Lady Hastings' Second Season

Chapter Two

"I can see now how your reputation as a wonderful dancer precedes you," Mr Whitby spoke as they danced.

"I have a reputation for such a thing?" Amelia was surprised to hear it.

"I had heard from last season that to claim a spot on your dance card was the highest honour." He explained. "It is not a bad reputation to have."

"I suppose not," She pondered as the music finished. As he led Amelia away from the dance floor he asked, "Is there somebody I can escort you to, Your Grace?"

"Oh, Ginny! How awful of me to forget her!" Amelia raised herself onto her tip toes trying to see over the crowd, but it was no use for she was far too short. "I'm afraid I may be in need of some help searching for my cousin, Mr Whitby."

"Certainly. May I ask what colour dress she is wearing?"

"A lovely royal blue!"

"There appears to be three women dressed in blue, say, does she have blonde hair?" He asked as he searched the ballroom.

"Yes, she does! I suppose that Lord Clarence will still be by her side, I ought to save her," Amelia sighed at the thought of encountering that man again.

"Your cousin is not with Lord Clarence, do not fret. She is talking with another man and I daresay I see a smile on her face!" Mr Whitby announced.

"Oh. Well, I do not think I should interrupt them then." She spoke to herself before turning to Mr Whitby, "Tell me, where was it you were going to go?"

"I was going to join my friends-" He started to say.

"Excellent, I shall accompany you if you do not mind? I love to make new acquaintances!" Amelia interrupted him.

"Of course, I am sure they would be delighted to meet you." Mr Whitby smiled, wondering how he was now walking with Lady Hastings' hand in the crook of his arm.

"Ah, Henry! I wondered where you'd wandered off to! Finding a young lady, clearly," A cheerful man spoke out to them as they approached.

"Gentlemen, may I introduce Lady Hastings, daughter of the Duke of Richmond." Amelia curtseyed and offered a smile. "Your Grace, let me introduce you; Lord Archibald Castor, Earl of Hamilton."

"Oh, we need no introduction, for we met last season, albeit briefly! I do hope you'll do me the honour of allowing for another dance with me later this evening, My Lord?" Amelia asked as Lord Castor kissed her hand.

"I would be delighted to," He smiled at her. At least she knew one of Mr Whitby's friends, if only a little.

"This is Mr Thomas Bancroft, the man who so kindly called out to us," Mr Whitby rolled his eyes.

"A pleasure to meet you, Your Grace." Mr Bancroft bowed but not before grinning at his friend's expression.

"And you," Amelia could not help but let slip a small smile at their banter.

"And finally, Lord Edmund Harrison, Duke of Devon."

"Your Grace," He said as he bowed and kissed her hand.

"Oh, it is so lovely to meet you all, and if you are at all similar to your friend, I am sure I will get along splendidly with you!" Amelia beamed at the gentlemen after acquaintances were made. They were all handsome and good natured and so, she had few objections to remaining with them.

The five of them spoke for a little while, and Amelia was starting to become very glad she had met Mr Whitby, because he and his friends were marvellous. Mr Bancroft and Mr Whitby had an excellent friendship and made her laugh with their antics. Lord Castor was incredibly charming and, although Lord Harrison was quieter that the others, he did have entertaining wit. She told them tales of her first season and how she was excited for her cousin to meet them as well.