“What a thrill. A surprise!”
“I just hope it’s not a visit from my mother-in-law,” Horatia said with a laugh.
“I don’t think so. A husband doesn’t want their mother near when they want to spend a pleasant moment with their wife.”
“It was a joke. I don’t think so either.”
“Do you get along well with her?”
“Not so much. At first, she was kind to me. She was distant, but we kept a friendly relationship.” Horatia lowered her gaze. “Now that time has passed and there are no children her rejection towards me has become quite evident.”
“That’s terrible, Horatia.”
“No, it’s not. When a woman marries that is what is expected of her. My husband is a gentleman and we love each other too much to argue about it, but I know he wants an heir, too.”
“Maybe if you don’t think about it so much you will get pregnant when you least expect it.”
“Maybe,” Horatia said, not very convinced.
Sonia decided to change the subject. “Do you think these dresses are acceptable, then? Or will I have to have a whole new wardrobe made?”
“I do not think so. Most are beautiful dresses that you can use in the evening and at night at certain events. You have two that are good to attend a ball. Although to be honest, I think you will need a riding habit, something you can use to bathe in the hot springs when we are in Bath and several more for parties. Those you have will not be enough. I’m sure that once you debut, you’ll be quite a sensation here. What you will need will be dresses for all the invitations that you will receive.” Horatia looked at her small watch. “God, it’s late, I have to go home.”
“Of course. I’ll accompany you.”
“Don’t bother, my dear. I know where to go and you’re busy here with the dresses.” Horatia kissed Sonia’s cheek. “What do you think about seeing each other tomorrow at my house, to have lunch together?
“Of course.”
“Very well, until tomorrow.” Horatia hurried out, waving her hand.
Sonia looked at her maid. “This makes me a bit nervous, Charlotte. Too many things. Don’t talk to a gentleman unless he speaks to you first. Don’t approach the refreshment table unless accompanied. Don’t go out for air unless you are with a chaperone. Don’t ask personal questions and I don’t even know which questions are considered personal here. This is just overwhelming.” Sonia placed her hands on her face.
*****
A week later Sonia appeared at court where she would be presented to the prince and would officially be a debutante in London society. Her brother entered with her and shortly after her cousin Horatia with her husband. The room was full of people, some talking, others dancing, some eating near the buffet and others just looking. The walls were lined with luxurious fabrics. There were roses everywhere, and it was a testimony to the opulence with which things were done there.
“How are you feeling?” Horatia asked.
“Nervous.”
“Don’t worry everything will turn out well and after you have danced with the prince, the most difficult part will have passed.”
Sonia nodded and looked at a group of women who were gathered whispering something and then laughed. Her cousin gently took her arm. “I want to introduce you to some acquaintances.” As they approached, the group looked away. Sonia noticed, but her cousin either pretended that she didn’t notice or she didn’t care. When they talked to some people, and they found out she was American, they didn’t hide their distaste despite her being related to the Viscountess of Exeter.
“Miss Hearst, tell us how London has become so popular with American heiresses like you? It seems that there are no good men in your country.”
Some girls who were there in the group covered their mouths with their fans and laughed. Sonia felt her face burn, but would not give her the pleasure of humiliating her.
“I believe, Lady Audley, that it’s because the noblemen have not been able to acquire the money to restore their ruined properties for themselves. In my country, there are men as good as here. The proof is that I know many English girls married to several.”
The woman looked at her, in shock. “What impertinence!” she exclaimed in annoyance.
“Lady Audley, I have not said anything that is not true,” Sonia replied with feigned innocence.
“And neither have I,” the woman replied, challenging her.
“You’re right, American heiresses seek a title for our families and in exchange for that title we give our husbands the possibility of fixing their financial problems with a large dowry. A fair exchange, don’t you think?”
Horatia looked away, trying to hide her laughter. Her cousin was impertinent, it was true, but those women deserved her response. They humiliated anyone who had American blood, believing them far below them. But when it came to taking their money they didn’t seem to have any qualms. Horatia was tired of hearing that they were the nouveau riche. Its something that they had told her until her own husband took care of the matter and stated that he would challenge to a duel the next person to make a comment about his wife. As her husband was well known for his good marksmanship skills, people thought twice about bringing up the matter on the streets or at a social event. Surely they kept thinking it, but at least they kept it to themselves.
“Dear, why don’t we go over there?” Horatia pointed to a group of other people. “I want to introduce you to some good friends.” She pushed Sonia away from the group of women. When she arrived next to her husband and his group of friends, she noticed the Marquess of Wilmington was also there.
He was a good match, he had just arrived from the war. He was educated, rich, very handsome and although he was a bit serious for her taste. Horatia knew that he could make a good marriage with her cousin if they could be congenial. She approached her
