Read Online The Chess Queen Enigma by Colleen Gleason - Free Book Online

air on the same mechanical fireflies that darted and swooped through New Vauxhall Gardens.
    Though the ceiling in the center of the large chamber loomed four stories over our heads, from all sides and in all corners were platforms—elevators, side-to-side trolleys, and even moving stairways—that raised, lowered, and transported guests on light-festooned conveyances. This had the effect of constantly moving, always twinkling bits of illumination.
    â€œI’ve never seen anything so beautiful,” I said, trying in vain to cease from gaping.
    â€œIt is the perfect setting for you.”
    I looked up at my escort, caught by the tone of his voice. It was hardly more than a murmur, as if he were speaking more to himself than to me.
    He drew himself up stiffly when he saw my expression. “What I mean to say, Miss Holmes, is that your dress, and you—er—your—er—fripperies . . . that is to say, accoutrements are—”
    â€œAmbrose, darling! Why, you look utterly
splendid
in those tails. The cut of that coat is
exquisite
; I’ve never seen you look so handsome. It quite shows off the breadth of your shoulders! We must get you spruced up more often, no? And Miss Holmes . . . what a glorious gown. Why, with all those jewels and sequins, you look like a night sprite who might have been spawned from this very glittery world. It suits you immensely.”
    I turned to meet the calm gray eyes of Lady Cosgrove-Pitt.

Miss Stoker
Wherein Our Heroine Plods About the Dance Floor
    I hadn’t had the chance to tell Mina there might have been an UnDead at the Welcome Event last night. She practically chased me out of her house. And after I’d done her hair so beautifully!
    But that was fine with me. I hadn’t seen any evidence of UnDead at the museum. That didn’t mean there hadn’t been any, though. I just wasn’t perfect at being able to tell when there was a draft or when there was a vampire present. But it was clear I could no longer avoid patrolling the streets—because if the UnDead were back, I had to know.
    And that was a fine excuse for leaving the Welcome Ball early.
    Which I could do if Mina Holmes ever arrived and took my place entertaining Princess Lurelia. I cast a quick glance toward the long raised table, where Princess Alexandra and her husband, Prince Edward, sat conversing with theBetrovian Lord Regent, Lord Cosgrove-Pitt, Mr. Oligary, and several other dignitaries.
    Princess Lurelia and I had been sitting with them and making stilted conversation about the weather until Princess Alix suggested we prepare for the dancing to begin. I practically bolted away from the table. Fortunately, the princess followed me, saving me from looking foolish.
    â€œAnd here is your dance album,” I said to her, gesturing to the wall.
    An array of thick copper slates hung in three rows. Each one was about the size of a small book. Because she was a guest of honor, hers had been assigned before she even arrived, and it was displayed prominently. I showed her mine, which was just where I wanted it—tucked in a low, corner slot where no one would notice. I had already scribbled my name on it, and now pulled down the album from its moorings. I thought I might “forget” to return it until the dancing was over.
    â€œYou see,” I told my companion, “I’ve had to write my own name—with this special pencil on the copper sheet. And—inside is a list of all the dances to be played tonight. If a gentleman wishes to dance with you, he will write his name on the line next to the one he chooses. There are waltzes and quadrilles and . . . what is this? A
kelva
? I’ve not heard of that.”
    â€œThe
kelva
is the national Betrovian dance,” Lurelia said. Her English was nearly perfect, with only a slight accent on occasion—which put to bed my theory that she was shyspeaking an unfamiliar