“It was lovely, Fan. But I am fair fatigued. I asked Lord Trowbridge to bring me home early, both because I am not used to such late hours, and because I wished for him to have a chance to dance. I hope he will return to the ball.”
“That is just like you, Sophie. Knowing Frank, he probably was grateful not to fight off all the ladies, but to devote himself to you.”
“Does he usually have to fight off all the women?”
Fanny laughed. “You saw how devilishly handsome he is. What do you think?” Sophie smiled at Fanny’s slang. After the formality of the ton, it was nice to be treated with familiarity.
“He was very kind to me, and very attentive. There was only one woman who tried to get him to dance with her, and he gave her a set down.”
“I am exceedingly glad that he was kind. And who would not be attentive to you, you sweet and lovely thing?”
“Of course you would think so! He introduced me to masses of people who enjoy or play music. I hope you do not mind, but a Mr. and Mrs. Carstairs are coming for dinner tomorrow night. Also Frank. I am going to play for them, and then we are going to make some decisions about the musicale. I asked them to perform in it, as well. They are well known, apparently.”
“Famous! Oh, I am so glad. Dinner will be enjoyable. I really wished above all things that you could meet the Carstairs. I even mentioned it to Frank when we hatched this scheme.”
“Thank you, Fanny. It was a splendid thought. Have you any idea when we can hold the musicale?”
“How long will it take you to rehearse?”
“I will have to see what it is we are going to play. I have a piece in mind, but I think I should defer to the Carstairs. I would say we will be ready in two or three weeks.”
“Splendid. I shall write out the invitations after we confer with Joseph and Bella.”
“Tomorrow will be busy. I’m taking tea with Melissa and then Lord Trowbridge is driving me in the park at five.”
“You will have a busy day. You need to remember that you’ll be performing tomorrow night!”
“I’m doing Laudate Dominum. It is not difficult.”
“Oh, Sophie, I would not have you racket about so. You will overdo and become ill again. I would not have you lose your bloom.”
“I am not nearly so fragile as you think me. But I will retire now and hope we can have a chat about the gorgeous Frank on the morrow. I wish to quiz you about him.”
“All right then, dearest. You go to bed. And have a long lie in.”
“I shall.”
~~*
Melissa was in alt when Sophie called the next day. The sitting room fairly bloomed with all the bouquets she had received. Her friend was pretty with her fair hair and blue eyes, but she did not pretend to great beauty. Sophie always differed with her on this subject, and did so that afternoon.
“But I cannot aspire to equal your looks, Sophie. My cheeks are like a squirrel’s full of nuts, and yours are so beautifully hollow, with your high cheekbones and delicate jaw. It makes you look quite ethereal. When I am old, I shall have twelve chins, so I must be careful in my selection of a husband. I must find someone who tends to corpulence.”
“Oh, never say so!” Sophie laughed. “Your nature is so sunny, you will be a perpetual delight to whomever you marry. Now tell me, were you thrilled by any of your partners last night?”
Melissa dimpled. “Well, there was one. Lord Oaksey. He is a very fine dancer. I felt like I was in heaven when we waltzed. Of course, I had to get permission first from Lady Jersey. But, oh, Sophie, the waltz is divine. And he looked right into my eyes until I thought he must see my very soul. I am afraid I already have a tendre for him.”
“He sounds lovely,” Sophie said. “Was he handsome?”
“Oh, yes. At least I thought so. He is fair, with the most divine brown eyes. And tall! Why, he absolutely towers over me. I like it. It makes me feel dainty, which as you know, I am not.”
“Melissa! You are not overlarge! Stop talking so.”
“But I have always compared myself to you. As a matter of fact, you will not credit it, but remember the man in the outrageous turquoise coat and breeches who asked me to dance?”
Sophie shuddered. “I do not think I will ever forget him!”
“He quizzed me about you and called you a Pocket Venus!”
“Well that was very bad form when he was dancing with you!”
“Of course it was, but what do you expect from a man who would dress as he did?”
They laughed together.
“Now tell me more about this Lord Oaksey. Did he send you a posy?”
Melissa batted her eyelashes and looked coy. “Of course. Allow me to show you!”