“I actually don’t mind if no one comes. After last night, I’m afraid it’ll be confusing or overwhelming,” Harriet said.
“You did quite well last night. Give credit where credit is due. You obviously made an impression on quite a few young men.”
“Do you know how hard it was to talk with any of those young men? Luckily the majority of the dances were lively and involved more than one partner.”
“The important thing is you made an impression. Things will get easier with each soiree you attend. Trust me on that,” Daphne said.
They were interrupted by the sound of Daphne’s beloved macaw, Sammy. He’d gotten down off his perch and was walking in their direction. One couldn’t help but smile when they saw Sammy. He was quite a character.
“Sammy dance,” he squawked.
“Show us how you dance, Sammy,” Daphne replied.
Wings began flapping. The parrot moved his head as though to some imaginary music in his mind. He alternated feet, hopping about, and made quite a display.
“Very good, Sammy,” Daphne praised him.
“He’s quite the display, isn’t he?” Harriet said watching the macaw turn in a circle, bobbing his head around.
“That he is. He loves being the center of attention.”
“No one taught him how to do this?” Harriet asked.
“That’s all Sam,” Daphne replied. “You know, he would be perfect to have around when men start to call on you.”
“You’re right. Sam would divert attention from me.”
“He would. Now let’s see where we’ve been invited.”
Daphne picked up a small stack of obvious invitations. She dropped them in the chair where she had been sitting. She walked up to the parrot and lowered her arm. “Come, let’s go back to your perch for a while.”
“No,” Sam said.
“Jump on my arm. As soon as Harriet and I are finished you can get back down.”
“Sam want apple.”
“Only if you do as you’re told.”
The macaw reluctantly jumped up onto Daphne’s wrist. She walked over to the perch and placed him on the branch which had fresh fruit sliced and placed in a cup.
Harriet could hear Daphne talk lowly and gently to the bird before letting go of him. Not a noise to be heard other than Sammy chewing a piece of apple.
Picking up the small stack of invitations, Daphne sat down and looked quickly through them before opening the first. She set it aside and did so with every invitation until she reached the last one. She picked one up and gave Harriet some background for the person giving the ball and if it would be beneficial for Harriet to attend.
They were discussing the final one when the butler opened the door. “I am sorry to interrupt, Your Grace, but Lady Churchill has a caller.” He handed Harriet the calling card. She studied it for a moment before giving it to Daphne. She was unsure who this was. Daphne nodded her head in turn. She recognized the name.
“Would you like to receive him? It would be perfect practice for you.”
“You’re right. I’ll see him.”
Daphne in turn nodded to the butler and gave him instructions to bring the caller to the drawing room. The butler left and Daphne retreated nearer to the parrot. “You’ll be fine and I’m right here if you need me for anything.”
Moments later the butler announced the caller’s name. “Lord Alexander.”
Harriet didn’t recognize the name but immediately knew the man. She had danced with him, which had not impressed her. She was standing and nodded her head as he took her hand in his. “Lord Alexander, this is indeed a pleasure.”
He handed her a box of chocolates. “These are for you.”
