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excited face to Amy’s hopeful one “Oh no, I…I’m too old to come out!”

“I know that” Helen laughed “It’s not a co-out ball, not as such It’s an—an introductory ball To introduce you to London society!”

“Oh please…” Francesca groaned

Amy poured her some tea and handed her the cup “My dear, I know this isn’t strictly what you prefer, all this fuss, but I’ you for my sake, for Helen’s, for Mr Jardine’s, for Uncle Williaether And Treain, and beco”

Their eyes shone, their faces glowed

Francesca sipped her tea, refusing to be won over so easily They watched her without blinking, trying to guess what she was going to say After a an to speak, but Amy touched her arm and hushed her Eventually Francesca set down her cup

“I’ll agree But,” she added loudly, when they tried to talk over her, “only if Uncle William does After all, we can’t hold a ball in his house if he refuses, can we?”

Helen clapped her hands together “He will agree, I knoill!”

Amy appeared more uncertain

Francesca tried not to feel relieved She couldn’t i to a ball, especially one in her honor Although it was a shame to disappoint the two older women, Francesca did not think she could survive it A ballthrust into London society, and then what next? A list of suitable beaus? No, Francesca didn’t want to be ree She was herself, for better or worse

But her relief was short-lived

“A ball!” William repeated, when he arrived at breakfast and Amy determinedly broached the subject He didn’t sound enthused

“We used to have them, remeuests was for Helen’s coo was that, brother?”

Francesca watched thein But to her arew maudlin

“Helen was an angel that night”