Chapter 40

Unaware of her father-in-law’s thoughts, Macey rolled her eyes at his seemingly careless comment. Nonetheless, she threaded her arm through his and accompanied him inside. She knew he was trying to introduce her to New York high society before the exhibit. He wanted her to be accepted. It meant the world to her that he was being so attentive to her and the kids.

The doorman let them pass without requesting their invitation. Augustus was a notable figure wherever he went and was never barred from entry. Anyone hosting an event hoped for his attendance to elevate the prestige of their gathering. Once inside, he led her around, stopping only when he found someone worth talking to. In this crowd such people were few and far between, but he made the most of it to avoid attracting her suspicion.

In truth, he wasn’t very fond of the host. Frederick Church was an annoyingly small-minded man. He was so used to spending his parents’ wealth he never learned how to build his own. Tonight’s celebr