“My name is Dimity,” she said, and her smile, if possible, increased her beauty.
“Evangeline, Miss Spencer,” Evie added.
“Enjoy your evening, Evangeline, and remember humor will make it easier.”
They moved on then. After greeting the hosts, the Spencers walked into the ballroom.
“Do you know who that was?” Prue asked her.
“Who?” Evie looked around.
“The woman you were talking to dressed in gold. That was the Countess of Raine.”
“Of course, I know who she is. I remember names, as my memory is far better than yours.”
Prue waved her words away. “Lord and Lady Raine are two of society’s most popular members.”
“So not everyone who is wealthy is a snob then. Excellent,” Evie said.
“What are you both whispering about?”
“Nothing, Father,” both daughters said together.
“Well, I see some of my friends over there. Come and get me should you require my presence for any reason.” He then wandered off without a backward glance.
“I sometimes wonder if there is anything inside that head of his but an empty space,” Evie said. “Can he not see this is hard on us? Can he not see we could do with his support?”
“If we asked, he would have stayed,” Prue said. “But we have not done so before now, so he thinks we are more than happy being out in society at such an occasion.”
“I know you’re right, but it would not hurt him to be a little more aware,” Evie added.
To their right a group of four young ladies waggled their fingers at Prue. She waved back.
“Come, we will talk with your friends,” Evie said.
They moved closer, and soon Prue was chatting, and Evie had stepped back and out of the group to stand behind. Not exactly a chaperone but close to it. She was happy with that. The nuances of society were complex and exhausting. She was constantly on her guard to ensure she was saying the right words instead of the wrong ones, which were usually what was on the tip of her tongue.
Evie watched the group of chatting young ladies from a safe distance, her eyes doing the occasional sweep of the room, and then returning to them. This time, on her return glance she found three men had infiltrated their ranks. One in particular was speaking with Prue, with a smile on his face. Mr. Landon.
It was moments like this she wished she knew more about society and its members, or at the very least had someone close who did. She had no wish for her sister to fall prey to some man who would not treat her well. Moving closer so she could overhear what was being said, she caught her sister’s eye.
“Mr. Landon, allow me to introduce you to my sister, Miss Spencer,” Prue said.
The man turned and offered her a smile. He then bowed deeply, and Evie curtseyed.
“I have claimed your sister for her first dance, Miss Spencer, if you will excuse us.”
Prue looked happy about that, and as she knew nothing about Mr. Landon, she couldn’t stop her. So, she nodded and stepped back once again, this time retreating farther to the wall.
She watched Mr. Landon lead her sister to the dance floor. Perhaps her father had heard the man’s name, or could casually ask someone about him?
“Miss Spencer, now you have arrived my night is complete.”
Evie stiffened at the nasal drawl. Damn, she had not seen him coming or she would have hidden. Lord Cavendish had spoken about Evie that night at Hugh’s like she was a horse that needed breaking.
“It is time for our dance, Miss Spencer.”
Looking at her dance card that was empty, she said, “I seem to be busy for this dance, my lord.”
