Arabella stood on a platform, staring at herself in a full-length mirror. At her feet, an older stooped woman fussed with the hem of her gown which extended into a long train that reached as far back as the low sofa behind her. On the sofa sat Sonia and Lavinia, the former leaning forward impatiently.

“I don’t see why you need a dress,” Sonia complained.

“Look, if I have to suffer a whole ceremony, I’m at least going to look good doing it,” Arabella ...