"Will you need the coach to get up to London?" the marquess asked his mother, ignoring his wife's silly outburst as indeed he hoped his mama would. While he loved Charlotte, even he was ofttimes embarrassed by her tactlessness.

Lady Abbott gave her son a small smile, and patted his hand reassuringly. "No, m'dear, I will not. Septimius's traveling coach will convey us all to London in style."

"I hear the fittings on his vehicle are real silver-not gilt," Charlotte said.

"I believe they are," Lady Abbott replied. "Sirena and I are going to travel to Morgan Court in a few days, and from there up to London. I should appreciate the use of your carriage, Gussie, for that short journey."

"Of course, Mama," the marquess replied dutifully.

"But what if that is the day I wish to go visit my sister?" Charlotte whined.

"If it is," her husband said, "I shall drive you to Lavinia's in the Stanhope gig myself, my precious."

"Oh," Charlotte said, brightening, "I should like that!"

The drawing room door opened at that moment, and Lady Sirena Abbott entered, a packet in her hand. She was a very pretty girl with golden blond hair, and blue eyes with just the hint of gray in them. Her complexion was one of the most favored and in fashion- peaches and cream. "Mama, this has just come for you from Uncle Septimius," she said breathlessly. "I think it must be our traveling schedule." Then remembering her manners she curtsied properly to her sister-in-law, but hugged her brother enthusiastically. "Ohh, Gussie, isn't it exciting? I'm going to London with Allegra! We have both decided that we are going to be Incomparables, and have all the gentlemen at our feet. We shall only consider the men who fight duels over us for husbands!"