He bowed and they curtseyed “My ladies, it is a pleasure to meet you.”

“We are glad you have finally decided to come to the metropolis, my lord.” Lady Cowper raised a brow of enquiry. “Is there anything with which we can assist you this evening?”

John cleared his throat. “As a matter of fact, there is. I would like to be recommended to Lady Eleanor Carpenter for the waltz.”

The ladies glanced at each other and nodded. “I will be happy to perform the task,” Lady Cowper said. “I see that Lord and Lady Worthington are just now arriving.” He turned in the direction Lady Cowper was looking and there she was, wearing a cream evening gown with green dotted all over it. “The only trick will be to tell her apart from her twin.”

“I know which one is Lady Eleanor.” Even from across the room, he knew her. “Her gown has green on it.”

St Albans strode up to them, nodded at him, then turned his attention to the two Patronesses. “My ladies.” He bowed. “It is wonderful to see you again.”

“St. Albans, I trust your parents are well,” Lady Jersey said.

“They are. My mother has accompanied me this evening.”

One of Lady Cowper’s mobile brows rose again. “And is there someone who has interested you?”

“Yes. Lady Alice Carpenter. I would like to waltz with her.”

Her ladyship’s lips seemed to twitch. “And are you able to recognize the lady apart from her twin?”

St. Albans searched the room, then stopped. “Yes. She is wearing a butter-colored gown with purple on it. Why do you ask?”

“We would not wish to recommend you to the wrong lady,” Lady Jersey said. “I will perform the duty. Find me at the end of the second set.”

John watched as several gentlemen headed toward the Worthington group. One gentleman bowed to either Lady Eleanor or her sisters. He would not like it if someone else got there first. “Is it possible to be recommended earlier?”

Lady Jersey must have seen the same thing he did for she said, “I do believe we are going to have one of those Seasons.”

Lady Cowper nodded. “I think you are correct.” She glanced at John. “Accompany me, my lord.”

St. Albans gave a frustrated sigh, and Lady Jersey took pity on him. “Very well, my lord, you may come with me.”