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“All I can suggest is a hot compress and a strong cup of tea,” Caroline said apologetically.

“I am grateful that I am a mere lady’s companion,” Miss Linfield said. “I never need to find a reason to fend off male attention. Quite beneath any gentleman’s notice.”

“I neverescapetheir notice,” Miss Balfour said. “It is tedious in the extreme. You know, perhaps we may be able to help each other.”

“I would appreciate your help with my sisters,” Caroline said.

“I am sure Lady Edith would be delighted to meet Betsy and Susan,” Miss Linfield said. “They can be assured of a friendly welcome when they do make it to the assembly rooms. Lady Edith would find your sisters’ reputation to be dashing.”

“Are you sure you do not have any desire to be courted or wedded yourself, Miss Reeve?” Miss Balfour asked.

“None at all.”

“Then why do we not agree to come to each other’s rescue when faced with such burdensome interactions? You said you were planning to be at more social events, did you not?”

“I will be attending many of the same,” Arabella said. “If the Reeves are there, then I wish nothing more than to support them.”

The idea of mixing more often in society filled her with dread. She had never been popular and hated the idea of seeing James sneer at her in public. She also quaked at the thought of seeing Mr. Worthington again.

But she would do anything for Caroline.

Miss Balfour studied them for a moment before speaking. “If I can trust you not to fawn over every handsome face that comes into a room, then I shall be sure to ensconce myself beside you at every opportunity. That way I could be assured of a sensible evening. There is nothing more annoying than a swooning miss in one’s midst when one is trying to hold a reasonable conversation.”

Arabella smiled. “I hereby promise that if I ever see an earl making calf eyes at you from across the assembly rooms, I shall put a halt to his attraction by tripping you into the buffet.”

They all laughed.

Miss Linfield leaned in. “I promise that if I ever see a handsome man pestering any of you for a dance, I shall come over and make such dull conversation that he shall fall asleep.” She nodded. “Men hate it when women talk about science, for example. I have dissuaded several unsuitable young men from my charge with this tactic.”

Caroline smiled. “Are we all such dedicated spinsters here?”

Miss Balfour nodded. “If I may be frank—I much prefer the company of women. Inallmanners of speaking.”

Miss Linfield poured her another cup of tea, a serene smile on her face. “Indeed, I believe we share the same inclination. It is a lovely thing to be among friends who properly understand one another, is it not?”

Arabella froze. Could this mean what she thought it might? Could these women be likeher?

Caroline gaped at them, but she also leaned forward, her eyes bright.

Miss Balfour said, “I do think you catch my meaning, Miss Linfield. Now, if we are to be friends, I insist on being comfortable. Please can we agree to address each other by our given names?”

And in no more than the moment it took to add a splash of milk to a cup of tea, Miss Balfour became Maeve and Miss Linfield was Grace.

Arabella felt much better as tea was served than she had upon exiting the sea. Maybe it was the hot brew warming her from the inside—but maybe it was the warmth of friendship that settled over her like a cozy blanket.

Maybe society need not be so terrifying.

Maybe with the right people by her side, it could even be…fun.

She peeked at Caroline, who was talking to Grace and gesturing with a cucumber sandwich in hand, and her heart swelled.

It could be more than fun.

If only she had the courage to reach for what she wanted.

And if only Mr. Worthington could leave well enough alone.

* * *