Laughter danced in Charlotte’s eyes, the same sky-blue as Eleanor and Alice’s. “No, thank you. I came to ask if you would be interested in joining Louisa, Dotty, me, and some of our friends in a charity meeting. We must hold several fundraisers for the orphans and families while we are here. Because Easter is so late, we decided to hold the first one before the Season begins.”

Eleanor glanced at Alice and Madeline, who nodded. “We would love to. We just started our list of attributes any future husbands must have, and not interfering in our charitable work is on it.”

Charlotte’s lips twitched and Eleanor could see that her sister was having a hard time trying not to laugh.

She narrowed her eyes. “What is it?”

“Louisa, Dotty, and I made a list as well.” Charlotte heaved a sigh. “All of our husbands do have the qualities we wanted, but it was not immediately apparent when we first met them, or even became betrothed.”

“Merton.” Madeline gave their older sister a knowing look.

“Him certainly.” Charlotte smiled. “But the same was true for Con and Rothwell too. My only advice is not to decide too quickly. It might take some time before you know who they really are. Gentlemen wear as many masks as ladies do.” She opened her reticule, took out a folded piece of paper, and handed it to Madeline, who was the closest. “Here is the date, time, and place of the meeting. I will come fetch you a half hour before it begins.”

“Thank you,” Eleanor said. They truly were being treated like adults instead of children. Coming out was a wonderful thing.

* * *

John was in the morning room, the only room in the house that wasn’t covered with dark colors, sketching a drawing of a horse, when his sister strode through the door. He quickly closed the sketchbook and stood. “What are you doing here?”

“Is that any way to greet your twin?” Aurelia bussed his cheek. She was right. They had been at odds recently, and he missed their closeness. If only he could think how to mend the breach. “I am here to fetch Mama for Lady Bellamny’s soirée.”

Even he knew her ladyship was one of the major hostesses. “There’s an entertainment this evening?” Why had he not heard of it? He’d received dozens of invitations. “I thought nothing of import would be held until after Easter.”