A Hope Beyond by Judith Pella

stunning.”
    “Thank you,” she replied in what she hoped was a pleasant tone. Carolina was rather fond of the gown herself. It was a fashionable creation of ivory satin and burgundy trim. The neckline was modestly high, to her relief, and the sleeves were puffed from shoulder to wrist.
    “Did you purchase it here in the city?”
    The strains of the music seemed to linger on the air even as the dance came to an end. Carolina quickly stepped away from Hampton, although he refused to release her gloved hand.
    She glanced up and, meeting his serious blue eyes, found him quite intent on maintaining contact with her. “You were going to tell me about your lovely dress,” he said, leading her away from the dance floor to one of the refreshment rooms.
    “The seamstresses at Oakbridge made the dress,” she answered and tried again to pull away without making a scene.
    “Stop it!” he demanded suddenly, tightening his grip. “You’ve put me off all evening, even though I know your father told you to be nice to me.”
    Carolina’s head snapped up. “How would you know that unless you were eavesdropping, sir?”
    “I make it my business to stay informed. If that means I have to eavesdrop on occasion, then so be it. I think if you will just follow your father’s advice and relax, you’ll enjoy this evening.”
    “I am only here,” she said with a nervous glance to see who else might be listening, “because it pleased my father for me to accompany you.” Pausing, she considered her circumstance for a moment, then added, “Mr. Cabot, I still fail to see why you pursue me when I’ve made it clear that we are incompatible.”
    He paused at a table laden with food and smiled. “Would you care for refreshments?”
    Just then Carolina spied Edith and Leland Baldwin. James’ parents! She couldn’t bear the thought of facing them just now. No doubt there would be many questions about her family, maybe even comments on Carolina’s appearance at the party while still in a state of mourning. And even if Edith deemed not to bring those things up, no doubt there would be conversation about James. Her heart ached within her. She longed to know where James had taken himself off to and how he was faring. She wanted more than anything to hear news of him, but she couldn’t bear the idea of facing Edith Baldwin. “Please, I need some air,” she whispered, not considering how alluring her plea might sound.
    “I believe there’s a summer porch available for just such purposes,” Hampton said, taking a quick glance around the room. “Although it surprises me that you should suggest such a thing.”
    Carolina felt her cheeks grow hot. “Oh, it has nothing to do with you. Stay here and eat for all I care. I’ll find Miriam.” She finally succeeded at pushing away from him and had started to make her way through the crowded room when he caught up to her.
    “Come with me,” he said and easily maneuvered her through the throng of people.
    Carolina’s mind raced with excuses for why Hampton should take her home, but none of them seemed feasible or believable. The idea of having to stand in her Christmas finery and make small talk with James’ parents was something Carolina had little desire for. She probably shouldn’t even be in public, since it had scarcely been three months since her sister’s death. And not only was she here, but dressed in ivory instead of black! Her father had reasoned that she was young and deserved to break rules in order to have fun. Even more so, he’d never agreed with decking the house and its occupants in black to honor the memory of those who’d died. Were it not for her mother, Carolina reasoned, they’d probably never wear black at all.
    “Here we are,” Hampton said in a low, seductive voice. “And I see that we’re very nearly alone.”
    Carolina glanced around the summer porch. There were huge potted trees and greenery, along with wicker settees and lounging couches. Carolina could