“Isobel, my love, please do not scowl so, it is your come out. You are supposed to be enjoying yourself, not looking as if you are about to have a tooth pulled.”

Her dear aunt’s kindly reminder caused Isobel to relax. “I beg your pardon, Aunt Laura, you are right to chide me. It’s just that I feel over large and I was wishing I were a foot and a half shorter tonight.”

Petunia stretched up to kiss her cheek. “You are the most beautiful woman here, like a goddess, so tall and elegant. With your lovely red-gold curls and huge green eyes I’m certain you shall be the talk of the town.”

“You are dear to say so, cousin, and I love you for it. However I can’t tell you how unpleasant it is to be staring at the top of a gentleman’s head all night.”

Her companions were still laughing when the first guests were announced. Uncle Benjamin, who had been absent from the line, hurried to join them, brushing cigar ash from his person as he did so. He’d been blowing a cloud in the billiard room and no doubt downing a steadying brandy or two.

He beamed at her. “My dears, I shall be the proudest man in London tonight. I expect to be beating off your many suitors with a stick before the evening is finished.” He winked at her as he took his place beside his wife. He knew how she felt and appreciated, as no other person did, what a sacrifice she was making in order to save her family from disaster.

“I think you are a trifle premature, Uncle. However there are a prodigious amount of people invited, it would be churlish of me not to find someone to make me an offer when there is so much choice.” His laughter made several heads turn in their direction. “I am deeply grateful for the opportunity you have given me, my lord. Tonight I shall make an effort to simper and flutter my eyelids in exactly the way Pet has shown me.”