"It's still rather scary," Meggie said. "I suspect the balls here are very different from ours in Glenclose-on-Rowan."

"People are the same," Alex said. "It's just the gowns and jewels that are more splendid."

"Some people are idiots," said Douglas.

"And some are not," Alex said. "Just like at home."

"However," Douglas said, "as I told you, if any man does anything that makes you uncomfortable, you will immediately tell him to take himself off. Then you will show me the clod and I will feed him a few choice words."

"Yes, Douglas is quite good at that, although he hasn't had much practice for a long time."

Douglas sighed, crossed his arms over his chest. "Just think, Alex. In a couple of years all the boys will be let loose on London. Can you begin to imagine the sorts of messes they will embroil us in?"

Alex groaned.

Meggie laughed. She thought of their twin boys, James and Jason-the most beautiful males she'd ever seen in her life. She rolled her eyes, thinking of the two of them strolling into a ballroom and hoards of wide-eyed ladies swooning in ecstasy.

Lord and Lady Ranleigh greeted their guests at the bottom of the grand staircase that led up to their pride and joy-a ballroom occupying the entire second floor.

"The first Sherbrooke offspring to appear in Society," Lady Ranleigh said, smiling at Meggie. "You are blessed with your family, my dear. There are many people eager to meet you. I trust you will enjoy yourself."

Meggie said, "Oh yes, ma'am, Aunt Alex says I am to dance holes in my slippers."

Meggie continued to smile, to laugh, to make jests with all sorts of people who were perfectly pleasant to her. Young gentlemen came by to meet her and stayed or asked her to dance. It was just before the midnight dinner that she saw a tall man she knew looked familiar. She cocked her head to one side as she stared at him.