“I would like that very much, thank you.” Sabrina had no idea what to do next. The concept of seduction wasn’t just foreign, it was wholly intimidating.
Two young women came toward them. Sabrina knew one—it was her sister-in-law, Cassandra, who was marvelously gowned in peach silk—but did not recognize the other.
“Sabrina!” Cassandra greeted her. Of all the people in her husband’s family, his younger sister was by far the loveliest. She was also the only one Sabrina felt truly comfortable with. Although after her meeting with Lucien the other day, she’d changed her opinion of him.
Sabrina clasped her sister-in-law’s hands. “Good evening, Cassandra. You look magnificent. How is your Season? You must have a trail of suitors following you about.”
Cassandra laughed without humor. “Actually, no. I am beginning to think my father is just too fearsome. Allow me to introduce my new companion, Miss Prudence Lancaster. Pru is the best sort, and I am so fortunate her previous employer married quickly so that she could become my companion instead.” She glanced toward her companion. “Pru, allow me to present Lady Aldington.”
Golden-haired and pale-eyed, Miss Lancaster had a slightly ethereal quality to her. Her slender frame and alabaster complexion likely contributed to that. “I’m pleased to make your acquaintance, my lady.” Miss Lancaster made an elegant curtsey.
“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Miss Lancaster. I am so glad Cassandra has a companion of a similar age. She is hopelessly trapped with men in her family.”
“I was until you came along,” Cassandra said. “Though I’d hoped you would spend more time in London.” She uttered the last with a wistful tone that carried no admonition. Still, Sabrina felt a pang of guilt. Cassandra had been ecstatic when her brother had wed, especially to someone so close to her in age. Sabrina was only a year older.
“I’m sorry,” Sabrina murmured, looking into Cassandra’s sherry-colored eyes. While Cassandra shared the same gender as Sabrina, that was about all they shared in common. Cassandra possessed a confidence and magnetism, like her brother Lucien, that had initially intimidated Sabrina. “I’m going to be more involved in this Season, so you must tell me how I can help you with your debut. Is your aunt still sponsoring you?”
“For what it’s worth.” Cassandra snorted softly. “You know how she is.”
Yes, Sabrina did know. Flighty and unreliable.
“Perhaps I should take over as your sponsor,” Sabrina mused aloud, surprising herself. She never would have had the thought before, let alone voiced it.
Cassandra’s eyes lit. “That would be wonderful! If my father would allow it.” She pressed her lips together and glanced toward Prudence, who only lifted a shoulder in response.
“I bet he can be persuaded,” Evie said. “Speak with your brothers and gain their support.”
Sabrina warmed to this idea. “Yes, we’ll get Aldington to champion this cause, and the duke will have no quarrel with it. He grants Aldington everything.”
Cassandra’s brow arched. “You think so?”
Didn’t he? It seemed that way to Sabrina. Aldington was the favorite son while Lucien was a dissolute scoundrel and Cassandra was somewhat ignored. That twinge of guilt intensified.
“Perhaps my perspective is not a very good one,” Sabrina admitted.
“You aren’t entirely wrong—Father will listen to Con more than he’ll pay any heed to me or Lu.”
“Then I will speak with Aldington about this as soon as possible,” Sabrina said, even as she wondered what her husband would say—both about her initiative as well as acting as his sister’s chaperone. She was certainly above reproach and would be far more engaged than their aunt.
Evie’s eyes sparkled with enthusiasm as she glanced toward Sabrina. “What an excellent solution for everyone.” Evidently, she thought this might help Sabrina’s cause with Aldington—or so it seemed. Sabrina would find out for sure when she spoke with Evie in a more private setting tomorrow.
Sabrina smiled at Miss Lancaster. “Have you been with Cassandra long?”
“Just a few days.”
“She was previously companion to Miss Wingate—Overton’s ward. But they are now on their way to Gretna Green. If I didn’t adore Fiona so much, the romanticism of it would make me nauseated with envy.” Cassandra let out an exaggerated sigh. “Honestly, I’m envious anyway. They are so very much in love.”
Sabrina felt a flash of envy too. She’d had no expectations for her marriage but was coming to realize that perhaps she had nurtured a bit of hope for…something.
“They are also the most popular piece of gossip,” Evie noted. “Some find their pairing scandalous, but since his grandmother has not only given her blessing but taken credit for the match, they are keeping their opinions quiet.”
Cassandra’s gaze darkened. “Still, you hear about them. Some people should mind their own business. Or better yet, go away. They won’t be missed.”
“Why the angry face, sister?” Lucien approached them, and he was not alone. Two gentlemen accompanied him, but Sabrina wasn’t sure she’d met either of them.
“Just grumbling about busybodies. Good evening, Lu.” Turning from her brother, Cassandra dipped a brief curtsey to the black-haired rogue—yes, rogue was the best description for his dashing good looks with piercing blue eyes and a slightly crooked nose—and then to the attractive almond-skinned gentleman with a captivating coffee-colored gaze flecked with gold. “Lord Wexford, Mr. MacNair.”
“Good evening, Lady Cassandra.” The rogue’s Irish brogue lilted over them like a warm wool blanket. He bowed toward Sabrina. “You must be Lady Aldington. It is my distinct honor to make your acquaintance, my lady.”
It was hard not to feel flattered by his charming language and the utterly beguiling twinkle in his eye. She curtsied. “Good evening, Lord Wexford. I’m pleased to meet you.”
“Sabrina, allow me to also present Mr. Dougal MacNair. His father is the Earl of Stirling.”
MacNair bowed just as elegantly as Wexford, but he made the addition of taking her hand. “Your beauty far exceeds your reputation, my lady. Lucien’s brother is a fortunate man.” He flashed a smile so bright and infectious that Sabrina couldn’t help but smile in return.
“You are too kind, Mr. MacNair,” she murmured as he released her hand.
Cassandra turned to her brother, touching his sleeve. “Lu, you and Con—mostly Con—are going to persuade Father that Sabrina should take over duties as my sponsor.”
“Entirely Con,” Lucien clarified benignly. “After my success in persuading him to hire Miss Lancaster, I’d best not push my luck. This is a brilliant idea and I wholly endorse it.” He looked to Sabrina. “Are you up to the challenge?”
“Of course she is,” Evie answered with a quick certainty. “She’s more than capable of chaperoning the Season’s brightest jewel.” Which would put Sabrina in the center of attention. While she knew this was at least part of her goal, it now seemed terrifying.
Have confidence, Sabrina.
Lucien smiled at her with enough confidence for himself and Sabrina. “Yes, she is.” His gaze moved over Sabrina’s head toward the doorway. “If it isn’t my brother.”