While her sisters-by-marriage had suggested she go to Paris to have her ball gowns made, and had even offered to accompany her, she’d decided to use Gillie’s seamstress instead. The young woman, extremely skilled with a needle, was striving to build her business, an endeavor aided by the fact that one of her clients was now a duchess. Fancy had also liked the notion of staying in London so her mum could accompany her, and help her select the fabric and styles. Knowing her mum wouldn’t attend any of the balls, she’d wanted to include her in as many aspects of her Season as possible. “Most certainly. It’s my favorite of the lot.”

“How will you wear your hair?”

“We’ll bring her by on the way to the ball, Mum, so you can see her in all her splendor,” Mick said.

“That would be lovely, Mick.” Reaching out, Mum placed her hand over Fancy’s where it rested on the table. Fancy always sat to her left, near her mum’s heart—or so her mother would say when Fancy was younger and she was telling her where to sit. Tears pooled in her eyes. “You’re going to have your fancy life.”

“I have a fancy life now, Mum. I’m happy, more than happy actually.”

“But it’ll get even fancier. I’ve wanted this for you for so long. It’s a dream come true, you know? To see my gel treated like royalty.”

She was a long way from that, although she’d certainly felt special the last time that she was in Mr. Sommersby’s company. She was rather glad they’d sorted things between them. “I know, Mum.”

“You’ll win them all over.”

“I shall certainly try.” Then because she didn’t want to think about her upcoming introduction into Society, she turned to Aiden’s wife, Selena. “How are your sisters enjoying Europe?”

Selena had three sisters. Constance and Florence were twins, the same age as Fancy. Alice was seventeen. Her brother was the Earl of Camberley.

Selena smiled softly. “Based on the letters I’ve received, they are having a marvelous time. The twins are worried they’ll be a bit long in the tooth to make a good match when they have their coming out next year, but they understand the wisdom in waiting. They’ll have a more successful Season once Camberley has put himself and his estates to rights.” Reaching over, she rubbed her husband’s hand, bestowing upon him an expression of warmth, love, and gratitude because he was responsible for ensuring her brother got his financial affairs in order so he could regain his standing among the ton.