"You will be the most beautiful lady there," Rose said as she fixed the lace to the gown with small, neat st.i.tches.

"The second most beautiful, you mean," Lily said as she retied the ribbons on the sleeves. "The viscountess will be there, and I'm sure no one will be prettier than the ribbons on the sleeves. "The viscountess will be there, and I'm sure no one will be prettier than her her."

"Ivy will be," Rose said.

"How can you know that when you've never seen the viscountess?"

"You've never seen her either."

Lily opened her mouth but could find no reply for that, so she settled for glaring at Rose.

"You've made me very cross, you know, Ivy," Lily said after a minute. "I shouldn't even be helping you with your gown. I don't know why you're taking Mrs. Baydon to the party and not me."

"You know very well why I cannot take you."

"But it's absolutely mad! Young ladies without handsome suitors are the very sort of persons who need to go to parties. How else are they supposed to find husbands?"

"You will be able to go to parties without Mr. Quent's accompaniment once you are out."

"When will that be?" Lily crumpled a ribbon into a ball and slumped back against the sofa. "Never, I suppose."

Ivy studied her youngest sister. She looked more like a girl of twelve than a young woman of sixteen at the moment. Yet sixteen she was, and it was time for her to be out in the world. Yesterday, Ivy and Mr. Quent had agreed to start preparations for her and Rose's party on his return. Ivy had thought to tell her sisters then, so as not to make them suffer too great a degree of suspense, but perhaps it was best not to delay the news further.

"Never is a very long time," Ivy said. "I would think you should expect to be presented to society significantly sooner than that."

Lily grimaced. "Really? And when should that happen?"

"I am sure it will happen just a moment after Rose is introduced," Ivy said.

"Rose! I am sure I will walk the plank if she is out before she is a spinster!"

"Then we must find a plank for you to walk on. For Rose will be presented at the party Mr. Quent is holding for you both next month. Though since you'll have gone overboard, I suppose it will be just Rose's party." month. Though since you'll have gone overboard, I suppose it will be just Rose's party."

Lily's jaw dropped open, and Rose let out a gasp. She put her finger to her mouth, having p.r.i.c.ked it on the needle.

"Blood and swash!" Lily roared. "You mean it, don't you? We're to have our party at last?"

"Not if you don't stop speaking like a pirate," Ivy said gravely. Then she smiled at her sisters. "But yes, it is past time that you were both out. Only our father's condition and the demands of Mr. Quent's work have delayed it, but it can be put off no longer. We will have the party at Durrow Street as soon as the repairs are complete, and Mr. Quent will present you both to society."

At this Lily let out a crow of delight. Then she took Rose's hands and pulled her up off the sofa, spinning her around in a circle and laughing. At last they sank back to the sofa, breathing hard.

Ivy could not help being delighted at the happiness the news had given her sisters. "I take it you are pleased, then?"

"Blow me down!" Lily said. "I mean, yes, very much. A party at last! And we must make sure all the handsomest young gentlemen are invited. Especially Mr. Garritt. How long did you say Mr. Quent was to be away?"

"I am not certain," Ivy said. "His business is very important. It may take him until next month."

"Well, I cannot wait to talk to him the moment he's back."

"To thank him?"

"That," Lily said, then winked at Rose. "And to ask him to take us shopping for new gowns!"

IVY WAS PRESSED for time as it was, and once again the lumenal was shorter than the timetables in the almanac had predicted. As a result, a violet dusk was thickening outside the inn by the time Lily fixed the last pin in her hair and Rose sewed one last st.i.tch in her gown.

The old rosewood clock let out a chime as the dark disk covered the gold. At least it it always knew when the umbral was always knew when the umbral was commencing. Just then a knock came at the chamber door; the carriage had arrived for her. commencing. Just then a knock came at the chamber door; the carriage had arrived for her.

"The ribbon on your shoulder is still crooked!" Lily exclaimed.

However, there was no more time.

"I must fly," Ivy said to her sisters, kissing them each, then left their chambers to dash down the stairs. As if she were indeed a sparrow, her heart fluttered wildly in her chest.

"She is only a viscountess!" Ivy said under her breath. "And you have met a king. Besides, you have ridden in her carriage before. There is nothing for you to fear."

Even when rational thought urges calmness, there are deeper and more ancient instincts that advocate a different reaction, and the rapid beating of Ivy's heart continued as the footman helped her into Lord Baydon's barouche.

She found Mrs. Baydon inside, if possible in an even more distressed state. Her eyes were wild, and her cheeks were very flushed, though she looked beautiful in a blue gown that matched her eyes.

"Are you well?" Ivy said.

Mrs. Baydon shook her head. "I think I am coming down with a fever."

Ivy smiled at that. "You are simply excited, as am I."

The carriage started into motion, and Mrs. Baydon gave a small cry. "Why ever did I wish to go to a viscountess's party? If anyone looks at me or speaks to me, I am sure I will faint. Though if anyone notices me at all, I will be mistaken for a servant. What was I thinking to wear such a dreadful gown? We must tell the driver to return to Vallant Street at once. He can drive you to the party after you let me off."

