And Daisy was a dreamer who often fretted that real life was never quite as interesting as the novels she read so voraciously. Lillian was a fiercely loving friend, but also strong-willed and bossy. They had no good blood, no manners, and no social patrons. The Bowmans, were astonishingly, vulgarly, almost unimaginably wealthy, having made their fortune with a soap manufacturing business. Lillian and Daisy were sisters from New York. Any man who tried to talk to her would later describe the encounter as an act of torture. Even worse, Evie was cripplingly shy and had a stammer. However, her father was a common-born ex-boxer who owned a gambling club, and such a disreputable background was a difficult obstacle for a young lady to surmount. It was well-known that someday she would inherit a fortune from her father. Evie was unconventionally attractive, with flaming hair and abundant freckles. Although most London bachelors hoped for a wife with a pretty face, they usually settled for one with a handsome dowry. Annabelle was unquestionably the most beautiful wallflower, but she was virtually penniless, which put her at the greatest disadvantage. They decided to band together to find husbands, starting with the oldest, Annabelle, and working down to the youngest, Daisy. And even more than that, they liked one another. They realized that although they were in competition for the same group of gentlemen, there was more to be gained from being friends rather than adversaries.

Waiting night after night in a row of chairs, the wallflowers eventually struck up a conversation.

PROLOGUE Once there were four young ladies who sat at the side of every ball, soiree, and party during the London season. Thank you for bringing so much joy to my life and my work. To Jennifer Enderlin, who has so many personal graces wisdom, talent, beauty, and generosity of spirit. A Wallflower Christmas Lisa Kleypas Wallflower Series – Book 5

A wallflower christmas