The Perfect Mistress by Victoria Alexander Page A

mourning she had refused most invitations although she had been to a few gatherings at Veronica’s in the past year or so. Still, those occasions were rare and nothing quite as elegant as this evening.
    She moved to the entry of Veronica’s parlor and paused, it was absurd to be at all nervous. At least she was well rested tonight. Hermione had not made an appearance since she’d revealed Lord Mountdale’s secret. Julia wasn’t sure if her absence was good or very, very bad.
    She glanced around the parlor. Small gathering, indeed. She heard more guests arriving behind her and there were probably as many as twenty people here already. Not that the room seemed crowded. Veronica’s parlor was at least three times the size of her own, maybe four. It must be nice to be able to entertain in a grand manner in a grand house without concern as to the undue extravagance of such entertainment. Julia pushed the unworthy thought aside. She wasn’t jealous of her friend’s financial solvency really, and she certainly wouldn’t wish her own monetary problems on anyone. Still, she sighed to herself, it would be nice.
    Veronica caught her eye from across the room and started toward her, skirting around guests, stopping for a word here or to cast a smile there. Most of the gentlemen stood, many of the ladies were seated, and it did look to be a lively crowd. This might be an enjoyable evening after all.
    “Julia, my dear.” Veronica took her hands. “You look lovely.”
    Julia smiled her thanks. Portia had insisted on loaning her a gown as most of Julia’s were deemed to be out of style and not nearly elegant enough.
    “I am so glad you came.”
    “I had little choice,” she said wryly. “You did make me promise.”
    “Indeed I did and I shall do so every time I host a party from this day forward. I have been sadly remiss in my responsibilities as your friend in allowing you to hide away like a hermit.” She tucked Julia’s hand into her elbow and led her around the room, stopping at the various clusters of guests to make introductions and exchange pleasantries.
    Julia knew a moment of discomfort when Veronica introduced her to the Marquess of Kingsbury, Lord Mount-dale’s father. Not that the elderly gentleman wasn’t most pleasant and charming, but because she had read of his dubious adventure with Hermione. Much to her relief, he didn’t mention her great-grandmother or the memoirs and Julia wondered if he knew about them, although surely his son or Veronica had mentioned them.
    “You are going to have a delightful evening,” Veronica said as they continued.
    Julia raised a brow. “Am I?”
    “I am certain of it.”
    “Then I gather Lord Mountdale sent his regrets.”
    “You are a silly goose.” Veronica nodded at a point across the room. Lord Mountdale stood speaking with another gentleman, nearly as tall, almost as dashing. “Of course he’s here. And he’s requested to be your partner for dinner.”
    Julia pulled up short and glared. “Surely you did not agree.”
    “Don’t forget this dinner was his idea. In fact he has called on me or sent me a note nearly every day this past week to check on how plans were progressing. As if I don’t know how to plan a proper party.” She sniffed and Julia bit back a smile. You could say very nearly anything you wished about Veronica’s failings and it wouldn’t bother her in the least. But woe to the person who questioned her skill as a hostess. “And he has asked a great many questions about you. He intends to try very hard to be pleasant and charming.”
    “It will be difficult for him, no doubt,” she said under her breath.
    “No doubt.” Veronica laughed. “But Harrison has never had to put forth any effort whatsoever to gain whatever it is he has wanted. You shall do him good.”
    Julia narrowed her eyes. “I shall do him nothing at all.”
    “Did I say you?” Veronica’s eyes widened innocently. “I meant to say this. This situation that is. The