“It is my first ball,” Regina Paddimore explained to the ladies gathered in one of Mrs Clemens’ private meeting rooms.

“I have no doubt it will be highly successful,” said Eleanor, the Duchess of Winshire. “We have seen how efficient you are Mrs Paddimore.”

Regina was a member of the overarching committee Eleanor had set up to oversee all the various charitable groups in which she had a hand. Today’s meeting having concluded, they were enjoying one another’s society over tea and cake. The young widow’s organising capabilities had made her an asset in one of the subsidiary groups from the moment she joined, and Eleanor had swiftly put her to work here, too.

She blushed at the compliment. “You are very kind, Your Grace.”

Eleanor found her modesty charming, though not the cause of it; more than a decade buried in the country caring for an ailing husband.”Nothing but the truth, but if you want advice, my dear, some of the best hostesses in the ton are right here in this room.”

“A good chef is essential,” said Eleanor’s daughter in law, Cherry, the Duchess of Haverford.

“I recommend my cousin’s husband,” Eleanor said. “The creator of these cakes. You cannot go wrong with Monsieur Fournier.”

***

Regina Paddimore is the heroine of One Perfect Dance, published this coming Thursday.