"You are very kind, Septimius," Lady Abbott said gratefully. Her son, the young Marquis of Rowley, was married. His income was adequate, but hardly allowed for a generous allowance to be expended on his youngest sister. And worse, when she had returned home from Morgan Court, his wife had voiced objections to Sirena having a season at all.

"Augustus," Charlotte had said pettishly to her husband while in his mother's presence, "Sirena's dowry is hardly worth mentioning. I don't know who will have her. Couldn't we find a husband for her here in the country? I understand Squire Roberts has a fine son who is ready to take a wife. It seems foolish to expend our monies on a season in London for your sister."

The dowager marchioness had been outraged by her daughter-in-law's mean words. She had always tried to keep a good relationship with Gussie's wife, but this was intolerable. "My dear Charlotte," she said in icy tones that sent a shiver down her only son's spine. "Your dowry was not particularly overgenerous I recall, and yet you managed to attract my son's affections. You are married five years now, and have produced no heir. Still, I do not complain. Sirena's dowry was set aside by her father, God rest my darling husband, as were the monies for Sirena's debut in London. My daughter shall have her season!"

"And where will you reside?" the foolish Charlotte demanded. "We may go up for the season."

"I am sponsoring my niece, Allegra Morgan. Lord Morgan has invited us to live in his house on Berkley Square," Lady Abbott replied silkily. "Everything is already arranged, and we shall leave for London on the first of March."

"You could stay at Abbott House, Mama," her son said generously, to his wife's pique.

"Good heavens, Gussie, I should hope not!" Lady Abbott said loftily. "It is much too small, and not on the most fashionable of streets, I fear. We do want Sirena to make a good impression, don't we? Besides, I expect you and Charlotte will be filling the house with all your friends. It will hardly be the place for a young girl." She smiled at the couple.