The presentation was made. Neither young lady embarrassed themselves by tripping, wobbling, or in any way showing up Lady Elstead, who told them she was very pleased with them both, and permitted them to go to the Pantheon Bazaar next day to spend their pin money on ribands and embroidery silks. They returned to find Mr Newbold had sent flowers to them both, with congratulations, which made Henrietta laugh, Caroline blush and Lady Elstead ponder.

Henrietta could not resist writing to her papa and to Lord Henfield after the great event.

My dearest Papa,

I have seen the Queen! She is a very elderly lady with a rather long face, but very regal. Caroline and I were very nervous, since the court dress is so unlike anything else we wear, and most unnatural. We also had to have ostrich feathers in our hair, which Lady Elstead said was once the rage, but I confess I dislike. The actual drawing room was very grand but in a tired way, and there was much waiting and doing little. I understand it is taken as an important event even now, but it was more of a trial than a treat, my dearest. Your daughter looked a fright, but then so did every other young lady present, which will have to console you.

I am now very much settled into the routine of the Season, and have worn through two pairs of silk stockings just from dancing. There are a couple of young ladies for whom I do not much care, but everyone else is very nice, and the gentlemen are charming. Ought I to tell you that I am ‘beset by beaux’, Papa? Perhaps that is the wrong word, but the alliteration is good. I mean that I am never lacking in a dancing partner, nor does any hostess have to find a gentleman to lead me into supper. Several gentlemen have sent me flowers, and one wrote me a poem, but it was very poorly written, and he was struggling to find things that rhymed. How could one be impressed by having ‘adoration’ rhymed with ‘inspiration’?

The spring flowers are out in the parks, and yesterday I needed but a spencer and was still perfectly warm upon my walk.

I am enjoying my Season, Papa, and am not at all bored by it all, despite the prediction of Lord Netheravon, but do not think that I have forgotten you, for you are daily in my thoughts and prayers.

I fear you are perhaps being too lenient with Dido. If she is wilful, you must make it clear that the behaviour is not to be borne, and if she upsets Cook much more you will have to placate her, Cook that is, by employing another kitchen maid.

Your loving daughter,
Henrietta

Sir John wondered who Lord Netheravon might be, and what exactly his prediction had been.

The letter that Lord Henfield received was crossed, and took rather more deciphering.

Dear Charles,