As soon as spring came to Mahala, so also did the Hendersons, nearly all their servants, a barge filled with delights and more Madeira wine. Matthew even managed to bring East India rum and Jane talked of nothing but the handsome MacGreagor, who held the esteemed position of being captain to Matthew's Schooner.

As he promised, two days before the ball MacGreagor and Mister Masters arrived in the company of Matthew's Boston Gentlemen. Mahala overflowed. Every bed was filled as were most of the Inn's at Richmond.

Finally the day arrived. The servants awoke before dawn, made breakfast, prepared baths, finished the decorating and laid out new clothing. The ladies spent hours on their hair, giggled, drank tea and gossiped about the men. The men seated themselves on Mahala's front verandah, admired the river, smoked pipes filled with Virginia's best tobacco and gossiped about the women.

MacGreagor held a basket with his one arm, Jane filled it with fresh cut flowers from the garden and both ignore the rest of the world. Often, he smiled at her and just as often, she smiled back. By noon, the cooking began. Soon, every room was filled with the aroma of honey bread, baked ham, wild turkey and sweet potatoes. By two o'clock, the children were put down for a nap and late in the afternoon, little was left to do -- but dress the Baron.

While Caroline, Mary and Elizabeth looked on, Etta watched Peter climb up a ladder. "Do be cautious, my dear." Over her arm hung a long white length of material trimmed in gold. She waited until he was steady, then handed him one end of the cloth. "We must take every precaution not to make an exhibition. We will drape this cloth from above, then add the other cloth as we progress."