“Nonsense, Lydia.” Emily decided to take the direct, sensible approach, although Lydia in love was the complete opposite. “You are perfect for each other. We just need to ensure that you are committed to each other prior to the marquess’s arrival.”

“Committed to each other? Whatever do you mean?”

Emily’s patience was wearing thin. “You know, betrothed. Perhaps married. Some irrevocable commitment that would make it impossible for you to marry Lord Wesleigh.”

“Married? Emily, he’ll be here any day. How could we possibly be married prior to his arrival?”

“Oh, Lydia, I don’t know. Hopefully you will not have to be. I just mentioned it as a last resort. But, if there is no other alternative, there’s always Gretna Green.”

As soon as the words were out of her mouth Emily knew she’d regret them. She had never before seen quite that expression of horror on her sister’s face. Surprisingly, it did not detract from her beauty. Lydia’s rosebud lips formed a perfect O, and her blue eyes widened attractively. Emily knew that if she tried to assume a similar expression, she would end up looking like a gargoyle. “Forget I even said anything about Gretna, Lydia. I am positive you will not need to elope. All we really need is to assure ourselves of Mr. Sedgewick’s feelings toward you, and then we can explain the impossibility of your marriage to the marquess. Now, what will you wear to the assembly?”

Alexander was having similar difficulties with Sedgewick. He, too, was furious about having been abandoned with Lydia.

“But I thought you enjoyed Miss Smithfield’s company,” Alexander exclaimed, the picture of innocence.

“Of course I do, she is a well-behaved young lady, but that does not answer the fact—”

“You do not have any interest in her beyond that?”

“I am not sure I understand. What do you mean by that question? My feelings toward the lady are entirely proper—”

“Yes, yes. I am sure they are,” Alexander assured him, while racking his brain to think of a way to force a confession from someone so concerned with respectability. “However, Miss Emily Smithfield intimated to me that Miss Lydia Smithfield may have an interest in you beyond mere friendship.”

“Miss Smithfield said that?” For a moment Jonathan Sedgewick allowed a look of amazed delight to cross his features, but it quickly turned into one of suspicion. “Why would she tell you that?”

“Apparently she thought that you may return her sister’s feelings, and she was concerned that her sister might be forced into an arranged marriage with me.”

“So she knows that you are actually Lord Wesleigh?”

“No, no, she doesn’t know. I meant she is concerned that her sister might be forced into a marriage with Lord Wesleigh.”

“Why would she confide in you her feelings if she did not know you were he?”

“Because she knew me to be your friend, and was hopeful that I could confirm that you returned her sister’s regard.” Alexander did not allow his exasperation to show on his face, but he wished his friend would just take him at his word and cease his interrogation.

His wish was granted. A look of bemusement crossed Sedgewick’s face, and he grew so quiet Alexander thought he’d forgotten his presence. But, as Alexander watched him, he saw his friend’s expression change from elation to despair. “It is useless even to hope,” Sedgewick muttered.

“But, why? It’s obvious you care for the lady, she returns your regard, the time-honored antidote for such a situation is marriage.”

“But, her parent and your own wish for her to marry you. You have all the advantages, wealth, the title. What do I have to offer her? I cannot even compete.”

“You do not have to,” Alexander replied. “I withdraw from the competition. I have no desire to marry a lady who is in love with another. However, I find myself reluctant to try to explain to my father and Miss Smithfield’s mother that as Lydia Smithfield is in love with another gentleman, I withdraw my suit. It would obviously be very embarrassing for the young lady with no proof that the gentleman in question returned her regard. Therefore, I need your assistance. You are going to have to put your luck to the touch at the local assembly.”

Emily viewed her appearance in the mirror with approval. She knew that she was not up to London’s fashion standards, and she wished she were able to wear more vibrant hues than an unmarried miss was allowed, but she was definitely in looks. She was wearing the palest of pinks, almost white, which suited her coloring better than darker pink or white. Her gown was cut simply, the neckline forming a deep V, almost meeting the riband of darker pink under her bust, and she had on the pearl necklace her father had given her shortly before his death. She was pleased to see that Lydia looked charming as well, and did not feel, as she sometimes did, that Lydia’s appearance outshone her own. There was a happiness and excitement bubbling inside her that she felt nothing could dissipate.