This house was even bigger and more imposing than Kevessa’s. Nirel could hardly believe such a grand edifice was the property of a single family. But she was sure Kevessa had said the ball would be held at the home of a friend, and this was the address inscribed on the invitation nestled safe in Nirel’s purse. She tried desperately to remember every tiny mention Kevessa had made of ball etiquette. They’d expected to have weeks for Nirel to learn all the details under Kevessa’s patient tutelage. Kevessa had assured Nirel that any small slips on her part would be excused as the charming eccentricities expected of a foreigner. Somehow Nirel doubted the same would hold true for major breaches of proper behavior.It was too late to worry now. Nirel would have to muddle through by careful observation and imitation of the other ball guests.Ahead of them, a trio of guests paused before the open doors, conversing with one of the uniformed men flanking the entrance. Nirel leaned to the side until she caught a glimpse of one of the guests displaying a familiar-looking sheet of parchment to the doorman.
