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Edwin removed his hand and flipped his palm to face the ceiling instead.

“Here. Let me feel.”

Andrew made a circle with his index finger, too, and his touch sent a shiver of pleasure up Edwin’s arm. Edwin retracted his hand and massaged his palm with the opposite thumb, a shy smile creeping across his face.

“It is strange,” Edwin confirmed. “But it’s nice, too.”

Andrew’s cheeks reddened.

Just then, someone threw open the door, causing both men to startle. Thankfully, it was only William.

“Gentlemen, why haven’t you come to the party yet?” he asked as he strode across the room. His eyes fell to Andrew’s knee. “Oh, God! What happened?!”

“I . . . fell,” Andrew admitted and cringed. “I’m sure you’re not surprised.”

“Yeah, I’m really not,” William said through a little laugh before becoming serious again. Kneeling down in front of Andrew, he began to inspect Andrew’s knee. “Are you all right, though?”

“Mostly. I just need to stay off of it, I think. At least for a little while.”

“Oh, that’s a shame. I was looking forward to the three of us spending time together at the party.” Willam’s eyebrows lifted. “Actually, this might be serendipitous, as strange as that might sound. I can find us a nice spot in the corner so that we won’t have to interact with many of the other guests.” He threw Edwin a smirk. “And I know how happy that would make you, sir,” he said playfully before looking back over at Andrew. “And you can stay seated. Then, if any of my relatives asks why I’m not socializing, I can tell them that I’m keeping my injured friend company.” William grinned. “I’ll be able to enjoy all the food and refreshments without the obligations that typically come with them. It’ll be perfect. So, what do you think, gentlemen? Should we all still go to the party?”

Edwin and Andrew looked at each other. Edwin could tell by Andrew’s hopeful expression—his eyes large and eyebrows raised—that he liked the idea. Even though Edwin very much wasn’t interested in a costume party, most people would be, especially a party that was this exclusive, and Andrew seemed to be no exception. Edwin ought to let Andrew experience it. It was a small comfort that the three of them could hopefully keep to themselves most of the evening, at least.

“All right, we can go, I suppose,” Edwin said, speaking for both of them.

William’s smile broadened. “Fantastic!”

He pushed himself to stand. Edwin moved to stand, too, but quickly realized that perhaps helping Andrew to his feet would be a nice excuse for them to be close for a few more seconds, even with William there.

Scooching closer to Andrew, Edwin grabbed Andrew’s hand. Fear flashed in Andrew’s eyes for a brief second before Edwin began to hook Andrew’s arm around his shoulders, and then Andrew seemed to realize what Edwin was thinking.

“Here,” Edwin said. “I’ll help you.”

“Oh, yes, wow,” Andrew blurted out. “Thank you.”

Edwin helped Andrew to his feet.

“Can you walk?” William asked as Andrew straightened his posture.

“Uhm. I believe so.” Andrew removed his arm from Edwin’s shoulder and hobbled forward a step. “Yes, I can. Not well. But I’m confident I can make it to the other end of the house for the ball.”

William nodded. “All right, then, let’s go. You can lean on me if you need to.”

Despite Andrew’s slow pace, it still only took them a couple of minutes to reach the party, since the ballroom was on the same floor. As soon as the three of them crossed the threshold, Edwin’s mouth fell agape, his mind becoming blank as he was confronted with the room’s splendor. Good God, it really was something. Ornate moldings ran across the edge of the ceiling, which was stunning by itself, beautified with a lovely mural featuring flowers and clouds and angels. All along the walls, there were huge windows, most of which were covered in long, silk drapery. Music filled the air, making the mood feel bright and festive.

Even more fascinating and impressive than the room itself, though, were the ball’s guests. It was one thing for Edwin to have seen glimpses of people wearing their costumes for the photographs, especially since he’d been too frazzled to internalize what those costumes had been, but it was another entirely to see a room filled with New York City’s elite hobnobbing in such elaborate garments. Everyone looked so sophisticated, as he’d expected, but they looked surprisingly relaxed, too, in their intricate attire. Hell, they looked like they were having fun.

One woman was made up to look like a bird, large and colorful feathers sticking out of her hat, white feathers protruding from the neckline of her gown. Another lady was wearing a costume that made her look like a bee. Her ankle-length skirt had black-and-gold stripes that seemed to shimmer in the light from the candelabras. Not everyone’s costume was one that made them look like something—like a cat or a butterfly or some other creature, either. Some costumes, especially ones worn by the men in attendance, were clearly meant to make the wearer resemble a famous figure, like Napoleon or Julius Caesar. Even those who weren’t wearing a costume, like William, were still wearing something a bit out of the ordinary, like a colorful cravat (William’s was a pretty lilac) or else a suit jacket with an interesting pattern. Already Edwin couldn’t wait to tell Agnes about the party, especially about the costumes and outfits. He smiled to himself. Agnes would have loved it here.

After only a minute or so, William found the three of them some chairs in the back of the room, far from where most people were congregating. Lots of partygoers were mingling near the entryway, while a few others were dancing in the room’s center. Once Andrew and Edwin were in their seats, William left, only to return a short while later with beverages for them all—a whiskey for Edwin and white wine for Andrew, plus whiskey for himself.

William handed Edwin and Andrew their drinks and then plopped down on the free chair. William and Edwin immediately had long sips of their whiskeys while Andrew swirled his wine. Closing his eyes, Edwin hummed contentedly as he registered the whiskey’s smoky and woody taste, and he let himself relax a little while he swallowed it down. Thank God they were somewhat hidden away from everyone else. It was wonderful to enjoy some (probably expensive) whiskey in peace.

When Edwin reopened his eyes, Andrew was having a bit of wine, and then Andrew began swirling his glass again, moving his wrist in little circles. Some of the liquid came close to sloshing over the brim. He caught Edwin’s eye and smiled, blushing, likely because he, too, realized his faux pas.

“Be careful, Andrew,” Edwin scolded through a chuckle.

“You speak as though I’m inherently clumsy or something,” Andrew jested in response.