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Daisy frowned. “I did not like it, but I felt as if I was missing something and therefore could not reprimand them.”

“You cannot go around chastising people, especially since you havejustcome out.”

Daisy giggled. “I do not care. I had ever so much fun. My dance card was full.”

“And I should have done a better job of chaperoning you. I am sorry.”

“No need for that.” She waved her hand airily. “I was perfectly safe. Ariana’s mother was hovering enough for the both of you.”

“I must remember to thank her,” Georgiana said, mostly to herself.

Daisy snorted. “She appeared to enjoy it. She was not eager to consort with the gossiping mamas. She said they were likely put out because Ariana and I are so recently out, and this is our first debutante ball.”

“I suppose some people would look at it as trying to cut the line. You must be very careful, my dear. I think we shall refrain from attending any further soirees until we have held one for you and Ariana.”

“No,” Daisy wailed. “You do not have to do that. You and His Grace can go to as many balls as you please. I promise I shall not make a fuss about staying behind.”

Georgiana squeezed her arm affectionately. “I know you will not, but I have had my fill. I am used to smaller parties and quieter pursuits with Selina. The older mamas look askance at her because she is a young widow and therefore presumably more experienced than their daughters. We usually refrain from attending debutante balls.”

“Well, I am glad that we appeared at the Windermere event. Over the years I have heard so much about their elegant displays and sumptuous decorations. It was not at all disappointing.”

Georgiana nodded her head in silent agreement.

She suddenly realized that she had not given Robert a single thought since breakfast began.

Hmm, perhaps Daisy can distract me for the rest of the day.

“Do you want to go shopping after we are done here?” she asked her sister.

Daisy clapped her hands excitedly. “Yes please!”

Robert returned home in the late afternoon to find that Georgiana and Daisy had gone out.

He swallowed his disappointment, reminding himself that she could not have known what time he would be home, and he could not expect her to sit around twiddling her thumbs waiting for him.

I shall not let our next meeting come down to chance.

Going to his study, he summoned Mr. Sinclair and Mrs. Green.

“I wish to arrange a special dinner this evening for myself and my wife. Please make sure that Lady Daisy is served her dinner in her chambers.”

“Yes, Your Grace,” the butler said.

“I also ask that the dining room be lit up with the decorative candles. Not too many of them; just enough to create an invitingatmosphere. Light the fireplace and set the table so that we may serve ourselves. I would like a roast, be it of chicken, turkey, or duck, whatever is on hand.”

Mrs. Green nodded. “We have chicken and duck. Cook was planning to roast a chicken for dinner. Will that do?”

“That will do nicely.” Robert smiled in approval.

“That will be all for now. Please fetch me Her Grace’s lady’s maid.”

The housekeeper curtsied. “Yes, Your Grace,” she said before backing out of the room, followed shortly by the butler.

Cecile entered the room with downcast eyes and executed a neat curtsy.

“Your Grace. What can I do for you?”

“I wish to have dinner with my wife today. When she returns from her shopping trip, I want you to get her ready. The bronze and gold gown, I think. A massage, perhaps. Ensure that she is relaxed.”