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a man. He is not only handsome, but imminently suitable.”
    Smiling at her grandmother’s refusal to give up match-making, Emma glanced over to see a plump matron in blue accompanied by a handsome blond man making their way toward them.
    â€œYour grace! I was so hoping that we would see you this evening. May I please present my grandson, Lord Darley?”
    â€œHow good to see you, Lady Arlington.” The dowager’s regal smile went from the curtsying lady to her bowing grandson. “And good evening to you, young man. It has been quite some time since I laid my gaze upon you, sir. This is my granddaughter, Lady Fallbrook.”
    Lord Darley made a most elegant bow over Emma’s hand. As he straightened she felt a momentary startlement at the intensity of his warm hazel gaze.
    â€œIt is a very great pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Fallbrook.”
    â€œHow kind, sir.” Feeling a warm blush rising to her cheeks, Emma could think of nothing else to say. Had she been out of Society for so long that if an attractive gentleman showed his admiration she would blush like a school-girl? If she did not take herself in hand she would be in danger of becoming an antidote.
    â€œMy dear Lady Fallbrook!” A lilting voice cut through her musings. Emma turned from Lord Darley to see a dark-haired woman dressed in sapphire blue, her gamine face wreathed in smiles, approaching. Emma instantly smiled in response. It was her dear friend Amelia Spence-Jones. “How good to see you, Mrs. Spence-Jones!” They clasped their gloved hands in warm greeting.
    â€œI thought you would never arrive. Oh, good evening, Darley,” Amelia said when she noticed Lord Darley at Emma’s side. “I did not think we would see you here this evening. I know you will forgive me when I steal Lady Fallbrook from you, for I have not seen my friend in nearly six months. But my dear husband is here. I am sure you will find him in the billiards room.” The pretty brunette sent Darley a sweet smile and, without waiting for him to reply, placed her arm through Emma’s and drew her away.
    Emma could not mistake the look of disappointment that crossed Lord Darley’s face. Amused by her friend’s enthusiasm, she sent a smile to the handsome man and lifted hershoulders in a helpless gesture. He returned her smile with a broad one of his own and made a sweeping bow.
    Perhaps her behavior was not as gauche as she feared, she thought, feeling a measure of her natural confidence returning at his obvious regard.
    Emma shifted her gaze to Grandmère, who was still engaged in conversation with Lady Arlington. Catching her eye, Grandmère sent her a quick smile and waved her off with a flutter of her fan.
    â€œMy dearest Emmaline!” Amelia said as she squeezed her arm. “Penelope and I have been beyond excited about seeing you this evening. We each promised that whoever saw you first would bring you to the other. Now I have lost sight of her in this mad crush! But we will have the nicest coze while we hunt for her. Oh!” she said, giving Emma’s arm another squeeze. “It has been much too long! Your letters are always wonderful, but it is not the same as seeing you.”
    â€œIndeed it is not.” Emma sent a fond smile to her old friend and was pleased to see how well she looked. Her deep blue gown flattered her striking dark eyes and alabaster complexion. “I am so happy that we shall have the entire spring to visit. I fear you shall grow sick of my company by the end of the Season.”
    â€œImpossible! But truly, it is so exciting to have you here. You should hear what everyone is saying about you. No one can speak of anything else. Especially after the scene at Drury Lane last night—what gossip that caused!”
    â€œDear Amelia, surely you know that I do not care a fig what people say about me,” Emma stated as they navigated through the crowd. Despite