She studied her mirror reflection with a feeling of awe and fright. Tonight, Del Toro was giving a party to introduce her to Peruvian society. His important friends were, at this moment, approaching the house in their limousines. And what would they see when they were greeted by the new hostess of the Del Toro mansion? A young woman in an exquisite gown complemented by a jade necklace, a sophisticated blond upswept hair style, manicured fingernails and professionally applied makeup—all the product of an entire afternoon in one of Lima's more expensive beauty salons.The guests would critically scrutinize the outer trappings of the new seňora Jorge Del Toro, who came from a middle-class American family. While she was sure they would notice and evaluate her every move, she wondered whether they would also notice the bleak look in her frightened brown eyes and the quivering of her lips as she tried to maintain her composure."Might as well get it over with," JoNell thought resignedly.A week had passed since she became Del Toro's bride.
