The Cinderella Debutante by Elizabeth Hanbury

after his exertions. Sneyd’s curiously opaque eyes studied her from under half closed lids as he began berating his companion.
    “Really, Hen, be more careful where you are walking!” Bowing, he said, “Well met, Miss Sinclair! I trust you are not too shaken – my friend here is a blundering fellow. Allow me to introduce Sir Oswald Henlow who numbers clumsiness among his many sins.”
    “A pleasure to make your acquaintance,” mumbled Sir Oswald, his cheeks even redder with embarrassment following this comment. Lucy gave nod of acknowledgment before Lord Sneyd enquired about her mother and sister.
    “They are well, thank you, sir.” She went to walk on, anxious to be away. “Indeed, I must return at once. I have been delayed on my errands and they will be wondering what has become of me.”
    “Please convey my deepest regards,” he replied. “Do I look forward to seeing you all at the Barchester’s?”
    “We have been invited,” admitted Lucy, with a sinking heart.
    “Excellent. Then I hope to secure at least one dance with your sister.”
    “That I cannot promise. Belinda’s dance card is sure to be full soon after our arrival,” she replied curtly.
    His eyes narrowed. “Then my disappointment will be great – I must stake my claim at the earliest opportunity.”
    Lucy returned his cold look, the double meaning of his remark apparent to her. Relieved to see the carriage approaching, she excused herself, climbed in and asked the coachman to drive on.
    ***
     
    Lord Sneyd, watching her leave, seethed with fury. That chit would bear watching. She was not as gullible as her sister and mother and was wary of him. He could not afford his plan to go wrong. The stakes were too high.
    Sir Oswald was also watching the retreating carriage. “Julius, is that the Sinclair sister with the fortune? Ho, she’s a feisty piece, ain’t she?”
    “Lower your voice!” hissed his companion. “That is not the heiress. The girl you have just met is the older sister who does not seem to find my presence agreeable. That must be taken into account.”
    “Why?” asked Sir Oswald, whose powers of deduction were not great.
    “Because, you fool, although the mother and sister welcome my addresses, if Miss Prunes and Prisms sows doubt in their minds, my chances of a quick marriage will be dealt a setback!”
    Sir Oswald frowned. “Hmm, when viewed in that light, the older sister could be a problem. Better shackle the heiress quickly then.”
    “Indeed,” snapped Sneyd. “Time is short and Sylvester is not a patient man.”
     

Chapter Five
     
     
    A new admirer and feelings are revealed
     
    The day of the Barchester’s ball arrived with Lucy acknowledging she could do no more than follow Lady Gainsford’s advice. Whichever way she phrased her warnings about Lord Sneyd, her stepmother and sister ignored them. The chance meeting outside Hookham’s had reinforced Lucy’s dislike of the man. True, he was always courteous, but she could not ignore the malevolence in his eyes or how he sent shivers of distaste chasing over her skin. He reminded her of a poisonous snake: a smooth, sleek exterior cloaking a ruthless predator.
    Lucy knew Lord Devlyn and Lord Sneyd were the most eligible of all Belinda’s admirers. The first could offer a title, wealth and impeccable social standing. The second, although not such a notable figure, nevertheless came from an eminent family and would satisfy Lady Sainclair’s ambition for her daughter.
    As for Belinda, she didn’t seem to care for either. Her ambition was the same as her mother’s and she would never allow emotion to stand in the way of a good match. Lucy doubted her sister would ever fall in love; she was too selfish and too vain.
    Lady Sinclair, a naturally indolent person, went to enjoy an afternoon snooze before the ball so when her step-sister sallied forth to do some shopping, Lucy decided it would be wise to accompany her. Lucy’s patience was sorely tried. They