Chapter 5

Trenchard Comes to Call

Curtis was in the drawing room. As Curtis had no valet, Mr. Sanders, in his kindness, assisted Curtis in dressing. Curtis was mentally alert; still physically weak. Dr. Haynie told Curtis to stay home for at least a week and rest. With that, the family thought it best to have him downstairs before the solicitor arrived. Muriel had visited Mama's bedchamber after Dr. Haynie left to give her the good news.

The house prepared for Mr. Trenchard. Mama had stayed in her bedchamber so Muriel had spoken with Cook. She wanted to know how the larder was stocked. Cook told her there was enough food in the kitchen to last approximately two, maybe three weeks if they cut back a bit.

Muriel knew they had to be able to serve tea with biscuits, at the very least. They discussed what would be acceptable for tea time then started up the stairs to speak with Mama once again. This time would not be quite so pleasant. Muriel was tired. She wished she could lay in bed, yet she had to keep this family from going to ruin. Maybe she could close her eyes and suddenly be somewhere – Elysium. If she was a beautiful bird, perhaps Zeus would let her in. She would keep Elysium to herself, close her eyes, and fly there when she needed a pleasant calm. She knocked on Mama's bedchamber. "Enter." She opened the door to see Mama still in bed.

She sat down on the edge of the bed and turned to look at her. She looked weary. Papa's death had enervated her spirit. The family had coddled her as they understood her pain. This was the day, the time to make use of her matriarchal position and rally her strength to succor the family in this matter. "Mama, you must get up, get dressed, and come downstairs to await the solicitor. You are the acting head of the family now. Curtis and I need you to be strong and fight for what Papa worked so hard to provide for us. I don't trust this solicitor. You should remember that this man has repeatedly skipped or been delinquent in his payments that are much needed to maintain our tenants, our estate, and our properties. You can't wallow in bed and hope that Papa will return. He shan't be coming back. He entrusted this to you."

She started to cry. "How could you speak to me thus? You know I'm heartbroken."

Muriel stood. She raised her voice. "I can't condone your behavior any longer, Mama. You are not the only person that was shattered by Papa's death. We have had to raise up and continue on as Papa would have wanted us to do. If you continue to ruminate over Papa, perhaps we should have entombed you with him. You are certainly not living. And you are not caring for others that need your support. We love you Mama, but we need you. You decide." She did not look at her. She walked out the door and into her own bedchamber to prepare for the upcoming meeting. She and Curtis would have to be united and resolved to get answers to these issues. She was going to ask Trenchard who had recommended him to Papa. She would make a point to see this person and get an explanation.

Muriel was so tired. Still, there were things that had to be done. There was no one else to do it. She hoped the solicitor was merely incompetent; overlooking the payments. Then she would be able to enjoy the season. The thing was, she continued to have a nervous feeling about this man.

Muriel was giving instructions to Mr. Sanders, when she stared at him as if she was dumbstruck. He was about to ask if she was alright. "Oh my! Why did I not think of this! I wonder if a footman can call on Mr. Davis and implore him to return with the footman to be the face of accountability." Muriel knew Mr. Sanders well enough to know that he would follow her instructions to the letter. "That way we need not try to intimidate him, the accountant will most definitely do that. I pray he will come."

"A much better idea, my lady." Mr. Sanders reassurance her.

Muriel was beginning to walk away. "My lady." She turned to look at him, thinking he may have a question. "Lord Norfolk would be very proud of you." She certainly did not feel that she was doing anything special. She was struggling to keep her head above water and the family afloat.

"Thank you Mr. Sanders. That means a lot." She turned to move on to her next step in preparation for the meeting. She went into Papa's study, called for a footman, then wrote a missive to Mr. Charles Davis. She asked that he return with the footman in haste as a questionable solicitor was coming to address the issues with payment distribution. For him to please come in respect for Curtis McDonnell, Lord of Norfolk. And she signed it Lady Muriel McDonnell. It was Saturday. She hoped he was home.

Muriel completed the note as the footman, Carl, came in. "Have Jimmy take you to the office of our bookkeeper, Mr. Charles Davis. Give him the note and tell him you were ordered to wait for a response. If he can come immediately, you bring him with you in the coach. I would like for you to apologize to him for coming on a Saturday."

