Time passes quickly in London as balls and brief respites alternate, mirroring Charlotte’s earlier experience at Clement Hall. While cousins Edith and Margaret entertain suitors in the parlor, Charlotte submits to Aunt Amelia’s relentless coaching in etiquette, posture, and poise. Charlotte proves a quick study and learns to emulate the girl society expects, but she experiences it as a practiced mask rather than a true self.

What makes the effort worthwhile for Charlotte are her evenings with Sabine Olivares. Sabine reveals a biting wit and wicked humor in Charlotte’s company, and the two women spend nights strolling arm in arm or talking closely in corners beneath the music. Their companionship feels effortless and right to Charlotte, who repeatedly reassures herself that what they share is friendship.

Over several balls, Charlotte’s dance card unexpectedly begins to fill despite her not yet being presented. She dances politely with a rotation of young men—Henry, Philip, George—while carefully declining drinks, walks, and overly familiar gestures. Throughout, Charlotte is conscious of Sabine’s attention on her, imagining Sabine’s guiding hand at her back.

Occasionally Sabine dances with others, leaving partners flustered, which stirs a pang in Charlotte. When Sabine steps outside briefly with a handsome young man, Charlotte feels a sharp jealousy and the urge to cry. Sabine soon returns, takes Charlotte’s arm, calls men tiresome, and quietly assures Charlotte that she prefers her company. The reassurance quickly dispels Charlotte’s distress and makes her feel radiant.

Charlotte becomes increasingly absorbed by Sabine’s presence, describing it as intoxicating; Sabine’s attention makes the rest of the room fade. Charlotte recalls her father’s description of meeting her mother as a fated reunion, yet insists to herself that with Sabine it must be friendship. Determined not to repeat the mistake that separated her from Jocelyn, Charlotte resolves that it is enough simply to share this Season and these evenings with Sabine.

Despite these assertions, Charlotte’s mounting jealousy, exhilaration, and the intensity of Sabine’s presence suggest deeper feelings. The chapter closes with Charlotte’s insistence that “it is enough” faltering, signaling a turning point.