She led the little group to the foyer, where a loud voice could be heard over the music.
“Tell your mistress that Lady Streatford and the Honourable Albert Streatford have arrived. Make it quick, man. She’ll not like being kept waiting for news of our presence.” A large woman glared down a hawk-like nose at Hobson.
Who was completely unimpressed. “Madam will, of course, have an invitation? One that includes the—er—Honourable Albert?” Hobson raised one eyebrow at the rotund young gentleman eyeing several pretty ladies through his glass with what could only be described as a leer.
“Invitation? Me? Did you not hear who I am, you dunce?”
“I heard, my Lady. As did most of this borough, half the river Thames and probably a fair portion of Greenwich. The acoustics in Sydenham House have always been accorded high praise, even from the great Catalani.” He sniffed.
“A mere amateur,” sniffed Lady Streatford in her turn, not to be outdone. “His Grace the Duke of Maidenbrooke told us of this event not a week past. I understand that he and his niece frequent these evenings?” She snorted. “I have difficulty imagining why, when dear Countess Lieven is holding court at Almack’s even as we speak.”
“Perhaps you will be attending?” Hobson appeared hopeful. “I would be most happy to call your Ladyship a carriage.”
“Now listen to me, my good man—”
“As a matter of fact, he’s my good man, Lady Streatford. And merely executing my instructions. However, I will take it upon myself to welcome you to Sydenham House this evening, in spite of your lack of an invitation.”
Maud’s words were glacial, and for a moment Ivy was shocked into silence. This was a side of her friend that she’d never seen before. But it was really quite impressive.
Before Lady Streatford could respond with whatever outrageous comment trembled on her lips, Maud continued. “I assume that you are accompanied by Mr Albert Streatford. If so, I will point out that it ill becomes anyone holding the title of ‘Honourable’ to behave as if he were twelve and confronted with his first female.” She gestured to the portly youth who even now was trying to catch the eye of a newcomer. “Please remind him that this is not a house of pleasure, but a house where guests of mine may enjoy themselves. I would take it amiss should any complain about being harassed.” She closed her mouth with a snap.
Lady Streatford, glancing at her son, could not respond with anything other than “oh, very well.” She reached out her fan and whacked Albert around the ear. “Behave.”
“But Mama—” Albert pouted and rubbed his cheek.
“You will find the dancing has commenced…” Maud gestured to the ballroom. “And there are refreshments in the dining room beyond. I hope you will enjoy yourself.”
“And the Duke,” said Lady Streatford as she turned. “Will he be attending? And that delightful niece? Patience or something? Albert was quite entranced with her when we met last week…”
The sweet charm in her tone grated on Ivy, who stepped forward with a curtsey. “I believe they will be here, my Lady. Miss Prudence is a particular friend of mine and we are engaged to meet this evening.”
Lady Streatford raised her own glass, surveyed Ivy, and dismissed her, turning back to Maud. “Please have someone inform his Grace that we are here once he has arrived.” She flashed a glance at Ivy. “This one will do.”
Then, head high, she seized her son’s arm and marched him beside her into the ballroom.
“My Lady, may I…” said Hobson, his face slightly flushed, his clenched teeth betrayed by his twitching cheeks.
Maud sighed. “No Hobson, you may not.”
“Not even a little?”
“No.”
He rolled his eyes, squared his shoulders and lifted his chin. “I shall exercise restraint then. Oh, the things I do for this family.” He marched off as well, in the opposite direction to the ballroom.
“I don’t understand any of that,” said Rose. “But I do know I don’t like Lady Streatford at all. And her son—well, Prudence was right.”
“Seconded by me,” added Lydia, coming out from behind a conveniently large urn filled with flowers. “I eavesdropped. What a horrid man.”
“How can some people be so—so arrogant?” Judith frowned.
“How can she be here, not at Almack’s.” Maud frowned too.
“She’s after a match,” said Ivy. “Between Albert and Prudence.”
“Over my dead body,” sputtered Maud.
“I agree with the sentiment,” grinned Ivy. “But rather over her dead body, Ma’am, not yours.”
“If only I could let Hobson have his way…” chuckled Maud. “We’ll manage. But for heaven’s sake alert the Duke and Prudence when they arrive, will you? I would not want him blindsided by that old battleaxe.”
“Well, my friends. It’s up to us to keep Prudence safe. I think we can do that.” The look in Lydia’s eye was not dissimilar to a General marshalling his troops.
“Of course we can.” Judith’s eyes narrowed. “I have an idea.”
“Away with you, then,” said Maud. “Let me know if you need my help.”
Ivy nodded. “I'll wait here for a little while. They should arrive soon. It will look more natural for me to accompany them.”
With an approving nod, Maud led the other three back into the fray, while Ivy eased down onto a soft chair to await the Duke’s arrival.
She sat straight and still, as a young lady should, but inside her heart was doing that odd little dance it had learned to perform whenever his Grace was near.
So silly. So very silly.
*~~*~~*
“A busy evening,” commented the Duke as he escorted his niece into the Sydenham House foyer. Music echoed through the rooms, as did the laughter and hum of conversation.
“How lovely,” smiled Prudence eagerly. “Oh
