"The house my father gave us as a wedding gift is on a perfectly good street!" Charlotte burst out, stung.

"Perhaps, my dear," her mother-in-law purred, "but it is not Berkley Square now, is it?" She smiled again, pleased to have put the aggravating chit back in her place. "I'm certain Septimius will invite you to all the parties he is giving for Allegra. After all, she is Gussie's cousin, isn't she?"

"She is a most delightful, but naughty puss," the Marquess of Rowley said with a fond chuckle. "I have always been quite taken with Allegra. But when she and Sirena get together all hell is apt to break loose!" He chuckled again. "You are going to have your hands full, Mama," he said, waggling a finger at her.

"Which is why I shall enjoy a quiet summer back here in the country," his mother said with a smile.

"If the girls bag themselves husbands, Mama, you shall have no peace at all this summer, for you shall be busy planning their weddings. I know that my uncle Septimius depends upon you in such matters, and when Allegra marries, it will be quite the spectacle, I think."

"Miss Morgan has little hope of making a particularly distinguished match," Charlotte interjected. "She may be rich, but her blood is barely blue, and her mama's disgraceful behavior can hardly recommend her, or be overlooked. Is there not a saying, like mother, like daughter?"

"Allegra's mother, you may recall, Charlotte, was my youngest sister," Lady Abbott said. "Her unfortunate conduct cannot reflect on my niece any more than it can reflect upon me, or any children you might finally bear. What twaddle you babble, my dear!"

"Have you ever heard from Aunt Pandora since she ran away, Mama?" Augustus asked, curious.