Lucy Muir by The Imprudent Wager Read Free Book Online

practically. “Since your ward is not yet out, and the Season does not begin for another month, we must limit your engagements to small routs and supper parties at first. I will, of course, hold a coming-out ball for your ward once the Season begins.”
    “It is too generous of you,” Anne protested, feeling a twinge of guilt at Mrs. Halcott’s readiness to assume the responsibility of introducing them to the ton after her years of failing to keep in touch.
    “Nonsense. I never had any daughters myself, only my scapegrace son. I shall enjoy it. Besides, Colonel Halcott would never forgive me if I did not do my best for Major Southwell’s daughter,” she said, patting Anne’s hand. “Now, call in Miss Amberly.”
    Mrs. Halcott took to Melissa immediately. “The only thing wrong with you is that you are too beautiful,” she said, taking in the delicate figure, glossy black hair and finely chiseled features. “You are going to stir jealousy in some breasts. I’m not sure I would be willing to sponsor you myself if I had a marriageable daughter,” she admitted candidly.
    Melissa blushed and looked at the floor, embarrassed by such a frank assessment of her beauty.
    “I am holding a small supper party this Thursday evening,” Mrs. Halcott continued. “Just a few officers and their wives, but it will serve as an introduction for you. Now, I must be going. Until Thursday.”
    They rose and, embracing Anne fondly once more, Mrs. Halcott hastened away , leaving her new protégées feeling quite overwhelmed by their sudden good fortune.
    * * * *
    Anne and Melissa dressed with great care the evening of Mrs. Halcott’s supper party, wishing to do their hostess credit. Melissa looked enchantingly innocent in a white muslin frock with bodice a l’enfant. The hem and short puffed sleeves were embellished with flowers embroidered in a blue that matched her eyes, and she had threaded a blue ribbon through her black curls. Anne had chosen a striped yellow, red and green lutestring dress with a short train and square décolletage. As befitted her status as Melissa’s chaperone, Anne wore a cornette over her coiled hair.
    “You’ll do,” approved Sanders, as she assisted them into their pelisses. “No wagers, mind you,” she admonished Anne, not quite trusting the older woman to keep her promise when in the company of military gentlemen.
    “No wagers,” Anne assured her.
    Melissa spoke thoughtfully as she drew on her gloves, an idea just occurring to her.
    “You don’t ever wager anymore, Anne. I haven’t even heard you wager with yourself. Have you been feeling quite the thing?” she asked, appearing distressed that she might not have noticed her cousin was suffering from an indisposition.
    “I am fine. It is only that I am endeavoring to remember Sanders’s strictures on my behaviour,” Anne replied lightly. “I am your chaperone, and must behave accordingly.”
    She hoped none of the inner turmoil caused by Melissa’s remarks showed upon her face. The reckless wager she had entered upon with Lord Stanton had cured her of her habit as Sanders’s admonitions never could. He might only have been having fun with her— she suspected it was so, since she had heard nothing from him—but it did not excuse her entering into such an improper wager. Her behaviour had been inexcusably lax. Anne was relieved when the footman informed them their carriage was ready, allowing the subject to be dropped.
    The Halcotts’ town house was only a short distance away. Anne and Melissa arrived within a few minutes, to be warmly welcomed by the Halcotts. Colonel Halcott, a heavy man of florid complexion and bluff manners, welcomed both girls heartily, assuring Anne that there was nothing he and Mrs. Halcott would not do for the daughter of Major Southwell. Anne thanked him prettily, pleased by Colonel Halcott’s remembrances of her father. Mrs. Halcott led them into the drawing room to wait until the rest of the guests had