"Apologies, My lady. I don't recall the address."

"No. 45 High Street. I believe he lives above the business; I'm not sure. If he lives elsewhere, all you can do is return." It was an afterthought, although it would be most beneficial.

Carl relaxed for a moment, concerned for Lady Muriel. "If I may be so bold, Lady Muriel – If there is anything we, the staff, can do, please don't hesitate."

"Carl, that means very much to me. I'm sure you all loved Lord Norfolk as much as anyone in the family. I know it would mean much to him to know the devotion you and the rest of the staff have for the McDonnell family and estate. Thank you, Carl." She sat to swallow down her emotions. "Now, you must make haste."

"Yes, my lady." With that, he took the missive and left the study.

Muriel stood and looked to the mantel clock above the fireplace. It was close to three-thirty which meant if Trenchard was on time; she had half an hour to check over the list of questions she wanted answered, have Curtis lead most of the inquiries, and ensure Mama was in the drawing room with the rest of the family. She walked into the drawing room to confer with Curtis and there was Mama, Curtis sitting on one side and Amina on the other. She was dressed to perfection, looking as beautiful as ever. She was sure Amina had the credit for that. "Mama " She walked over to the couch, reached down and took her hand. "Thank you Mama." She let go of her hand.

"Save your thanks, dear girl. I'm doing as I should as the matriarch of this family." Then she returned to her conversation with Curtis.

Muriel intruded. "Excuse me, Curtis, I would like for you to lead the discussion. I have sent a missive to Mr. Davis, our bookkeeper. If he can be here, perhaps he might be able to ask for answers to the issues regarding the lack of payments."

"I will do the best I can to extract the information we need to get these future payments in a timely manner. I do so hope that Mr. Davis can be here as he would know much better what questions to ask."

Muriel sat down in one of the leather wingback chairs, then stood back up immediately. She was unable to stay seated. She began to pace. Every step increased her trepidation. Was this man manipulating Papa's money? Where was the money physically? How is it this solicitor was unable to answer any questions at all when she made the initial meeting? What would happen to the family if this man was misappropriating the money?

It was nearing the time that Mr. Trenchard was expected when Mr. Sanders entered the drawing room announcing the arrival of Mr. Charles Davis. "Please have him come in." Curtis replied to Mr. Sanders' announcement. Curtis, Muriel, Marie and Amina all stood in anticipation of welcoming Papa's old friend. Curtis extended his arm. "It is so good to see you, sir. We apologize for such late notice." Muriel apologized.

"It is quite alright. It is Saturday. I was only attempting to catch up on some of the paperwork." He was not a tall man, had a handsome face, strong jaw, and thick ebony hair. He reached out for Marie. "How are you, Marie? I have thought of you so often. I apologize for not calling on you sooner." She clung to him knowing how close he was to her husband. "Are you getting on?"

"Yes, I'm trying, a little–now." Marie looked to at him and smiled. "Please don't apologize for not calling. We recently arrived from the country. I insisted the family mourn at the Willow Bend Estate ."

"A wise decision, if I may be so bold." He reluctantly released her from his hold. "What has happened that requires my assistance?"

"Please sit down, sir." Curtis politely directed Mr. Davis to a wingback by the front window. "I think I shall let Lady Muriel speak on the subject as she has been the person directly dealing with the issue. I have been at Eton." So Muriel began the story of the missed and delayed payments with the lack of explanation. The solicitor, Mr. Herbert Trenchard was to be here for tea time in order to explain.

"Pardon my late request for your appearance. I thought it necessary for you to be here when Lord Curtis made the request for an audit. I fear something is amiss," Muriel explained. She walked over and used the bellpull to request the tea cart. As it had been prepared, it took no time for the housemaid to deliver the tea with tarts and biscuits. Rosa walked in behind the tea cart. Muriel knew Rosa had been with Cook to make sure all was well. Rosa made her pleasantries to Mr. Davis.

Mama stood and walked over to the cart. "Allow me to serve." She poured the tea into the first cup. Mr. Davis had already risen and was walking toward Mama before she finished pouring. Muriel thought he was looking at her with a particular admiration. "Mr. Davis, please help yourself to the tea pastries." He smiled down at her and stood next to her a minute too long. Muriel and Curtis gave curious looks to each other. Did Mama have an admirer?

