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Henry spared a moment for a brief glance in the mirror. As far as outward appearances were concerned, he would pass muster. “I’d best go and join the poor fellow, then,” he said. “It sounds like he’s in need of an ally.”
Emily exited the carriage and studied the townhouse before her. Four rows of white-framed, multipaned windows punctuated the tall, redbrick walls. White stones surrounded the front door in a welcoming arch, and window boxes hung beneath the windows on the first floor. The sun had yet to fully set, but candles flickered on the ground floor windowsills, turning the glass golden.
“How nice to have a townhome that looks out upon a small green,” Phoebe said, coming to stand beside her. “It brings a hint of the country to a house in the city.”
“Yes,” Emily said. She’d noticed the tree-lined path cutting through the grassy area on the other side of the road as they’d turned the corner. “What is the name of this little park, Lady Millward?”
When the older lady did not immediately respond, Emily turned to see that her attention was on the people approaching Benning House ahead of them. An elderly lady, her gray hair ratted even higher than Lady Millward’s, walked on the arm of a tall gentleman. She carried a cane in her other hand but held herself with the stiff assurance of a woman of means. Behind them were two more ladies, each dressed exquisitely, with a light dusting of powder on their light-brown coiffeurs.
Emily watched them enter the house before glancing back at Lady Millward. She was frowning. “Is something the matter, Lady Millward?”
Her frown instantly disappeared. “Nothing that we cannot conquer, my dear.”
It was not exactly the reassurance Emily had been expecting. “So, there is something?”
“You are too perceptive by half, Miss Norton.” The older lady slipped her arm through Emily’s, and they followed Adam and Phoebe down the pavement. “It appears that one of the other guests tonight is the Dowager Lady Pendleton.”
“Is she someone I should know?”
“She would certainly think so.”
Emily gave her an anxious look. “Perhaps some additional information on the lady might be beneficial.”
Lady Millward appeared thoughtful. “You may be right.” She glanced at Adam and Phoebe. They had reached Benning House’s doorsteps and would be at the front door momentarily. “As time is of the essence, I shall be brief. Suffice it to say that the Dowager Lady Pendleton has made it her life’s work to secure the most illustrious marital matches for her son and five daughters.
“Several years ago, she married off her youngest daughter, Marian, to the Duke of Tinslow, and Society breathed a collective sigh of relief that the dowager marchioness’s primary motivation for intimidating others into subjection existed no longer. Unfortunately, no one considered the rise of the next generation of Pendleton young ladies. Her oldest granddaughter had her coming out this year, and by all accounts, the Dowager Lady Pendleton will not rest until she has secured a match for her also.”
“I see,” Emily said. “So am I to assume, therefore, that at least one eligible, titled gentleman will be in attendance at tonight’s dinner party?”
“I believe that is a distinct possibility. And I am not sure who deserves our pity more, the gentleman in question or the dowager marchioness.”
Emily offered her a puzzled look. “Why would the dowager marchioness be in need of our pity?”
A hint of mischief danced in Lady Millward’s eyes. “Miss Norton, I have found that there are two kinds of gentlemen in the world: those who give way under pressure and those who are strengthened by it. If the dowager marchioness has not already discovered this truth for herself, I believe my nephews will help her realize it tonight.”
Emily smiled. It was her first real smile since she’d entered the carriage this evening, and it felt rather marvelous. The Dowager Lady Pendleton’s machinations had nothing whatsoever to do with her. And if a gentleman was to be the target of attention this evening, there was far less likelihood that anyone would take notice of Emily—or of her discomfort. The knot of nervousness that had settled in her stomach during breakfast eased a fraction. Perhaps she would survive her first foray into London Society after all.
The butler greeted them politely, and upon their entering the house, he handed off their hats and outerwear to two footmen and led them to an open door on the left.
“Lady Millward, Lord and Lady Dunsbourne, and Miss Norton,” he announced.
The guests who’d arrived before them moved farther into the room and a middle-aged couple standing at the doorway turned to greet them.
“How lovely to see you, Bea!” An attractive woman in a stunning lilac gown reached out to take Lady Millward’s hands in a heartwarming show of genuine affection.
“Thank you, Leonora. It has been far too long.” Lady Millward turned to the gentleman wearing a green jacket and cream-colored breeches standing beside her. “Good evening, Charles.”
“Beatrice.” The gentleman bowed courteously, but his smile was welcoming. “We are very happy to have you join us.” His gaze moved to Emily and Phoebe before settling on Adam, and Lady Millward immediately made the introductions.
“Charles, may I present Lord Dunsbourne, my niece, Lady Dunsbourne, and Lord Dunsbourne’s sister, Miss Norton. They are newly arrived in London from Berkshire.” She gestured toward the older couple. “Our host and hostess this evening, Lord and Lady Farwell.”
The gentlemen greeted each other with a polite nod.
“Welcome to Benning House,” Lady Farwell said.
“Thank you, my lady,” Phoebe said. “We appreciate your willingness to include us in your party at such short notice.”
“Our pleasure.” Lady Farwell smiled, but her husband was eyeing Adam curiously.
