Page 52 of Lessons in Touch

The ballroom takes my breath away. The ceiling is painted with scenes from Greek mythology. All around the room, paintings are displayed on the walls. With a shock, I recognize Picasso, Monet, and Degas. For a second, I wonder if they’re authentic. Of course, they are. They must be like posters from Ikea to people like this.

A few hundred guests fill the ballroom—men in tuxedos, women in gowns that shimmer under the light. Laughter and conversation rise in elegant waves, creating a hum of sophistication.

"This is incredible," I say in awe.

"Wait until you see the rest of the house." Timothy guides me toward a group of people near the bar. "But first, let me introduce you to some family friends."

The next hour passes in a whirlwind of introductions. Timothy never leaves my side as he moves us smoothly from group to group. He introduces me as his newly discovered cousin, and everyone seems genuinely interested in meeting me.

I meet a Broadway producer who's financing three shows this season. A tech billionaire who's younger than Timothy but talks about his companies like they're chess pieces. A woman who owns a chain of luxury hotels and speaks four languages fluently.

"You're handling this beautifully," Timothy says during a quiet moment. "I was worried it might be overwhelming."

"It is overwhelming," I admit. "But in a good way. Everyone's been so welcoming."

"They're curious about you. The mysterious Devereaux heiress who appeared out of nowhere." He signals a waiter for champagne. "But you're holding your own perfectly. Our grandmother would be proud."

The mention of our grandmother makes me smile. I never got to meet her, but I've read stories about her strength and intelligence in all the books that Gabriel gave me.

We move to another group, and Timothy introduces me to several men in expensive suits. Apparently, they run various divisions of Devereaux Enterprises. They casually talk about quarterly reports and market expansion.

"Rose is still getting acquainted with the business side of things," Timothy explains when one of them asks about my role in the company. "But she's incredibly sharp. I have a feeling she'll be a valuable addition to our team."

The confidence in his voice surprises me. We've only just met, but he seems to genuinely believe I belong here.

As the evening progresses, I find myself relaxing. Timothy has a gift for making people feel comfortable. He's funny without being crude, and intelligent without being condescending. He remembers details about everyone we meet and asks thoughtful questions.

"You're very good at this," I tell him during dinner.

"At what?"

"Making people feel important. Making them feel heard."

He considers this while cutting his steak. "It's partly training, partly genuine interest. People are fascinating when you really listen to them."

"Is that how you became so successful so young?"

"I guess so. But mostly it's because I had good teachers and wasn't afraid to take risks." He takes a sip of wine. "What about you? What are you passionate about?"

"I'm still figuring that out, honestly. For so long, I was just trying to survive. Now that I have opportunities, I'm not sure in what direction to go."

"That's perfectly normal. You've had a lot of changes recently. Are you enjoying Wolfswood?"

"Most of it. The academics are challenging, but I like that. And I'm learning things I never would have had access to before."

"Any particular professors who've made an impression on you? I know the Headmistress, Mrs. Velmont, and just how strict she is. Including the professors."

The question makes my fingers shake. Gabriel's face flashes in my mind, of course. Who else?

"A few," I say carefully. "The professors are all very accomplished at Wolfswood."

Timothy is watching me with interest. "That's a diplomatic answer. I get the sense there's more to it."

"What do you mean?"

"You have that look people get when they're thinking about someone special." His tone is curious but not judgmental. "Are you seeing someone?"

"Umm…. It's complicated."