"I understand and appreciate your concern. There should be no reason for delayed payments and certainly not missed payments. I worked with your father for many years. I know very well the value of the estate. The investments, the properties, and the endowments should be more than adequate to last the McDonnell family for generations. With your permission, I will request an immediate audit of the holdings."

Muriel noted the strength of his jawline and the determination in his eyes. She found him similar to Papa. Papa was not tall; he was most handsome with a strong, determined look and strong, masculine features. Mr. Davis was much the same except for being a bit taller and the color of his hair. Papa was a blonde, like the rest of the family. "He should be here any time now, if, indeed he is coming." Muriel was now concerned that he would fail to come when she heard a knock.

"Mr. Trenchard." Mr. Sanders announced.

"Please lead him in." Lady Marie spoke. As Mr. Trenchard entered the drawing room, he appeared a bit taken aback by the audience before him.

He bowed slightly toward Curtis. "It is nice to finally meet the McDonnell family after a bit...a year." He looked awkward. As he looked around at the faces, he noted Lady Muriel and her companion whose name he never asked. He noticed an older servant sitting next to the woman he assumed was the dowager. He wondered why the family would include the two slaves. He found it an insult. A family so foolish certainly was not deserving of the holdings from the McDonnell estate.

Curtis had immediately determined he disliked him. "Allow me to introduce my family." He walked over to the end of the couch. "My mother, the matriarch of the family, the dowager Lady Marie." Mr. Trenchard took Mama's hand and bowed over it without a word. "This is Mrs. Morgan, and I believe you met Miss Rosa Morgan." Curtis waited to see what he would do with those introductions. Trenchard did nothing. "And my sister, Lady Muriel." He took Muriel's hand and bowed over it. Curtis noticed the man's leer as he bowed to Muriel. He was not to be trusted. Finally, Curtis walked to Mr. Davis. Mr. Davis stood for the introduction. "This is the family accountant, Mr. Charles Davis." The flushing of Mr. Trenchard's face was visible at the introduction. "Our invitation for you to come and speak with us was prior to our determination to invite Mr. Davis to assume the lead on discussing the issues the McDonnell family is experiencing from your supervision." Curtis paused and looked to Mr. Davis. "Mr. Davis, with my permission, please make arrangements with Mr. Trenchard to confer in order to eliminate any further issues with monetary distribution. "

It was obvious to both Curtis and Mr. Davis that Mr. Trenchard was most uncomfortable. Muriel noticed as he quickly rallied with a patronizing smile. "It will be pleasure to work with such an esteemed gentleman as Mr. Davis. Your outstanding reputation precedes you." He stood looking bilious.

Mama looked to Mr. Davis. "Mr. Davis, would you care for another cup of tea?" She looked at Mr. Trenchard purposefully as an afterthought. "Excuse me, Mr. Trenchard, would you care for tea?"

He shook his head. "Thank you, no." He walked toward Mr. Davis. "I will send a missive to your office to arrange an appointment for us to discuss the will."

Mr. Davis stood again. "I think it would be more advantageous for me to come to your office and go over the entire will and estate books with you." Mr. Davis was looking him in the eye. "At our mutual convenience." Muriel was so impressed with the outcome of this quick meeting and with Mr. Davis. She could burst with delight. Whatever Mr. Trenchard was or was not guilty of, Mr. Davis would soon uncover. If there was nothing other than his being forgetful, it would be an issue immediately remedied. If there was something more nefarious going on, Mr. Davis would easily discover that as well.

Mr. Trenchard walked backward toward the drawing-room door. "'Twas certainly a pleasure meeting all of you. With that, I will take my leave." Curtis nodded to the man.

"I expect the meeting between the two of you to be soon. Very soon." Curtis walked with him to the door. "Thank you for coming. Let us resolve these issues with distribution so we may all be more at ease."

"Yes, of course. I completely agree." Mr. Trenchard's behavior was not congruent with his words.

Mr. Sanders saw the man out.

After seeing the man out, Mr. Sanders turned to Curtis. "My lord, is there anything else I might do for you or the rest of the family before I take my leave?"

