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to run off with Lady Priscilla, well-known from her come-out in Society as a spoiled, demanding young lady? One who had always gotten what she wanted.
    From what she’d heard at the time, Lady Priscilla had been very unpopular with the other girls. She’d had a way of offering compliments that were akin to a two-edged sword, leaving the recipient of her words embarrassed and upset. Mary shook her head in confusion and sank onto the window seat, tucking her feet under her, deep in thought.
    In any event, this attraction to Redgrave had to stop. For more than one reason. Her family would be extremely upset if they knew she had even spoken to the man. In addition, her hopes for the normalcy of love, marriage, and children had ended on a dreadful night two years ago. It was the price she had to pay for her foolishness in trusting a man.
    A steep price, indeed.
    Hopefully, Redgrave would not be at the musicale this evening. Though, since she had agreed to a truce, no longer would she give him the cut direct, but with enough friends and gentlemen there to speak with, she could easily ignore him.
    She rang for Alice, her lady’s maid, to help her out of her clothes so she could take a short nap before her bath. A dinner tray in her room, along with a pot of tea, would restore her sensibilities.
    …
    The next evening, Mary tugged the edge of her gold gloves that covered her arms past her elbows. For Lord and Lady Bereford’s ball, she’d worn her favorite gown, a deep green silk with gold embroidery on the bodice and along the hem. The emerald and diamond necklace, bracelet, and earbobs her papa had given her for her sixteenth birthday completed her outfit.
    She took one final look in her mirror, quite pleased at how Alice had arranged her hair, swept away from her face with curls cascading down her back, held tight by a green ribbon. She did not wish to dwell on why she was taking particular care with her appearance. ’Twas just another ball, one of dozens she’d attended over the years.
    Tonight she would be her usual charming self, enjoy the dancing, flirting, and conversation, and push any thought of Redgrave from her mind.
    Mother met her at the bottom of the stairs. “Are you not attending this evening, Mother?”
    “No. I am not, dear. Drake had to leave for the estate to deal with an issue, and I do not wish to leave Penelope alone.”
    Why did her heart jump with excitement at the thought of Mother being here while she was at the ball? “I will miss you, but I understand your need to stay here. If you wish, I will remain home as well, and keep you both company.”
    “Nonsense, my girl. Go on ahead and enjoy yourself.” Her mother grinned. “Tonight might be the night you meet your prince charming.”
    Mary’s breath caught in her throat. There would be no prince charming for her.
    “I sent a note along to Lady Hearnshaw that I could not attend this evening, and asked that she act as your chaperone.”
    Mary sighed. “Mother, truly? I’m three and twenty and have no need of a chaperone. I am practically on the shelf.”
    “You are a three and twenty unmarried lady, and not on the shelf.” The dowager cupped her daughter’s cheek. “This family has weathered enough scandal; we need not tempt fate once again.”
    Giving her mother a peck on the cheek, Mary turned and headed to the waiting carriage. The footman helped her in, and she settled against the cozy cushions.
    We need not tempt fate once again.
    Her mother’s words resounded in her ears. Guilt raced through her. Any attraction she felt for Redgrave would certainly result in another scandal. She must resolve to avoid him at all cost.
    The ride through Mayfair was short, and within minutes they were in the queue awaiting her turn to alight. Hundreds of blazing candles shone through the windows of the Beresford townhouse, almost casting the area in daylight. Women streamed up the path, hugging their gentlemen’s arms, waving to friends, chatting