A gala party was underway, celebrating Pierce's appointment to the cabinet in the newly formed Liberal Government, headed by none other than William Gladstone. For the better part of the last year the Conservatives had held office, but their government had finally collapsed in disarray. Now, for an unprecedented third time, the Grand Old Man had been asked to form a government, and he was quick to select a rising young Liberal, the earl of Sandbourne, for the cabinet. Gabrielle stood midway on the stairs, dressed in a champagne white silk gown with a teal satin bodice decorated with elaborate white cutwork embroidery that distracted the eye from the fact that her middle was starting to expand again. Gazing out over the festive crowd, she felt a glow of warmth at the sight of the friends and acquaintances she and Pierce had made over the last three years enjoying their hospitality. Through the drawing room doors she could see Pierce greeting friends and accepting congratulations on his appointment, and she smiled and set a course for him.