Curtis was so grateful for Mr. Sanders. He seemed to somehow hold the family together with his calm. It relieved him to know there was a male in the house with knowledge of the family; how to deal with any household problems that might occur. "Thank you, Mr. Sanders. I think we are fine. I think we will have a later dinner than usual, if you might share that with Cook. And I'm going to invite Mr. Davis to dinner."

"Yes, my lord." And Mr. Sanders disappeared down the hall.

Curtis walked back into the drawing room and smiled as he looked upon his family. This was the family he was born to care for. He was at school and Muriel, bless her, was caring for the family in his stead. He hoped Papa would be proud. "Mr. Davis, we would be delighted if you would stay for dinner." Mr. Davis looked to Mama. She nodded.

"I would love to." His smile was directed at Mama. It appeared to be obvious to everyone in the room, save Mama, that Mr. Davis had a tendre for her.

"Anyone interested in a game of cards until dinner? Mr. Davis? Amina?" Mama seemed to be suddenly showing signs of her old self. Muriel felt that now she could send notes to her childhood friends, Helen Green and Margaret Maxwell. She was so anxious to see them.

"I'm in, what for you, Muriel? Rosa?" Curtis was always eager for a card game.

"I think I will pardon myself. I would like to send notes to a few friends I have not seen for too long." She started out the door, then turned back to Curtis. "Have you notified school that you are to stay home and rest for a week?" The look on Curtis's face said it all. Muriel chuckled. "I will write the letter on your behalf. The headmaster is more likely to find the message a bit more credible coming from your older sister." She gave her brother a knowing look. She knew her brother would miss a class or two in order to join in on a card game or go to watch and bet on a horse race. He was fourteen going on fifteen. It was expected.

Growing up with him, Muriel understood his inclinations. As long as he maintained his grades, she was fine to ignore his boyish entertainments.

"I would like to sit, perhaps read a bit before dinner or play the pianoforte." Rosa was tired. She had spent the bulk of the vigil watching over and reading to Curtis.

Muriel went into the study and stopped. The feeling of Papa was throughout the room. She could smell him – leather, some spice, and Papa. Unmistakable. Rather than become melancholy, she felt embraced by him. Papa was near. "Watch over us Papa."

Chapter 6

Games People Play

Martin was enjoying his scotch, cheroot, and company. Fred and Henry sat in the cardroom at White's. They were well on their way to fleecing their old Eton friend, the fourth horseman, who had more money than card sense. John Herbert, 8 th Earl of Powis was a likeable gentleman. He thoroughly enjoyed the threesomes' company.

"I know I'm not the best of card players; I have to admit to that. I do try to keep up." He sounded more apologetic than humorous. John was a very calm and confident man. He was an attractive-looking man but, like Martin, not the most social individual. One thing he was very good at was making money. He was not at all close to his father. Jonathan's father was a wastrel – had gone through at least three generations worth of money in less than a year – spending it on opium, alcohol, and whores. It was John that increased their coffers to a impressive level.

"Powis, you are a terrible player. If we were not friends, it would be a pleasure to take all your money." Fred enjoyed harassing Powis. "I still am not sure why you even try to play cards with us."

"It has to be for the company; it certainly is not for my expertise at the game." So self-deprecating. He leaned back in his chair. "I think it is time to fold for more entertaining pleasures. Am I the only one to travel to the Temple of Venus ?"

"Oh, no – we stand together." Martin and Fred stood, raised their drinks which compelled Henry to join them standing. "Stand up, Powis." John stood and held up his glass with the three. Martin raised his stentorious voice and, with much vibrato, exclaimed. "To the Four Horsemen! "

In response, all four exclaimed. "To the Horsemen!" They downed their drinks and slammed their glasses on the table.

Martin slapped John on the back. "You see, you are not allowed to go without our company. Who else will protect you from those ladies that are so attracted to you...and your money." Martin chortled at the irony of his words. The ladies saw money when any of the four walked in. John, like Martin, rarely imbibed in the entertainment of the ladies. "Come, we will take my coach. If you are enticed to stay the night, hackneys swarm this area to pick up rakehells such as yourselves." They were in agreement so they departed White's, for softer company. Martin did not need to tell his coachman specifics. All he needed to say was, "Covent Gardens," and he knew exactly where to deliver the nobles.

