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see. We desire to practice that new dance I predict will sweep the ton. The ladies of Almack’s will not be able to resist it once we all know how to dance it, and well.”
    Pamela took a hopeful breath. Of course she had heard of the popular new dance that was being introduced all over the city. Princess Charlotte was reported enamored of it, although Pamela’s mother felt it disgraceful. And Pamela had heard about the waltzing parties held at Melbourne House, which did nothing to help, for Mama deplored that ménage. “I should like to join you,” Pamela said hesitantly.
    “I hear a ‘but’ in that,” the duke said.
    “I can only hope that my mother will approve.”
    “She will,” Lady Anne predicted, a smug look settling over her face. “I shall call to issue the invitation in a more formal manner. I believe my mother is an old school friend of your mother’s. Mama shall join me.”
    The duke chuckled. “I would say that is an unfair advantage, but since I want Lady Pamela to join us. I shan’t argue.”
    “I will be pleased to meet your mother, and I feel sure that Mama will enjoy chatting with her former school chum.” Pamela exchanged a shy smile with Lady Anne, then rose, preparing to leave, thus ending this morning’s session.
    “Must you go so soon?” Lady Anne inquired with what appeared to be genuine regret.
    “This afternoon is my mother’s at home. I had best present myself, dressed to assist her.” Pamela paused a moment, then added, “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your help in this —both of you. You are truly most kind.”
    “Our pleasure,” the duke replied before Lady Anne could say a word. He turned to his old friend to say, “Do you suppose it would be of help if I went along with you on the call?” He had no illusions about his power or the effect his title had on people. At times, it came in dashed handy.
    “I believe it might at that,” Lady Anne mused with a perfectly straight face, although a twinkle lurked in her eyes. “We shall see you later, sometime around three-thirty?”
    “I shan’t say anything to Mama; it shall be a surprise,” Pamela decided.
    Lady Anne summoned a maid and footman to escort Pamela to her home, Pamela having evaded her nosy maid when she slipped from the house. The quiet moments were welcome to digest all that had occurred. A waltzing party! And she might attend? Would her mother permit it?
    “Pamela, is that you, dear?” her mother said when Pamela passed the study on her way to the stairs.
    “Yes, Mama.” Pamela dutifully went to stand by the doorway, adding. “I had a lovely time. I hope you may come to know Lady Anne better, for she is a most thoughtful person. Her mother went to school with you, I believe?”
    “Indeed, I expect she did. I had almost forgotten that,” Lady Gresham said thoughtfully. “You were gone rather longer than I thought proper.” There was a questioning note in her voice Pamela dare not avoid.
    “Lady Anne persuaded me to stay for lunch. It was simply lovely, all in excellent taste. I felt certain you would approve.”
    Lady Gresham said nothing more, and Pamela escaped to her room to change into appropriate attire for her mother’s afternoon to receive callers. Pamela would sit quietly, tending to the older ladies with extra care, pour tea if required, and in general see to it that everyone who came to call had a pleasant time —if possible. Never had her nerves been so on edge as today, however. Her mother would be secretly pleased when the duke arrived. Never mind he came with Lady Anne and the Countess of Broughton.
    * * * *
    The afternoon went remarkably well from Pamela’s point of view. There were an agreeable number of women present when the trio arrived promptly at three-thirty. To make matters even better, two of those attending were gossips of the first degree. The duke’s presence would do her mother nice distinction.
    The Countess of Broughton and Anne were charming, with the