London,

March 1824

Awaiting her upon their arrival at her brother Justin's townhouse in Fitzroy Square was a reply from Lady Susan. Her brother, it must be admitted had not quite known what to make of the delivery of a note for his sister by the liveried footman that had appeared on his doorstep. In truth he had at first thought the man had lost his way and was, perhaps, in need of direction.

Charlotte was heartened to receive the reply stating that a visit from herself and her sister would be welcomed. And so, they quickly found themselves borrowing her brother's carriage and making their way to NÂș7 Berkeley square where Lady Susan resided while in Town. Shortly, they had arrived before a townhouse with a great many windows and a blue-painted door.

Stepping down from the carriage, Charlotte and Anne gazed upon the sight before them in wonder. Never in their lives had they seen such opulence and splendour as this. Their arrival had been anticipated and they were greeted cordially if somewhat disdainfully by a tall, ageing man who could only be Lady Susan's butler.

"May I divest you of your coats ma'am?" It occurred to Charlotte then that it must be tedious to appear so stern all the time. She smiled and thanked him and passed to him her coat, hat and gloves. Her sister did the same and they were efficiently escorted into a lavishly decorated music room where they found Lady Susan seated at a piano-forte, turning sheet music for her eldest daughter.

They were announced and Lady Susan greeted them with a smile before suggesting to her daughter she might find her governess and indulge in a walk through Hyde Park.

"Thank you Lowdes, perhaps you could ask Mrs Kimpton to arrange some light refreshments for us? I hope butter biscuits are to your tastes?" Lady Susan requested as she dismissed the dour man.

"Oh, yes, of course. Whatever is convenient will serve us quite well." Charlotte confirmed. "Lady Susan, you must allow me to introduce to you my sister, Mrs Anne Hurvey."

"But of course," Lady Susan smiled, "Charlotte always speaks highly of you in her letters and I am eager to know you better. Come, sit down and tell me of yourself." Lady Susan directed them to a cluster of chairs around a fireplace.

Charlotte, Anne and Lady Susan spent much of the morning engaged in diverting conversation broken only by a brief appearance from Lord Worcester and the summoning of more tea. Tales were told of the scandals and follies to be found among the Beau Monde, of the antics to be observed in children, of the political climate and the nation's military endeavours.

Before long, hours had passed, and they could remain no longer and be considered polite. They departed with promises to call again and the arrangements for a visit to Bond Street and Oxford Street agreed between them.