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Dedication

For Molly

Chapter 1

At precisely eight o’clock, Miss Sophie Kendall strode to the head of the long, rough-hewn table in the back room of Madam Laurent’s dress shop and gazed at the women gathered around. They perched on chairs two rows deep, their expectant faces framed by satin-trimmed hats, simple straw bonnets, and white ruffled caps.

This particular moment—just before Sophie spoke, when she felt every pair of eyes trained upon her—was always the most exhilarating. She drew in a deep breath, savoring the flutter in her belly for one more exquisite second.

At last, she flashed a wide, sincere smile at the eclectic group of women and launched into her greeting. “Thank you, ladies, for attending this meeting of our secret society, in which devotees of The Debutante’s Revenge column explore sensitive topics such as courting, desire, intimacy, and love. Welcome,” she said, pausing slightly for dramatic effect, “to the Debutante Underground.” The room erupted in jubilant cheers and enthusiastic applause before quieting again.

Sophie continued, her expression a bit soberer as she stared at the assembly—their largest to date. “Some of you are new to our ranks, and we are delighted to have you here. However, we do insist that every participant abide by a strict set of rules, which we review at the beginning of each meeting.

“Rule number one,” she began, reciting from memory. “The Debutante Underground shall not be discussed outside these walls. Indeed, as far as the rest of London is concerned, it does not exist.”

In response, the women chanted, “Hear, hear.”

“Rule number two,” Sophie intoned. “Anonymity is paramount. We use only given names here—no surnames, no titles. If you should happen to see a fellow member as you stroll down the street, you shall not acknowledge her unless you are acquainted through other means.”

“Hear, hear,” the women chorused.

“Rule number three: Discussions are to be held in the strictest of confidences. While our goal is to enlighten each other regarding subjects that are typically taboo, no personal details related in the course of our conversations here may be shared.”

“Hear, hear.”

“And last,” Sophie said, “rule number four: We shall always speak the truth, the best we know it.”

“Hear, hear,” the women said solemnly.