Lavinia.

“Izzy, you look terrible,” Arabella said bluntly.

Though the gaunt circles under Isaac’s eyes were prominent and there was a faint haze over his eyes, Lavinia could not bring herself to agree ...