Elise bit back a sudden urge to cheer. Well done, Sophie. That had certainly spiked Cairstine’s triumph over snagging a titled date.

“He asked you?” Cairstine asked, apparently seeking clarification.

“Aye,” Sophie said.

Dead silence.

“Yet just another area in which Mr. Matthews displays incomparable acumen.” Elise lifted her teacup as though to toast her sister.

No one would feel sorry for Sophie at the Jumpers Ball when Cairstine entered on Ahern’s arm, not with a man like Zander Matthews as an escort. Warmth spread through Elise, and she glanced at her mother beside her.

A pleased smile hovered on Mother’s lips. “We’ll have quite a party. Too bad Roddy isn’t attending this year.”

Elise raised her brows. “I’d call that a good omen.”

“I completely agree.” Cairstine popped another miniature cream puff into her mouth and chewed.

Sophie nodded as well.

“What’s gotten into you girls?” Mother asked. “Don’t you think it would be lovely to see Roddy again? He’s been gone for ages.”

“Good thing,” Elise muttered into her teacup.

Sophie kicked her ankle and frowned.

“Oh, Mummy. Roddy . . .” Cairstine let the words dwindle.

Elise and her sisters had little in common, but on the topic of Roddy, each agreed. Their charming, charismatic brother was an utter disgrace.

Two years ago on assignment, Elise had extricated Roddy when he’d become entangled with an oil magnate’s daughter with ties to nefarious dealings.

“I’m excited to see what the hairstylist will do to my hair.” Sophie tactfully changed the subject.

Just yesterday, Mother had booked a hair and makeup artist recommended by one of her cronies.

“I daresay each of you girls will show to best advantage and do your father and me proud. We aren’t getting any younger you know. It might be nice if one of you actually settled down and started a family.”

Elise closed her eyes. Mother wanted grandchildren and was tired of waiting for her four offspring to take the hint. She had all but washed her hands of Elise. Lately, her eyes had settled on Cairstine. Baby sister had better watch out. When Mother set her mind to something, she usually obtained it.

Would Cairstine prove more biddable than Elise had at that age? And if Mother pushed, would Ahern willingly give up his freedom for such a silly girl? Either way, Sophie’s heart would break.

Elise’s skin prickled, and she glanced once more at her mother. Two indentations marred the skin between her perfectly tweezed brows. Though Elise had done nothing to incur her attention, she had the distinct impression that she, and not her sisters, had somehow rekindled Mother’s crusading spirit.