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All seven of Bianca’s friends were also debutantes this season: Joy, Goose, Rosie, Doc, Tina, Peavy, and Miss Drowsy.
Goose was actually a year younger than Joy, but her mother had agreed to let the girls come out at the same time, likely to ensure someone was there to help guide Goose.
“I’m so nervous,” Tina said as she pulled the curling tongs out of the fire.
“If you’re nervous, put those back,” Bianca said in alarm. “I don’t want anyone with shaky fingers coming at me with a red-hot iron.”
“I’m not nervous about yourhair. I promise, I’m only giving the white tendril a slightly different curl to make it stand out all the more. I’m nervous about the ball itself. What if no one asks me to dance?”
“Why wouldn’t they? You’re a lovely person.”
“I’m a bluestocking and a wallflower,” Tina corrected her dryly. “And no one else in my family is particularly ‘lovely’. No self-respecting gentlemen wants anything to do with my brother or my father.”
“Luckily, your suitors needn’t waltz with your brother or your father,” Bianca replied lightly.
But Tina’s words made Bianca rethink her last encounter with Lord Eagle—with Harry. He had claimed he was turning over a new leaf. Had Harry undertaken this quest to restore his reputation not solely for his own benefit, but for that of his sister?
Perhaps Bianca ought not to tease him so, in that case. She liked Tina, and would not want to be the cause of any strife for her or any of the others.
Goose tapped her tiny chin as she gazed at Bianca. “We’re missing something.”
Doc cocked her head. “A necklace.”
Joy brightened. “You’re absolutely right. I’ve just the thing!”
She dashed off in search of the perfect jewelry while Peavy and Rosie laced Bianca into the beautiful blue gown Miss Drowsy had loaned her for the occasion. Rosie hummed as she worked, punctuated by the occasional dainty sneeze. Bianca handed her a handkerchief.
The Gladwells did employ a pair of talented lady’s maids, but with seven young women to put ready at the same time, the friends had happily pitched in to help each other.
“I’m glad you’re coming with us,” Tina said fervently. “For us, this is our first season, but you have been out for much longer.”
“Out, perhaps,” Bianca said, “but notin. Even before my year of mourning, I was only invited to the parties where the host or hostess wished to appease my father.”
“Half of us are the same way,” said Peavy. “My father is a solicitor, and Rosie’s parents are successful farmers. We’re more well off than many in the ton but, without the corresponding pedigree, they turn up their noses at us.”
“The same for Miss Drowsy and me,” said Doc. “We’re nouveau richeandour skin is brown. Two deadly sins in one package.”
Rosie nodded. “The four of us only get to be hangers-on because Tina is the daughter of a marquess, and Joy and Goose the granddaughters of a duke.”
“Well, there is no one I’d rather be a hanger-on to than all of you,” Bianca told them. “Even if this is the last ball I ever attend, it will be worth it because of your company, not the blue blood of the host and hostess.”
“Why would it be the last?” Joy asked in confusion. “You’re one of us now.”
“Your family is lovely for allowing me to stay, but I cannot infringe on your hospitality indefinitely,” Bianca explained.
“Sure, you can.” Goose ran over to the window and drew back the curtain, revealing a black sky full of conspicuously stationary stars. “Just make a wish upon a star.”
“Goose,” Peavy said with a sigh. “It doesn’t work like—”
“I wish to experience my first kiss tonight,” Bianca said obediently.
“Eep!” Goose darted over and clapped her hand over Bianca’s mouth. “Never say the wishaloud.” She lowered her voice. “And that is not what I told you to wish for. Now I’ll have to do it myself!”
Joy ran back into the room and fastened a pearl necklace around Bianca’s neck. “This sets off your coloring beautifully.”
“And matches your patchy hair,” added Goose.
“Thank you?” Bianca murmured.
