Fiona’s mind was still riveted on Lady Pickering’s response, as well as the fact that Mrs. Tucket could not have acted as a chaperone, or anything else, for the Season. Reining in her thoughts, she responded to Lady Pickering’s question. “Well enough, yes.”

“Then you shall need riding habits.”

Habits plural? Again, Fiona looked toward her guardian. He must be very wealthy indeed. She didn’t even own one riding habit. She only rode occasionally when her uncle had permitted her to use a horse from his stable.

“As well as accessories, shoes, and undergarments,” Lady Pickering went on.

Fiona suddenly realized her guardian would be funding her undergarments, and she wasn’t sure how she felt about that. Perhaps she could persuade Lady Pickering that she didn’t require new chemises or corsets. Except new outerwear would demand undergarments that complemented the fit of the clothing. Fiona knew at least that much. Her mind swam.

“What will our first event be?” Overton asked pleasantly.

Lady Pickering’s brow gently creased in a pensive expression. “It is still early in the Season, so it is likely too cold to promenade in the park for another fortnight. And of course, no Vauxhall or other outdoor entertainments. The larger balls will not be scheduled for several weeks.”

Overton looked disappointed. “That long?”

Cocking her head, Lady Pickering regarded him with curiosity. “Has so much time elapsed since you participated in the Season? I had thought it was just last year that you were…occupied.”

Having sufficiently cleared her thoughts, at least for the moment, Fiona looked toward the earl. Occupied how?

“I’m afraid I’m the worst sort of gentleman who doesn’t pay close enough attention to such things.”

“Precisely why you should seek a wife, my lord.” Lady Pickering gave him a knowing smile.

Was he looking to marry this Season? Given his age, it seemed he should. In fact, she wondered why he wasn’t wed already.

“As to upcoming events,” Lady Pickering continued, “I have procured an invitation for Miss Wingate and even for you, Overton.” Even for him? What did that mean? Why hadn’t he already been invited? Weren’t earls invited to everything? Fiona had so many questions. Or perhaps she had too many assumptions.

“Excellent,” the earl said without revealing any reaction to what Lady Pickering had said. “When is this event?”

“A smaller ball on Saturday evening hosted by Lord and Lady Edgemont.” Lady Pickering looked to Fiona. “That will be an excellent foray into Society.”

“So soon?” she asked, her insides twisting anxiously.

“Don’t fret, Fiona, you will be a grand success,” Mrs. Tucket said with a bright confidence that made Fiona feel better. Of all the people here, her opinion mattered the most because she knew Fiona. Her words would not be empty platitudes. “You won’t be alone either. You’ll have Lady Pickering and Miss Lancaster at your side.”

But not Mrs. Tucket, and it seemed her former maid knew that. Fiona felt a bit sad, but if Mrs. Tucket was all right with it, she would be too.