“Yes, your grace.”
Giff followed his mother to her parlor and took a seat in front of her desk.
She donned a pair of spectacles and started going through a surprisingly large stack of cards. Tea arrived with, sandwiches, and biscuits. He helped himself and waited while she sorted the cards into three stacks.
Mamma placed her hand on one stack and glanced up. “These are invitation to entertainments where you will be able to meet eligible ladies.”
“Excellent.” Then his curiosity got the better of him. “What are the other two?”
Her hand moved to the stack on the right. “These are purely political events. Naturally, you may attend if you wish.” She indicated the pile on the left. “These are from my friends. I will attend the events alone.” She lifted one reddish brow. “Did you, by chance, receive any helpful invitations?”
Not unless she thought an orgy would be useful. “No. I have declined all the ones I received.”
“I must say I am not surprised.” She pulled the middle stack to her. “Most of these events will not take place until after Easter. However, there are a few balls, two Venetian Breakfasts, one musical evening, and a soiree.” She took a breath. “Normally I do not approve of soirees for someone attempting to find a spouse, but this one is at Lady Thornhill’s. It should be quite interesting.”
“I will attend all of them.” In fact, he’d go anywhere his mother suggested.
“In that case, I shall have my dresser provide a list to your valet.” She pursed her lips. “It might be helpful if you were to attend a few morning visits as well. You will also want to invite any ladies in whom you are interested to ride in the Park.”
Now was the time to acknowledge he had seen his carriage. “I thank you for refurbishing my curricle.”
“It was my pleasure.” Mamma smiled. “I enjoyed the process so much I decided to brighten up my landau.” She glanced at the clock. “It is time to dress for dinner. I will see you in the drawing room.”
“Until then.” Giff rose. He’d have a wife sooner than later. He was sure of it.
CHAPTERTHREE
This evening was Lady Bellamny’s soiree for young ladies coming out. Alice had heard about it from her older sisters. When Charlotte and Louisa had attended, Lady Bellamny had intimidated not only them, but the other ladies as well. But Alice had known her ladyship for so long she did not think she would be afraid of Lady Bellamny at all.
A knock sounded on her door, and it opened. “Are you ready?” Madeline asked.
“Yes.” Alice took one last look in the pier looking-glass. This was their first adult event in Town, and she was happy to see she actually looked like an adult. Her hair was arranged simply in a high knot with curls framing her face. A yellow ribbon with seed pearls was wrapped around the knot and seed pearls were scattered across the bodice of her yellow silk gown. A Norwich shawl covered her shoulders. Nodding to herself, she picked up her reticule. “I am ready.”
Grace was in the hall when they arrived and fixed each of them with a stern look. “I understand you have known Lady Bellamny for several years, but tonight is a bit different. You must act as if you are meeting her for the first time. Think of it as a test.”
A test. That is what Charlotte had called Lady Bellamny’s soiree. Louisa had said she felt as if she were a horse being inspected.
“It sounds daunting,” Madeline said.
“It does,” Eleanor replied.
They were both right, but Alice knew they had been prepared. “We will do well.”
Her sisters nodded in agreement.
When they arrived at her ladyship’s house, the line of carriages quickly discharged their passengers and moved away smartly. Footmen escorted the ladies to the door, not allowing anyone to linger on the pavement. From what Alice had heard about the long line of carriages at most events, this seemed like a very good idea. “That is efficient.”
“What is?” Eleanor asked.
“Having servants to move the guests into the house.”
Her twin glanced out just as they reached the front of the town house. “It is.”
In no time at all they were greeting Lady Bellamny, who stared at them as if she had never met them before. One by one they made their curtseys. Alice gauged the depth of her curtsey to show respect and take into consideration their respective ranks.
When she rose, her ladyship’s black eyes were twinkling. “Elegant, but I would expect nothing less from you, my dear. Mingle and meet some of the other ladies.”
She joined Madeline and Eleanor off to the side to wait for Grace.
