"We have all taken an interest in your improvement."
"I do not recall consenting," he said.
"You rarely do," Magnus replied."And yet here we are."
Langley House glowed—candles, polished wood, gilt.The music room, opened into an adjoining salon, held rows of chairs, a grand pianoforte, small tables bearing refreshments.Servants moved like shadows as guests arrived.
Alexandra, in pale blue silk, was in her element.
"Here," she said, swapping two place cards."Esme between Genny and Lady Oakford.Lady Oakford will be an ally.She loathes tidy marriages.Genny will be a menace.Watford..."She pursed her lips."Watford can sit three seats away, near the door.If he grows faint, he will have a clear route of escape."
"And me?"James asked.
She handed him a card."Precisely here."
He glanced down."Beside Esme."
"Within whispering distance," she agreed, "but not possessively so.We must not alarm Lady Woodmere."
Magnus folded his arms."And if Lady Woodmere objects?"
"Then she may take it up with me," Alexandra said."I shall remind her that her daughter is a guest, not a parcel to be stored in the nearest closet."
James's mouth twitched."You are enjoying this."
"Of course," she said."Do not pretend you are not."
He could not.
Beneath the banter of Magnus's caution, and Alexandra's meddling, a thread of anticipation bloomed.Lady Esme would be here and he would sit beside her.
It felt perilous.
"Remember," Magnus said quietly, as Alexandra greeted a new arrival, "no wagers on her life.Only with her."
James nodded."I made the rules."
The room filled.Lady Honoria's gown outshone the chandeliers.Lord Watford looked as though he'd found all his remarks wanting.Mr.Dane glanced anxiously toward the door, surrounded by eager mothers and bored husbands.
Then the Woodmere party arrived.
Esme entered with her mother and brother, Genny trailing.The green gown fit her to perfection.Her hazel eyes swept the room with curiosity and resignation.
James felt something settle inside him.
He didn't approach her immediately, watching as greetings were exchanged.Lady Woodmere’s calculations began, and Watford edged closer.
Genny caught James's eye and waggled her fingers.
The Mutual Mischief Society was in session.
From the moment she entered the music room, Esme felt the seating arrangements closing in.A long evening of listening, applause, and whispers from unsuitable men awaited her.
She remembered the last musicale Mother had insisted upon, where the singer's vibrato nearly rattled the windows and Watford critiqued the program notes.
Tonight, however, the air felt lighter for this was Alexandra’s affair.
"Lady Esme," Alexandra said, hugging her."You look dangerous."