Confronted by her friend's trepidation, Ivy's own receded a fraction. "I will have your arm, so you need have no fear of fainting. Besides, I am sure if anyone is mistaken for a servant, it will be me."

"Oh, no one would ever mistake you you for a servant, Lady Quent," Mrs. Baydon said. "No matter what you wore." for a servant, Lady Quent," Mrs. Baydon said. "No matter what you wore."

So serious was her expression that Ivy found herself unable to reply. Instead the two sat in silence as the barouche made its way up the Promenade toward the New Quarter. Too soon the carriage came to a halt before a grand house whose facade featured more columns than could be easily counted. up the Promenade toward the New Quarter. Too soon the carriage came to a halt before a grand house whose facade featured more columns than could be easily counted.

Ivy's trepidation returned as she and Mrs. Baydon departed the carriage and walked slowly up the broad bank of steps. Other revelers pa.s.sed by them, some in capes and feathered masks, all in finery and moving quickly, as if eager to experience the delights inside. Light shone through the windows of the house, changing hues every few moments. Each time the door opened, the sound of laughter and music spilled forth.

At last they could go no farther without knocking upon the door themselves.

Mrs. Baydon stopped and shook her head. "I cannot go in. It was mad to think I was fit for such an affair. I do not know anyone who will be there!"

Ivy took a breath. "On the contrary, you will indeed know someone at the party."

Mrs. Baydon shook her head. "But who?"

"You will know me, of course."

The two of them clasped hands tightly. Then the door opened, and together they stepped into a dazzling light.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN.

RAFFERDY LURKED BETWEEN a pair of columns in the loggia outside the Hall of Magnates, watching as lords pa.s.sed through the gilded doors.

How he wished he were anywhere but this place! Had he instead been presented with the opportunity to play several hands of Queen's Cabinet with Mrs. Chisingdon, he would have made his choice without hesitation. Instead, he was here, and once again he must sit on a hard bench and listen to countless somniferous speeches, with sleep prevented by the former even as it was induced by the latter. choice without hesitation. Instead, he was here, and once again he must sit on a hard bench and listen to countless somniferous speeches, with sleep prevented by the former even as it was induced by the latter.

His only consolation was that he was able to bypa.s.s the musty old Robe Room (and its musty old usher), for he wore his new robe of black crepe. Also, there was no need to help Lord Baydon with his his robe today. The elder lord remained at Vallant Street, for his head cold had been slow to improve. All the same, Lord Baydon had expressed a great degree of certainty that he would find himself completely recovered at any moment, and Rafferdy should not be at all surprised to find him at a.s.sembly before him. robe today. The elder lord remained at Vallant Street, for his head cold had been slow to improve. All the same, Lord Baydon had expressed a great degree of certainty that he would find himself completely recovered at any moment, and Rafferdy should not be at all surprised to find him at a.s.sembly before him.

However, Lord Baydon was not here, and Rafferdy could only wonder why he, who considered himself to be so clever, had not thought to play ill himself. Certainly a physician's diagnosis could be purchased for a reasonable sum! Perhaps a doctor could be found on Marble Street....

"Is there somewhere else you need to be, then, Mr. Rafferdy?" a cheerful voice called out.

Rafferdy looked up to see a young man striding toward him. His robe was similar to Rafferdy's, and his hair rose up in a frizzy crown, unconstrained by a wig-if indeed any wig could possibly have constrained it. Shafts of sunlight fell between the columns along the loggia, and each time the young man pa.s.sed through one there was a flash of crimson on his right hand.

Rafferdy gave a nod as the other approached. "I was simply considering all of the available possibilities."

"Well, I can hardly fault you for that! I can think of any number of things I'd rather do on a fine day than be shut in a room along with a number of Stouts who seem to be as reluctant to bathe as they are to pa.s.s any law the king does not support."

"Perhaps they consider it unpatriotic to wash off any of Altania's native soil that might have settled upon them," Rafferdy said, at which Lord Coulten let out a vigorous laugh.

"I can only imagine you're right, Rafferdy. That sounds like something a Stout would say. But why are you lingering out here? Are you waiting on your older companion?" something a Stout would say. But why are you lingering out here? Are you waiting on your older companion?"

"Lord Baydon? No, I am afraid he is indisposed today."

"Is he? I'm sorry to hear that. He seems a very genial sort of fellow. I hope his recovery will be swift. In the meantime, you must come sit with us other wigless young lords."

Rafferdy made a bow. "That is kind of you, but you should reconsider your offer. For I am bound to do all of you a great discredit by yawning very frequently and making extensive investigations of the state of my fingernails anytime the High Speaker talks."

"That's nothing, Rafferdy! If you simply remain upright in your seat, you'll be doing better than half of us." Lord Coulten's blue eyes sparkled. "Then again, you may find you have less trouble staying awake this session than you think."

Rafferdy made no effort to suppress a frown. "Forgive me if I am doubtful, but what makes you say so?"

Lord Coulten said nothing. Instead he made a subtle nod toward a man who was just then approaching the doors of the Hall. His long hair was so fair as to be nearly white, and it made a dramatic contrast to his black robe, which was thick with frills and ruffles.

