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too casually, “Miss Trowle has nothing appropriate to wear. She will look like an impoverished governess.”
    “ She would pay that no mind, Sophia.”
    “True, but I would mind it dreadfully, Charles, and besides, with Miss Trowle we would be forced to invite another young man.”
    “True and the party expands beyond what Orlov would find comfortable.”
    Several days later, after a short chat in the library with his lordship, Lady Spencer came into the music room, waved her reticule, and announced that she and Rebecka were about to set out on a tour of the modistes in order to acquire a new spring wardrobe. Adela attempted to excuse herself but was interrupted.
    “We”—Aunt Sophia was using the royal We—“require your company, Adela. I am as much opposed to the general state of frippery among the women of the higher classes as you are, my dear, but a certain minimum of respect is due to one’s appearances. We cannot allow Rebecka to adopt the behavior of a dowd. The child respects your judgment and so you must come. Besides, my dear, tomorrow evening Charles is having the Count Orlov to dinner with two other friends and quite suddenly I have discovered we will be short a lady. Surely you will attend.”
    “Sophia, I couldn’t. I would be very uncomfortable at a tonnish dinner party.”
    “So would Count Orlov, my dear. He is a very serious reforming sort of gentleman and doesn’t hold with trivial females.”
    “Ah then, you have been fairly caught, Aunt Sophia. My pearl gray will suffice.”
    “We will discuss that matter in the shops. No time to be lost now. No time at all.”
    They were to begin at Helene’s, a shop favored by Sophia because, although it was both excessively expensive and fashionable, the proprietress was a no-nonsense business woman who did not fawn on her clients. Except when her advice was specifically requested, Madame Helene preferred to leave her customers to their own devices.
    While Rebecka was being fitted in an exquisite little froth of a pink muslin gown with white eyelet pinafore, Sophia and Adela continued to thumb through the bolts of fabric and the pattern magazines.
    Lady Spencer held a swatch of fabric out for Adela’s inspection. “Do you think this emerald green suits me, Adela? I think it may do for spring.”
    “It is very flattering, Aunt Sophia.”
    “Gammon, as if anything given my ample age and more than ample proportions could be flattering. But it will do. And what of you, Adela. That taupe silk you are holding seems to be just a bit grim.”
    Adela dropped her swatch and turned to her aunt, smiling and shaking her head. “I beg of you, Aunt Sophia, not to persist. I want nothing, I need nothing, and moreover, I do not choose to squander my income, such as it is, on clothes. Considering my appearance, my station in life, and my aspirations, high fashion is a total waste of my resources.” Before Sophia could respond, they were interrupted. “Lady Spencer, I have been looking to find you everywhere. I must thank you.”
    Turning, Adela saw a very pretty dark petite young lady with a look of sparkling intelligence and humor.
    Lady Spencer made the introductions. “Adela Trowle, may I introduce one of my favorite young friends, Miss Nancy Owens.”
    “Ah and you are the remarkable Miss Trowle. I have heard so much about you and I have been very eager to meet you. Do Waterston and Sophia keep you under lock and key?” Miss Owens was laughing.
    Adela answered, smiling, “No, I don’t suppose it is quite that bad.”
    “Pooh to both of you!” the older woman said. “If Adela is trapped indoors it is none of our doing, I can assure you. She is a slave, not to Charles and me but to her music.”
    “I have no doubt her music is a worthy master, and Sophia you have spirited her to Helene’s. Are the three of you purchasing a spring wardrobe?”
    “Rebecka and I are, but I cannot convince our cousin to acquire even one bright new gown.”
    Miss Owens