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I have recently arrived back in London and am eager to visit with my most beloved cousin! My brother, Richard, speaks of nothing but seeing you. You must come at once to our home on Gracechurch Street and see papa and mama. Please, come at your earliest convenience – perhaps even today, if it suits you!
With love,
Louisa Allen
I couldn’t help but smile. It was nice to remember, every once in a while, that I had a family out there, however distant, that loved me.
Ever since my parents died five years ago, I had been carted around to various households of distant relations. All were kind and well-meaning, but none had the means to support a young girl with no dowry such as myself. No matter where I went, I always felt like a burden.
At least with Lady Radcliffe, I knew I wasn’t a financial burden. But she made me feel unwanted every day.
Perhaps it wouldn’t always be that way… but I could hardly dare to hope for such happiness.
“Why do you look so happy?” Lady Radcliffe snapped, glaring at me from across the table.
It was like a bucket of freezing water was dumped on my head, bringing me back to reality.
“I have been invited to visit my cousin Louisa today.” I responded, already regretting being honest.
The old woman pursed her lips.
“I think not. Lord Turley’s ball is tonight, and Cassandra will require your assistance all day and your chaperone at the ball.”
“Oh, grandmama, I really don’t-”
“Quiet, Cassandra. It’s the least Miss Allen can do, and perhaps she’ll make a connection at the ball. Someone who is in need of a governess, perhaps, and doesn’t mind her lack of… fortune.”
Cassandra and I were both silent. I knew there was no use arguing with Lady Radcliffe – I could only do as she asked. I would just have to go to visit Louisa tomorrow.
And, who knows, maybe I would meet some wonderful gentleman at the ball who wouldn’t care about my lack of status and beauty. He would rescue me from Lady Radcliffe, and thenI’dbe the one providing her charity.
Doubtful, of course.
But I could dream.
Theballwasbeingheld at Lord Turley’s London home, a large estate in the best part of Mayfair. There were hundreds of guests in attendance, including all of the ton in London for the season, and the air was filled with excitement and the intoxicating promise of summer recklessness.
“Ah, Lady Radcliffe, how lovely to see you.” A plump older woman bedecked with jewels approached us, her smile as fake as could be. I soon recognized her to be Lady Dalrymple, another widower.
“Lady Dalrymple.” Lady Radcliffe said, and we all bowed our heads.
“What a fine evening.” The Lady said, scanning the room. “Quite a bit of drama already. Have you heard?”
Cassandra and I exchanged a glance. Lady Dalrymple was the biggest gossipmonger in London.
“Indeed, no. What has happened?”
She smirked, looking conspiratorially over at the other side of the ballroom.
“Well, it appears as if London’s mostnotoriousrake has returned.”
“Oh my, who?” Cassandra asked, her attention piqued, as was my own.
The Lady leaned in closer.
“Viscount Marsden!”
We were all silent for a moment. I heard Lady Radcliffe take in sharp, disapproving breath.
