If the Venetian breakfast was the opening shot of a war, the next few days featured a perfect volley of entertainments. She sailed through it all calmly while the mamas of her rivals glared at her perfection. Not even the attentions of the elderly Duke of Hexham troubled her.

Not only was she the loveliest girl there by far, she displayed a very becoming reserve. With perfect serenity she triumphed over the entire guest list. Her introduction to the assembled guests could not possibly have been more satisfactory. Descending from the carriage, I snagged my stocking on the buckle of my slipper, but Georgy arrived intact. We were then tucked inside and conveyed to Lady Jersey's breakfast as though we were made of bone china. (For Lady Jersey is indeed an acquaintance of Aunt Charlotte's, and appears willing to oblige us with any number of vouchers and introductions.) This involved rising early and waiting fully prepared for two hours while Aunt Charlotte made certain that the carriage was properly clean so that we could not possibly soil our gowns en route. Once we were equipped to Aunt Charlotte's satisfaction, we were presented to Society for the first time at Lady Jersey's Venetian breakfast. The past several days were spent putting the final touches on Georgy's and my gowns, assembling gloves, fans, bonnets, slippers, and stockings in such quantities that it sometimes seemed to me we were preparing for a voyage to the Indies instead of for the Season. It is the outside of enough for you to say I am bamming you just because London hasn't changed Aunt Charlotte a jot, nor Georgina, save to make her more of a watering pot than ever, and if I am to be accused by you, in addition to everyone else, of telling tales when I explain to you what happened to me at Sir Hilary's investiture, I shall go straight into a decline. Soon, their letters become more urgent as they face threats from evil wizards.

Two cousins, one living in the country and the other in London, begin writing letters to each other in 1817 in this title recommended by librarian Nancy Pearl on Morning Edition. Adventures to Read All Through the Summer

Sorcery & Cecelia by Patricia C. Wrede