The man must have noticed their gazes, for he adjusted his course, so that in moments he drew near them.

"Good day, Lord Coulten," he said with a deliberate, rather overdone nod. His voice was of a refined timbre, but slightly high in pitch.

"Good day to you," Lord Coulten replied amiably. "Tell me, have you had the pleasure of meeting our newest compatriot in the Hall of Magnates?"

"I do not believe I have. Which is a peculiar thing, for I am sure it is a rule that I am always the first person that any new magnate meets."

The pale-haired man turned slowly, as if in no great hurry to make the introduction. He was taller than Rafferdy, who was in no way short. He did not lower his head, and instead gazed at Rafferdy down the length of his nose. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Lord...?" down the length of his nose. "I am pleased to make your acquaintance, Lord...?"

"Mr. Rafferdy."

The other raised a colorless eyebrow.

"There, you see, your rule is quite intact," Rafferdy said agreeably. "For I am no magnate at all."

"He is occupying Lord Rafferdy's seat while his father is unable to attend a.s.sembly himself," Lord Coulten explained.

"I see," the taller man said. "Then you must at least be very close to becoming a magnate."

This time, Rafferdy's tone was somewhat less pleasant. "On the contrary, I cannot think of anyone who is further from being a magnate in all of Altania than myself."

A long moment of silence ensued.

"You must excuse me!" Lord Coulten exclaimed. "I have forgotten my protocols, despite the Grand Usher's best efforts to pound them into my brain. Mr. Rafferdy, let me introduce you to one of our Hall's most famous members, Lord Farrolbrook."

The taller man extended his right hand in such a way that the ring upon it could not be missed. It was gold with seven red gems, just like the ring that Lord Coulten wore. Rafferdy extended his own right hand, and as he did Lord Farrolbrook's gaze moved down to it. However, if it was a ring he was looking for, he was disappointed; Rafferdy had put on his gray gloves today.

They shook hands briefly, and Farrolbrook pulled away from the gesture no more quickly than Rafferdy did himself.

"I must take my place on the benches," the fair-haired lord said. "I do not want the other members of my party to grow weary from standing."

Rafferdy shook his head. "Well, if they are tired of standing, it can hardly be your problem. They have only to take a seat, don't they?"

Lord Farrolbrook smiled as one might at a child who had asked where the sun sleeps during an umbral.

"I do everything with a particular purpose, Mr. Rafferdy-a fact the members of my party know well. That includes choosing where I take my seat at the start of each session. It may be there is a lord who I fear may vote upon the wrong side of an issue, and so I will position myself so that I might easily meet his gaze and thus induce him, at the time of the vote, to choose rightly. Or it may be I know I will need to address the Hall to keep it from moving in an errant direction, and so I will select a place that will allow me to be seen by all when I stand and speak. However, you are very new here. fact the members of my party know well. That includes choosing where I take my seat at the start of each session. It may be there is a lord who I fear may vote upon the wrong side of an issue, and so I will position myself so that I might easily meet his gaze and thus induce him, at the time of the vote, to choose rightly. Or it may be I know I will need to address the Hall to keep it from moving in an errant direction, and so I will select a place that will allow me to be seen by all when I stand and speak. However, you are very new here. You You cannot be expected to perceive such things." He nodded to each of them. "Lord Coulten, Mr. Rafferdy." Then he turned and moved with languid strides through the doors of the Hall. cannot be expected to perceive such things." He nodded to each of them. "Lord Coulten, Mr. Rafferdy." Then he turned and moved with languid strides through the doors of the Hall.

Rafferdy was at a loss for words; or rather, he had so many words to utter that, like a group of men trying to exit a door at the same moment, all of them crowded together so that none could get out.

"I will forgo claiming to be insulted," he said at last. "To do so would be to grant him more credit than he likely deserves. For to be convicted of a crime, one must have the wits to have intended to commit it."

Lord Coulten laughed. "Well, I'd say you did rather well. From what I've seen, that was one of Lord Farrolbrook's better introductions."

"Then I would despair to see his worse. Is it true his compatriots wait for him to take his seat before they take theirs?"

"It's quite true," Lord Coulten said. "The Magisters look to him as their leader. I can only believe there are other minds at work within the Magisters, yet he does command a certain attention, and I believe they use that to their advantage."

Rafferdy considered this with some skepticism. That a.s.sociating with a man such as Lord Farrolbrook could have any sort of benefit was difficult for him to accept, though he supposed fame had its uses.

"So why did you make a nod in his direction? You did so when you said you thought I'd have less difficulty staying awake today."

Now there was a slyness to Lord Coulten's expression. "I've gotten wind that the Magisters are up to something."

"Up to what?"

"I have no idea, really."

Rafferdy waggled a finger at him. "On the contrary, you do have an idea. It is apparent on your face. However, I can see you have no intention of telling me what you've learned, and I am not one to reach for a rumor; for like a ripe fruit, gossip is always at its juiciest when it falls freely from the tree." Rafferdy raised his ivory-handled cane. "Let us go in. We don't want to delay anyone from taking their seat."