“This is an event she holds every year so that the young ladies making their come outs can meet one another. No gentlemen are allowed until the end of the evening, when they may come to take the ladies home.” He frowned and knew his sister was hard-pressed not to smirk. He’d have done the same if their positions were reversed. “It was always an extremely popular entertainment, but it became even more so when the Earl of Worthington arrived to fetch his sister and stepmother and immediately fell in love with Lady Grace Carpenter. They wed quite quickly. I believe it was no more than three weeks.”

John hoped that didn’t happen to him. Marrying so quickly did not give one a chance to get to know the lady better. Still, it was a good opportunity to look over the new crop of young ladies without having to ask one to dance or even be introduced to them. “Excellent. I shall come for you and Mama, then.”

“Hmm.” Aurelia gave him a curious look, and it was one of the rare times he had no idea what his twin was thinking. “Very well. Lytton is coming for me, but of course you can take Mama home.”

“Take me home from where?” Mama said from the door.

Aurelia gave their mother an affectionate hug. “I just told John about Lord and Lady Worthington meeting at Lady Bellamny’s soirée several years ago. He has offered to bring you home.”

“Ah, I understand.” Mama would probably be on the lookout for eligible ladies for him. “Very well. I shall see you at eleven o’clock.”

He executed a short bow. “It will be my pleasure.”

Laughing, Aurelia linked her arm with their mother’s. “Come, let us see what is in store for us this evening. I understand that Lord and Lady Worthington have three sisters making their come outs.”

His mother and sister strolled out the door. “Where did you hear that?”

John moved closer to the corridor to listen as they strolled up the corridor. “From Lytton. Worthington has made it very clear that no ineligible gentlemen need come near his sisters.”

“I am glad he is taking his duties seriously,” Mama said. “More gentlemen should do so.”