ht there；〃 she called； looking at the sunset again； gathering
posure。 When she felt in control； she returned to the house。 She
caught a trace of cologne when she moved past him； but moved steadily on
until she was safe in her room。
Promptly at eight she descended the stairs； wearing a pale blue sheath
of lightweight wool appropriate to the fast…cooling night air。 Its lines
were simple； it was nipped in at the waist and wrists； lightly flared at
the sleeves and skirt； and deeply slashed into a vee at the throat。
She worried about that low vee。 The dress was simple； but provocative。
She had bought it the year before for one of those blundered attempts at
a date； and would have avoided it for that reason。 Unfortunately； it was
the only dressy dress in her wardrobe that was of recent vintage。
In other respects she felt confident。 Her hair was brushed to a fine
sheen； swept back behind either ear； and held in place with buds of pale
blue silk。 The single pearl at each ear matched the strand around her
throat。 And her eyes were luminescent。 From her makeup； perhaps？
Whatever； she felt like a porcelain princess descending the stairs。
Ross was clearly pleased。 〃You look lovely；〃 he said； gently taking her
arm。
She felt suddenly shy。 〃Where are we going？〃
〃Farmington Court。〃
She caught her breath。 〃In Newport？ How did you ever get reservati