She took note of Sir Arnold’s jewelry: the showy rings, the tiepins nestling in the folds of his cravat, the glittering buckles on his shoes. A very generous man, Sir Arnold Gorrie, although he didn’t yet know it. Very generous indeed.
Arabella escorted her grandmother to the card room, saw her seated at a table with Mrs. Davenport, and returned to the ballroom. A contredanse was playing. Grace St. Just was on the dance floor, in the same set as her friend Hetty Wootton. Arabella watched for a moment. The smile on Grace’s face, her unselfconscious enjoyment in the dance, were perfect. No one would guess, looking at the girl, that the Season was more an ordeal for her than a delight.
Good girl. She gave a nod of approval.
Arabella walked around the dance floor, exchanging smiles and poli
