“Handsome coat, George. Where did you have it made?" Lucius had not displayed such good taste when he was George’s age. In fact, he still did not show to advantage next to his younger brother. He did not care enough to wear anything uncomfortable.

“This?” George said. “I had it made by a tailor in Oxford. He is reputed to be as good as Schultz. And I learned how to tie the ornamental.” He lifted his chin, showing his perfectly tied cravat. “As you can see, I have quite the hand. It has only taken me three tries." He grinned.

"If only you had such a light touch with cattle," Lucius said.

“I only overturned once, and you refuse to let it go,” George protested with a laugh.

Maria came up to them, wringing her hands. “The guests will be arriving shortly, and the ones staying here have already come down. Can one of you please go find Philippa?"

“Not I,” George said. “I have promised to get the pair of cards and dice that are in my room.” He walked off in brisk strides without a backward glance.

Maria was looking at Lucius expectantly, and he exhaled. "I will fetch Philippa. I assume she's in the yellow room?"

Maria nodded, her eyes widening at the thud of the front door knocker. “Hurry. She ought to be standing in the receiving line with me, and—oh, Charles. There you are. Lucius is going to fetch Philippa. You and I must—”

Holbeck bore down on his wife, his expression intent. “Maria, I just saw Downing. What in the world brought you to invite him—”

Maria hissed in exasperation. “He knows Mr. Gregson from London. Look, Lucius is here.”

Holbeck became aware of his surroundings and gave a stiff nod. “Evening, Lucius.” He took his wife by the elbow and led her to the entrance, and Lucius left to find his younger sister.

Philippa was coming out of her room when Lucius turned into the upstairs corridor where her bedroom was. She stopped short and flashed a guilty look. “Am I late? I was just coming down."

"Yes. Maria is asking for you. People are already arriving.” Lucius bent and kissed her cheek. “You look very nice for your first ball.”

Philippa flushed. “Do you really think so? I had the hardest time deciding between two dresses.”

“Yes, Maria told me.”

“I know it was vexing to her, but I couldn’t help it,” Philippa said. “She has clearly forgotten what it’s like to attend one’s first ball.”

“Without a doubt. Age does that to one,” Lucius replied, causing Philippa to giggle. He took her by the elbow and steered her down the stairs. “Come along. If I don’t convey you with all speed to Maria, there is no telling what she will do. Between you and George, she is half distracted.”

Philippa opened her mouth to retort as they approached the front entrance, but Lucius was too quick. “Maria, she was just on her way down,” he said, before leaving Philippa with a small wink. If he could escape Philippa’s lengthy explanation of how unjust Maria was, his evening would already prove to be halfway successful.