For a moment after Celeste spoke, the hall went quiet in a strange, heavy way. Music stopped. The bow of a violin hovered over the strings and did not move. People turned in their seats and then turned again to make sure they had heard correctly.

Celeste stood straight at the front of the hall. Her voice had been calm. Her words had been simple. She had said the engagement was canceled. That was all.

Whispers rose and fell like a low wind. “Did she say ...