You are quite correct that gentlemen are inclined to drink too much, but not in general when there are ladies present. However, by the end of an evening, even at a ball, I would not trust to many being entirely sober. Thankfully, most gentlemen learn to hold their drink. It sounds as if your cousin, especially if he has been a good student, has yet to acquire that ability. Do not tease him over it, but do as your aunt says, and pretend not to see.

He frowned. Was he sounding too avuncular, giving advice? He changed the subject.

Dido arrived yesterday, and has already chewed one of the slippers you made for your papa last Christmas and tipped up a three-parts-empty coal scuttle, at which point she became a very black puppy. Your papa appears delighted, but then it was not he who had to bath the animal. I believe Thomas was not so happy.

I have been a most frequent visitor but I cannot replace you, my dear Henry. Your papa does very well, but we both miss you very much.

You may have changed the styling of your hair, and your gowns, but I trust you to remain the girl we both hold in such deep affection.

Yours,
Charles

For a moment he wondered if he had said too much. No, she would take it to mean fraternal affection.

Whilst the Season was still comparatively quiet, Lady Elstead brought her daughter and niece gently into society, first by attending an evening party hosted by old friends, friends who had known Caroline as she grew up. This meant that Caroline was less overawed. It was, however, an important occasion, and both she and Henrietta were excessively excited to be dressing for their first ‘grown-up’ party, and inclined to be wide-eyed. Lady Elstead watched, but said nothing. This, after all, was why she was introducing them at a comparatively small social event, so that they might get the novelty of it out of their systems. After three or four evenings out, they should have gained a little poise. She recalled her own first party, and did not think them foolish. If tonight they stammered their responses for the first hour, and blushed, then they would be forgiven.

‘You know, Maria, I am so glad I am not eighteen, are not you?’ their hostess remarked quietly, partway through the evening. ‘We managed it then, but it all looks so perfectly exhausting now.’

‘Oh yes, and yet … The first time a gentleman sent one flowers …’ Maria Elstead sighed. ‘Being young is wonderful … once. I fear chaperoning the young is also going to be exhausting, though, and without the bouquets.’

‘Ah yes, but you will have far greater prizes, seeing them safely betrothed.’

‘Very true, Charlotte.’

‘And two such pretty girls too. Your niece is set to inherit her father’s entire estate, you say?’