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Chapter One

Chapter One

“How long do you think you will be?” Lisa asked, watching her older sister carefully set a small pillbox hat on the complicated hairstyle in which her maid had arranged her tresses.

“We could be out all afternoon, Lisa. I’m afraid Lady Witherly’s teas tend to drag on a bit. She will insist on every one of her grandchildren entertaining us with a musical performance.” Christiana scowled and then added dryly, “Whether they have any talent for it or not.”

Lisa bit back her amusement at the vexation in her sister’s words. “Perhaps they will have improved since you were last there.”

“Hmm,” Christiana muttered dubiously as she finished with her hat. Then frowning, she turned to peer at her. “I feel awful leaving you here by yourself when you don’t feel well. Maybe we should send our apologies and—”

“Don’t be silly. Suzette is probably already dressed and waiting for you to collect her,” she protested at once. The mention of their sister, the middle of the three Madison girls, made Christiana’s frown deepen, and Lisa continued, “Canceling at this late hour would be terribly rude. Besides, it’s not like I’m deathly ill. I just have a bit of a headache and a stomach complaint. A little rest and I am sure I’ll be fine for this evening’s season-opening ball at the Landons’.”

“Well, if you’re sure,” Christiana said uncertainly.

“Very sure,” Lisa said, trying not to fidget impatiently or seem too eager to have her gone.

“Very well then.” Christiana heaved out a little sigh, gave her a quick hug, admonishing her to rest and feel better, and then headed for the door.

Lisa held on to her smile until the door closed, and then rushed to the window to watch her older sister traverse the front walk to the Radnor carriage. The moment the slender blonde climbed inside and the carriage pulled away, Lisa immediately rushed out into the hall and upstairs.

As expected, she found her maid, Bet, preparing the gown Lisa would wear that night to the Landons’ ball.

Forcing a grimace, Lisa placed a hand to her forehead and moved toward the bed with a little sigh. “You can finish that later, Bet. I have a bit of a headache and should like to rest awhile. Please be sure no one disturbs me.”

Bet paused and stared at Lisa blankly. When her eyes narrowed suspiciously, Lisa feared she’d overplayed it, but much to her relief the maid merely nodded, laid out the gown to prevent wrinkling and headed for the door, saying, “I’ll be downstairs if you need me.”