She glanced at her reflection only briefly, turning her gaze away and smiling again at her mother. Lady Prescott had spent a great deal of time making certain that Deborah was ready for the London Season, just as she had done the previous year,andas she had done with Deborah’s elder sisters. To look upon herself, ready for her second Season in London – the Season where she was to find a husband – Deborah had to admit that she did not immediately recognize herself, for her mother’s efforts were quite transforming. Some special hair soap had been procured and Deborah’s fair hair seemed now to shine with a soft golden glow, so when the sun glinted upon it, it became almost vivid with her curls hanging beautifully. While there had been a great deal of fuss over her complexion during the previous months, and Deborah had become a little irritated by all of her mother’s machinations, it appeared to have done very well for her. A gentle pink seemed to rest always in her cheeks and her blue eyes were framed by soft, delicate lashes. She had to hope that the gentlemen of London would consider her becoming, at the very least!
“This is the Season for consideration and caution,” Lady Prescott reminded her. “Last Season was a time for enjoyment, a time for making new acquaintances, for dancing and for laughter, but now, however, you must think of your future.”
Deborah nodded.
“I understand, Mama. Thank you for all that you have done to prepare me, both last Season and this.”
Lady Prescott smiled softly.
“I swore that I should care for all of my daughters in the same way, that I would treat each with the same level of dedication as the others. I am glad that your elder sisters have found success, and I am certain, my dear Deborah, that you will also find yourself a suitable gentleman very soon. And you must thank your father also,” she finished, a gentle gleam in her eye. “For he is the one who has paid for all of your new gowns and fripperies – though I think he dared not even question how much I have spent! He knows better than to do so!” Deborah laughed, reached out, and squeezed her mother’s hand as she stood a little to the right of Deborah, looking out of the window. She adored both of her parents. Her father was a strong gentleman in matters of business, but certainly a quiet fellow to his wife and his daughters. Her mother was very similar – a gentle spirit but firm with it. There had been times in her childhood where Deborah had overheard her mother and father discussing something at great length, and with sharp tones which, she had learned, was rather unexpected of a lady of quality. Now, however, she was grateful for it. Her mother had taught her what it was like to be a refined lady but also to have one’s own strength of character. “I suppose you will be continuing your acquaintance with Lady Yardley and your friends?” Lady Prescott smiled and tilted her head. “I have a great deal of respect for Lady Yardley, I confess.”
Deborah nodded.
“As do I. If you and Father are contented with it, I should like to continue my acquaintance with her.”
Her mother’s smile grew.
“But of course. I should be glad to become a little better acquainted with her myself. She still writes ‘The London Ledger’, does she not?”
“Yes, she does. I do appreciate how truthful she is with it. Anything she writes that may be rumor is stated to be so and is only put there as a warning, either to the gentleman or lady in question – or to those who may be acquainted with that person. Otherwise, it is simply delightful bits of news and messages from abroad. It does not contain a hint of scandal, for which I am very grateful.”
Her mother sat down opposite her for a moment as Deborah continued to sit on the stool at her dressing table.
“I do want you to be careful, my dear.” She smiled softly. “I noted in the Ledger only last week that Lady Yardley had mentioned the return of Lord Brookmire.”
A slight frown crossed Deborah’s forehead.
“I do not think I know the name. What was said about him?”
Lady Prescott laughed softly.
“That is just it. Nothing was said about him other than to note he was returned to London. I believe Lady Yardley hoped that his reputation would speak for itself.”
Deborah’s frown grew.
“Either he is an excellent gentleman with a sterling reputation, in which case all young unmarried ladies of quality ought to take note of his arrival, or he is a scoundrel with a despicable reputation, and all young ladies of thetonought to take steps to avoid him.” She lifted one eyebrow. “Which is it?”
Her mother laughed softly.
“That was very well put, my dear, but I am afraid it is the latter.” Her smile faded. “You must make every effort to avoid Lord Brookmire when he appears. He may attempt to introduce himself to you and of course, if such a situation should occur, then we will be polite, but short in our conversation. You are not to indulge him.”
Deborah nodded.
“I understand, Mama, and will be most careful around Lord Brookmire. I am quite certain that he will have very little interest in introducing himself to me, however.”
Her mother arched an eyebrow.
“I think you might be mistaken there, Deborah.” A light smile touched the corners of her mouth, though it faded quickly. “You are young and beautiful, and unfortunately, Lord Brookmire has no hesitation in seeking the attentions of young unmarried ladies.” With a shake of her head, she rose to her feet. “I do not want to ever see you dancing with him or the like.”
“And I can assure you, I will never step into his arms,” Deborah declared. “I am quite certain, Mama, that you have nothing to worry about when it comes to Lord Brookmire. It will be easy enough to stay far away from him.”
* * *
“There aremany fine gentlemen at the ball, are there not?”
Deborah smiled, her eyes roving around the room as she considered her friend’s remark. Thus far, she had to admit that, yes, the ball did seem to be very pleasing indeed. Lady Almeria was now dancing with an old friend, someone she had not seen in some years, while Deborah and Lady Elizabeth stood together. They did not have anyone to dance with for this particular dance, but the rest of Deborah’s card was almost full, which left her with contented satisfaction.
“Did you see what Lady Yardley wrote in the most recent Ledger?” Lady Elizabeth asked with a wry smile. “I assume one gentleman in particular will not be pleased!”
