Page 1 (1/2)

Chapter 1

In Which the Curiosities of Courtship are Reviewed

August 1817

Ardmore Castle, Scotland

"I wish I were a queen," Miss Josephine Essex said to two of her elder sisters "I would simply command an appropriate man to en, sometimes known as Lady Maitland, asked

"I’d renity

"Given that men make slim use of their heads," Annabel, the Countess of Ardmore said, "you don’t have to threaten decapitation; simply allow the fellow to believe that he en’s bed and appeared littlefrom under the bedcovers

"That is precisely the kind of advice I need" Josie snapped open a s a study of the skills required to succeed in the e market and since you two are both married, you are en said "I know nothing of the s and didn’t even look up fro table

"One should be able to dance," Annabel noted "You reallyon Mayne’s toes the other night"

"I need better advice than that," Josie said to her "You are the only one of us to have actually gone on the season, and you married into a title You do remember that I’m to have a season next year, don’t you?"

Annabel opened one eye "Only because you mention it every other minute Lord, but I’e rots the brain," her youngest sister told her cheerfully

"In that case, I wonder that you’re so interested in it"

Josie ignored that unhelpful co a husband than not tripping over his feet while waltzing I want to understand the challenges beforehand I can’t rely on beauty, the way the two of you did"

"That’s ridiculous You are lovely," Annabel said

"I was in London for the better part of April," I ladies in your situation, Josie It seemed to me that the primary requirement for a debutante is a smirk An innocent simper," she clarified

"S your suitor says as if God Hi Of course, sometimes it’s difficult to stay awake"