And all the time, as vivid in her mind as the day it happened, the moment of her second encounter with Lord Buxton at a soirée in Mayfair replayed itself.
*
On the day after her Court presentation, Dorianna had felt tired and listless. Her head still ached and she felt uneasy, full of a strange foreboding she could not explain.
She would have much preferred to remain in her room in the tall house in Mayfair with the curtains drawn and slept all day long.
But Mr. Shawcroft had made plans.
Lady Carysfort, an elegant and sophisticated lady, was holding an afternoon soirée at her large Mayfair home.
Mr. Shawcroft had become acquainted with Lord Carysfort at various Racecourses all over the country and Dorianna had no choice but to do as her Step-papa wished and attend her Ladyship’s par
