After her little incident with the rather ridiculously shrilling Baroness Wyecliffe, Daphne was stunned into silence. Even Alethea Tessington herself was very much shocked by such conduct. To be in the middle of a conversation and flee to some other person, a conversation with a Duchess and a viscountess, no less, was simply not done. Frowning, Alethea Tessington tugged on Daphne and led her away, clicking her tongue in disapproval.

" Absurb!" She exclaimed, though privately and only to her friend. " To think I wanted to help her niece by introducing her. If Madeline hears about this..." She shook her head, not wanting to even think of what Daphne's mother in law would say.

Patting her friend on the arm, Daphne cooed consolingly. " There will always be members of the ton like that."

Alethea Tessington was not used to be jilted. Her husband, Viscount Aubrey Tessington, was not of high rank, being merely a Viscount, but both his and her fortune was formidable, making Viscountess Tessington rather a good friend to have.

Ambling along, the pair of ladies, both brunette but with Lady Tessington having a more light brown color to her hair, reached the refreshment table, and looked at the warm Lemonade and weak tea in distaste. " One does wonder though, Ally dearest, whether the Patronesses will be persuaded to offer something less... well, less horrid." Daphne said in a half whisper.

Finally, she raised a glass of lemonade to her lips, the warm liquid, but liquid no less quenched her parched throat. Her conversation with Alethea continued to various topics that often occupied their mind until a certain figure approached them.

Selina had spent over an hour preparing for her first Almack's. Her dress was a peach coloured satin covered by a clear white gauze. It was decorated with small flowers, exactly the same shade of blue as her eyes. Her hair was curled and decorated with more blue flowers. Selina knew she had to compete with hordes of debutantes, but she hoped that she was still pretty and delicate enough to pass as young, while retaining the experience and greater wisdom of a married woman. Even her step-daughter had deigned to compliment her on her appearance. She had left Eleanor behind to a night of improving reading and embroidery in Hortense's presence. What else could she have done?

Almack's was far more impressive than the Assembly Rooms at Bath, as was to be expected and Selina felt her luck in finally arriving in the cream of London society. She entered on her own and immediately opened her fan as she strolled around the room, nodding to people, most of whom she did not know, but there might have been gentleman watching and it would be good idea to appear well connected. Indeed, by the time ten minutes had passed she had had the gratification of several filled spaces on her dance card and considerable admiration. Feeling somewhat fatigued, she made her way towards the reception room to find a seat.

Already the room was filling up nicely. She looked in vain for a seat until she spied one next to the drinks' table. Perfect. She walked forwards, still smiling and nodding at the people she passed. Just blocking the lemonade, two very finely dressed women stood conversing.

Selina smiled her most gracious smile. "Do excuse me, but would it be possible...?"

" I doubt it, I suppose many ladies have been trying for years to persuade the committee to alter it's ways. But traditions are traditions," said Alethea, equally softly. While both ladies were not fearful of the repercussions, both having married and were of certain stations in life, it was simply not done to be rude. Lady Tessington smoothed down her skirt, a glorious peacock blue silk and again, sipped from the glass. " But you are right, of course, Daphne, not acceptable. You might want to try your luck rallying the troops, perhaps even to stage a rebellion!"

Daphne laughed and swatted her friend on the hand, her laughter cut back only when a voice came from behind them, a slight rather slip of a lady with a innocent halo of blonde hair and very fair skin was speaking. Lady Tessington eyed her for a minute, then stepped back. Glancing at Daphne acertained that neither of them counted this woman amongst those they knew. " Of course, our apologies..." Daphne spoke first, seeking a introduction in the most polite senses. She had arrived unescorted, and did not quite look as young as a fresh deb, thus it had to be assumed that a introduction would be de riguer.

The lady smiled at them, quite pretty, but Daphne felt her rather unsure in what must be foreign waters. Perhaps it was her first time to the rooms at Almacks. For a lady to arrive unescorted... Daphne was not shocked, but the lady's lone prescence made her all the more curious as to her identity. Perhaps from a noble house of Scotland or Ireland?

