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Who is this ball for? I cannot even recall the man’s name.

She lifted her skirts and began to ascend the stairs. There was no sign of her father.

Evidently, he did not need to wait for her. He knew she would do everything he told her.

What choice do I have?

Standing at the entrance, she looked around her hopelessly. Somewhere in this heaving mass of people, she was supposed to find a husband.

Alicia’s lips twitched as she considered simply walking up to every eligible bachelor and telling them the truth.

“My father is forcing me to marry. Are you available?”

Despite her rage, she could not help a chuckle, and swiftly masked it with a cough as an elderly woman beside her turned to glare at her.

The townhouse was far larger on the inside than it had seemed from the outside. The main entrance hall was dominated by a wide twisting staircase and an enormous chandelier above her head that rocked gently, the candles fluttering in the night air.

Alicia stood in the doorway, looking around her as the scent of rose water drifted through the air, gentlemen and ladies moving past her in an endless dance of color and wealth.

The grand hall was loud and imposing, a lively tune from the players in the corner making it seem a little less intimidating. Despite everything, she wished her father was beside her.

How does he expect me to attract a husband if he leaves me standing alone like a wallflower?

Her gaze followed a portly gentleman who staggered past the doorway, and she let out a sigh of relief as she spotted a familiar face in the crowd.

Surging forward, she walked into the grand hall just as her friend turned and saw her.

Katie’s eyes widened in excitement, and a bright, happy smile spread across her face as she greeted her, their hands coming together as Alicia gratefully kissed her cheek.

“I am so pleased you are here,” she said fervently.

“Where is your father?” Katie asked, glancing around the room.

“Oh, he has left me to my fate. Already at the card tables, I would wager. He has no interest in the burden of a daughter anymore.”

Katie’s soft green eyes hardened. She had an innocent, heart-shaped face, with freckles scattered across her nose. One would be forgiven for thinking she was far younger than her years, but beneath her youthful appearance was a fiery woman burning with loyalty for her friends.

“Has he?” she muttered. “Well, you are with me now, and I will never abandon you.”

Alicia gave a high-pitched laugh and looped her arm through Katie’s as they moved back a few paces toward the edge of the room so they could better assess their surroundings.

“What are his demands this time?” Katie asked. “I can tell that something is troubling you.”

“It is nothing new,” Alicia said irritably, “just his usual obsession with marrying me off.”

She scanned the sea of faces before her, spotting several gentlemen who had been attentive to her in the previous Season.

But I do not want any of them as a husband.

“Did you have anyone in mind? I can see several of your suitors here tonight; perhaps we could flag one down,” Katie muttered sarcastically.

Alicia scoffed. “None of these men is worth my attention, let alone my love and devotion. I have had three suitors this Season. Cartwright is too old, Logan is a rake, and Lord Pinsent is a child in a man’s body.”

She bit her lip, her thumb picking at her cuticles obsessively. Katie’s gentle hand covered them, stopping the furtive movement.

“You must calm down, Alicia, or you will drive yourself to distraction.”

“He has given me until the end of this ball, Katie!” Alicia shook her head, furrowing her brow. “How am I supposed to find a suitable man under such circumstances?”