Chapter 7

Roxanna

It was dark enough outside that I didn't need to worry about the sun. I walked down the street as if I had just been taking a stroll. It didn't take long to arrive back out the house I was staying in. I opened the door and AnneMarie was waiting for me. She jumped off the couch that she had been reading on and was standing next to me with excitement in her eyes. She put both her hands on my shoulders.

"Did you like any of them?" AnneMarie had always hoped I would find a man I liked enough to change, instead of stealing his money. I shook my head and she just nodded. "Maybe you just need to get to know them better." I smiled a sad smile at her.

Antoin appeared at the top of the staircase. "How did it go?" His deep voice echoed in the small space.

"It went well." I ducked into the parlor and sat down, picking up the latest catalog. I heard the sound of footsteps follow me and I inwardly groaned. "Nothing significant happened. We played some cards, had some drinks, then they went riding and left me with a few of their sisters." That was believable.

"Did you find out which one would be best?" I shook my head apologetically. "Could you try to hurry it along?" I nodded and turned to look at him. "Oh, and we have a party to attend tonight so be ready in two hours. Different people will be there so wear something pretty." He winked and I smiled as he left. I went to my room to prepare for the busy evening ahead, reminiscing over the days events.

One hour and forty-five minutes later...

I walked down the stairs wearing a simple white gown. The bodice was a pearly white silk and the skirt was multiple layers of white lace. My hair was piled onto my head with a few strands hanging down. My brother Alex was waiting for me at the bottom of the stairs, along with Antoin and AnneMarie. It was quite a treat to be escorted by Alex instead of Antoin.

We arrived at the party and I could hear the conversations and voices all intermingled. I could feel the eyes watching. We were newcomers so everyone was curious. Inside I was passed from Alex to AnneMarie. Until approached by the host or hostess, we would stay together. It didn't take long. An older woman with a younger one came along. The girl looked to be maybe 17 or 18.

"Good evening." The older woman's voice was deep. "Welcome to my home! I am Mrs. Daemon and this is my daughter, Brianna." My mother introduced us. We curtsied to each other and her mother handed her off to me as she took my mother's arm and walked away.

Brianna leaned towards me. "I believe it is my duty to go and flaunt you around. Mother wants to make sure everyone knows I am "in" with the new family." I smiled gently at her as we approached a group of young men laughing about something. She patted one of their shoulders and he turned in response. He smiled at her and then me.

"This is my brother Charles. Charles this is Roxanna Bengaza but she prefers Roxy." He held out his hand as I put my own into it. He bowed as I curtsied. "She and her family just moved here." I smiled to confirm and he nodded.

"Oh, I see Ida. Charles, take Roxy and keep her company." She placed my hand on his arm, and I smiled shyly.

"I'm sorry," he apologized. "I think this was planned by my sister and mother the moment they saw you walk in."

I tried to act as innocent as possible as he introduced me to the group of men he had been talking with. I spent the rest of the night on his arm. I wouldn't have been able to let go had I tried.

Antoin was pleased with what he saw and I knew that this young man was headed for a world of hurt.

We left in the early morning hours. Charles and Brianna were sad to see me go but I assured them I would see them soon. When we were out of hearing distance, Antoin looked down at me. "Get to work."

No response was necessary.