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acquaintance,” she announced. “I have very much looked forward to this evening.”
    Garrett nodded. “I hope the evening will not disappoint, Mrs. Custiss.” He couldn’t very well lie and tell her he’d looked forward to their time together.
    “We’d best be on our way,” Mia declared. “We shouldn’t be too late.”
    “I do hope the weather holds,” Mrs. Custiss said as she led the party to the door. “I never care to be outdoors in the rain.”
    “I am certain we can all agree with that,” Garrett said, casting a quick glance over his shoulder at Mia.
    “Please be mindful of Mr. Custiss. He paid a great deal to have that bust commissioned. It was completed shortly before he died.” Mrs. Custiss took her bonnet from the butler. “The pedestal was also very costly. Mr. Custiss would have only the very best, of course.”
    “Of course,” Mia said, sweeping past Garrett toward the door. “Oh look, the weather is still most pleasant. In fact, I think the clouds are clearing.”
    Garrett helped both women into the carriage, positioning them on one side before taking his own seat opposite. He could only hope that Mrs. Custiss might prove more companionable when they reached the party.
    “I can see that your gown is of the finest silk,” Mrs. Custiss said.
    Garrett sensed the inappropriate remark made Mia uncomfortable, but true to nature the younger woman held her own. “I have a wonderful seamstress who recognizes quality. And, might I say, your gown is quite lovely.”
    “But of course. I only wear the best. Most of my gowns were designed in Paris. I absolutely despise gowns made by common seamstresses here in America. I’m surprised that your gown is as fashionable, given that it’s locally made.”
    Mia rolled her eyes, causing Garrett to laugh. He covered his mistake by turning away to cough. Mrs. Custiss had no idea how uncomfortable it could be to deal with an irate Mia.
    “I find most Americans lack social grace and consideration of fashion and style. I am certain to put most women to shame.”
    “That is where you are wrong, Mrs. Custiss,” Garrett said before Mia could respond. “I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised to find our friends exceedingly well dressed and up to date with their fashions.”
    Mrs. Custiss arched a brow and stared at Garrett in disbelief. “I think not. Mr. Custiss often told me I was a better judge of such things than most. People of old money are generally more knowledgeable than people who have merely earned their fortune.”
    Garrett was speechless. He’d never met such an obnoxiously opinionated women. Mia was doing a good job keeping her thoughts to herself, but Garrett knew it wasn’t coming without extreme effort.
    “And how is your son?” Mia asked, changing the subject.
    “My Sheldon is the brightest of all the students in his exclusive school. I have him boarded at the Preston Academy in New York. Of course you know of it.”
    Mia shook her head. “No, I don’t believe I’ve ever heard of it.” Mrs. Custiss could not have appeared more shocked had Mia suggested she had no knowledge of George Washington.
    Garrett wanted to burst out laughing again, but instead turned and coughed quietly into his gloved fist.
    “Mr. Wilson, you seem to be of a particularly weak constitution. Your lack of health concerns me greatly. I could not expose my Sheldon to such a person.”
    An uncomfortable silence fell over the trio, but even this was better than listening to Mrs. Custiss prattle on about her money. He felt a great sense of relief when the driver pulled up to the Overtons’ mansion.
    “This isn’t the most fashionable address,” Mrs. Custiss stated as she allowed Garrett to help her from the carriage. “The Overtons really should move. I shall explain the matter to Mrs. Overton tonight. I’m certain she’ll see things my way.”
    “The Overtons have lived in this house for four generations,” Mia declared rather angrily as she stepped from