"Shall I wait, my lord?" The coachman, at times, would be told to return on the morrow as often as he was told to stay. This particular night he was told to stay. Martin was willing to ensure his comrades were safely settled. For him, he was more interested in playing cards, and discussing politics and the latest enterprises. During these particular evenings, he would sit with many of the older nobles who came to the Temple of Venus, to enjoy the flirtations rather than to actually imbibe. When he entered the card room, Lord Aubyn, Lord Blackwood, and Lord Duff, were sitting around a table. No cards; conversation was usually the order of the evening. The four horsemen could expect any number of topics – the latest developments of the peerage, parliament, or a bit of gossip. Martin and John were welcome, so they sat down and listened to their opinions on many of the issues regarding Town. John was one to listen more than contribute. But he would remember every bit of everyone's conversation. Through the course of their conversations, the discussion turned to the necessity of water and sewage removal. With the influx of the population, the problem was becoming unbearable.

"It is a shame that Lord McDonnell is no longer with us. He was a wealth of information regarding not only the advances in transportation, he was up to date on the latest advances in water and sewer utilities." Lord Blackwood had been a very close friend of Lord McDonnell's and an admirer of McDonnell's intellect and acute perception pertaining to the growth of Town.

Martin looked curiously at Lord Blackwood. "I have not heard. What happened to Lord McDonnell?"

"I'm surprised you had not heard. It was in all the papers. He was at his estate in Norwich, the Willow Bend Estate , when he dropped to his knees and was dead." Lord Blackwood hung his head as he gently shook it. "It was devastating to his wife and children. Curtis had always been such a healthy-looking man."

"It is sad that his son is so young. Now the Earl of Norfolk. Still at Eton. Hopefully, the will was well enough written to prevent any further pain to the family."

Lord Aubyn, as well as Lord Duff, had been friends with McDonnell. "I think the family returned to Town a few days ago." Lord Aubyn was eager to see Lady Marie. " We should at the very least, pay our respects. Soon." Aubyn looked to be reminiscing. He had that kind of smile on his face. "You know, before Curtis married Marie, I had a fondness for her. She was beautiful. Almost ethereal-like."

That particular wording caught Martin's attention. "Lord McDonnell only has a son?"

"No, no. He has a daughter as well. Stephen, you spent more time at the McDonnell's country estate than either of us. You knew the entire family, correct?" Blackwood nodded to affirm. "Do you remember what his daughter's name is – how old she is?" Michael Duff and James Aubyn were not close enough to McDonnell's family to know.

"My mind is blank. As I recall she was a pretty girl. Young. Looked like her mother. She entertained us one evening. Sings and plays the pianoforte. Lovely voice." Blackwood took a sip of his scotch. "She went riding with Curtis and me once or twice. Proficient horsewoman, as I recall. Very pleasant." He took another sip of his scotch, leaned back, recalling. "We should go and pay our respects. I think I will send a note to their townhouse." Blackwood cared very much for McDonnell and his family. He should at least provide them with anything they may need. Curtis would have done that for his family.

"What is their address? I think I may have met Lord McDonnell's daughter." Martin was not really lying. He may have seen her, if indeed she was the daughter of Lord McDonnell. Spying her at the theatre could vaguely count as having met her. As John and he sat listening to the lords speaking of the McDonnell young lady, the more enamored Martin became. Perhaps he was dicked in the nob. He had only seen Miss Apparition, who he now referred to as Lady Apparition, from a distance. For three or four minutes at the most. Yet he was strangely drawn to the astral young lady.

"The townhouse has a strange name. I'm unable to recall it. I remember the address is No. 72 Park Street. I can send a note on behalf of the three of us, asking for an audience with Lady McDonnell."

Martin made a mental note of the address. It was very close to his address at 40 Park Lane. He could easily take a walk and pass by the McDonnell townhouse in order to confirm she was, indeed, Lady Apparition. Perhaps this young lady was not a spectre. This was a good time of the year to enjoy a brisk walk in the morning after his ride. Yes, he would start walking tomorrow.

