Maddie widened her eyes in surprise and then remembered he probably had no idea. “During the spring Season, the patronesses of Almack’s issue vouchers to the most desirable debutantes to attend the weekly Wednesday night dances. If one does not receive a voucher, one might as well resign oneself to being on the shelf—either spinsterhood or marriage to the working class.”
Jamie raised a brow. “’Tis nae dishonor in working for a living.”
Maddie sighed. How to explain? “Perhaps not, but daughters of the aristocracy—and certainly daughters of nobility—are expected to marry within their ranks. All of the parties and balls are opportunities for eligible bachelors and debutantes to get to know each other, but Almack’s is the ultimate place where most choices are made.” She paused. “Jillian stayed married to that old, nasty marquess so Mari would have this opportunity.”
Jamie frowned. “Who are these patronesses that decide?”
“There are several. Mrs. Cowper, daughter of Lady Melbourne, Countess Lieven, Lady Castlereagh, Lady Sefton—”
“Who is the most important?”
“Which one? They all yield extreme influence.”
“I didnae have time to talk to all of them. Which one leads them?”
Maddie blinked. “You intend to approach them?”
“Aye. Unless they are sainted by the kirk, they are approachable, are they nae?”
“I suppose so.” She thought for a moment. “I would suggest Lady Jersey then. She has overcome the scandal of her mother-in-law, so she might be more sympathetic.”
“’Tis her I will talk to then.”
“What in the world will you say to her?”
“I intend to ask she put a stop to this nonsense. ’Twas me who picked Mari up without her permission. She should nae suffer from it.”
Oooh, how romantic. Maddie felt slightly giddy. Mr. MacLeod truly was like a gallant knight of old. If Mari could not see that, she must be blind. If only Mr. MacLeod would show an interest in herself…Maddie sighed again. She should not be entertaining such thoughts. Mari was her best friend, after all.
