Tables dressed in their best lightly starched white linen were tended to by meticulous waiters in black tuxedos. They saw to it that the thirteen-piece silver settings around the fine English china were in their proper places. The five crystal glasses at each setting were tastefully displayed in perfect order. Flowers around the tall, lit, pure beeswax candles completed the stylish table, set by the window overlooking the foaming water below. Nikolas felt excited that he was to dine alone with Anna and away from his fellow officers. He had arranged for the headwaiter to escort Anna to his table upon her arrival.
Elegant people arriving in their best attire quickly filled the large dining room. The women wore long, low-cut dresses in white, black, gold, and pastel colors of light pink and fuchsia. Some wore short, tasseled garments, with gold shoulder straps. Wavy, clipped haircuts were popular. Pearls and rubies glittered on perfumed necks and ears. Pointed black shoes were the norm for the night. Delicate fingers were adorned by diamond and platinum rings. Many wore wedding bands, but others had taken them off for the night.
Almost all of the men were dressed in black tuxedos, except for the few officers in uniform, like Nikolas. He wore his tailored white navy attire, which fitted him perfectly, complementing his physique.
A little after 9 o'clock Anna made her appearance, escorted by the tall, ruggedly handsome Italian maitre d'. His aquiline nose, square jaw, and heavy eyebrows gave him the appearance of a soldier in the Roman Legion, who was bringing a gift to Caesar. Nikolas rose to meet Anna and taking her white-gloved hand, kissed it politely and then took her to her chair, as the waiter pulled it out for her.
Her white floor-length dress was tight around the thighs and slit in the back from the knees down. The low-cut top was held by two diamond-studded shoulder straps. A heart filled with eighteen diamonds on a platinum chain, a gift from her father on her eighteenth birthday, decorated her modest cleavage. Long teardrop diamond earrings complemented the elegant neckpiece, subdued enough not to take attention away from the pendant. The pointed high-heeled white shoes made her appear taller. Her long blonde hair had been pulled back and was held in place by a diamondstudded comb.
Anna looked at Nikolas with a smile that sparkled with pleasure. He helped her to her chair, where she sat gracefully. After Nikolas sat, the wine steward poured champagne. Anna and Nikolas toasted to their love and happiness. Joyful tears filled Anna's eyes, making them shine. Nikolas reached over and gently touched her hand. A wide smile overwhelmed her lips and her face brightened.