Lady Helen and Lady Margaret arrived at Muriel's the very next day after they received her note inviting them to visit. Muriel was in the library when she heard Mr. Sanders answer the door. As soon as she heard the ladies' voices, she ran to the door. Mr. Sanders struggled to escape the hugs and screams of excitement from the three young ladies. "I'm so happy to see you both. I have missed you so much." Muriel had tears as they continued to hold on to each other. "I feared you may have forgotten me. I tried to write as often as possible." She hugged them. "Nothing is the same as seeing you."

"We shared your letters and tried to keep you abreast of the events of last season. It was so exciting. We wished time and again that you were with us." Margaret had been friends with Muriel since they were babes.

"You, dear friend, would have stolen all the attention, Muriel. Wait until they see you." Helen and Margaret each to one of Muriel's hands and held them out to look at her. "Then again, we will be close enough to take the gentlemen unable to sign your dance card." And Helen meant it. She knew Muriel would be surrounded with the most sought after eligible noblemen.

"You both are full of exaggeration. It has been so long since we have been in Town, no one will even know me. I would think that would be rather important to nobles looking for a wife."

"Ridiculous! You must attend the ball that is this coming Friday. Lord and Lady Seymour are having the first ball of the season. ‘Tis guaranteed to be a crush. I will make sure you receive an invitation." Margaret's family was one of the wealthiest in Town. She could get invitations to anything. "I'm sure they would want Lady McDonnell to attend. Mama spoke of her often. When I received your note, Mama said she would send an invitation to her tout suite. She wants to see her; I think she said tomorrow."

"That would be grand. Mama needs her old friends." Muriel had to make sure Mama would reestablish herself with her Bosom Bows. "I'm so excited to see you both." They were still standing in the foray. "How silly of me. Please come in. We can go into the drawing room and I will order tea." As she walked Margaret and Helen into the room, she asked. "Have you even had time to break your fast?"

"Of course not. We had to see you. So if you are asking us to break our fast with you, the answer is yes." Helen could never turn down a meal.

Muriel rang for Mr. Sanders. He entered. "How may I be of service, my lady?"

"Has Rosa come down yet?"

"No, my lady."

"Then please tell Cook I would like breakfast for three."

"I will tend to that now. Will that be all?"

"Yes, Mr. Sanders. Thank you." Muriel led her friends to the small breakfast room.

"He is still working for you. That is wonderful. I wish Mama would hire a nice butler. The man she recently hired is not too efficient. At least not with me." Margaret's mother had a tendency to run through household staff. "Where is Rosa? We must include her in breakfast. I have missed you both so much."

"I will have Mr. Sanders get the upstairs maid to inform her you both are here and we are awaiting her in the small breakfast room. I know she will be excited to see you both."

They sat down at the table and both Margaret and Helen were taking Muriel in. "Muriel, you have blossomed into a regal-looking young lady. Honestly, It is hardly fair." Helen was the sweetest of people, smart, funny, and loved by all that knew her. Sadly, she looked more like her father than her attractive mother. She was a bit on the thin side which was curious as she was always eating. Her hair was a wiry dark brown. Muriel often thought with some care, her hair could be attractive. It appeared that Helen was unconcerned. Like Muriel, she loved to read. Her mother said the reason for Helen's big cow eyes was due to her constant reading. She was either reading or eating.

"Muriel, there is a modiste that I discovered. No one is aware of her yet, so we can take advantage of her creative designs and look like the belles of the balls that we shall be." Margaret was always able to find the best of everything. She was always the first to take advantage of the latest styles.

"I'm afraid I will be unable to attend any balls. Not for a while anyway." Muriel hated to miss out on the season's balls. She regretted, with the problems they were currently having with the distribution of funds, she would be unable to afford ball gowns.

Helen and Margaret spoke in unison. "What! You must."

She really did not want to explain the money problems the family was experiencing. She was hopeful that with Mr. Davis, the issue with the money would be quickly resolved. "I can't spend the money on things like ball gowns now." Hopefully, that would be all she had to say on the matter.

"That is ridiculous, Muriel. Lord McDonnell was very well known for his wealth and his financial savvy. I won't hear you say that you can't spend money in preparation for the coming season." Margaret was unaccustomed to anyone unable to afford things. It was not in her vernacular.

