Book excerpt: Passion and intrigue make the Tremontaine Ball a glittering high point in this ongoing episodic serial set in Ellen Kushner's acclaimed Riverside universe. Violent passions erupt at the Tremontaine Ball! A misunderstanding comes between Rafe and Will, while Micah threatens to expose Kaab's secret to her family. Diane's plans to salvage the Tremontaine name and fortune hang by a thread, and Kaab recognizes the locket sketched by Tess . . . in the last place she would have expected to see it. This episode is brought to you by Joel Derfner, whose sparkling wit makes him the perfect party companion.