Across the table was Lady Charlotte Twizzleton, a brilliant woman who, at the age of six and twenty, was considered very much “on the shelf” and who very much didn’t seem to care. Instead, she had traveled the world, attended salons with the greatest minds of the era, and spent her days talking with whomever she chose about whatever she chose.

Alex had always found Lady Charlotte a particular inspiration and she was pleased to note that, while the duchess was clearly obsessed with seeing her only daughter married off without delay, it didn’t seem to have diminished her admiration for such a freethinking young woman…or else why seat Alex near such a risky influence?

Vivi and Ella were seated farther away, a fact that Alex noted with slight disappointment, but she threw herself into the vibrant conversation, which ran a gamut of fascinating topics, from art to politics to the ever-present war. Her excitement and interest in the discussion were soon joined by the remarkable realization that these particular gentlemen seemed actually to listen to the opinions of the women around them! What was this strange new world that her parents had been hiding from her?

Turning, Alex looked down the table at her mother, who was holding court at the end of the room. She watched with fascination as the duchess said something witty, garnering a round of laughter from her companions. She caught Alex’s eye over the feast laid out between them, and with a slow nod of acknowledgment, she shared a knowing look with her youngest child, as if to say, Your mother isn’t all she seems, is she?

Alex felt admiration burst in her chest. For all her frustrating qualities, her mother certainly was a remarkable hostess. For the second time that night, she felt very proud to be a Stafford…and very honored to have received an invitation to this particular gathering.

eleven

After dinner, the guests adjourned to the music room, where the conversation continued, and they were able to mingle with each other. Despite her intense enjoyment of her dinner companions, Alex was particularly happy to be able to ensconce herself in a corner of the room with Vivi and Ella—whom she’d missed during the meal.

“I’ve heard about these dinners for years.” Vivi spoke in a hushed voice but was unable to keep the excitement from her tone. “But I never imagined they would be so…”

“Different from every other event we’ve ever attended or been prepared for?” Alex finished for her friend. “I know! Imagine how you would feel if the dinner were hosted by your parents. I’m barely able to recognize them! How was your company?”

Vivi replied, “I was seated with Lucian Sewell, Blackmoor’s uncle, and the dowager duchess. He was quiet but charming, and she was positively outrageous! You wouldn’t believe the things she’s willing to say!”

Looking across the room, Alex watched as the aged character in question swatted Ella’s father with the tip of her ever-present walking stick. She pointed out the interaction to the other girls and said, “Oh…I think we can imagine.”

Ella laughed at her father’s indignation. “I hope you didn’t upset her, Vivi—I wouldn’t like to be on the receiving end of that stick.”

“I have been on the end of that stick,” Alex said. “It’s as pointy as you’d imagine. But it doesn’t compare to the scolding you receive as part of your punishment for perceived slights.”

She hunched over and raised the pitch of her voice, mimicking the old woman—sending the other two girls into gales of laughter at her eerily accurate impression. The laughter drew the attention of the rest of the room and an oddly knowing look from the Dowager Duchess of Lockwood herself.

“Uh-oh…” Alex gave her friends a sheepish look, making them both snicker. “I’ve a feeling I’ve been caught.”

A masculine voice interrupted them. “You’ve definitely been caught—I’ve received that look one or two times myself. Prepare yourself for a deafening set-down the next time she’s got you in earshot.”

She turned to Blackmoor. “She’ll have to catch me first.”

“Don’t let the cane fool you. She’s decidedly fleet-footed when she wants to be.” Then Blackmoor spoke to the trio. “I’ve been sent by the duchess and countess to separate the three of you. Your mothers evidently don’t trust you to stay out of trouble.”

Vivi chuckled. “Unfortunately, they appear to be right. And not alone. My father is looking equally concerned—I seem to be caught as well.” She continued, “I suppose I’m going to have to go make amends. Would anyone like to join me?”

Ella grinned. “I’ll come. After all, your father is far less likely to give us a scolding than my mother is at the moment.”

Left alone, Alex turned to Blackmoor and with mock accusation, “Well, you certainly ruined that fun, my lord.”

With a short bow, he responded, “It’s a particular gift of mine. Would a turn about the room provide you with any entertainment?”

She took the offered arm and answered casually, “I suppose that if I have to take a turn about the room with someone, you’re better than most.”

“Your ability to flatter is absolutely mind-reeling, Lady Alexandra.”

“It’s a particular gift of mine, my lord.”

He laughed at her use of his own words. “I noticed you were having a good time at dinner. You seemed to be participating in a very exciting conversation.”

“I was lucky to be seated with fascinating company. If a little surprised by the entire experience.”