Chapter Two

London—February 1810

Lady Georgina Strong awoke and rolled over, eager to tell her twin about the silly dream she had had.

But Pippa wasn't there.

Georgie flipped to her back, still getting used to the idea of not having her twin with her anymore. Pippa had wed Viscount Hopewell six weeks ago, and the couple had set off on a honeymoon which would take them around the world. It had been an adjustment, not having her twin by her side each day, sharing all the little things that happened. It would be even more difficult going into her come-out Season without Pippa by her side, but Georgie had encouraged her twin and Seth to go ahead and take their honeymoon.

More than anything, Georgie yearned for love. She knew it existed because she had seen how happy Pippa and Seth were together, along with their brother James and his recent bride Sophie. While Georgie had counted on her twin's advice as they hit the Marriage Mart, she knew now she must trust her own heart in making the most important decision of her life.

Finding a husband whom she could love.

They had come to town yesterday, her entire family, so that gowns could be made up for this upcoming Season. Georgie and Mama had already been fitted by the modiste when they came to London before Christmas to see to Pippa's wedding gown and wardrobe, so Madame Dumas had begun work on their wardrobes.

Today, though, it would be the other Strong siblings and cousins who went to Madame's shop to be measured and start the process. Alongside Georgie in this come-out would be her sister Mirella and her cousins Allegra and Lyric, who had grown up in the Strong household. If anyone could manage the come-out of four girls at the same time, it would be Mama, the most capable woman Georgie knew. Mama would have help from Aunt Matty, who was also looking forward to the upcoming Season since neither Aunt Matty nor Mama had attended one during the last three years. The Duke of Seaton had been gravely ill during that time, bedridden thanks to an attack of apoplexy, and her father had passed away from its lingering effects.

That was all in the past now. It would be a new Season, one which Mama would participate in, alongside all but the youngest of her girls. Pippa and Georgie had encouraged their mother to look for a new husband. Mama had been ordered to wed the Duke of Seaton during her own come-out Season, when she was only seven and ten. She was still the most beautiful woman Georgie had ever seen, and she hoped that her mother could find lasting love, perhaps even have another child.

After ringing for a maid and Kitty dressing Georgie for the day, she went downstairs for breakfast, learning she had already missed James and Sophie. Her sister-in-law owned Neptune Shipping Lines, which had been in direct competition with the family's own shipping line. It was unusual for a woman of the ton to own anything, much less run a business empire, but Sophie was a most unusual and capable woman. She went to her shipping offices most days when she was in town, and James was also taking an active role in Strong Shipping since his return from being a captain on the Seven Seas.

Mirella and Effie were already at breakfast, Effie teasing her older sister about having stolen the bedclothes from her last night.

"If you do not stop hogging them," Effie said, "I shall move next door and sleep with Georgie."

"Hah!" Mirella said. "Georgie snores. Pippa always told us that. Do you want to be kept up all night, listening to her snoring?" Mirella teased good-naturedly.

Lyric and Allegra entered the breakfast room. The twins had been born on the same day as Georgie and Pippa had been. Their mother died in childbirth, however, and their father had given the infants over to the Duchess of Seaton to raise. Uncle Adolphus preferred sons to daughters, and he left her cousin Theo, who was the oldest of the siblings, along with his brother Caleb, in his household. Georgie hadn't seen her uncle or Theo in several months, not since Papa had passed and James had become the new Duke of Seaton.

As for Caleb, he was their steward at Shadowcrest, the country seat of the Duke of Seaton. She liked her cousin Caleb quite a bit and had enjoyed getting to know him once they had returned to Shadowcrest after Papa's death.

Mama and Aunt Matty came in together and took their seats, as well, making breakfast a lively meal.

"We will leave for Madame Dumas' shop once we have all finished our breakfast," Mama told their group. "Since there are so many of us, we will take two carriages."

An hour later, both of those carriages pulled up outside the modiste's dress shop. The women disembarked and entered, and Madame Dumas and her assistants greeted them.

"I have many gowns ready for Her Grace and Lady Georgina to try on," the modiste proclaimed. "My assistants will get the measurements of you other ladies, and we will sit and talk patterns and fabrics afterward."

They went to the rear of the store, and she and Mama tried on all the gowns which had been made up for them since their last visit to town. After the others had been measured, Madame instructed her assistants to take them to the front of the store so that they might begin looking at various fabrics under Aunt Matty's guidance. Even Effie was measured and would have several new gowns, though she was too young to make her come-out at this time.

Georgie liked every gown which had been prepared for her, feeling she looked like a princess in a fairy tale. She had high hopes of finding a husband during her come-out Season, but she also knew she would settle for nothing except love. James and Pippa had made love matches, and she was being encouraged to do the same even by Mama. Papa had married Mama simply because she was young, and he wanted to get sons off her, his first wife having died, leaving him only with James. Georgie still thought it amusing that Mama had given the duke four daughters instead.

