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Mrs. Norcliffe said. “The problem is how to lure the gentlemen away from their dice, liquor, and clubs? We need to make the experience exciting for them.”
    “No spirits,” Mrs. Drummond-Burrell said. “The gentlemen will huddle around the sideboard all evening and become foxed.”
    “Mrs. Norcliffe, how do you propose to create excitement?” Lady Cowper said.
    “It is rather daring,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. Anxiety gripped her as she struggled to invent a plan. When it popped into her head, she knew the patronesses would proclaim it either brilliant or utter rubbish. She’d managed to become one of the patronesses, and she meant to secure her place. Sometimes one had to be bold.
    “One thing we know about gentlemen is that they are fond of competition,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.
    All of the ladies leaned the slightest bit forward.
    “I propose a dancing competition, one that would stir up passions not only for the dancers, but for the observers as well.”
    When there was no immediate reply, Mrs. Norcliffe resisted the urge to squirm.
    “Your point, Mrs. Norcliffe?” Lady Jersey said.
    “I hope to find my dear son a wife during the competition.”
    Princess Esterhazy applied her fan. “How can you be sure the dancing competition will work?”
    “Indeed,” Lady Castlereagh said. “Suppose the gentlemen refuse to participate. What then?”
    “We need an incentive to entice them,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. “Otherwise, they will return to their clubs.”
    “An incentive implies commerce.” Lady Cowper fanned her face as if money were akin to devilment.
    “In this case, it implies competition, and that is something no gentleman can resist,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. “Imagine how many will be envious of those who are able to participate or observe at close hand. Almack’s will once again rise as the temple of exclusivity.”
    “How are we to spread the word?” Princess Esterhazy said.
    “It is easy enough to tip off the scandal sheets,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. “Imagine all of London anticipating the competition each week. News will circulate far and wide. Everyone who is anyone will not want to miss the weekly winners.”
    “Winners?” Lady Sefton said in a faint tone.
    Mrs. Norcliffe’s stomach tightened, but she’d learned long ago to feign her way through almost any situation. “Each week the couples will dance and compete to stay in the competition another week,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. “Some will be eliminated and others will remain until the very last.”
    “We are to judge them?” Lady Jersey asked.
    “Of course,” Mrs. Norcliffe said. “Who better than the patronesses to make the decisions?”
    “It is rather bold,” Lady Jersey said, “but we are the patronesses. Who will dare criticize if we sanction the competition?”
    “Indeed, it could result in the loss of one’s voucher,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.
    “What will the prize be?” Lady Jersey asked. “It must be sufficient to draw the gentlemen away from their liquor, cards, and dice.”
    “Ladies, what do you say to five hundred pounds as the prize for the most elegant dancing couple? Are we prepared to contribute seventy-two pounds each?” Mrs. Norcliffe said.
    “That leaves four pounds unaccounted for,” Lady Sefton said.
    “We will buy extra lemonade and buttered sandwiches,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.
    “I must admit this is all rather exciting,” Princess Esterhazy said.
    “Indeed,” Lady Jersey said. “Everyone will be anxious to get a voucher on Wednesday nights.”
    “Of course, only the most elite will have their vouchers approved,” Mrs. Drummond-Burrell said. “We must maintain our high standards.”
    “Well, ladies, I believe we are all prepared for the first annual Almack’s dancing competition,” Mrs. Norcliffe said.
    Lady Jersey observed Mrs. Norcliffe with a sly expression. “Pray tell, how do you propose to tempt your son into participating?”
    Mrs. Norcliffe smiled. “What every mother resorts to