"No, not at all," replied Selina, with a little titter, pouring herself a glass of lemonade. "Such a crush, don't you find?"

The two ladies were not being overly friendly, she thought, but perhaps she had interrupted a private conversation. She debated whether she should introduce herself or wait for somebody else to do the honours, though she was not quite sure who. Then again, she was a married woman and needed nobody to do the honours for her. The difference was that in Bath she was on her own territory and was known. Here, she was just a small and insignificant fish in a sea of potential sharks.

She turned back a little towards the ladies. "I do not believe I have the pleasure of an acquaintance, though really," (another little laugh), "the fault must be all mine for I am just arrived in London. I am the late Edward Clare's wife." She curtsied. She did not know how well known her husband's family was likely to be in London. He had rarely travelled there, but on the other hand, he was one of the richest landowners in Somerset.

Inclining her head, Daphne acknowledged the woman's introduction. So she was married. Her husband's name also explained why they had never seen her in their lives before. The wife of a landowner, or local gentry would explain why she was not seen in London Society before this.

" I am Daphne, the Duchess of Beaumont, and this is Lady Alethea Tessington." Making the introductions accordingly, she then moved on to other more interesting topics. " And I suppose you have come to London to finally participate in the society here, Mrs. Clare?" She asked politely, wanting indeed to make a newcomer feel welcome. She had often wondered, what should happen to her if she was not born in the family she was, and was situated in any other shire, with no friends and no connections. She should feel very lost indeed.

She felt quite afraid when she first went to Philip's country estate, and understood to a small extent the insecurity that Mrs Clare might be feeling. Of course, there was also the possibility that Mrs. Clare was not afraid at all.

" And with whom are you currently residing with Mrs. Clare?" Viscountess Tessington now asked, no doubt trying to press out more details as to this woman's birth, and her connections. Since she offered no other information of herself, questions, politely asked, were the only way.

Goodness, these were bigger sharks than expected. Selina had met a Duchess before, but she was an elderly Duchess with rhumatism and a large walking stick, as tended to be the case in Bath.

"I am very pleased to meet Your Grace, Lady Tessington. Indeed I have. My poor husband was unfortunately of a sickly constitution so we only attended the Bath season, but it has always been a dream of mine to come to London."

She shook her head and added," I do not reside with anybody; I have taken a house in Half Moon Street and intend to set up my own establishment for myself and my little daughter. I confess that it is sometimes lonely, but I am sure that once I have a greater acquaintance I shall not lack anything in the way of company."

So the lady was of some consequence at least, to have enough at least to come to London with a daughter, and with intentions to have her own house. But to come to London without an escort, how brave! Lady Tessington, more blunt then most, said so immediately. " Well, Mrs. Clare, you will have my applause, for I do not believe I could stand being so alone." She said with wide eyes, and a slight smile for Mrs. Clare.

" Oh, Mrs. Clare will not be alone I am sure, for she has said she has a small daughter, have you not?" Daphne said with a smile. She had children of her own, and like her husband, delighted in speaking with others who could share in her love for her young ones. " But dear Mr. Clare had an illness? Pray do not discuss unpleasant matters Mrs. Clare, should you not prefer it. I would dearly like to hear of you; you were from Bath you say?"

Daphne herself had been to Bath twice, once with her elderly grandmother, and another with her mother, and had rather much fun whilst she was there. She would like very much to return there, to mix with the amiable company in the seaside town. However, as pertains to the society there, she could not deny that London held much superior standards. Alethea was mentioning taking holiday to Cornwall that fall. Daphne wanted to go, but her children held her back. " Do you intend to stay in London after the season is over Mrs. Clare? Most of us would be going into the country for our gentlemen to enjoy the hunting."

"Oh yes, and my sister Lady Brown is quite of your opinion, Lady Tessington. I spent my mourning period at her estate and she would have kept me there indefinitely, but I could not impose on her in such a way and so it is necessary for me to find my own way."

