The Cerulean (The Cerulean Duology #1) - Amy Ewing Page 0,75

leave anyone in Agnes’s hands when it came to dressing for a party, no matter how odd or magical they might be.

He touched his cheek again—he could not seem to stop doing that, as if waiting for the bruise to reappear.

Robert laughed. He had the laugh of someone who’d never had to worry about a thing all his life. The white tuxedo he wore contrasted smartly with his dark skin, and his neatly trimmed black beard was dotted with crystals.

“He must be quite confident, then.” Robert up looked past Leo and his eyes widened. “My god.”

Leo turned and saw his sister coming down the stairs. The dress he had chosen had been shoved in the back of her closet with a few other fashionable options, ones that must have been gifts, because he could not imagine Agnes choosing them for herself. It was a pale green the color of sea foam, with small puffed sleeves and a scooped neckline. The skirt had layers of tulle underneath, giving it a pleasing bell shape, and the only decoration was around the hem, a floral pattern sewn with copper thread. Hattie had curled her hair and decorated it with copper pins shaped like flowers, tendrils hanging down her back.

“Why, Agnes, you look absolutely stunning,” Robert said, coming over to kiss her hand as she reached the last step.

“Thanks,” she said, tugging on one of the sleeves as if trying to make it longer. The doorbell rang and Swansea went to open it.

Mr. Grange entered the house and descended on Agnes with a sycophantic smile.

“My dear Agnes, how lovely to see you!” he cried. “I cannot believe it was only yesterday that your engagement to my son was made official. I feel as if you are part of the family already.”

Ebenezer Grange stood behind his father, looking like he’d rather be anywhere else.

“Agnes and Ebenezer?” Robert murmured, and Leo could sense his eagerness to spread this fresh gossip. Leo had had a few too many things on his mind to worry about his sister’s engagement. Besides, as fun as it had been to hang over Agnes’s head all summer, once it became a reality, he lost his taste for the jest. Especially after he’d seen the look on her face when he’d guessed as much, the bleak tears that had filled her eyes. He’d never seen his sister cry before.

“Hello, Ebenezer,” she said. “Mr. Grange, it is, um, nice to see you too. Excuse me, I think I need a refreshment.”

“I shall accompany you,” Ebenezer said, holding out an arm awkwardly. Agnes took it and they left the foyer. Mr. Grange followed them, craning his neck to search for Xavier.

“Do you think they rented those tuxedos?” Robert asked with a smirk. “Oh, I heard James Roth is here as well. He’s starring in this mysterious, one-night-only production, isn’t he?”

“Yes.”

“He must be sad Xavier’s getting out of the theater business. Your father made him famous.”

“Master Leo, there you are!” Kiernan came hurrying up to him. He looked a proper Kaolin gentleman this evening—gone was the kohl around his eyes and the seashell in his hair. His tuxedo fit him well, though the cummerbund was a bit tight around his stomach.

“Mr. Kiernan, may I present Robert Conway, of the Conway Rail family,” Leo said. “Robert, this is Ezra Kiernan. Mr. Kiernan has been instrumental in helping my father with this new endeavor.”

“How do you do,” Robert said politely, shaking his hand. But Leo could read the look in his eyes that said, So this is the Pelagan.

“A pleasure, dear boy, an absolute pleasure. My apologies, but I need to steal your friend away. It is nearly time for the demonstration!” Kiernan was close to bouncing up and down with excitement.

Leo thought he was going to be asked to recount his experience with the Arboreal and Sera’s blood. He hadn’t been looking forward to sharing that he’d been attacked by a tree.

“What demonstration?” he asked as Kiernan led him away into the drawing room. Xavier stood by the mantel talking to Robert’s father, both with drinks in hand. Mr. Grange hovered close by, pretending to be part of the conversation. But Xavier was focused only on Mr. Conway; he’d never invested in any McLellan productions, and Leo knew it was a sore spot for his father.

“Ah, Leo.” Xavier waved him over. “I was just telling Hubert that he’s going to be exceedingly grateful I invited him here tonight. I’m letting him in on the ground floor of