"This is not a conversation I wish to have now. I'm so happy to see you both and would much rather hear what has been happening while I have been in Norwich."

Mr. Sanders re-entered the drawing room. "Ladies, breakfast will be out directly. Lady Muriel, I have directed Nancy to tend to Miss Rosa."

"Thank you, Mr. Sanders. Best have the footman set another place." Muriel looked to her two best friends. She was beyond thrilled to be with them now.

"Yes! I'm starved. Rosa had better hurry or I'm eating without her." Helen raised her hand to stop the barbs. "I know, I know – I'm always hungry." Margaret and Muriel nodded in agreement.

"And while we eat, we will discuss our trip to the modiste. The least you can do is accompany Helen and me while we have our fittings. You could have your fitting as well. When you decide to purchase your designs, the modiste will have all she needs to get them done. The modiste's name is Miss Christopher. I promise, you will be very impressed with her work. We will take the Town by storm." Margaret flung her arms in the air as if they were fireworks.

As Margaret was planning Muriel's season, the footman brought out the breakfast items. They filled their plates. Muriel smiled as she took them in. Each so unique in their own way and both of them dear to her. "I'm so happy to have you sitting with me, here in this townhouse. I am" Muriel picked up her serviette and started to tear.

"It is alright, Muriel. We understand and feel the very same way. We love you. It will all work out." Helen reached over and squeezed Muriel's hand. And Muriel felt it was another sign that it could all work out fine.

Most mornings Martin and Fred would meet on Rotten Row to exercise their horses, enjoy the morning without the crowd of the beau monde, and discuss any number of topics. "Two nights ago, while you two rakehells were swiving, I believe I obtained a bit more information on the elusive Lady Apparition."

"I thought she was Miss Apparition?" Fred laughed.

"Remember, the stage hands told me her coachman referred to her as Lady Muriel. "

"Ah, yes. So what new piece of information have you to further identify her and obtain her whereabouts?" Fred was interested as well. Although, from the brief amount of time they were able to see her, it appeared that the majority of the men in the audience were interested as well. "I still wonder, if she is of the peerage, why was she sitting in the gallery?"

"I have no idea. While John and I were sitting with Lords Duff, Aubyn, and Blackwood, Blackwood started a conversation about Lord McDonnell. I think there is a good possibility she may be Lord Curtis McDonnell's daughter. Blackwood was a friend of McDonnell. The three were discussing the necessity of calling on the Dowager McDonnell. Lord McDonnell died suddenly over a year ago and the family had stayed at the country estate during the family's mourning period."

Fred thought it could be a strong possibility. "That may be the reason for Lady Apparition having never been seen at any of the balls last season. However, I can't recall ever seeing her before. I would remember that face." They rode a minute, then Fred asked. "I wonder if she might attend any this season?"

"I was able to get the address of the McDonnell townhouse. I should like to ride by and see if anyone is about. What say you, Fredrick?"

"Martin, I say, you have become addlepated over this Lady Apparition. What is the allure, other than her being the most beautiful creature anyone has ever beheld?" Fred slapped his thigh with ‘ha' at his own humor.

"Fred, Blackwood said he spent some time at McDonnell's estate for a while. McDonnell's daughter entertained them once with singing and playing the piano forte."

"So, she could be a social bore."

"No, Fred. Blackwood also said that she was quite the horsewoman. That she was smart and kind." They rode a little further in silence. "Oh! And he also said that Lady McDonnell was beautiful. Lord Aubyn said, and I quote, ‘before Curtis married Marie, I had a fondness for her. She was beautiful. Almost ethereal-like.' Now, what say you to that Lord Windham?"

"I think you may have found our Lady Apparition. So now what? You can't ride up and down her street hoping to see her. Besides, she most likely would not speak with you without a formal introduction." Fred remembered. "Lord and Lady Seymour are having the first ball of the season. I'm sure everyone from the t o n will be there. We must make it a priority to attend. It is very likely that she will be there."

"Fred, that is another reason why we are such friends – you always keep me abreast of the goings on of the beau monde."

"So true. Since you are less than interested in the ton, someone must keep you abreast. Now, you found out the McDonnell address. We may as well ride by before we head for the mews."