In response to the Duchess she sighed sympathetically, loving every last minute of their interest. "Ah dear, I am quite resigned now. Mr. Clare had gout but he struggled on for many years. He was fortunate that his estate was so close to Bath, though that is now in the hands of his cousin. Bath is very well in its way but nothing on London I can assure you. I presume that your Ladyships are most familiar with Town society? I hope one day to be in a similar position." Indeed, when she had married into the aristocracy.

"Yes, I daresay that the Town will be almost empty come June! I have taken my house for all the year round, but I daresay I shall spend some part of the summer in Gloucestershire with Lady Brown. Cities are so dirty in the heat, do you not find?"

Daphne nodded in agreement. One did prefer to stay on her own two feet if one could help it, and Daphne was very much of this opinion. " Of course, very kind of Lady Brown to have you stay with her, but definitely a better choice to explore London, now that you have the chance." Daphne said amiably.

" Of course, Lady Tessington and I, amongst our other friends, have been here for many years, especially since our marriages." She said with a laugh. She turned one and thirty this year, and had rather no regrets in her life. Dear Ally was a year younger, and at her age, a very well kept Viscountess with no other worries in life other then the education of her son and a young daughter.

" Do not think me too forward, Mrs. Clare, for you look very much younger then you should be, being married with and with a young child. Pray tell, how old are you this year?" Asked Daphne now, quite curious. Mrs. Clare was fair, and with very youthful features, could not have been more then five and twenty, if much less. And with a young daughter too!

" And your daughter, Mrs Clare? I have a young girl, Emmeline, about her Grace's daughter's age as well, how old is your young girl?" Lady Tessington asked.

Selina did not know whether to be offended at being asked her age. Eventually she replied with a delicate laugh, "Dear me, your Grace, I may assure you that I am over one-and-twenty!"

Of course, there did seem to be a little misunderstanding. "I was not quite clear before. Eleanor is in fact sixteen years old." Apologetic laugh. "She is my husband's daughter, if you wish to be precise, but I treat quite as my own and indeed I cannot but still see her as the darling little girl that I first met when I first knew dear Mr. Clare."

A memory consisting of a rather plain girl ten years old with long, straight dark brown hair and an accusatory stare who would barely speak two words to her. Selina smiled sentimentally at her new friends at the memory.

Daphne's eyes widened, then returned again to normal as she listened to Mrs. Clare. " You should be very happy then, when she comes out next season!" She said with a smile. Her own seventeen year old sister had wanted to wait a year before she came out, preferring to continue in her own fun before moving on to the next stage in life, and Daphne's mother, the Countess of Griffin, had allowed her way. Daphne predicted that her brothers would be impressing on her the importance of a conservative wardrobe before the holidays were over. Daphne however, had no such ideas. Natalie would have the best season as a duchess's sister, and she intended to see it through.

" My own sister, Lady Natalie, will be coming out next year as well, and I look forward to seeing you as a mother, pushing her into the rooms! Goodness knows I believe I will be in the same shoes!" She said with a friendly laughter, not at all aware that Mrs Clare might not be all that happy with her daughter's debut next season.

" And surely, Natalie, the dear would have a marvelous season." Alethea chimed in, her greenish blue eyes gazing into the air in a dream of new wardrobes. " Mrs Clare, would you not join us for tea tomorrow?" Alethea asked suddenly, looking at Mrs. Clare. " We have tea once a week amongst friends just to chat, perhaps you would like to join us? It will be at her Grace's home tomorrow afternoon at half the hour after three.."

"Oh my, it is so easy to forget that Eleanor will be coming out next year. She is still so very young in all the essentials... I do hope to be rather more settled in London by next season." Hopefully with a new, rich and titled husband.

Selina listened to the Duchess with interest. Looking ahead, the friendship of somebody who would also be bringing out a debutante the following year could only be advantageous. She laughed. "It is a strange picture is it not, your Grace! It seems so little time since I was in their position. I am sure Lady Natalie will make an exemplary debut."

