The city government had commissioned the Pinkerton agency to investigate the destruction of the Whyos headquarters. The chief, Alston, now had a perfect, official reason to tail Henry.
At the Astor House hotel, Robert and Rachel Murphy had also read the evening paper. Their hearts were filled with a profound gratitude, and an even deeper sense of awe at Henry's power. Rachel remembered the almost supernatural way he had moved in the apartment, how the dozen ruthless thugs had been like helpless puppets in his hands, and she felt a strange, thrilling flutter in her heart.
At 5 PM, Henry escorted Alice back to the Sinclair estate. He then returned to the hotel, changed into his freshly dry-cleaned suit, and, at precisely 6 PM, descended to the grand ballroom on the ground floor for the Astor family's ball.
He presented his invitation and was shown inside.
The ballroom was breathtaking. The ceiling was over twenty meters high, hung with a dazzling array of crystal chandeliers. But it wasn't the crystals that caught his eye. It was the light itself. The chandeliers were fitted not with gas lamps, but with incandescent light bulbs.
He knew the light bulb had only been invented the year before. The power grid had not yet been built. This was the absolute cutting edge of technology, a true trendsetter.
The room was filled with flowers and greenery, and a 28-piece orchestra was playing a soft, gentle melody.
He scanned the room and quickly spotted Kaylee, Edith, and Consuelo, all holding elegant folding fans and dressed in exquisite gowns, chatting with three older, aristocratic women.
The moment he entered, they all turned to look at him.
Kaylee whispered something to her mother, Caroline, who then also turned her gaze toward him.
The movement did not go unnoticed. A ball was a battlefield for the women of high society, and their eyes were always scanning the room. One by one, they all turned to look at the newcomer.
And they were all captivated. Tall, handsome, and exuding an air of effortless grace, Henry was the very picture of a noble prince.
Kaylee came to greet him.
"Mother," she said, "this is Henry Bruce, the man who saved us. Henry, this is my mother, Mrs. Astor."
Caroline Astor, dressed in a magnificent gown embroidered with gold thread and adorned with a diamond tiara, extended her right hand.
Henry bowed, gently took her fingertips, and brushed his lips against the back of her hand.
"It is a pleasure to meet you, Henry," she said, her voice warm and sincere. "I am eternally grateful to you for saving Kaylee and her friends."
"The pleasure is all mine, Mrs. Astor," he replied.
Kaylee then introduced him to the other women, Mrs. Semma and Mrs. Livingston, the mothers of Mark and Dylan. He greeted them all with the same courtly grace.
Just then, the orchestra began to play "The Blue Danube."
"Mrs. Astor," Henry said, turning back to his hostess, "may I have the pleasure of a dance with your daughter?"
"Of course," she said with a smile.
Henry bowed, then walked to Kaylee and, with another bow, extended his hand. "May I have this dance?"
Kaylee beamed and placed her hand in his, and the two of them stepped onto the dance floor.
With his LV 4 Ballroom Dance skill, Henry was a master. He led her through the waltz with a flawless, effortless grace. Kaylee, though not as classically beautiful as Edith or Alice, was a stunning woman in her own right, her every movement imbued with the elegant confidence of her station.
They were the immediate center of attention.
"You are full of surprises, Henry," she said as they danced. "I had no idea you were such a wonderful dancer."
"I find I have a talent for most physical pursuits," he replied, his gaze steady and direct.
"You are a man of unparalleled gifts."
"Thank you. Your own dancing is quite excellent as well."
"Thank you. And are you enjoying your stay at our hotel?"
"Very much so. It was very thoughtful of you."
"Is there anything else you require?"
"If my suits could be finished in seven days instead of ten, I would be most grateful. I may have to return to Denver on the first of August."
"So soon? I will speak to the tailor in the morning and have them expedite the order."
"Thank you. You've been a great help. These new incandescent lights are quite remarkable. Are they from the Edison company?"
"Yes. We have our own small power system, with the generator in the basement. It is the second such system on Fifth Avenue. The first belongs to the financier, Mr. Morgan, who is Mr. Edison's largest investor."
"Incredible," Henry said. "I'm sure this will set the trend for every ball in New York, and all of America."
"Thank you. My mother would be delighted to hear you say so."
They chatted as they danced, and Kaylee felt as if she had known him for years. Their movements were in perfect sync, and their conversation flowed effortlessly. She was astounded by the breadth of his knowledge; there seemed to be no subject on which he could not speak with intelligence and insight.
When the music ended, he escorted her back to her mother and brought her a glass of water.
Then he walked to where Edith was standing, bowed, and asked for the next dance.