She was being assisted out of the last gown when Lyric returned.

"Oh, Georgie, that is simply beautiful. Pippa was right. You are going to be the most beautiful and envied debutante of this Season."

"Have you found some fabrics you like?" she asked her cousin.

"Several, in fact," Lyric replied. "Allegra and I do not mind trading gowns, however. You know we are of a similar size though her breasts are a bit larger than mine. I doubt anyone will notice if we do so. She can wear some first, and then the bodice can be cut down to fit me."

Georgie thought otherwise, having heard the women of the ton gossiped furiously, especially about gowns. She would let Mama deal with that, however. Mama would see no reason for the twins having to share dresses.

She told Lyric she would be out in a moment, and her cousin started to leave the dressing room but stopped in her tracks as Madame Dumas asked Mama, "I hate to bring up such matters, Your Grace, but how am I to bill everything?"

Georgie glanced to her cousin and saw Lyric had stepped through the curtains but still lingered there.

"Why, send everything to His Grace," Mama said.

"Even the Misses Strongs' gowns?" the modiste pressed.

"Especially their gowns," her mother confirmed. "His Grace will pay for everything regarding Allegra and Lyric and their come-outs."

She looked at her cousin and saw her lips thinning. Lyric whirled and was gone.

She didn't think James paying for her cousins' gowns was anything to be concerned about. As the Duke of Seaton, he was quite wealthy. From what Caleb had shared, Shadowcrest turned a healthy profit each year, as did all the other ducal estates scattered through England. Then there was Strong Shipping, one of the largest and most profitable businesses in the country. Yes, a come-out was quite expensive because of the large number of gowns to be made, but Lyric shouldn't concern herself with the costs.

The assistant helped Georgie into the gown she had worn to the shop, and she lingered, watching Mama try on the last gown which had been sewn for her. Her mother still possessed a stunning figure after having produced four girls early in her marriage. She thought perhaps Mama might even receive an offer of marriage before Georgie herself did.

Mama was dressed again in her own gown, and she and Madame Dumas discussed the remaining gowns which would be made up for herself and Georgie.

"Now, we must go and see about the others," the modiste said. "We can take as long as necessary, Your Grace. I have closed the shop for the day. With all the gowns I will be making for the Strong women, I doubt I will take on any more clients this Season."

"Remember, I am perfectly happy to hire another seamstress or two if that will help you, Madame. They can even live at our townhouse. That might be more convenient for fittings."

They adjourned to the front of the shop, where Aunt Matty and the others were in an animated discussion. Her aunt had already selected the material she wanted, saying she only needed a handful of gowns.

"At my age, few look at what I am wearing, but it will be nice to show off to my friends, whom I have not seen in a long time."

Left unsaid was how Aunt Matty had been banished to the country by Uncle Adolphus when she had challenged how her brother had taken over the ducal household, assuming all the power and wealth which came with the title, even though his brother still held it. Her uncle had kept the Strong women virtual prisoners in London, not allowing them to go anywhere and keeping them from seeing Papa. Aunt Matty's outspokenness had earned her a trip to Shadowcrest, where she had remained until her brother passed and James claimed the title, appearing unexpectedly after years of being thought dead.

She thought it had served her uncle right, and Georgie had not been unhappy to see him and Cousin Theo depart from their household.

Mirella eagerly began talking, showing Madame and Mama several fabrics she had chosen, and the modiste began sketching designs for those gowns.

Effie, who sat next to Georgie, leaned over and sniffed. "I know Mama wanted me to come to see what this was all about, but I am bored to tears," her sister proclaimed.

Effie was a tomboy, much as Pippa had been, and preferred living in the country. Her youngest sister was forever bringing home strays, which was harder to do in town.

"Do you think Mama would allow me to return to Shadowcrest?" Effie asked. "I am going to have to do all this social swirl on my own soon enough. I would rather have my freedom at home this spring and summer."

"Soften your request when you ask her," she advised. "Tell her you wish to be here for the first part of the Season but that you long for the country, especially when the weather grows warm. Mama will have her hands full with our four come-outs. I think if you coat your request with sugar, she will let you go home sooner rather than later."

"That is a wonderful compromise," her sister said. "Besides, I want to make certain Starlight is being exercised properly."

Her sister referred to Pippa's beloved horse, which her twin had asked Effie to exercise regularly until she returned from her honeymoon.

"You might want to mention Starlight when you talk with Mama. That might aid your case."

When Mirella was finished and Mama turned to Lyric and Allegra, she said brightly, "We need to start on designs for the two of you."

Neither of her cousins seemed excited by that prospect, however.

"We do need a few gowns," Allegra said.

"Day gowns," Lyric emphasized. "But Allegra and I are reconsidering making our come-outs, Aunt Dinah."

Mama looked perplexed. "Whyever would you delay this? We have planned all along for you to be brought out with Georgie and Mirella."