Lady Tessington's request startled but flattered her. "Oh, your ladyship is too kind! I should love to come to tea tomorrow. How very nice of you to include me!" She would have to leave Hortense with Eleanor again which would not put her maid in the best of moods, but there was nothing for it. That diphtheria outbreak was most vexatious- if only the child were still at school! "You may be sure I shall be there at three."

" It is no matter of large consequence, Mrs Clare. We are not a uppity bunch, and delight in new conversation about the salon, I am sure the rest of the ladies would delight in meeting you; we have all been friends, starting from our first debut!" Daphne's eyes were bright as her words brought back fond memories of her own years as a young debuting girl, still struggling with petticoats and panniers, lace and tulle. Like she often said, there was nothing more regal than a set of finely cut panniers under one's skirt. Alethea shared her opinion, but was thankful for the lighter skirts now.

" Actually, you might bring your daughter as well! I daresay Natalie would welcome the company, and perhaps she might be able to bring the girl around, being almost the same age.. Let us adults have some time to ourselves.." she said with a smile. Mrs Clare was so polite, any girl brought up by her hand had to only be good company for her own sister. Daphne envisioned another girl, just fit to be a friend for Natalie. What a pair they might make during their debut next year, just rather like herself and Lady Tessington.

Remembering that she had yet to give Mrs. Clare her address, she snapped open her lace and brocade reticule and pulled out a velum card, embossed with the Beaumont coat of arms and printed with her name, Daphne, Duchess of Beaumont and the address of the house. " Here, Mrs Clare. 12 Belgrave Square, Beaumont House. My butler will show you into the Chrysanthemum Salon upon your arrival."

Bring Eleanor with her? Well... it would appease Hortense, give something for the girl to stop sulking about, and she would not even bother their conversation if she was in the company of Lady Natalie. And of course, if the girls did forge a friendship then Selina would be able to offload Eleanor on her at other times.

She smiled sweetly. "Oh, your Grace, I am sure Eleanor would love to come. Poor darling she is so unsettled arriving in London and has no friends here. I really do not know what to do with her, but I am sure that the company of Lady Natalie could only be beneficial."

She took the card and tried to remain unimpressed by the address, though her heart did beat a little harder. She wondered if the Duke of Beaumont had a younger brother. Or cousin. Or if Lady Tessington's husband did. Or if they knew somebody suitable. Not that she would ever ask.

"I am quite overwhelmed by your generosity," she said, sipping her lemonade to cover her flush. "But tell me, do you both intend to dance at all this evening?"

" And I am sure Miss Clare will have no trouble making friends. One only hopes she makes friends with the right people." Daphne advised, nodding her head in agreement. Yes, Eleanor Clare would be the splitting image of her mother, in deportment and politeness, and that could only be a good thing for Natalie. God knew the girl needed to get out more, the bluestocking that she is. Daphne smiled at Mrs. Clare, for a moment just wondering if the woman intended to once again be married. She was sure there were many who wished for her charms to grace their families. Wisely however, Daphne kept that thought to herself.

"I do!" exclaimed Lady Tessington, looking positively gleeful at the thought. " My husband is in the cardroom at the moment, but he will return to me for the first dance." Funnily for Lady Tessington, she and her husband was not a love match. Fortunately, they had just enough affection for each other as very good and humorous friends. On almost all fronts, they had a relatively peaceful relationship. " Lord Tessington is an eminently good dancer, and I always have the pleasure of the first dance." She said with a smirk, an extremely dainty version so as to still look prettily feminine.

" And as I." Daphne said with a smile. Just at that moment, a hand came to snake about her waist. Jumping slightly, she turned and smiled. Then turning back to Mrs. Clare, she moved away from he man that had come up behind her and gestured to him. " Darling, this is Mrs. Selina Clare, a new friend who has just moved into town.." Philip, the Duke of Beaumont, sketched a bow to Mrs. Clare.

