Vivian, who had not expected such a friendly gesture from her strict aunt, smiled gratefully at her and squeezed her palm tightly.

– Shall we send one of our footmen to the atelier? What if your order is ready, but for some reason it was forgotten to be delivered? – The Countess suddenly suggested: she knew well how many orders every atelier serving the families of London's high society had. – At which atelier were your dresses ordered?

– Mrs.Davidson's atelier," Vivian answered readily.

– My dear, Mrs.Davidson's is one of the most sought-after ateliers in London and caters for half of all the noble families in London, including our own. There have been a couple of occasions when our orders have been sent to the wrong address and we have received orders from other families. I'm sure your dresses have been delivered by mistake to someone else. – Lady Cranford immediately summoned her breakfast footman and ordered him to go to Mrs.Davidson's studio to find out what fate had befallen Vivian's dresses. Then she turned to her niece again: "My dear, don't be afraid to trouble me if you have any difficulties.

– I thank you, auntie. And how can I ever thank you for your care? – Vivian replied softly, but she was full of wonder: why had her aunt suddenly become so kind to her? Was this some kind of game? A pretence? Should she be trusted? – Oh, I only just noticed that breakfast was without your son!

– Anthony is not feeling well. – The Countess raised her beautiful eyebrows slightly: her son had drunk too much red wine at dinner last night, which naturally displeased his mother.

"He drinks too much!" – she thought, but did not dare to share her anxiety with her niece, for they still knew so little of each other.

Ever since the meal at which Anthony had so awkwardly insulted his cousin, the two had hardly spoken to each other, and, exchanging a polite "Good morning," had passed each other in silence. But the heart of the mistress of Greenhall rejoiced at this circumstance.

– I hope he will soon feel better. We are going to the Duchess of Marlborough's this evening, and he must not miss it, for this ball is a wonderful chance to make new acquaintances and use his charms. Many pretty daughters of wealthy families have made their debut this season, which will bring a good dowry to the future spouse. Anthony must not miss his chance," said Lady Cranford.

– In your opinion, dear aunt, what should he expect? You must remember the sermon he preached to me about Mademoiselle de Croix and her ambition to win the Duke of Nightingale's heart and marry him. – Vivian asked, wanting to know what plans her aunt had for her son.

– As you know, Anthony is my youngest son, which means that when his father died, he inherited only a small share of the vast fortune that my eldest son Richard received. According to my deceased husband's will, Anthony receives a certain, rather decent sum each month, but compared to what his own brother receives, it is a pittance. I feel guilty towards my boy for not being able to leave him my funds… The heartless laws of England forbid me to bequeath my entire fortune to him, so all my money and this house will go to the already rich Richard. Fortunately, Anthony is well aware of his situation and is willing to do his best to marry well and secure a secure future for himself. However, like you, he does not dare to think about marriage with girls above him and much richer than him, because he is not the most prestigious groom in England. Alas! – The Countess wrinkled her nose and shook her head.