She saw Lucius’s pained expression and added coaxingly, “Just look at it as an investment. If you turn me out creditably, I shall find a husband in my first Season and you will have no more to do with me."

"You're more likely to find trouble in your first Season." Lucius stepped toward the drawing room. "May we go in, Maria? Or must we stand here and discuss our family affairs for all the servants to hear?"

Maria took Lucius by the elbow and entered the drawing room. When everyone had been seated and tea had been ordered, Lucius turned to Maria. “So tell me about this ball. Who is likely to come?"

"Preparing yourself, are you?" His sister snapped her fingers and indicated for George to take a seat, which he did reluctantly.

"In a sense, yes. I would like to know who to be on the watch for." Lucius set his teacup down and crossed his leg.

“And you said we will have up to thirty couples for dancing,” Philippa added, her eager eyes flitting from Maria’s face to Lucius’s. “You promised. Lucius, you don't mean to forbid me to dance, I hope. After all, this is not London. And Mama has no problem allowing me to dance in the local assemblies.”

"No, I don't intend to put a spoke in your wheel,” he said. “I just ask that you behave with circumspection. I haven’t forgotten how you flirted with Barnsworth when we had them to dinner for Christmas."

George, who had been lounging in his seat, gave a bark of laughter. "I never saw such a poor bumbling fool. He is half in love with you already and prepared to make you an offer, I believe, but you slipped away before he could muster the courage.”

“Oh, as to that," Philippa said with a look of scorn. "How can you think I would be interested in someone like Mr. Barnsworth? He was just someone merely to pass the time."

Lucius stopped her with a lift of his hand. "And that is precisely the thing I am concerned about. In particular, you are to stay away from Lord Harrowden—”

“Lord Harrowden?” Philippa rolled her eyes. “Lud, whatever would I find to talk about with him?”

“I am prepared to let you enjoy the ball,” Maria interjected, “but please keep your decorum and behave like a lady. Don't go flirting with all the young gentlemen there.”

“You will have time enough to do that during your Season,” Lucius said, smiling at Philippa’s youthful impatience and knowing that she was chafing under the combined direction of two older siblings. Fortunately, she and George were too close in age for him to add his mite.

Philippa clasped her hands together. "So you are prepared to host me in London?"

Lucius shot his older sister a look. "Surely Maria can host. Holbeck has a big house in London, and even if the location is not as easy to get to as mine, it is perfectly suited to the purpose. And you will have more invitations coming to a married woman than you will to my house."