“I don’t believe we’ve been introduced,” he said, offering an inclination of his head.
“This is my sister, Mrs. Cumbersome,” said the magistrate.
Mrs. Cumbersome?Philip had to use all his born-and-bred gentlemanly manners not to snicker. Most chaperones were a pain in the arse, but this one was actually branded as such. He feared she would live up to her name.
“A pleasure to meet you,” he said.
More a female version of her brother than an older Miss Bright, Mrs. Cumbersome gave a shallow curtsey while looking him up and down.
“There’s a smudge of mud on your right boot, my lord,” she said, and that was all before looking to her kin and announcing it was time to leave.
“Your slippers and shawl are in the foyer,” the older woman added to her niece. “Well, brother, I hope this was a good idea.” Then Mrs. Cumbersome nodded to the magistrate, took Miss Bright by the hand, and marched from the room.
Philip looked down at his boot.By God, she was right!His valet was faultlessly dependable, which meant he must have soiled his boot between home and the Brights’ modest drawing room. Moreover, he now knew exactly how keen the chaperone’s eyes were, and he would be careful not to forget.
Drawing a handkerchief from his pocket, he spat on it, bent down, and rubbed away the offending smudge. When he straightened, he made eye contact with the magistrate, who looked entirely amused.
“Better you than I,” Sir William said, then took his seat by the hearth. Philip noticed the man had a book and a glass of brandy at the ready.
“We are waiting, my lord,” came the bluff and nettled voice of Mrs. Cumbersome.
Philip swallowed before nodding to the magistrate and catching up with the women at the door. Not a butler but the same maid hauled it open, and Philip followed the ladies outside, hoping his horses’ manes were brushed and glossy enough for the aunt and his carriage waxed to perfection.
After he assisted first Miss Bright and then Mrs. Cumbersome into the carriage, he climbed in behind them. Making sure the lamp was lit, he sat back and surveyed his new companions. First, he turned to the chaperone.
“There is mud upon my carriage wheels, too, but it is London, madame. Thus, I hope you’ll forgive me.”
The lady narrowed her eyes as if trying to decide whether he was making sport of her.
Miss Bright seemed to have a permanent expression of excitement. It made her eyes sparkle, and somehow, her lips seemed to glisten.Her kissable lips!
“The days have crawled by until this instant,” she said. “Yet I feared the modiste had not enough time to make my dress.”
Philip was glad for the new dress. His money had been well spent after all.
“Miss Bright, if I did not say so before, let me tell you I am most impressed with how you have turned out. I am certain you shall draw single gentlemen by the wagonful.”
Mrs. Cumbersome cleared her throat.
“That is,” Philip amended, “I’m sure you will have precisely a decent amount of attention as befitting a young lady of your good breeding.”
“I am certain my aunt will make sure I am not overwhelmed by the number of my admirers,” Miss Bright said before sharing a smile with him.
“Do you know what to expect?” he asked.
In response, she said, “I have been to two balls at Almack’s.”
“This will be nothing like them,” he promised. “First, it will be a smaller affair. There will be only nobility and their guests. You mustn’t speak to anyone with whom you haven’t been properly introduced. And once you have been, then you may dance with that gentleman, although I recommend not more than two dances lest you wish tongues to wag. And you must never leave the ballroom with any man.”
“Of course she won’t,” said Mrs. Cumbersome.
Philip continued, feeling like he was once more on the battlefield advising his troops.
“Music will most probably start around eleven. If there is any waltzing, it will be the last set before we dine. There will be supper at two—”
“At two? In the morning?” The magistrate’s daughter looked amazed.
Philip cocked his head. “Naturally. When would you have it, Miss Bright? At two in the afternoon?”
