Rachel looked down at her yellow gown and let out a small sigh. Their mother had already decided that Bettina would be given whatever it was she wanted, and thus Rachel had been resigned – nay, forced to wear the yellow gown. It was their first ball of the London season, having made their presentation to the King the previous day, but unfortunately, she now looked pale and drawn. Bettina, on the other hand, looked absolutely beautiful in the light green gown which somehow suited her absolutely perfectly despite Rachel’s previous protestations. It was unfortunate that the gown suited her so well, for Bettina had crowed over her success whilst Rachel had had no opportunity to make even the smallest murmur of complaint. Even if she had tried, she would have been silenced. On their way here, their father, the Viscount Carmichael, had made a comment on how pretty Bettina looked, while saying nothing to Rachel herself.

That had hurt. What had come thereafter, after their arrival at the ball, had pained her all the more.

“Good evening, Miss Grifford.”

Rachel turned just to see a young lady smiling at her. She could not, however, recall the young lady’s name though she did know her face, and the flush which came into her cheeks was one of embarrassment as she tried to smile. “Good evening.” Forcing her smile to grow bigger, she gestured to the room around them. “Are you enjoying the ball this evening?”

“I am.” The young lady’s smile grew, her blue eyes twinkling with a sudden good humor. “Tel me, do you recall where we met?”

The smile on the lady’s face was one which told Rachel that she had to be honest. “I am afraid I do not, for which I am highly ashamed and deeply apologetic,” Rachel replied, her embarrassment sending prickling up her spine. “Goodness, you must think very poorly of me.”

“Not in the least,” the young lady replied, her eyes still twinkling. “There are so many people present and it can be hard to remember from one Season to the next!”

This remark made Rachel frown. “Though I have not been to any other season thus far.”

The young lady’s eyebrow lifted as she smiled. “Then can you recall where we met?”

Rachel chuckled. “Well, I do not think that we can have met in London, which means that we must have met at my father’s estate or… ”

“Or at my father’s estate?” came the reply, and the young lady laughed, seeing the dawn of recognition on Rachel’s expression. “Do you recall me now?”

Rachel nodded fervently. “Yes, I remember now! But of course, I am so very sorry that I forgot, Miss Renfrew. How delighted I am to see you again and especially here in London! I do recall that your father’s house party was very enjoyable indeed.”

The young lady laughed again, her red curls dancing this way and that as she shook her head. “Please do not apologise. It was a very enjoyable time and I am very glad that our friendship – which was only just beginning to blossom – can continue through the London Season.” She looked all around Rachel before turning her gaze back towards her. “Might I ask where your sister is? I do hope she is present.”

“Yes she is present, but she has gone with my mother and father to be introduced to one particular gentleman.” Rachel watched at the confusion sparked in Miss Renfrew’s eyes, no doubt wondering why Rachel had not been invited to go and be introduced to this gentleman also. She could not give an answer to an unasked question, for though Lady Carmichael had made it quite clear that Rachel was to remain exactly where she was – which was at the back of the room, hidden in the shadows – why she was not also to be introduced to this gentleman, Rachel had not understood. As she had stood there, watching the other guests at the ball, she had surmised that it was simply because her mother and father hoped there might be a glimmer of interest between this gentleman and Bettina. Clearly, Rachel might be considered a possible distraction so thus, this introduction did not require Rachel’s presence in any way whatsoever. Bettina was to be the only noticeable person present, the only one worthy of any interest, and thus Rachel was to linger in the shadows.

That had brought a good deal of sadness to her heart but Rachel had attempted to force such feelings away. This was to be expected, she had told herself. Whatever Bettina required, Bettina would be given.

“I understand it is a little unusual for me to be standing here alone,” she found herself saying, the pain beginning to grow within her heart all over again. “They are going to introduce my sister to this gentleman without my presence, though I do not understand why. However, I am sure it is for a good reason.” She tried to laugh, but it came out a little brittle sound. “Whatever purpose my mother has, it will be to benefit my sister.”

“I quite understand.”

“Bettina is the eldest,” Rachel replied softly, finding herself eager to give some sort of explanation, embarrassed to see the curiosity in Miss Renfrew’s eyes. “It makes sense that she will be pushed forward.”

“I am sure that is so,” Miss Renfrew replied, her smile a little sympathetic. “But does that mean that you must stand here alone until they return?” One eyebrow arched. “Might you be permitted to walk around the room with me? As you may have noticed, I do not have a chaperone either.”

Rachel’s eyebrows lifted, surprise catching at her chest. “Goodness. No, I had not noticed.”

“What say you, then?”

