—Mabel—

I stood patiently in the grand foyer, waiting for Ruth to make an appearance.

The entire mansion was quiet.

The children were back from school and taking their siesta in their rooms. Even Fizzy was asleep in his basket, in the hallway to the children's room.

Humming softly, I walked to the vanity and glanced once more at my reflection.

For the party, I was dressed in an off-the-shoulder satin gown. The skirt flowed down in a graceful column, parting slightly at the side to reveal a ...