Chapter Thirty-Four
Their hostess greeted them as soon as they’d walked into the ballroom. “Why, Lady St. Vincent, what a lovely surprise. I almost thought we wouldn’t see you here this evening.”
“Thank you, Lady Midton. I am very happy to be here. I’m looking forward to a very pleasant evening,” Elizabeth said, giving the woman a slight curtsy. She then moved on before the lady could say anything else. She was determined to behave as normally as possible.
“Lady Ayres, Lydia, good evening,” she said, approaching the two ladies who were standing close to the door.
They both turned as one. Lydia gasped before her face was covered in a broad smile. “Good evening, Elizabeth. What a stunning gown!” she said.
“Thank you. Tina designed it for me.”
“Of course she did,” Lady Ayres said with a