Selina could not help feeling a little jealous of Lady Tessington's pleasure at the prospect of dancing with her husband. Mr. Clare's gout had prevented his standing up more than once in an evening and he had not taken much pleasure in that. Of course, Selina had never lacked partners among younger admirers but it was not quite the same thing. Selina wondered what it would be like to have a young and attractive husband. Maybe that was what she ought to aim for this time. After all, who said you couldn't have anything?

The appearance of the very handsome Duke appearing in a most informal way behind Lady Beaumont only exaggerated these feelings. Selina was quite overcome and curtsied in some confusion. "Your Grace, the honour is all mine. We were just speaking of dancing, and here you are to claim your partner for the first dance! How do you do?"

" Very well indeed, Mrs. Clare. And might I say, welcome to London." Philip said politely, acknowledging her.

Daphne beamed at her husband and continued. " I have invited Mrs. Clare to tea tomorrow as a few of the ladies will be attending for our weekly 'at-home'." She told the duke. Philip usually was at parliament in the day, or out attending to business, and would return in the evening to join his family for dinner and then for the evening of social engagements. " I believe Lady Elliot, Mrs. Trent and Lady Dury will attend as well. Mrs. Clare, your aqquaintances in London will increase by at least five come tomorrow afternoon, so you shan't worry!" She said happily. She enjoyed these weekly meetings, and delighted in meeting her friends, something that was difficult in the throngs of the ballrooms and assemblies.

Philip listened, and then when Daphne finished, he spoke. " Actually, I have received news of your brother's intended arrival within the next few days." He said, revealing his reason for seeking his wife out.

Daphne was surprised and her eyes widened. " Damien? How utterly unpredictable of him." She tsked away, wondering at what her older brother might be doing, arriving in London. He had previously be called away on business on his estates. His courtesy title as Viscount Torrington did not entail him any responsibility regarding the main line's investments, but Damien had always found idly staying at home beyond him. Since graduation, he had cast his keen business sense over the markets, and now dealt extensively with horseflesh, land, and high risk investments. The adrenaline afforded him much entertainment.

Aside, to Mrs. Clare, she explained. " My mother has been trying to get Damien 'on the market' as it were. Now that he's willingly here, it might simply hail her from her country home and down here in days!"

Selina smiled gratefully. "An increase of five would be a dream." And nearly all titled.

What the Duke said next though was quite possibly the best thing Selina had heard in days. A single young man, brother of the charming duchess, was coming to town. Her ears pricked and she could not help looking at the pair with eyes that shone a little more than usual. At the Duchess' explanation she tried to control her breathing and replied with only moderate interest, "Oh indeed? How delightful it will be for you to have your brother with you, Lady Beaumont. But I wonder what it took to bring him to London at last! Alas, I only have sisters so I do not know the hardships involved in finding a wife for a son or brother. But I am sure you will find him a charming bride, your Grace."

Daphne resisted from letting out a completely unladylike snort. Really now, it would be a pleasure to have Damien around, but she was not looking forward to her mother's impending letters regarding her oldest son's marital progresses. Just earlier that week, she had recieved a missive stating that she (daphne) must indeed do her duty to her brother in ensuring that he makes a match. Afterall, even the Marquess of Emerson is looking to marry (or so the gossips say) and Damien, being 2 years the Marquess' senior, should have long been ensconced in the country with a wife and ten children!

Daphne had taken a day, two glasses of sherry and many drafts of hilarious before finally replying, with many of Ally's ancedotes, saying that she, as the Duchess of Beaumont, will enlist the relevant help to secure Damien's match. Now, a week later, she supposed that her mother will be ecstatic by the sudden turn of events and probably arrive in town hot on Damien's heels.

" And I too, Mrs Clare..." Daphne nodded in agreement. " As Viscount Torrington, he does not have much to do when regarding the family's affairs, but he takes interests in investments and several other ventures."

" As for the bride, I doubt he will allow me to, unless he meets a lady that charms him first."

