Page 100 (1/2)

“Home?” Francesca repeated uncertainly

Amy raised her eyebrows in surprise “You do not sound pleased, ht you were hoer? Vivianna or Marietta would be pleased to have you, I am sure”

“I am homesick I’m sorry It is just that…” But she couldn’t explain, not yet

“No, youyourself at last,” A her hand

Francesca aled to bite back the words She had been hugging her news to herself ever since the Bacchus Roorew more difficult not to share it with her family She had found the perfect man, the love of her life; why shouldn’t she be happy?

Her sisters were also here Vivianna had arrived fro Rosie in The little girl, she assured Francesca, was fitting in well and seemed very happy with her new home

“She confided in me that Aphrodite’s Club was full of old people,” Vivianna said with a laugh “She was relieved to find Candlewood full of children”

“She h I think that hadJem, the puppy”

The ballroo roo set aside for card playing, for those who did not dance, but other than that he had been true to his word, allowing them free rein when it came to the preparations and the expenditure

Francesca decided she really had ed him

He had made her promise him the first waltz, and she planned to thank him then for his kindness He would never take the place of her father, To to see her uncle Williaht

“Francesca?” It was Amy, ethereal in pale blue silk with a net overskirt attached by white bows “Do you think Cook reht hersandwiches like doorstops earlier And the ices…it would be dreadful if they melted before they were served”

“Dreadful indeed I will go and h and the ices have not turned to water,” Francesca soothed

A beautiful tonight in a yellow so pale it was lets and her eyes shining, sheNot that Aly good-natured of late, and she didn’t want to spoil it

As if her thoughts had conjured him up, her brother came to stand by her side, and for a moment they both watched Francesca