The duchess came to join them, and at a signal from Hadrian, the footman opened the front door. A steady stream of guests began to flow into house, ladies in fine gowns and jewels escorted by gentlemen in well-tailored formal garb. Since she was not part of the receiving line, Lizzy disappeared into the crowd with her husband, the Marquess of Wrenbury, a quiet, fair-haired man who obviously adored his wife. Some people lingered in the entrance hall, while others headed upstairs toward the discordant sounds of the orchestra tuning their instruments in the ballroom.

Natalie’s flutter of nerves swiftly dissipated as she concentrated on matching faces with the names spoken by the duchess and Hadrian. Everyone, it seemed, was curious about their American guest, and the reactions were generally friendly, especially from the gentlemen. Since Hadrian and the duchess had quietly spread word prior to the ball, no one seemed offended that she offered her hand instead of curtsying to the peers and peeresses. Only a few ladies wore snooty stares, notably Lady Birdsall and her blond daughters, Lady Eugenie and Lady Cora, who had called on the day that Natalie had brought her grandfather here for the first time.

Despite her earlier apprehension, she felt remarkably relaxed amid the buzz of conversation and the pleasure of greeting new faces. The situation brought a nostalgic reminder of the parties she’d hosted with her father back when he’d served in the Senate. This ball might be much larger and grander, but it filled her with the same effervescence of excitement.

She smiled warmly on seeing her grandfather and cousin Giles. Sir Basil planted a kiss on the duchess’s cheek, much to her girlish delight, and then shook the duke’s hand. “I trust you’ve been treating my granddaughter with the respect she deserves, Clayton.”

“Always, sir.” Though his manner was perfectly respectful, Hadrian flicked a heated glance at Natalie that held the memory of their secret tryst.

She gave her grandfather a fond peck on his lined cheek. They’d become much better acquainted since he was in the habit of calling frequently at Clayton House. “I’m thrilled that you and Giles could be here.”

“Doris wasn’t happy to be left at home,” Giles admitted, mentioning his sister. “But sixteen is too young to fend off gentlemen, and I told her she’ll have to wait until at least next year … er, that is, if you’re still here and, er, haven’t gone back to America.”

Her cousin stammered to a stop. With a pang, she knew her family still hoped she’d marry Hadrian and provide them a path back into society. She squeezed Giles’s hand. “Please tell Doris I shall come to call on her soon.”

As her relatives moved on, the crowds began to thin. Among the last to arrive were Lord and Lady Godwin, Lord Wymark, and Lady Ellen. The earl and countess offered stiff smiles and cool greetings. Lady Godwin scarcely acknowledged Natalie, seeming to look straight through her, unlike her livelier daughter, who appeared angelic in a blush-pink gown.