Raphael wondered how one can meet so many people in a short span of time- and by standing on the same spot, no less!

His mother had finished introducing the youngest of the four Burleton daughters(thank goodness for that) when Cynthia said that she had spotted some of her friends. His sister, fortunately or unfortunately asked him to be excused so that he may accompany her. Elaine had reluctantly allowed his son to go and turned back to the four daughters and their mother for conversation.

"Where is Whitleaf, sister? Should it not be his job to accompany you?" Rafe whispered, irritated at the meeting another bunch of females. Cynthia tsked at him softly.

"Colin is in the cardroom and I would think you should know by now I am only saving you from Mama's match-making urges. You should be grateful. Besides I am sure you will like the company of my friends."

Still a little dubious but less annoyed Rafe asked, "And which of these friends have you seen, dear sister?"

"The Duchess of Beaumont and Viscountess Tessington, dear brother. And rest assured, they are wonderful company."

Rafe nodded, he had met both ladies a few times and he found their company better than most.

Raphael guided Cynthia towards the said females when he saw the with the duke beside his wife and another lady with them. Curious at the presence of another female he had yet met he questioned softly, "A friend of yours, as well?" Cynthia responded by shaking her head delicately. She said she had yet to meet the lady but maybe she was one of the Duchess' friends.

When they were close enough Cynthia waved at the group of ladies and the duke.

"Oh, it's wonderful to see you again Daphne, Alethea, Your Grace." Cynthia said happily(though she was younger than both she had managed to form a friendship with the two ladies through her sister, Tabitha), "I hope you remember my brother, Raphael, the Duke of Edencourt." Though curious about the lady she had yet to meet Cynthia waited for the duchess or Lady Tessington for introduction.

Viscount Torrington... Viscountess Torrington... Lady Selina Torrington... It did have a certain ring to it. She pulled her attention back to her future husband's delighful sister and what she was saying. "We must only hope therefore that he is charmed by a lady of whom you approve," replied Selina with a somewhat ingratiating simper.

At that moment, they were approached by a gentleman and lady, clearly of very good birth, who seemed to be very well acquainted with the Duchess and Viscountess, judging by the ladies addressing them by their Christian names. Selina watched the gentleman out of the corner of her eye and tried to catch his while the ladies were greeting each other. To say he was handsome would be an understatement...

Daphne's smile brightened at Selina's words. Such a well brought up Lady, she thought. But then, that light in her eyes diminished when a voice was added into their company, addressing her and Alethea by first names.

She ignored the lady, but addressed the man. " Edencourt. A pleasure to see you in town again."

Alethea, however, had different ideals. " Lady Whitleaf, once again, a pleasure to have my christian name heralded to the ton for their hearing." She said, somewhat sardonically. Her large expressive eyes were the epitome of boredom as she viewed the woman. And while she was happy to claim friendship with the lady's sister, Tabitha, she hardly recalled giving her, the younger, leave to be addressed by such terms of familiarity.

Daphne herself was indignant, but refused to say a word, except display that haughty countenance that made duchesses such a rare breed. Only one with such breeding would be able to truly look down her nose at another in such class. And even though she was not accustomed to throwing her weight with her name, such behavior could not be condoned. It simply was not done!

Duchesses, especially those of a certain station were addressed with formality, unless those considered amongst boudoir bows, which of course, was limited to a fair few, one of which was Viscountess Tessington. Daphne addressed Mrs Clare before Lady Whitleaf to emphasize her point. " Yes, on that I would have to agree with you, Mrs. Clare." She said with a warm smile. Only after that did she turn to Lady Whitleaf and spoke with her directly.

" Allow me to present Mrs. Clare, a new friend of mine, and a guest of mine at Beaumont House for tea tomorrow." She said with a serene smile, the tone meaning a thousand words. It was known that ladies of the ton had their little groups, but it was also known that certain groups certainly had more to say than others.

((OOC: snowy, I would not have anyone presume an aquaintance with my characters without prior notice, especially not one on such familiar terms. If you wish to edit, feel free, but if not, Cynthia is welcome to respond.))

