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don’t think they’ve decided where to settle, Mrs. Bianca. Though my hope is—”
    “You cannot let them go north! I know this Mr. Trumble is some sort of industrialist, but what a fate for your dear niece!” Mrs. Bianca’s arch tone was softened by an emotional tremble in her voice. “My young cousin abandoned Town for some factory-filled village in the north and her health was destroyed before she’d seen a single spring in that unfeeling burg.”
    Aunt Alice caught her eye as Haley approached and with a subtle gesture, assisted Mrs. Bianca in realizing that the subject of their speculation was now close at hand. “Have you met my niece, Miss Moreland?”
    To the lady’s credit, when Mrs. Bianca turned, there was almost no trace of her distress. “I had not the pleasure, till now. How do you do?”
    “I am well, thank you, and the pleasure is mine.” Haley extended her hand, liking Mrs. Bianca’s soft features and warm brown eyes. She was only a little younger than Alice and had certainly meant no harm with her dire warnings. Mrs. Bianca wasn’t alone in her disregard for anyone involved with trade. High society reveled in denigrating anyone touched by the industrious northern provinces and the “new” money it generated. Her father’s title and family connections had kept certain doors open to them, but she had no doubt that once she was truly Mrs. Herbert Trumble her social environment would change—no matter where they chose to settle. “It is such a lovely party.”
    “Mr. Bascombe has a talent for drawing together the most interesting guests!” Mrs. Bianca flourished her fan with an experienced hand. “One of which, I shall confess, made a particular point in begging me for an introduction to you once I’d achieved your acquaintance. Your aunt was most intrigued to hear of a Mr. Galen Hawke!”
    Aunt Alice readily agreed with a merry nod that sent her yellow feathers dancing. “I’d say so! After all, most men seek an introduction after seeing a young lady, don’t they? But this gentleman has determined to meet you without any idea of you at all!” She sighed enviously, a twinkle in her eye giving away her humor. “If only the men of my generation were so forward-thinking!”
    Haley shook her head and smiled. “Why not make Mrs. Bianca your conspirator and take the introduction for yourself, Aunt Alice? Since he knows nothing of me, I think you’ll make a very fine Miss Moreland to make his acquaintance. Then you can judge for yourself about Mr. Hawke.”
    Both women openly laughed at the notion, but Mrs. Bianca recovered to reply, “I don’t think he’d appreciate the game.” Glancing over their heads, she raised one of her hands as if to signal a servant for another glass of champagne. “And I won’t be the one to deny him the chance to meet such a charming young woman.”
    “Do you know him well?” Aunt Alice asked.
    “Not well, I’m afraid.” Mrs. Bianca seemed to consider her response before continuing, “But his father, the Earl of Stamford, is on good terms with my family, and my cousin’s brother by marriage is their vicar. And although Mr. Hawke is the second eldest son, the family is very respected in loftier circles than these, so it’s not an inquiry to make light of.”
    Haley wasn’t sure Mrs. Bianca’s description of his pedigree had the desired effect the speaker had intended. He sounded like a pompous thing to insist on introductions and cow poor women with distant connections to him into making his wishes manifest. She couldn’t remember any circumstantial ties to an Earl of Stamford that would make his son think to “beg” for an introduction—and frankly, after an already eventful evening in an overcrowded room and above it, Haley didn’t think she wanted to rectify the situation. “Well, if you see him, please convey my regret that you weren’t able to fulfill his request. But I really should find my fiancé and—”
    “Leaving so soon?” The