A happiness flooded Rachel’s heart, pushing away her upset. “I suppose there could be no trouble in walking around the ballroom, no,” she said slowly, thinking about how quickly her mother and father had dismissed her. The way her parents treated her with such disdain and disinterest made Rachel believe that neither of them would even notice that she was gone from where they had left her. Perhaps they would not even notice until the end of the ball! A wry smile tipped her lips as she nodded. “Yes, I think I shall. It will be a good deal better than standing here quietly!” So saying, she stepped forward and walked alongside Miss Renfrew as they began to make their way around the ballroom. All the same, they kept themselves to the side of the ballroom rather than walking near to where the dancing was taking place.

“Might I ask, Miss Renfrew, where your father is this evening? Is your mother not with you, rather than with him?”

It took Miss Renfrew a moment to answer. “My mother is with my sister who is presently nursing her first child.”

“Oh, how wonderful.”

“I thank you. It is good news.” Miss Renfrew smiled warmly. “Therefore, my mother considered it a greater duty to be with my sister than to be with me, though my father did promise her that he would do the very best he could to secure me a match.”

“I see.” Rachel smiled and looked at her. “Is he nearby?”

Miss Renfrew’s smile faded. “Unfortunately my father does not seem to believe that this promise to my mother requires him to be present with me when we are in a ballroom. He is, I think, in the games room, playing cards with various other gentlemen.” She let out a laugh which to Rachel’s ears did not sound in the least bit joyful or even a little mirthful. “Thus I am entirely by myself, though perhaps with you by my side, I will not look so improper. In truth, I did not know what I was to do with myself this evening.”

“I am a little relieved to hear it for, in truth, I was feeling a little sorry for myself.” Rachel shrugged lightly. “Mayhap we can be each other’s chaperone – even though it is not exactly proper – but it is certainly better than standing alone.” Seeing Miss Renfrew’s smile grow all the more, she laughed lightly despite the sadness of her words. “I do not think that my own mother will care for my presence here at this ball, or at any ball. In fact, not until perhaps she has made certain that Bettina is married. Mayhap then I will be considered, though in truth, now that I say it, I do not expect that to happen, not even when Bettina is wed. Mayhap I will be thrown to some cousin or an ancient bachelor.”

“Is that so?” Miss Renfrew looked back at Rachel, her eyes a little wide. “It seems that we are both in the very same situation, are we not? I fear that I too will be given an arrangement with anyone my father deems worthy.”

Rachel sighed. “Yes, we are in the same situation, though I am all the more glad that you were willing to remain in my company even when I clearly had forgotten your name,” she said, making Miss Renfrew laugh. “Now, you have been in London for one more Season than I. You must tell me which gentleman I am to avoid and which are quite suitable for me to stand up with, should I be asked.”

“Oh, I am certain you shall be asked many times,” Miss Renfrew said cheerfully, her smile big and bright. “But you are quite right to be cautious. There are many gentlemen here in London and a good deal of them have an attachment to their names which is not at all favorable.”

“Then I certainly should be glad to know their names,” Rachel replied quickly. “On our travel over here, Bettina was quite vocal, determined that she would have her dance card filled this evening, given that it is her debut ball. I confess that I am a good deal less inclined towards hurrying to that. I would rather be aware of the gentlemen and their reputations also. Not that I expect to make any sort of match this season, however.” Her shoulders lifted and then fell. “But I can still dance.”

“I am sorry that you will not be offered the same as your sister,” Miss Renfrew replied softly, clearly seeing the pain on Rachel’s face despite her attempts to hide it. “That is not at all fair, and my heart is filled with sympathy for you.”

Rachel tried to laugh, tried to wave her concern away but she could not. Instead, she simply let out a slow breath and then shrugged her shoulders. “What is it that I can do?” she questioned quietly, aware of the heaviness in her soul. “It is not something that I am at all pleased with, but the situation is as it stands. Bettina will always be given preferential treatment and I am expected to bow to her demands also as though I was one of her servants! As though I was her lady’s maid, ready to do all that is asked of me.” Seeing Miss Renfrew’s eyes flare wide with surprise, Rachel’s face grew hot as embarrassment flooded her. Why had she spoken so? Why had she not been able to hold herself back? Flushing, she shook her head and then looked away. “Forgive me, I ought not to be speaking of such things.”

