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glance at her. “That’s quite enough of that from you, missy, especially as you’ve only just condescended to rejoin the human race.”
    “I was quite enjoying life at Charterleigh.”
    “Nonsense, how can anyone enjoy a dull existence out in the wilds of Kent! I’ll set you straight again now. You mark my words, I’ll have you married off before the Season is out.”
    “I don’t want to be married off.”
    “What rubbish. Of course you do. Why else agree to come to Town?”
    “Octavia, your matchmaking activities are too much at times. I’ve come to Town to bring Jillian out, and that is my only reason.”
    “Oh, how dull of you. I was so hoping to be able to matchmake for you both, now I’ll have to content myself with just Jillian.”
    “She’s handful enough, even for you,” remarked Alabeth with feeling.
    Octavia sat back. “I gather she’s troublesome.”
    “She’s resentful.”
    “Foolish chit.”
    “Well, she believes she’s justified.”
    “So your father told me. I’m of the opinion that she should be put over someone’s knee and given a good spanking.”
    “Well, she’s promised to be agreeable.”
    “How very noble of her. She should be grateful you’ve agreed to do her this considerable service.”
    “She certainly isn’t grateful.”
    “She’s a spoiled little minx, and I told your father as much.”
    Alabeth laughed. “And what did he say to that?”
    “What could he say? He was forced to agree, because the evidence is there for all to see.”
    Alabeth’s smile faded. “Octavia, I don’t suppose…. ”
    “Yes?”
    “Well, he didn’t say anything else to you, did he? Something about why he was so very determined to bring Jillian out this year?”
    “No, but now you come to mention it, he did seem a little too anxious about it.”
    “That’s what I thought. There’s something I haven’t been told and should have been.”
    “Oh, surely not. After all, if it was anything important, he would certainly have informed you, for it wouldn’t be right not to.”
    “I hope you’re right.”
    “Of course I am, and you’re not to go worrying about it. Now, then, we have things to discuss.”
    “Things?”
    “If I’m to obtain a voucher from Almack’s for Jillian.”
    “Oh, yes.”
    “I take it that you will not be honoring that dull place with your presence.”
    “Too many of the lady patronesses are friendly with too many Treguards and I’m not about to offer myself for exe cution at the hands of those hypocritical chiennes .”
    Octavia chuckled. “I can’t entirely blame you, and I swear that Almack’s is the end in ennui , but unfortunately it is de rigueur to be seen there for someone like Jillian. I am quite prepared to take her on, and woe betide her if she steps out of line with me.”
    “She won’t, she’s an angel with everyone except me.”
    “Good, then I shall proceed with the arrangements. And talking about arrangements, what have you decided to do about Jillian’s ball?”
    “I haven’t decided anything yet.”
    “I trust that you intend to call upon me for advice.”
    “As if I would do anything else!”
    “There’s nothing more I adore than organizing a grand ball, and I’d simply never forgive you if you left me out.” Then, as if it was all a foregone conclusion, she proceeded, “I thought we’d hold it at Seaham House, which after all boasts one of the most exquisite ballrooms in Town.”
    “That’s very kind of you, Octavia.”
    “Nonsense, it’s very selfish of me, for that way I’m certain to be in the thick of it.” Octavia smiled. “I trust that you and Jillian are coming to my little affair on the King’s birthday?”
    “Little affair?” Alabeth laughed. “Since when has your grand ball been a little affair? It’s a national institution from which it’s a positive disgrace to be excluded. And, yes, we are definitely accepting the invitation.”
    “Good, because I’ve made the coup of the Season,” beamed