Joanna waved a dismissive hand. “We’re at Almack’s, what’s the worst that can happen? Besides, I need a little distraction.”
Before they could talk any more, Judith returned with three glasses and handed each of them one. “Here we are. To finishing school!” she boomed and took a sip of her glass.
Joanna eyed the liquid in her own glass. It didn’t resemble the innocent lemonade served at the ball. She cast a cautious glance at the ballroom. Almack’s was known for its strict adherence to rules, and the notion of alcohol within its confines would raise a whisper of concern.
Uncertainty flickered in her eyes, but the allure of mystery and rebellion proved too tempting. After sharing a brief smile with her sister and Judith, she raised her glass to her lips and took a sip. The unexpected warmth of the brandy kissed her tongue, and she swallowed, the liquid burning down her throat.
“Oh!” she exclaimed. “That is something else!”
Sally chuckled. “I dare say, Mama would be horrified.”
Judith’s smile faded briefly, and Joanna realized that the mention of their mother might have reminded her of the loss of her own. However, she need not have worried, as Judith recovered at once and quickly finished her drink.
“Another?” Judith asked and turned back to the man.
“Not for me,” Joanna replied and raised her glass to show that she was not yet finished.
“I think I’ll have another,” Sally said, shocking her sister because she was not known to be a drinker.
However, the more Joanna drank, the less she worried, and soon, she felt her body relax.
As they indulged in their not-so-innocent libations, the alcove became a haven of camaraderie. The initial hesitancy melted away, replaced by laughter and chatter. Joanna, unaccustomed to liquor, marveled at the flickering candlelight casting playful shadows on their ornate surroundings.
Despite her sudden ease, Joanna could not help but keep an eye on the proceedings. The man in the alcove, the clandestine purveyor of their “special” drinks, vanished periodically, only to return with a bottle concealed underneath his waistcoat. The number of interested parties grew steadily, and her keen gaze caught glimpses of others partaking in this peculiar exchange.
As time went on, some of her fellow guests became increasingly unsteady on their feet, and her worry returned.
Sooner rather than later, one of Almack’s patronesses would figure out what they had been doing, and they’d most certainly be thrown out. Perhaps they’d have their vouchers revoked. And then what?
“Sally,” Joanna whispered and grabbed her sister’s elbow. “I think we?—”
An almighty crash cut her off, shattering the festive ambiance.
“Oh my, someone cannot hold their drink!” Judith exclaimed with a chuckle, but then her eyes flew wide. Joanna spun around to see what she was looking at, and immediately, her hand flew to her mouth.
A candelabra that was formerly placed in the corner by the window had been toppled over, the candles rolling on the floor. Some were extinguished, but some were not. Three candles had rolled toward the curtain. As Joanna stared at the unfolding calamity, the ornate curtain caught fire.
Yellow and orange flames were licking up the curtain at rapid speed. Why was it moving so fast?
Then, realization dawned on her like a crashing wave. The alcohol. Whoever had toppled the candelabra must have been holding a glass of their “special” drink.
Joanna’s heart quickened as she realized that the joyous escape had transformed into an unforeseen disaster. The once-elegant alcove now became a crucible of chaos, and the trio joined the frantic rush of partygoers toward the nearest exits, their laughter replaced by shouts of alarm.
CHAPTER 16
Kenneth meandered through the opulent halls of Almack’s, lost in his thoughts. The realization that he had to tell Joanna that their arrangement had to come to an end hurt because the truth was that he didn’t want it to end.
Still, it was the only path forward. He could not allow himself to fall further in love with her. It would be his ruin—and hers.
He paused at a window and looked out over the street, which was bathed in the moonlight and a few streetlights. Carriages were lined up in front of the entrance, awaiting those ready to depart. He pressed on, walking past an empty sitting room, and sighed, realizing that he should go back to the ballroom so he could talk to Joanna.
He paused once more at the back door and then turned around, making his way toward the ballroom, when a horrid smell instantly jolted him into heightened awareness. His lips parted,and he tasted the acrid tang of smoke. It penetrated his nose, and his stomach churned with dread.
It can’t be. Not here. Not now.
And yet, it was. The smell was unmistakable. Unlike all those years ago, there was no misjudging it now. He was grown now, no longer a naïve child who didn’t understand. He understood just fine. He understood with every fiber of his being what it was he was smelling. Fire.
As he listened, sounds mingled with the smell. Rapid conversations mixed with cries and the sound of hurried footsteps running toward the ballroom ahead of him. He quickened his steps, knowing that the best way out was through the ballroom when he came to the west door and saw the growing calamity before him.