''Here's Sophia, let's see how she is faring?'' Georgina said.
''And how many of the dashing gentlemen have you managed to snare so far this evening?'' Georgina asked. Sophia had red hair and pale skin and was probably the least attractive of the three. Nonetheless, she wasn't plain and could quite easily hold her own in the evening’s competition.
''Three, so far,'' Sophia replied enthusiastically
Alice felt quite dejected. Her father had been right, they had spent far too long getting ready, and now she was behind. ''Then, please excuse me, dear friends, for I shall have to make haste,'' Alice said as she walked away towards a group of handsome looking young men. One of whom she knew.
''Charles,'' she whispered, ''can I talk to you.'' Charles Argyle was the twenty year old son of Lord and Lady Argyle, the Ashmeer's neighbors. Charles and Alice had often played together by the lake when Georgina and Sophia were not available. He was tall and had jet black hair. He had inherited his rugged looks from his father who was a renowned naval officer.
''Alice. You look lovely. What can I do for you?''
''Thank you, Charles, for you kind compliment. I need your help. You see I have a wager with my friends. The first to fill their dance card shall forever be known as the most beautiful among us.''
''There is no doubt in my mind that you are by far the most beautiful. Which renders your wager quite pointless as far as I can see.''
''No, Charles. That's just your very kind opinion. But I am quite desperate to win, if I may be honest with you. Please introduce me to some of your friends.''
''Of course, I shall. We can't have you being beaten, can we?''
Charles introduced Alice to five of his friends and they all asked her to reserve a place for them in her schedule. Alice was quite elated. She was surely going to win.
The ball was a splendid affair. The Ferguson's were very wealthy and they had just built a new ball room. This was its grand opening. It had six enormous chandeliers, three down each side of the room. The tea and card rooms were the most luxurious on the ball circuit, and the orchestra had their own balcony.
As Alice glanced around, there seemed to be no shortage of suitors, but she knew precious few of them, and without being introduced it was not the place of a lady to talk to a gentleman. To Alice's horror, Georgina raised six fingers when she caught Alice's eye, and a few moments later, she read Sophia's lips as she said seven.
Alice had made up her mind.
''Excuse me, sir. I know it is certainly not my place to address a gentleman without an introduction, but I find myself in a slightly awkward situation.''
''Then prey tell, what can be so awkward that it brings you to leave the well-trodden path of social etiquette?'' The man Alice had addressed was the most handsome man at the ball. He was tall and dark, and his eyes instantly drew Alice's attention. She had never seen such beautiful blue eyes. His face was thin and his features fine, a most aristocratic and trustworthy individual, Alice concluded.
''Oh, it really is a terrible thing I am about to ask you.''
''Madam, either you tell me or I shall turn my back and continue my conversation. You decide,'' he said, impatiently.
''Very well,'' Alice said determinedly. ''I would be grateful if you and your two friends would give me your names that I may enter them in my dance card.'' Alice spoke fast, feeling her cheeks flush. She knew what she was asking was highly inappropriate and she wanted it to be finished as soon as possible. “I have a wager with my friends. I must win, you see.”
''Well, indeed, quite a cheek, if I may say so,'' he said, as one eyebrow raised above the other. ''In fact one could go so far as to say, quite shocking.''
''Sir, please. I apologize. Please ignore what I have asked, it was improper. I will now take my leave of you.''
''Do not be so hasty. Perhaps we can come to some sort of arrangement. Just a minute while I consult my friends.'' He turned to the two men standing next to him and talked to them. Alice could not hear what they were saying but their gestures left her in no doubt that they were referring to her. ''It is settled. You may write our names in your dance card.''
''Thank you, sir, you are most kind and you have helped me more that you know.''
''However, before I give you our names, you must promise me you will walk with me in the garden after our dance. The gardens here are magnificent and it is a beautiful summers evening. What do you say?''
Alice glanced around searching for her parents. She knew it was not fitting for a lady to wander around the gardens with a gentleman without a chaperone. But he really was handsome and most trustworthy. ''Sir, I would be happy to walk with you.''
Alice gave a little jump as she came up behind Georgina. ''It's full,'' she said.