Page 23 of Impassioned
He laughed jubilantly. “You know I can’t remember such things. Even about your friends.” He lowered his voice, which Sabrina found surprising, and leaned toward Sabrina. “She counts you in that select group, so be sure to preen about it, though no one will know.” He grinned, then winked at his wife, who shook her head with a warm smile.
Sabrina moved to Lady Kipley, who took her hand and gave it a gentle squeeze. “It’s true. I’m so glad you’ve come to town. We need more people like us.”
A look of confusion must have passed over Sabrina’s face, for Lady Kipley added, “Those who are content to leave the spotlight for someone else.” She flicked a glance toward her husband, who was now greeting the next guest.
“Yes, that is certainly me,” Sabrina said. Though she was doing her best to at least step out of the shadows. The fact that she’d come on her own was something she would never have done before. Tonight would be the test to see if the courage she’d shown with Aldington would persevere.
Or wilt under the pressure of Society.
After promising to visit with Lady Kipley later, Sabrina made her way into the crowded drawing room. How she wished she wasn’t alone. Although she doubted her husband’s presence would have made her feel any less overwhelmed. In fact, it might have made her more nervous.
So why was she here?
Because this was part of her renaissance. Evie had adopted that word to describe what she’d originally called Sabrina’s transformation. Sabrina rather liked the sound of having a renaissance.
Suddenly Evie was coming toward her, and much of the tension left Sabrina’s shoulders. She exhaled and smiled, glad to see her new friend.
“Sabrina, you look absolutely stunning. I knew this color would be perfect for you, and I’m so glad Madame Dubois was able to complete the gown so quickly. It’s an excellent choice for your first event. What did Aldington say?”
Sabrina continued to peruse the room, recognizing some people but not recognizing many more. While she’d spent most of last Season in London, she’d maybe gone to one event each week, usually a large ball where she could get lost among the throng. Her favorite places were corners, either in the ballroom or a quiet sitting room. She also quite enjoyed the retiring room.
However, she could not undergo a renaissance in the corner.
“Sabrina?” Evie prompted, reminding Sabrina she’d asked a question.
“Aldington was not at home.”
“How disappointing,” Evie murmured. “How have things been progressing?”
Sabrina pivoted toward her friend and kept her voice soft. “They have not. I have done what you, ah, recommended—for myself. And that has been most pleasant.” Her cheeks burned, and she couldn’t help but avert her gaze.
“Excellent. Nothing from the earl, however?”
“Not as of yet.”
“Don’t be discouraged. We’ve only just begun. I do wish he was here tonight.” Evie looked about the drawing room. “You must come visit me tomorrow so we can strategize.”
“I would like that very much, thank you.” Sabrina had no idea what to do next. The concept of seduction wasn’t just foreign, it was wholly intimidating.
Two young women came toward them. Sabrina knew one—it was her sister-in-law, Cassandra, who was marvelously gowned in peach silk—but did not recognize the other.
“Sabrina!” Cassandra greeted her. Of all the people in her husband’s family, his younger sister was by far the loveliest. She was also the only one Sabrina felt truly comfortable with. Although after her meeting with Lucien the other day, she’d changed her opinion of him.
Sabrina clasped her sister-in-law’s hands. “Good evening, Cassandra. You look magnificent. How is your Season? You must have a trail of suitors following you about.”
Cassandra laughed without humor. “Actually, no. I am beginning to think my father is just too fearsome. Allow me to introduce my new companion, Miss Prudence Lancaster. Pru is the best sort, and I am so fortunate her previous employer married quickly so that she could become my companion instead.” She glanced toward her companion. “Pru, allow me to present Lady Aldington.”
Golden-haired and pale-eyed, Miss Lancaster had a slightly ethereal quality to her. Her slender frame and alabaster complexion likely contributed to that. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, my lady.” Miss Lancaster made an elegant curtsey.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Lancaster. I am so glad Cassandra has a companion of a similar age. She is hopelessly trapped with men in her family.”
“I was until you came along,” Cassandra said. “Though I’d hoped you would spend more time in London.” She uttered the last with a wistful tone that carried no admonition. Still, Sabrina felt a pang of guilt. Cassandra had been ecstatic when her brother had wed, especially to someone so close to her in age. Sabrina was only a year older.
“I’m sorry,” Sabrina murmured, looking into Cassandra’s sherry-colored eyes. While Cassandra shared the same gender as Sabrina, that was about all they shared in common. Cassandra possessed a confidence and magnetism, like her brother Lucien, that had initially intimidated Sabrina. “I’m going to be more involved in this Season, so you must tell me how I can help you with your debut. Is your aunt still sponsoring you?”
“For what it’s worth.” Cassandra snorted softly. “You know how she is.”
Yes, Sabrina did know. Flighty and unreliable.
