“Thank you. I must not be late this evening.”
“Yes, my lady. I was told.” Theo held still while her maid placed a Norwich silk shawl over her shoulders, then handed her a reticule, and fan. “Have a good time this evening.”
Theo pulled a face. “I am not sure this evening is meant to be fun.”
Grace was descending the stairs when Theo arrived at the landing. “Will everyone else be there this evening?”
Everyone else being her sisters.
“Yes. Except for Oriana. She and Charlie will not arrive until Friday.”
Theo would not have blamed her sister-in-law if she had decided to remain in the country after just having had the twins not more than two months ago. “I expect that she will not go around much.”
Grace nodded. She had counseled both Oriana and Charlie to remain in the country, but they insisted on being in Town for Theo.
Matt came out from his study. “I’ll see you at eleven along with the rest of the gentlemen. Rothwell told me that Louisa is arranging to have a table put together so that we can sit as a family.”
Theo was glad they would all sit together. “We need to go before I become more nervous than I already am.”
“You will be fine.” Grace twined her arm with Theo’s. “You know exactly what to do.”
Matt accompanied them to the coach and helped them in.
“Have a good time and meet other young ladies.”
“I will try.” Theo had never been so happy that Sarah would be there as well.
Several minutes later, they pulled up to Lady Bellamny’s house on Upper Brook Street. As Theo had been told, the footmen expeditiously moved the ladies into the house so that the line was kept short. When she was announced, she presented herself to Lady Bellamny, curtseying to the proper degree then rising. “Good evening, my lady.”
“Good evening, Theo.” Her ladyship nodded. “Perfect. Just as I expected. I predict you will make a brilliant match.” Lady Bellamny sounded like she knew something that Theo did not. Then her ladyship glanced at Grace. “My dear, you have done it again. I congratulate you.”
Smiling slightly, Grace inclined her head. “Thank you.”
“You have only Mary left until your girls are old enough to make their bow.”
“Yes. In three years, she will come out,” Grace responded easily.
Her ladyship nodded and addressed Theo again, “Mingle. This is the only event you will have without gentlemen.”
“I will, my lady. Thank you.” She and Grace stepped aside for the next young lady to be presented. Theo watched as the lady’s curtsey verged on insulting. Lady Bellamny’s black eyes seemed to bore into the girl. “Well, Philomina,” her ladyship said to the older woman accompanying the young lady, “I see you have your work cut out for you.”
“Unfortunately.” She curtseyed, took her charge by the arm walked off.
“But I do not understand,” the girl complained. “I am the daughter of a marquis. I outrank her.”
The woman huffed. “Come and I shall explain it to you. Your prospects for the Season have been reduced.”
“Who is she?” Theo whispered to Grace.
“A young lady who was not properly prepared, but who should know better. Come, let us stroll. We are bound to find someone we know.”
“There are Sarah and her mother. I should ask how her introduction to Lady Bellamny went.”
“Invite them to join us for supper.” Grace glanced around. “I see Louisa. I shall apprise her of the change in numbers.”
“I will.” Theo went directly to her friend. “Good evening. Did Lady Bellamny terrify you?”
“Yes.” Sarah laughed. “My knees were shaking, but she told Mama that I would do.”
