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been trapped within the glittering ice and cool silver. I had seen many beautiful things in my time with the Amusementists, but this was by far the most remarkable.
    Lucinda stepped up onto the platform, and a dark figure rose out of the crowd. “Oh no, dear. That isn’t good at all forsomeone in your condition,” Lucinda’s mother proclaimed from underneath her heavy mourning veil.
    I sat straighter, as everyone’s eyes turned to Lucinda.
    What condition?
    I hated to think that Lucinda was ill with some horrible affliction, but she really didn’t look well.
    Oliver tucked his wife close to his side as the crowd murmured in low, hushed tones. “Since Lady Strompton has already caused some undue speculation, I’d like to announce my great joy. I’m proud to welcome the forthcoming Chadwick heir, or the daughter I shall dote on like no other.” The rumbling murmurs turned into a surprised gasp of collective delight. The people at the tables burst into rounds of congratulations.
    It took a moment for it all to sink in. Lucinda was increasing with child! That was why she was looking so ill. She must still be early on and not feeling right. It was no wonder Oliver didn’t wish to leave her to travel to Paris. She had lost one child from her first marriage, and she had to be terrified.
    “Perhaps it is best for my lovely wife to remain on firm ground. So who will be the first to ride? Apprentice Margaret?” Oliver swept his hand toward the carousel, and I rose. My mind was full with thoughts about the comingbaby, but I couldn’t miss an opportunity to ride the beautiful machine before me.
    I was first to reach the carousel, but others had followed. I climbed atop a beautiful shimmering griffin and sat sidesaddle on the dark blue velvet pad that insulated me from the cold chill of the ice. I admired the artistry in the lion’s claws, and the chiseled feathers of the creature’s head.
    Albrecht waved to me from the twisting coils of the dragon’s back, and I was surprised to see Oliver’s grandmother perch regally upon the Pegasus in front of him. The flying horse tossed its head high, with its translucent mane sweeping through the air as if the creature were frozen in flight. As the light shifted within the ice, the animals seemed to come alive, flexing and straining to run as the carousel began to turn. Uncle Albrecht tipped his hat to the dowager duchess, and I thought I saw her blush.
    I laughed before I could help it. I held on to the silver pole with my gloved hands when the carousel began to move more quickly, and I gasped in delight as it swirled around and around to the beautiful music pouring from the machine.
    I hadn’t felt so free or so joyful in such a long time.
    Every other concern melted away as the wintry conservatory swirled around in a blur of frosty white.
    I knew how desperately Lucinda wished for a child after the untimely loss of her first husband and the child she had carried from that marriage. I was so grateful she had been given a second chance to be a mother. She would be a wonderful one.
    Already in my mind I was sorting through my inventory at the toy shop and wondering which of the delights I should give to the baby, or if anything suitable had survived at all. I could invent something new entirely. Oh, the thought had merit. It would be such fun.
    Dizzy and elated, I didn’t want the carousel to stop, but it slowed its wonderful spin. I stepped off the turning platform and fell into the nearest chair.
    That was when I noticed David next to Oliver by the lectern.
    Then the unnatural silence.
    And the stares of everyone in the room had fixed on me.
    Perplexed, I turned my gaze to Oliver. His mouth was set in a hard line, and his bright hazel eyes seemed to catch the light of the hot fire of the braziers within them. He looked as if he were about to cuff David over the back of the head.
    David gave me a victorious smile as he lifted a glass of Eiswein and took a sip. His expression