Gayle Buck by Hearts Betrayed Page B

said.
    “My dear girl, you will find as you become older that it is whom one knows that will open the greatest number, and the most stubborn, of doors,” Lady Basinberry said cynically. She moved on to other invitations, choosing several for a careful stacking and dispatching others with a flick of her wrist and a pithy remark. Michele and Lydia discussed those that Lady Basinberry thought desirable, and Michele was surprised that she was nearly as enthusiastic as Lydia at the prospect of attending the functions. Perhaps coming to London had changed her in some way, she thought, and she tried hard not to dwell on a certain gentleman’s face.
    The ladies lingered long over breakfast, and when at last they rose from the table it was to the footman’s announcement that a caller had arrived. The visitor proved to be only the first in a stream of morning callers, among whom was Lord Melbourne’s sister, the beautiful Lady Cowper. She greeted Michele with extreme friendliness. “My dear Michele, I feel that I already know you. I am so happy to actually make your acquaintance. Your dear mother and I were once close friends. When I received her letter informing me of your direction, I simply had to call upon you.”
    Michele was surprised by the lady’s familiarity. “Thank you, my lady. I am aware of the honor you show me.”
    Lady Cowper smiled and chatted at some length on various topics before she turned to Lady Basinberry and said, “I shall myself sponsor Mademoiselle du Bois to Almack’s. It is the least I can do for my dear friend Helen’s daughter.”
    Lady Basinberry did not bother to disguise her delight. “That is most handsome of you, my lady.”
    “Indeed, I am most grateful,” said Michele, aware from her aunt’s complacency and a suppressed squeak from Lydia that a deep honor had been bestowed upon her.
    Lady Cowper smiled in a kind way at Lydia. “I know that Miss Davenport has already been taken under kind Lady Sefton’s wing, or otherwise I should extend my patronage to her as well. What I can do is make certain that both young ladies are never without proper partners.”
    “Your kindness is most appreciated,” Lady Basinberry said, almost purring in satisfaction.
    Lady Cowper stood up and began drawing on her gloves. “I must be going now. But I shall not forget the voucher, I promise you.”
    When Lady Cowper had finished with her good-byes and had been seen to the door, Lady Basinberry turned a satisfied glance on Michele. “I am extremely pleased, my dear. Lady Cowper is the most popular patroness of Almack’s and she has just extended entrance to the most exclusive assembly in London. Your position in society is assured.”
    “I had feared that it was,” Michele said with a mock sigh. “I shall not be allowed to enjoy a quiet Season after all.”
    “Is it not exciting? Why, Michele may go with us next Thursday evening, Aunt Beatrice,” Lydia said.
    “Truly, a momentous evening is in store,” Lady Basinberry said dryly. “But do be prepared, Michele. Almack’s is not known for its refreshment table. The company shall be served only lemonade, tea, bread and butter, and stale cake.”
    Michele made a face. “If that is so, why does anyone attend the assembly rooms at all?”
    “To be seen, of course. And also to eye the best of eligible partis,” Lady Basinberry said. “I have high hopes for you both when once you stand up at Almack’s.”
    Lydia groaned. “Pray do not scheme for us, Aunt Beatrice. It will be so much nicer if we may simply stand up with whoever signs our dance cards.”
    “My dear Lydia, I never scheme. I merely influence,” Lady Basinberry said mendaciously.
    “As perhaps we have already seen. I wonder who reminded Lady Cowper of her friendship with my mother?” Michele asked. She smiled at the sharp glance Lady Basinberry shot at her.
    The week sped past in a flurry of engagements. Each evening the ladies attended at least two social functions, and they