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gentleman you danced with and don’t know if I can wait until
we walk in Hyde Park later.”
    Tossing her curls, Jean grinned and pulled her friend aside
so the others wouldn’t hear. “Which gentleman do you mean? I danced with so
many.”
    “How you go on. ‘I danced with so many,’ as if you were the
only Diamond at the ball. You know which gentleman I mean. I haven’t met him.
You are keeping him secret, are you?”
    Jean knew exactly which one Agnes spoke of but enjoyed
teasing her friend. “Let me find my dance card and refresh my memory.”
    Agnes rolled her eyes.
    Jean laughed. “Very well. He is no one of significance. In
fact, he’s Mrs. Granderson’s nephew and a friend of my brother. It is through
him we became known to Mrs. Granderson and are staying with her now. His name
is Mr. Tilbury.”
    “Will we be seeing more of him?”
    Jean steered her friend toward the window seat filled with
embroidered pillows, where they could speak with some small privacy. Miss
Sunderland, Agnes’ sister, sat near the older women. Jean waited until the
others began to speak before quietly answering Agnes. “I doubt it. I’m
surprised to see him in London. I’d thought his business would keep him in
Greater Yarmouth. Although, as he does have a family connection with Mrs.
Granderson, we might see him on occasion while he’s in Town.”
    “I hope we do. Is he not the most handsome man we’ve seen
this Season?”
    He was, if Jean reflected on the smoldering looks he’d given
her on the balcony, but she couldn’t admit to that. “I suppose he has tolerable
looks.” She had to bite her lip to keep from laughing.
    Agnes cast her a small smile. “Yes, quite tolerable. If you
haven’t an attachment to him, perhaps I should know him better. You must
introduce me.”
    A band tightened around Jean’s ribs as if her maid had
over-tightened her stays. What a ridiculous reaction. Why should she care if
Agnes flirted with the man? She had no feelings toward him. “Of course. It
would only be polite to do so, if we do cross paths with him.”
    The salon doors opened and Burton, the butler, announced the
arrival of the three Smythe sisters. Jean and Agnes rose to mingle. Lord Milford
and another gentleman arrived soon after, and the lord came straight to Jean
after greeting his hostess.
    He bowed quickly over her hand. “How are you this morning,
Miss Seton?”
    “I am well, thank you. Is it as warm out today as
yesterday?” How was one supposed to get to know any gentleman when allowed only
minute measures of small talk? She hoped her face didn’t reveal her wish to be
out of doors enjoying the spring sun.
    “It’s quite pleasant out. I located a copy of that book you
mentioned, but I have yet to find the time to read.”
    “Oh, I hope you enjoy it as much as I did.”
    A loud burst of giggles rang out near the doorway. Jean saw
Mr. Tilbury surrounded by Agnes and the Smythe sisters. Her heart fluttered as
she tried to focus on Lord Milford. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
    Before he could respond, Mr. Tilbury joined them. “Miss
Seton, you are as lovely as the breeze blowing through my aunt’s roses.”
    Her cheeks warmed. “How nice to see you. Are you acquainted
with Lord Milford?” She made the introductions, attempting to make clear her
friendship with the lord.
    Mr. Tilbury said the appropriate things before steering the
conversation his own way. “I picked up the phaeton I ordered this morning and
am eager to take it for a spin. If you are free this afternoon, I would be
honored if you would join me, Miss Seton.”
    Jean’s mouth opened and closed again. She glanced at Lord
Milford, uncertain how to respond. Shouldn’t he jump to her protection and
imply they had a prior engagement, even though they had none? If he were
considering any sort of suit, as his constant attentions seemed to imply, he
should try to keep her from seeing other men.
    Yet he said nothing.
    Jean sighed. “I should be happy