“I’m so glad you’re here,” she said. “Firstly because it’s lovely to welcome you as your Grace the Duchess of Maidenbrooke, but secondly because Laurence and I want nothing more than to get to the root of these horrid rumours. And what better place to start?” She gestured to the crowds filling the ballroom.
“I couldn’t agree more,” said Prudence, dropping a curtsey. “You’ll have to forgive my new aunt. She’s a bit overwhelmed at the moment.”
Maud grinned at the girl. “She is lucky in her new niece. Now then, let’s make a bit of an entrance, shall we?”
Taking Ivy’s arm, she led them toward the noise of music and conversation, making sure to stand dead centre between the two columns at either side of the ballroom door.
There was a hush as they paused for a moment or two, and Ivy felt her cheeks burning under the weight of all the gazes directed her way.
Then the music struck up once more and the dancers moved into position for the next dance.
“There, that should do it.” Maud nodded in satisfaction as Sir Laurence made his way toward them.
“Nicely done, my dear.” He grinned at his wife. “Hallo Ivy, Prudence. You certainly caused a stir.”
“Not by choice, Sir Sidney,” sighed Ivy.
“Oh I don’t know,” chuckled Prudence. “I rather liked it, myself. I haven’t ever caused a stir. It was quite fun.”
“Ladies. Here you are. Right in the centre of attention. I should’ve known.”
A cheerful voice hailed them, and Ivy turned to see Sir Ronan standing next to her. “Oh, goodness. The entire world is here tonight. I was correct.”
He laughed. “I’m a presence, certainly, but not quite the entire world.”
“I’m sure there are plenty of fluttering hearts who might think so,” teased Ivy.
“You’re too generous, your Grace.” He bowed, his lips curling into a warm smile as he turned from her to her companion. “Miss Prudence. We’re to dance I believe.”
She blinked. “We are? But…”
He raised her arm and took the tiny pencil from her wrist, writing his name all over her dance programme. “See? My name right there, and for this dance too…”
Prudence glanced at Ivy. “May I?”
“Of course,” answered Ivy. “Bring her back to me in one piece, Sir Ronan.” Her gaze was as stern as she could manage.
“I’ll do my best.” He led her off.
Ivy swallowed. “I hope I did the right thing.”
“He’s a bit of a lad, as they say, but you can trust him with Prudence,” reassured Sir Laurence.
“Now whether you can trust Prudence with him is another matter,” Maud gazed after the retreating couple. “She’s bright, attractive and eager to test her wings, I’m thinking. But Laurence is right. She’ll come to no harm with Sir Ronan.”
A hushed squeaky sort of sound rang out behind them and Ivy turned to see Rose and Lydia bearing down on her, followed by Lord Miles, Mowbray Linfield and Sir Ragnor Withersby.
“I’m so glad you’re here,” sighed Ivy. “I wasn’t sure I’d have chance to see you or talk to you…”
“Nonsense,” said Lydia determinedly. “We’re all in this together. Now go and have a dance with…I don’t know…Ragnor, take her onto the floor and show her off. Once that’s done, then we can talk.”
Sir Ragnor, nothing loth, bowed correctly to Ivy. “Your Grace?” His blue-grey eyes twinkled. “May I have the pleasure?”
She answered his smile with one of her own. “It would be delightful, Sir Ragnor. Thank you.”
He swept her into the dance with barely a blink, and she wondered if all gentlemen were blessed with such skilful manoeuvres or if she was simply lucky.
“Is Judith here?” she asked, as the figures drew them together.
“No, she wasn’t feeling quite the thing this evening, so she begged off.”
Ivy frowned. “I hope she’s not coming down with something.”
His lips twitched. “Well, no. She isn’t. But yes she is in a way, too.”
“Er…what?” Ivy looked at him, trying to puzzle out his obscure comment.
He leaned toward her as they crossed hands and turned, whispering in her ear.
Her face lit up. “Oh, my goodness. Oh, Sir Ragnor…”
“Hush,” he admonished. “Nobody knows yet, since we haven’t announced it. But Judith gave me permission to share the news with her friends this evening. And you’re the first one I’ve caught on her own.”
“I am beyond ecstatic,” she laughed. “And my congratulations to you both. When do you expect the happy event?”
“Sometime early in the new year,” he beamed.
She squeezed his hand. “What an exciting thought. And how thrilled you must both be.”
“We are indeed. I’ll tell Rose and Lydia when I get the chance. My wife is well at the moment, but gets tired quite easily, so that’s why she’s not here.”
“I understand,” nodded Ivy. “And thank you for sharing such wonderful news.”
The dance drew to a close, although she could scarce recall performing her part. She hoped she hadn’t disgraced herself too badly, but nobody was staring and pointing at her, so she supposed it had gone well.
With Ragnor’s news uppermost in her mind, she allowed him to lead her to Lady Maud, knowing the others would join her shortly. For just a few moments, all thoughts of trouble had flown from her mind, and she’d simply been ecstatic to learn one of her best friends would be having a child.
There was wonder in the world, despite the darkness that lurked in whispers and corners. Ivy counted herself lucky to know both.
*~~*~~*
When Ragnor announced the news again sometime later, it was to a small room that seemed filled with people. But it was only the four ladies—Ivy, Rose, Lydia and Prudence—and the usual gentlemen. They beamed, Miles applauding, Mowbray grinning from ear to