“You carry a heavy burden. It is understandable that you would wish to have someone to speak with.” Miss Renfrew looped her arm through Rachel’s, offering her a small dose of comfort which Rachel grasped at once. “I should like to tell you something. Given that you have spoken to me with such honesty, permit me to do the same, that way, you will feel quite secure in the knowledge you have shared with me.” There came a few quiet moments thereafter as Miss Renfrew’s eyes grew serious and then shook her head. “I know what it is like to feel discarded. My mother does the very same to me, even though my sister is already married and, as I have said, given birth to her first child – a boy, of course – for which everyone is extremely delighted. My mother dotes upon my sister and is quite determined to spend as much time with her as she can. Even though this is my second season and there is a growing requirement for me to marry, my mother has no interest whatsoever in encouraging or helping me as I seek out a future husband. It is painful to be treated so. I can understand your pain, Miss Grifford, for I carry the same heaviness within my own soul.”

 Rachel nodded slowly, her heart filled with the sudden sympathy as she understood exactly what it was that her friend was talking about. How blessed she had been to come upon Miss Renfrew so soon after stepping into the ballroom! There was already a balm there for her painful heart. “Then we are very similar indeed,” she said quietly. “I think that is a good thing, given that we will be able to understand one another and have the sympathy for each other’s situations.”

“I quite agree.” After a moment, Miss Renfrew let out a quiet laugh, her eyes sparkling once more. “Did you know that I was standing a short distance away for some minutes and had watched your mother take her leave of you? I did think I would be a little odd to come over and introduce myself, but in the end I decided to do so. I am glad that I did.”

“As am I.”

They continued to amble around the ballroom, talking to each other and having no urgency to return to where they had come from or speak to any of the other guests present. At one time, Rachel caught sight of her mother and father as they stood together, talking to a tall, broad-shouldered  gentleman, the one she herself was not permitted to be introduced to, but her attention was quickly diverted by her friend pointing out a gentleman Rachel ought not to meet.  Everything was going very well indeed and, to her delight, Rachel found herself enjoying the ball a good deal, even though she was not dancing or conversing with anyone other than Miss Renfrew.

“Now, there is Lord Henderson.”

Rachel listened closely to all that her new friend was telling her, seeing the various gentlemen and some ladies that were being pointed out. Lord Henderson, it seemed, was a gentleman who showed a great deal of interest in many ladies but never settled on anyone. He was a flirt and, to Miss Renfrew’s mind, a bit of a rogue.

“I shall certainly make certain never to accept a dance from him, then,” Rachel said, confidently. “I thank you for your guidance in this, Miss Renfrew. It is very helpful indeed.”

Someone cleared their throat and Rachel started in surprise.

“Might you two ladies remove yourselves from my company? It is most displeasing to hear you speak badly about my friends and acquaintances.”

Turned quickly, a gasp of surprise lodged in Rachel’s throat as she stared into the face of a gentleman whom she did not know in the least. Quite why he had the audacity to speak so, Rachel could not understand for the gentleman ought not to be eavesdropping in the first place… though she would not dare to say so.

Thankfully, Miss Renfrew had no qualms whatsoever. “I beg your pardon?” Miss Renfrew’s eyebrows arched, her voice rather loud. “I believe that I can say whatever it is I wish to without being interrupted by a gentleman who is not known to me.

“Is that so?”

Rachel took in the gentleman’s face, seeing the way his lip curled and his dark eyes glittered with an obvious dislike as he sneered obviously at Miss Renfrew.

“You are speaking badly of those I call friends,” he said curtly. “Either desist or remove yourself from standing near me. I do not like to hear such words.”

Swallowing her friend, Rachel drew in a breath and spoke up. “Might I suggest that if you do not like to hear such words, you take yourself away from us, rather than expecting us to remove ourselves from you?” Rachel’s heart clattered in her chest as the gentleman turned his eyes towards her, his gaze narrowing. Continuing to look at him steadily and lifting her chin just a little as though to prove to him she had no intention of acting upon his words,  Rachel struggled to hold her gaze steady. The gentleman was sitting in a chair, his legs straight out, and crossed at the ankle and one elbow propping up his chin. His jaw was sharp, his eyes unwavering and dark hair scattered across his forehead. There did not seem to be even the smallest amount of happiness in his expression and Rachel resisted the desire to shiver lightly.

“You are both very impolite young ladies.” The gentleman looked away, as though he could not bear to take another look at them. “It is just as well that you are standing near the back of the room. I am sure that no gentleman of my acquaintance would ever want to be in prolonged company with either of you.”

His words stung and Rachel snatched in a breath, feeling tears burning behind her eyes. Miss Renfrew, however, folded her arms across her chest and held the gentleman’s gaze steadily, her voice now rising with clear anger.

