“A diplomatic response if I’ve ever heard one,” Lady Jersey remarked. “Do you somehow find it wanting?”
Grace felt like a rabbit stuck in a snare. If she lied, certainly they would be able to discern it; if she spoke the truth, she risked offense.
“I have only been here a short amount of time, and as such, haven’t had the time to develop a firm opinion, my lady,” she answered, quite pleased with how she negotiated such a minefield.
She could almost feel the relieved sigh of Samantha.
“Wisely said,” Lady Markson replied. “And where are you from?”
Grace continued, “My parents traveled much, my lady. While originally from Matlock, they rarely visited their hometown. Mostly we divided our time between India, the continent, and sometimes the Caribbean.”
“My, so widely traveled for one so young,” Lady Jersey replied.
Grace wasn’t sure how to reply, so she kept her peace.
“Well, it is good of you to make the introductions, Lady Greywick. Thank you, and we will be watching your début with some interest, Miss Grace,” Lady Drummel replied, effectively dismissing the small party.
Grace relaxed the moment she gave a bobbing curtsey and turned to leave. One disaster avoided; maybe she had gotten all the trouble out of her system last night. Regardless, she was thankful to have avoided a tragedy this time.
“Now, with that all finished, you will no doubt find some relief,” Lady Greywick commented as they walked toward the refreshment table.
Good Lord, all Grace wanted in the world was a cool glass of lemonade.
As she reached for one, she was disappointed to feel the glass of the cup less than cool, and as she sipped, the lemonade merely tepid versus refreshing. Well, it was at least quenching her thirst, even if it was a little sour.
“Ah, it looks as if Lord Sterling is making the rounds. He is quite determined to assist you, my dear,” Samantha whispered.
“I find that interesting.” Lady Greywick commented slyly.
“His loyalty knows no bounds, or so my husband says,” Samantha replied.
“Or his interest.” Lady Greywick gave a wink to Grace and then made her excuses.
Grace dismissed her comment, and watched Lord Sterling’s approach.
“Good day.” He bowed crisply.
There was a slight shadow under his eyes that hadn’t been there the night before, and she wondered what had caused such a change in his appearance.
“Good day, Lord Sterling.” Grace replied, as well as Samantha.
“I trust you’ve already made the necessary introductions?” he asked, then glanced to Samantha for confirmation.
“Yes, Lady Greywick was happy to assist.”
“Good, that was quite kind of her. She was the one you applied to for vouchers as well, I assume?” he asked.
“Yes, she was quite helpful in all areas.”
He nodded, and the conversation lulled. The music started back up into a reel, and Grace glanced about the room at the various gentlemen, none of whom approached her.
After a moment’s pause, Lord Sterling cleared his throat. “If you will?” He offered his hand, and Grace accepted it. But rather than lead her to the dance floor, which was what she was expecting, he led her alongside the ballroom, toward a group of gentlemen. Before they approached, he whispered quietly, “The viscount needed to address some business, so I’m to provide you with adequate introductions.”
Grace was saved from a reply by their arrival in the small circle of gentlemen, whose conversation came to a grinding halt at their approach. Heat flushed her face at their inquiring expression as each bowed.
“Miss Grace, allow me to introduce you to several gentlemen of my acquaintance.” Lord Sterling gestured to each man in turn, naming them, five gentlemen in all.
“A pleasure, Miss Grace.” One of them, a Mr. Smythe, stepped forward. “If you will allow me the pleasure of your next dance?”
