Annie Burrows - The Viscount and the Virgin

January, 1815. London

I mogen Hebden knew it was no use blaming the Veryan sisters when her first ball ended so disastrously.

Not that it was all that much of a ball. There was scarcely anyone in town so soon after Christmas. But that, as her aunt had pointed out, was all to the good. Imogen could experience the flavour of a select Ton gathering at Mrs Leemings soire without exposing herself to anyone that really mattered.

Still, Imogen had been really pleased when a gentle man had actually asked her to dance. Even though it was with the rather wooden expression of a man bent on doing his duty by the nights resident wall flower.

Mr Dysart had looked bored through out the set, and the moment the music had ended, accorded her a very stiff bow, and high tailed it to the card room.

That had been when she noticed that one of the three sets of ruffles on her skirt had come adrift and was hanging down in an untidy loop at the back. She did not think Mr Dysart had been responsible. She would have felt it if he had trodden on her hem. Besides, he had maintained a good arms length from her at all times. No, it was far more likely that she had snagged it on the chair leg when she had leapt up in response to her first invitation to dance at her first, sort of, ball.

She had begun to make her way to the retiring room so she could pin it up, when the Honourable Miss Penelope Veryan, flanked on one side by her younger sister Charlotte, and on the other by her friend Lady Verity Carlow, had moved to block her path.

I do hope you enjoyed your dance with Mr Dysart, Penelope had cooed, with a smile that did not reach her eyes. But I do feel I should warn you not to place too much hope in that quarter. He is a particular friend of mine, and only asked you to dance because he knows we are taking an interest in you.

Mr Dysarts behaviour now made perfect sense. Lots of people were keen to curry favour with the wealthy and influential Veryan family. It was a little disappointing to learn that Mr Dysart had not sought her out for her own sake. But at least now, she would not have to pretend to like him when she ran across him again. It was strange, but during the whole year she had been living with Lady Callandar, though she had been introduced to a great many people, she could not say she liked any of them all that much.

I suppose you expect me to thank you, mused Imogen aloud, though she was not at all sure she was grateful for Penelopes interference. She thought it might have been preferable to have sat on the side lines all night, rather than have a man dance with her only because he sought Penelopes good opinion or, rather, that of her father, Lord Ked din ton.

There had been a flash of anger in Penelopes eyes, but with her customary poise, she quelled it almost at once.

How is your court dress coming along? hastily put in Lady Verity.

Imogen turned to her with relief. Although she had absolutely nothing in common with the supremely fashionable Lady Verity, who never seemed to think about anything but dresses and parties, at least there was not an ounce of malice in her.

I have had the final fitting, Imogen replied.

Do you not like it? Charlotte pounced on Imogens less than enthusiastic response. I heard that Lady Callandar hired the very best modiste, and spent an extortionate amount on yards and yards of the most ex qui site Brussels lace!