Midnight Rose Read Online Free

entrance. She intended just to drift in quietly, then find a place to hide till it was all over. Let her mother do the mingling. But, for the moment, she wanted to escape Zachary’s company. With a stubborn lift of her chin, she turned toward the door. “I don’t want to be late. I’ll wait in the carriage.”
    She hurried out, and Arlene fearfully turned to Zachary and apologized. “I’m sorry. I know you wanted this little family gathering for us. I’m afraid I don’t know what’s wrong with her these days.”
    “Your sister-in-law spoiled her, that’s what’s wrong with her. She needs to taste the lash, learn her place, just like the slaves.” He tossed down his drink angrily.
    Arlene whispered, “I’m sorry, Zachary. I’ll talk to her and make her see she’s hurt your feelings.” Quickly, she ran from the room to follow after Erin, lest he lose his temper and forbid them to go.

Chapter Two
    Their carriage proceeded slowly alongthe curving driveway, which was crowded with fine saddle horses and other conveyances. It was not yet dark, but already lightning bugs performed their glowing dance of twilight beneath the canopy of spreading oaks. The velvet-green lawn of Pine Tops plantation was a rainbow of pastel-gowned debutantes. Their glittering jewels vied to outshine the eager eyes of potential beaus.
    The mansion was huge and impressive. Wide marble steps led up to the terrace, which swept the front and sides. White columns stretched to the overhanging roof, which shaded both porch and second-floor balcony.
    Erin tensed as the carriage pulled up in front of the steps. She could see the receiving line waiting at the top: Tyler Manning and his wife, Opal. Opal was this year’s chairwoman, the reason for the ball being held at Pine Tops. No doubt that was Carolyn, their daughter, standing beside them in a flounced white gown. Erin, who hadn’t seen her in years, wondered if she was still haughty and conceited. Fearfully, she asked, “Surely we aren’t going in the front entrance?”
    “Well, of course we are.” Arlene’s laugh was forced, because she was every bit as dubious and nervous as Erin but determined not to show it. “What did you think? That we’d sneak in the back way?”
    Erin was mortified. “But they’ll know we weren’t invited, and they might not let us in. I thought we’d just sort of drift in and out, not stay long…and, oh!” She pounded her knees with her fists. “I was a fool to let you talk me into this.”
    Arlene crisply reminded her, “You had no choice. And you’re overreacting anyway. It’s not as if I don’t know the Mannings, as well as almost everybody else that will be here, for that matter. Zachary might be a heathen and never darken the door of a church, but I try to live a Christian life, and I’ve met these people either through church or charity work. I consider them my friends, even if I’m not on the invitation list for their parties. Now just relax and be yourself. Act as though you have every right to be here, and no one will say a word.”
    “This is the most ridiculous thing I’ve ever heard of!”
    “It’s the only way to introduce you to Richmond society, Erin. We have to let everyone know that you’ve reached a marriageable age, and the only way to do that is for you to dazzle them here tonight.” She flashed a spirited smile. “So now, my beautiful daughter, go forth and dazzle!”
    It was only with great effort that Erin forced her reluctant legs to carry her up the stairs. Before she was halfway in her ascent, she could see the expressions on the faces of the hosts. First, confusion and bewilderment; then astonishment; and, finally, resentment and controlled anger.
    Reaching the receiving line, she couldn’t bring herself to utter a word, but Arlene was the epitome of charm and composure. “Tyler. Opal. Carolyn,” she cooed, grasping their hands in turn. “How wonderful to see all of you again. Erin was so thrilled she arrived