What is the correct etiquette when leaving a calling card, if one drops one's mooncup. Should I return and ask for it back?

[MissElisabethLindor]

This conundrum has me quite perplexed.

When calling on the youngest daughter of an Earl (The Earl of Broughton-Houghton, if you must know), I was informed that Miss Hardesty-Frumpton was not at home.

I left my calling card with the butler but later realised to my horror that I had inadvertently dropped my mooncup in the hall.

I have consulted Debretts, but this situation does not seem to have been covered.

What should I do?

Oh my, that is quite a faux pas.

I know, MissTee. I am quite a fluster.

I am so shocked at the very idea that I cannot fathom any response except to swoon onto my fainting couch and have my maid bathe my wrists and temples with cologne.

Had the young lady previously indicated that she would welcome a visit at her home?

MissTee
I admit that I swooned a little when I realised what I had done.

MissEdith
She had indicated that she would welcome a visit, but I was rather surprised that she did not receive me. Perhaps she heard about the PomBear Incident.

Oh my. I am the laughing stock of the ton, am I not?

Pardon me Ma'am

But me mate is whats-her-names stable boy, so I could giv 'im a heads up if y'like to see if he could scuttle on over there in't morning when he gets up for the 'orses

He might be able to git it for yer before any questions are asked.

bit a 'orse poo should wipe off no probs.

might cost ya a shillin or two

Well, as I do believe their butler is the one Daddy fired for drinking during our shooting house party last year (as I recall, that was the same weekend Lord Durant-Jiser-Manet asked you, Miss Elisabeth, if it was your hanky he had found at the foot of his bed), you can be sure he immediately showed it to everyone bellow stairs.

So, yes. A laughing stock at the very least.

Oh. Shoots. Would you do that for me? I would gladly pay a shilling. Is the boy to be trusted though?

MissTee
I do declare, Lord Durant-Jiser-Manet is a cad! Did my maid not admit that she had muddled up the washing, and took all the blame onto herself? earning herself a pretty penny in the process

If she did not receive you, and nor did her Mamma, nor either return a card if in the house or send one in return to you; then that is a snub indeed.

I do not however think you could be faulted if you sent a footman to enquire after the object you inadvertently dropped.

Me mate Jim ses he can do that for yer

an' if he can't not find it he'll make yer anuvver owt of some wax paper, pigs fat and hoof varnish like he did for 'is ma.

MissEdith
They did not receive me, nor did they return their cards.

I am ruined! Ruined!

There is no hope.

In truth, you were ruined when you thought people believed your maid regarding the hanky.

Perhaps the reason Miss Hardesty-Frumpton and her mother did not receive you.