Selina watched the two ladies' differing reactions to the newcomers and was not quite sure how to respond. Clearly Lady Whitleaf had been guilty of a breach of etiquette... and yet the woman looked so genteel and her companion so gentlemanly, that Selina hardly wanted to get on their bad side.

When she had been introduced, however, she did put on her best smile and said with a curtsy, "I am very pleased to make your acquaintance, Lady Whitleaf. And I must say how delightful it is to meet so very many agreeable people. I had not expected such a welcome in London; I am quite overwhelmed."

She wondered who the gentleman was. She sneaked another glance at him. Definitely handsome. Lady Beaumont had addressed him as Edencourt. Was that a name or title, she wondered.

Daphne cleared her throat, taking in Lady Whitleaf's reaction and tactfully covering up that awkward silence. Alethea had times where she spoke what she meant before she phrased it in a more tactful manner, and this was one of the times. Saying such a sentence to a sister of a peer was not a concern of hers; both her and Alethea had been around long enough to know of the rules of the ton. They knew, rules did not apply to duchesses neither did they apply to Viscountesses with fortunes, who happened to be the daughters of a marquesses.

Daphne did not mean to be particularly insulting, but there were some reactions that couldn't be helped. "Mrs. Clare, I was particularly wondering, would you be attending the Emerson's Ball on Sunday? Lady Emerson sent out the invitations earlier this week."

(ooc: Sorry rose! it's short!)

((OOC: Eek, I forgot I hadn't replied here! Sorry, Lin!))

The Emersons' ball? The name meant something to her, but she did not think she had heard it in London.

Her smile faltered. "Oh dear, I believe I may have a prior engagement that evening. Such a shame... I was very disappointed, you may be sure."

There was no way Selina was going to own up to this clearly critical sign of her newness in Town and lack of acquaintance, to somebody as important as the Duchess.

"I assume you will all be attending, however?" she addressed the party at large.

Daphne nodded. " Yes, we will, be attending." She took a glance at her husband, and Philip gave an almost imperceptible nod. To be sure, the Werlingtons would attend, simply because Madeline, the dowager, was friends with the Marchioness, and thus would definitely be present to see Lady Emerson's two charges make their bow.

" The Marchioness of Emerson holds a ball near the beginning of every season, and then a house party later on. These have become common fixtures for us town people.." Lady Tessington said with a chuckle. " This year especially, since Lady Emerson has two girls to bring out. Miss Hampton, over there, with the white blond hair, and Miss Pritchard, on the other end with Lord Linley."

At this moment, the musicians signaled for the set to be beginning. Philip looked to his wife, before wondering vaguely if Mrs Clare had a partner for this dance. If not, it would simply not be polite to leave in the middle of the conversation. Viscount Tessington, however, did not have such qualms, and had appeared at Alethea's side as she scanned about the room for him. Without further ado, the Viscount and Viscountess excused themselves to take their place in the set.

Tactfully, Daphne smiled at Selina, as if in spiritual encouragement that men would seek her out in a few minutes.

Selina followed the Duchess' gaze and saw the two young ladies in question, or who she thought they were. Very pretty young ladies who would no doubt be popular were the gentlemen and who were currently joining the sets with handsome partners. Selina felt a rush of jealousy and regret for not having ever had a London season.

"Oh indeed, very nice looking girls."

And then the music started up. Selina did not yet have a partner for the opening dance and she felt rather disappointed when the Viscount and Viscountess left. Seeing the Duke and Duchess look at each other, she gave a little laugh. "Please, you must join the set. I believe I see someone I know," she finished vaguely.

Fortunately she had spotted her one other acquaintance, Lady Imogen, so this was not a complete lie.

She said her goodbyes and that she was looking forward to the tea the following day and watched them move off towards the dancing, before wandering vaguely in the direction of Lady Imogen, fanning herself and smiling sweetly at various people that she passed.