Chapter Nine
Grace studied the building before her as she cautiously stepped from the carriage. The building didn’t appear as formidable as the occasion seemed to call for, but she hadn’t exactly darkened the door as of yet. Almack’s was supposedly such a rite of passage into the London marriage mart, but she couldn’t see what all the fuss was about. It was a stone building, like much of the other buildings of London, but, also like much of London, the worth was not based on the building as much as the people inhabiting it.
Samantha followed her out of the carriage and gave her an encouraging smile. “You’ll be wonderful. I’m not particularly familiar to Lady Jersey, so I requested for my sister to contact a dear friend of hers, Lady Grace. You shall not forget her name since you share it, I dare say. She is married to the Earl of Greywick. He recently inherited the title upon his father’s death. Wretched man, but a delightful son. It goes to show that a child always has the choice to rise above the character of the parents,” Samantha said with a firm nod. “And Lord Greywick is certainly of that variety.”
Grace smiled. “Thank you for securing the introduction.”
“Of course. It was easily done.” Samantha gave a slight flick of her fingers and then led the way into the building.
Grace followed, the music greeting her ears before she was even fully through the door. Samantha graciously nodded to the ladies who were in the hall, calling a few by name before she and Grace entered what was certainly the main ballroom.
The first thing Grace noted was the humidity. Certainly someone could open a door or window? It was stifling, but there seemed to be no relief in sight. She had noted that it was a warmer day than usual, but this still seemed unexpected.
“Over there, that is Lady Jersey.” Samantha flickered her eyes in the direction of several dowagers sitting in chairs, almost as if they were holding court in the corner of the ballroom. “We shall introduce you after a few minutes. I see Lady Greywick, and that is the first introduction we must make.”
Grace glanced in the other direction to observe the other lady in question. She was tall and elegant, her dark eyes and hair a lovely complement to her light yellow gown. As if noting their regard, she turned and met Samantha’s smile with one of her own. After making her excuses to her conversation partners, she began to cross the ballroom to meet them.
As she approached, Grace swallowed her slight apprehension and waited to be formally introduced.
“Lady Greywick, it is a pleasure to see you again.”
“Ah, dear Samantha.” Lady Greywick held out her gloved hand to squeeze Samantha’s affectionately. “And how is your sister?” Lady Greywick’s eyes danced with delight upon mentioning her.
“Quite well, as I’m sure you can imagine.” Samantha’s smile was broad, unreserved and delighted as she spoke of her sister. “And you appear to be very happily situated yourself.”
“I am, indeed. All due to your sister and that charming husband of hers,” Lady Greywick murmured softly.
Grace’s gaze flickered back to Samantha; that would be a story she wanted to hear later.
“Allow me to introduce Miss Iris Grace Morgan, who also goes by Miss Grace.” Samantha made a small sweeping gesture to Grace, and she took the cue to dip in a curtsey.
“A pleasure to make your acquaintance,” Grace murmured softly, trying to be as ladylike as possible.
“It is very good to meet you my dear,” Lady Greywick replied, her smile kind and warm.
“Thank you,” Grace replied.
Lady Greywick glanced over her shoulder and noted the situation of the dowagers in the other corner. “I do believe that now is as good a time as any for introductions. If you will allow me?”
Samantha nodded, and Grace quietly gave her thanks, and their small party started to cross the ballroom along the edge, so as not to disturb the dancers.
As Grace approached, her nerves grew tight. This introduction was important, and as such, she was of course terrified she would somehow make an unpardonable faux pas, sealing her fate as a failed debutant.
“Lady Jersey, Lady Drummel, and Lady Markson, allow me to introduce Miss Grace Morgan, ward of the Viscount Kilpatrick. She is new to London this season and wished to make your acquaintance.” Lady Greywick made the smooth introduction, and on cue, Grace dipped a curtsey.
“A pleasure,” she murmured softly, meeting the unmoved gaze of Lady Jersey.
The dowager gave a slight nod, and the other ladies present followed suit.
“And of course, you’re familiar with Lady Kilpatrick, the daughter of the Duke of Chatterwood.” Lady Greywick continued with the introductions.
“Ah, yes. We’re quite familiar with you, Lady Kilpatrick,” Lady Jersey remarked, and Grace studied her tone and expression for a hint of distain, but found none, just plenty of curiosity.
“A pleasure.” Samantha was as sweet as ever, and Grace admired her poise.
“Tell me, Miss Grace, how do you find London?” Lady Markson asked.
Grace paused. Did she answer honestly or how she thought they wanted her to answer? She chose a blend of the two options. “It has its charms, my lady.”
