“I believe it is.” Mia placed her fingertips on his sleeve, and they walked to the dance floor for a country reel. The reel was her favorite dance—so lively and fun.
Audrey watched her youngersister as she was led away. “I think she’ll do well this Season, don’t you, my dear?”
Fletcher nodded. “Yes, if we can keep her exuberance at bay. I could see quite a few of the matrons frowning at how loudly she was laughing earlier.”
“Don’t worry about that,” Lady Devon said. “Some of those women would take issue if she breathed too deeply. As long as Miss Parker doesn’t make any serious missteps, there won’t be any scandal. No one who’s been in her company can deny that she has a magnetic quality that draws people in. Her enthusiasm is contagious to all who meet her.”
“Hmmm…serious missteps are what I’m afraid of,” Fletcher said. “We want her to be exposed to only the best of theton, not to unscrupulous gentlemen.”
“Lord Fletcher, you may be right on that account. I would advise that one of you keep her in your sight at all times. She’s young, and young people sometimes do foolish things. We wouldn’t want her to be caught in a compromising position and have her Season end in tears,” Lady Devon said.
“We’ll be careful,” Audrey said. “Thank you, Lady Devon. I so appreciate your sound advice, especially since I never participated in a full Season myself. The few activities I attended did not really constitute a Season.”
“My dear, for the limited engagements you attended, you were a bright star. No one could deny your elegance and poise at the musical evening. Your voice captivated everyone.”
Audrey smiled at the compliment. “You’re too kind, Lady Devon.”
The older woman waved that away. “I only speak the truth, my dear. Oh, I almost forgot. I’ve heard from Lady Clifford,” Lady Devon said. “She and Sir Samuel will be arriving in London soon.”
“How is she getting on at the Faulkner estate? It was quite a shock when Mr. Clifford’s brother died,” Lord Fletcher said. “I didn’t get a chance to talk to her much at the funeral.”
“It was a terrible shock indeed, but from her letters, she and Sir Samuel are settling in as best they can. Sir Samuel’s brother’s accident was quite tragic. He was so young.”
“I’m so looking forward to seeing them again,” Audrey said. “I dearly miss my friend.”
“I miss my daughter as well, my dear, and I’m anxious to see my grandchildren again.”
“Would you ladies care for a glass of lemonade?” Fletcher asked.
“Yes, thank you, Fletcher,” Lady Devon said. “It’s quite stuffy in here.”
Audrey shook her head. “No, I’m fine.”
He nodded and walked off to the refreshment table.
When the music ended, Mr. Thompson brought Mia back to her sister before bowing and leaving to find his next partner.
“That was thrilling,” Mia exclaimed. “Mr. Thompson is a surprisingly good dancer.”
“That’s why it’s always in your best interests to keep an open mind about those who approach you,” Lady Devon said. “People can surprise you sometimes.”
“So true. I’m parched, though.”
“Fletcher went for some lemonade. He’ll return in a moment,” Audrey said.
“I’ll go meet him,” Mia said, scurrying away before Audrey could catch her arm.
Lady Devon rolled her eyes. “You’d better follow her, my dear. Just to be safe, you understand?”
“Of course. Please excuse me,” Audrey said as she scanned the crowd to catch a glimpse of her sister. “Which way did she go?” she murmured.
Both Audrey and Lady Devon looked around, but there was no sign of Mia. She’d seemingly been swallowed up by the crowd.
Fletcher returned a moment later, and Audrey whispered, “Did you see Mia?”
“Didn’t she come back to you after the dance?” he asked.
“Yes. I told her you were getting lemonades, and she said she’d meet you.”