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Eliza managed a sad chuckle, and Hart kissed his sister’s cheek.

‘When will the wedding be?’

Haryo dabbed at her cheeks with the handkerchief that Hart had handed to her. ‘December. Probably at Chatsworth. I imagine they will want to get arrangements made and invitations sent before the end of the season.’

Eliza just nodded. She didn’t want to think about the end of the season just yet.

‘Which reminds me,’ Hart said, smiling at Eliza. ‘Where are you spending the summer?’

The thought of leaving London, all her lovely new friends, the parties, the dancing… Robert, was almost too much. ‘I suspect wherever Mama goes. Charles is having building work done at Howick. We might visit George at Fallodon.’

Her voice faltered at the mention of returning home. Both her friends heard it.

Haryo took her hand. ‘Then come to Chatsworth with us.’

It took Eliza a moment to answer. ‘I would love to, but I suspect Mama will not allow it.’

‘Pff,’ said Haryo. ‘We liberated you from Howick to have a season. A summer at Chatsworth will be simplicity itself.’

Eliza had to laugh at that. ‘I do believe you could accomplish anything that you put your mind to.’

‘There we are then. Fear not. I’m hoping you will all be in London with your brother towards the end of the year for the little season? I shall be sure to include you in all invitations.’

Eliza put a hand to her forehead. ‘You are… wonderful, Haryo. Truly wonderful and I will endeavour to be where you would like me to be.’

Haryo laughed delightedly at that, and Hart shook his head.

The sound of footsteps hurrying along the corridor had them all looking at the door. It opened, and Hannah flung herself into the room, slamming it behind her.

‘Lady Hannah? Is something amiss?’ Haryo said, moving towards her.

She was breathing heavily. Eyes wide. ‘Mr Ellice. Mr Ellice is here. He’s asked to see Charles. He’s speaking to Charles. Now.’

Eliza and Haryo exchanged excited looks. ‘That can mean only one thing,’ Haryo said.

Hannah nodded, tears trembling on her lashes.

‘Will you accept?’

Hannah gave a half laugh, half sob. ‘Yes. Yes, I will.’

Eliza took her hand and kissed it. ‘Oh, my dearest Hannah, that’s wonderful.’

Hannah started, and her eyes widened. ‘How do I look? Oh, God, I’m in an old dress.’ She looked down at herself. To Eliza’s eyes, she looked as pretty as ever, but Haryo gasped, held her hands to her chest.

‘Come, we may only have moments!’

She dragged a laughing but bewildered Hannah out of the room, Eliza hurrying with them. ‘Where is your chamber? Eliza, summon a maid. Hart, stay there.’

Hart looked comically stricken at being excluded from the excitement but remained in the drawing room whilst Eliza hurried along with Haryo and Hannah.

They tumbled into her bedchamber, and she scrambled out of her clothes just as a maid rushed in to help her into her best pale blue and white muslin day dress. Together, laughing delightedly, they repinned her hair.

They were all breathing heavily as they stood behind Hannah while she regarded herself in the looking glass and pinched her cheeks.

She nodded. ‘Thank you,’ she said to them all. ‘Thank you so much.’

They descended back to the drawing room in a much statelier fashion and rejoined Hart, who nodded his approval at her appearance.