Jennifer was half a head shorter than Cleone, a shy child with soft grey eyes and mouse-coloured hair. She flung her arms round Cleone's neck.
"Oh, Clo, how prodigious elegant you look!" she whispered.
"And oh, Jenny, how pretty you look!" retorted Cleone. "Aunt Sally, this is my dear Jennifer!"
Jennifer curtseyed.
"How do you do, ma'am?" she said in a voice fluttering with nervousness.
"I am very well, child. Come and sit down beside me." She patted the couch invitingly. "Is this your first visit to town, my dear?"
Jennifer sat down on the edge of the couch. She stole an awed glance at Lady Malmerstoke's powdered wig.
"Yes, ma'am. It is so exciting."
"I'll warrant it is! And have you been to many balls, yet?"
"N-no." The little face clouded over. "Papa does not go out very much," she explained.