Chapter 1
Yorkshire England, 1811
Lady Emma Finch added a lump of sugar to her tea. As she stirred, she listened to her dearest friends, Lady Juliet Gale and Her Grace Olivia Breckenridge, chatting about London’s lateston-dits.
Olivia had married the Duke of Thorne last summer and, as a result, had been away from Yorkshire these past nine months. Olivia had also inherited the duke’s sisters as her wards when they’d married and brought them along so that her friends might become better acquainted with the girls.
“It is good to have you back,” Emma said as she cast a glance at Olivia and smiled. It had been an exceedingly long nine months, and it gladdened her heart to have Olivia back. Even if it was only for a brief visit.
Olivia met her gaze and said, “It is wonderful to be back.” She offered a smile before turning her attention back to Juliet, who had launched into a new tale.
Emma and Juliet had missed Olivia so fiercely that the moment they received word of Olivia’s arrival, they’d had their carriages readied. In short order, the pair had arrived at Olivia’s family home, and Juliet was positively bubbling over with news. Emma would not fault her for it. She lifted her teacup and started back toward the group.
Olivia, along with her husband and their three wards, was to stay at her parent’s for a fortnight. Not nearly long enough, but Emma intended to spend as much time as she could with her while she had the opportunity. Likewise, she was looking forward to becoming better acquainted with Olivia’s stepsisters.
It hardly signified if Juliet chatted like a magpie the entire time. All that Emma cared about was the three of them being together again.
She returned to her place on the settee beside Juliet. Then, sipping from her teacup, Emma slid her gaze toward Olivia’s wards. Lady Elizabeth, Lady Louisa, and Lady Catherine fit in well with Emma and her friends. They were a delightful trio and a welcome addition.
Lady Elizabeth was the youngest at seventeen and was a kind and cheerful girl. At nineteen, Lady Louisa was the middle sister. According to Olivia, Lady Louisa was an opinionated hellion. However, she’d said it with glee and was obviously fond of the girl.
The oldest of the sisters was Lady Catherine at twenty years of age. By all accounts, the lady was intelligent beyond her years with a gift for empathy and observation. Lady Catherine was most like herself, Emma thought.
As if Lady Catherine could read her thoughts, the girl turned a smile on Emma. “It was kind of you and Lady Juliet to come calling so quickly,” Catherine said.
“Think nothing of it,” Emma replied.
Catherine turned her attention back to Juliet, who scarcely stopped talking long enough to take a breath. “My goodness, Olivia, you have missed so much. I haven’t even told you the half of it yet.” She reached out and patted Olivia’s hand, “But all of this talking has left me rather parched.”
Olivia laughed, then said, “Go get yourself some more tea. There will be time enough later to tell me everything that’s happened in my absence.”
Juliet stood and smoothed her skirts before moving to the tea tray.
Emma took the opportunity for what it was and turned her attention to Olivia. “Mother informed me this morning that we will spend the season in London.”
“How splendid,” Olivia said. She slid her gaze to her wards, then back to Emma. “We shall show you all the sights and keep company with you at the many, many parties you will attend.”
Lady Elizabeth frowned. “That is,” she glanced at her sisters, then Olivia, “they will. I’m not old enough to come out yet,” the girls said, a frown pulling at her lips.
“Don’t fret, darling.” Olivia reached out to pat the girl’s hand. “Your turn will come soon enough.”
“Frankly, I don’t understand your hurry.” Lady Catherine lowered her teacup and pinned her sister beneath her gaze. “It’s a bunch of pompous people who think they are above everyone else, parading about like peacocks in their silks and jewels. I’d much prefer to stay home.”
“Nonsense, Cat,” Lady Louisa shook her head, causing her sandy brown curls to sway about her face. “And how would you know, at any rate? You’ve not come out yet either.”
“I have no need to. The monstrosity of my court gown tells me everything I need to know.” Lady Catherine waved a dismissive hand.
Juliet smiled, the action reaching all the way to her blue eyes. “I suspect that you will change your mind. There is something very special about a girl’s introduction to society. I daresay you will enjoy yourself immensely.”
“One can only hope, and I will do my best to reserve judgment until I have had the experience,” Lady Catherine said, though her blue gaze held no trace of sincerity.
“Ha,” Lady Louisa exclaimed. “You only pretend not to care.”
“Believe what you must,” Lady Catherine said as she peered at her younger sister.
Louisa scowled as Olivia expertly changed the topic.
“What shall we do today?” Olivia asked, setting her teacup aside.