Allegra's mouth set stubbornly. "A few new gowns, Aunt Dinah. That is all we need."

Lyric nodded in agreement. "We must discuss things with you, Aunt. When we get home," she said, her tone emphatic.

Mama would never have been one to cause a scene in public, and so she nodded diplomatically. "Then let us talk about your day gowns." Turning to the modiste, she said, "Madame, would you please draw up a few designs for the twins now?"

Madame Dumas looked confused but did as the duchess requested. Allegra and Lyric liked what the modiste drew, and Lyric firmly said, "We will commit to these and no others."

Mama smiled graciously at the dressmaker. "You have plenty to start on now, Madame Dumas. Georgina and I will return in three days' time for our final fittings for the gowns you have already created for us. I know you still have many more to sew for us, as well as the ones we have discussed today. I will have a more definitive answer for you at that time regarding the rest of the wardrobes being completed."

"Of course, Your Grace," Madame Dumas replied.

As they were leaving the shop, Sophie entered. "Oh, have I missed everything?"

Mama smiled. "It was a madhouse for a while, but you should have peace and quiet for your own fittings."

"I have been coming regularly over the last few weeks, and this should be the last of what I try on for the upcoming Season. I cannot thank you enough, Dinah, for recommending Madame Dumas to me. She has such a wonderful reputation. It will be divine being seen at a ton ball in one of her creations." Sophie smiled wickedly. "And showing off my deliciously handsome duke to Polite Society."

"Will you be home for tea?" asked Georgie.

"I only have two gowns to try on, so yes, please expect me. James will also be there."

She was famished after having spent so many hours at the modiste's shop. She was also curious as to what Lyric and Allegra had up their sleeves and thought to speak to them about it during the carriage ride home.

Unfortunately, her cousins followed Mama into one carriage, and Aunt Matty joined them. That left Mirella, Effie, and herself to ride in the second one.

The minute their coach door closed, Effie asked, "What was that about?"

"You mean Allegra and Lyric not wanting to be fitted for ballgowns?" Mirella chimed in. "Or even make their come-outs? It is as if everything changed within the span of a few minutes."

Effie looked to Georgie. "Do you know anything about this? Everything was fine at breakfast."

She shared with her sisters what she had overheard, saying, "Madame Dumas asked Mama who would be paying for the gowns she made up for Allegra and Lyric. Mama said James would. Lyric was with me and overheard that. Her entire demeanor changed. I am certain she went and informed Allegra of the conversation. Why they would not want James to pay for their gowns, however, baffles me."

"Well, Uncle Adolphus should be paying for their come-outs," Mirella said matter-of-factly. "It is a most expensive undertaking. After all, he is their father and should be responsible for doing so."

"But James is quite wealthy?" said Effie. "What are a few ballgowns to a duke?"

"Apparently, you were woolgathering," Georgie told her younger sister. "Mama has mentioned we are to have up to sixty ballgowns created, along with countless day gowns for social activities."

Effie's eyes bulged. "Are you serious, Georgie? That is outrageous! Why would someone need that many ballgowns?"

"Because if you do not wear a different gown to each ball, you are practically ostracized," Mirella informed their youngest sister. "If the ton is known for one thing, it is gossip. They will seize on the slightest thing and talk it to death. They will criticize what people wore. The food which was served. The musicians who played. And they will skewer the reputation of someone in the blink of an eye."

"I was reluctant to make my come-out in Polite Society before," Effie said, looking uncertain. "Now, I am doubly so, hearing what a vindictive group the ton is."

"Not all of them are so bitter," Georgie said, trying to placate Effie. "Mama has said it is only a small fraction who actively participates in such gossip."

"They may be minority, but they are a strong voice," Mirella pointed out. "Their gossip—and the rumors they spread—has a life of its own. That is why Mama wants everything we do to reflect well upon us because whatever we say or do, it will reflect upon all of us. Even Mama herself. It could affect her chances of finding a husband."

Effie's eyes widened. "Mama wants to find a husband? No one tells me anything," her sister huffed.

She nodded. "Pippa and I have encouraged her to do so, Effie. Mama spent many years in a loveless, unhappy marriage, one not of her own choosing. While Mama has devoted her life to raising the six of us, she has put her own happiness aside."

"She still is very beautiful," Effie agreed. "Why, I think it is a good idea if Mama decides to wed again."

Mirella asked, "I wonder if we will learn at tea what our cousins are thinking in regard to their come-outs. Do you think they will discuss it in front of all of us, or will they wish to speak to Mama and James privately?"

Georgie shrugged. "We will simply need to watch things unfold. We should not express our opinions. What we need to do is support Lyric and Allegra, no matter what."

She had a feeling her cousins were going to turn down a come-out Season. What had started as the come-out for five girls—Pippa, Mirella, Allegra, Lyric, and herself—was now dwindling fast.