“And I believe that you are quite impertinent,” she responded, though Rachel herself remain silent. “First of all, we see that you have been eavesdropping, and secondly, you place such a demand up on us that speaks of nothing more than arrogance. Indeed, I am quite astonished that a gentleman would demand such things of two ladies – two ladies whom he has never been introduced to! Pray tell me, do you speak to all young ladies in such a manner?”

Rachel found herself smiling, the heat behind her eyes gone as the gentleman frowned heavily. Miss Renfrew had a great deal of courage, Rachel thought silently, delighted that her friend had been able to speak with such terse words, forcing the gentleman to consider his own actions. That courage filled her own spirits and she nodded half to herself and in clear support of her friend’s words.

Evidently, however, the gentleman did not take very kindly to Miss Renfrew’s question, for he rose out of his chair and, coming closer, glared down at them both.  He was a full head taller than Rachel and a head and a half taller than Miss Renfrew, making his stature rather intimidating. He clearly knew what he was doing given the way his eyes glittered, a smile carving its way across his face though it filled his expression with nothing but coldness. Miss Renfrew took a small step back but did not falter in her gaze, making the gentleman chuckle darkly.

“I do not think that either of you are aware of my title,” he said, darkly. “You are entirely unaware of who it is you are speaking to with such sharp words and improper manner. If you did know who I was, then I am quite certain you would refrain in an instant.”

“And yet, I do not care who you are or what your status is,” Miss Renfrew replied just as quickly. “Any gentleman can still be a rude gentleman, whether he be a Baron or a Duke.”

 The firm way she spoke sent bolstering courage through Rachel, and she nodded fervently, refusing to let herself be cowed by this gentleman’s rudeness. Miss Renfrew was quite right. Whether this man be a Duke or a Baron, or even if he was a knight, there was no need for him to speak with such disdain to either of them. What he was asking was entirely improper and would not be tolerated.

“It is not I who act improperly,” came the immediate reply, this time his gaze turning towards Rachel and sending a cold shudder through her. “I hear you saying insulting things about various gentlemen and – ”

“Miss Renfrew is speaking just as she finds, in order to protect me from any improper fellows,” Rachel found herself saying as the gentleman’s gaze swung back towards her again. “She is a dear friend and is treating me with great consideration. Simply because you do not like hearing what we have to say about your friends does not mean that you have any right to demand silence from us.”

“Precisely.”

Miss Renfrew beamed at Rachel and then looked back to the gentleman who had, by now, folded his arms over his chest and was looking away, his jaw working furiously. Evidently they had displeased him a great deal, but at this juncture Rachel herself did not care.  No doubt she would have been quite terrified of this gentleman had she been alone, but Miss Renfrew’s confidence added to her own.

“I do not think we need to linger here any longer, Miss Renfrew.” Her voice was as loud as Miss Renfrew’s had been, turning her head to look at her friend rather than at the angry gentleman before them. She offered her friend her arm and Miss Renfrew immediately looped hers through it. “I do not think that we will find any amiable company here.”

With a giggle, Miss Renfrew turned and walked away with Rachel by her side, though Rachel could not help but glance over her shoulder to where the gentleman still stood looking after them. He was, she noticed, still gazing at them with a hard stare, his face a little red as his arms fell back to his sides. Rachel was quite sure she had displeased him, but she did not care. No gentleman should be permitted to speak to young ladies in such a way, and she herself was glad that the conversation had been brought to an end by them rather than by him. That showed him that they were not about to consider his views more important than their own.

“Do you have any notion as to who that gentleman was?”

Miss Renfrew shook her head. “Unfortunately, I do not.”

“He did seem to state that he had a very high title,” Rachel said softly, casting yet another gaze towards the gentleman, though he was no longer looking at them. “Not that such a thing matters, of course, for it is not as though my parents will be eager to introduce me to gentlemen such as he.”

“My father does not care who I am introduced to. All he wishes is for me to make a match so that I will no longer be his responsibility.” Miss Renfrew laughed rather than frowned, as Rachel had expected. “Though I certainly will never accept such a gentleman as that for a husband. Can you imagine what a sort of arrogance must surround him? He must constantly be talking of himself, thinking well of himself, expecting others to do just as he demands. I certainly would never tolerate a husband like that.”

Rachel shivered at the very thought. Such a gentleman would do nothing but ignore his wife, she was sure. “He certainly was a bit of a beast.”

“A beastly gentleman,” Miss Renfrew laughed. “A very apt description, Miss Grifford.”

“Rachel, please.”

Miss Renfrew smiled. “Then you must call me Grace. After all, I am sure we are to be very dear friends.”

“Yes,” Rachel agreed quickly. “I think we shall be too.”