Chapter Eight
LADY SWINBORNE HAD finally allowed that Richard could not attend any social functions until he had seen to his wardrobe, but she did not dismiss her niece. Unfortunately, her insistence on Teresa attending the soiree that evening was quickly found to be a mistake after all.
Lady Anson had been all that was good and kind when they first arrived. “My dear Miss Seton, am I to understand that congratulations are in order?” she had gushed, without reserve.
Teresa felt her cheeks warm as Lady Swinborne responded in like manner. “Oh to be sure, my dear Lady Anson!” she had said enthusiastically, “Indeed, we are extremely lucky that Teresa has done so well as to catch the eye of one so eminently suitable.”
After this warm welcome, though, Lady Swinborne’s friends did not swarm t
