Chapter 1
“Agnes, help me choose something fetching to wear today. It’s a task to choose the right dress when the weather is so nasty,” Lucy Fitzwilliam called from her bed where she was drinking tea before joining her family for breakfast.
"Are you sneaking away to tryst with a gentleman?" Agnes joked. Lucy's maid was well-aware that she wasn't looking forward to a gentleman caller. It had been the talk of the manor for years because Lucy was having no success finding a suitable husband. At 20-years old, bright and lovely, it didn't seem like a great chore, but Lucy was particular. She had her debut during the social season when she was 17 and had attended two years beyond then with no luck. Her father, The Earl of Sutcliff was growing concerned. "A morning dress will do for breakfast and I'll find something sturdier for later and don't forget your boots this time because you've ruined two pairs of fine velvet slippers."
"You take such good care of me, Agnes. I don't know what I'd do without you. Perhaps I'm spoiled and can't find a man to take care of me like you do," Lucy chirped as she bound out of bed and slipped into a light blue morning dress which matched her eyes. The lace collar was a perfect contrast to her raven locks. Lucy was a natural beauty and didn't take but minutes for her to get ready. A pinch of the cheeks wasn’t necessary to make her appear healthy because Lucy rarely slowed down and always glowed with vigour.
"I'll place out your pen, paper, and diary. I know writing is your routine after breakfast in the winter.”
“Perfect, thank you.” Lucy kissed Agnes on the cheek and ran down to breakfast. She raced down the back stairs, through the kitchen and burst into the dining room.
***
Seated at the table were her Father John (Earl of Sutcliff), Mother Alice (Countess of Sutcliff) and sisters; Amy (18), Betty (15) and Mary (12). Her older sister Duchess Fanny of Springfield (25) lived with the Duke a day’s drive away. Lucy kissed her father on the cheek and sat among her sisters.
“Your nose is in the morning newspaper as always father; anything of note to share?” Lucy asked as she fixed a plate of eggs and cold roast beef from the sideboard.
“Nothing of the latest fashions, Lucy, but I do have news to share that concerns you.”
Lucy’s eyes popped. She thought that perhaps he was sending her to Paris for a shopping excursion. “Do tell Father.”
"I've assigned you an agent to help in your quest for a husband. He will help with introductions throughout the social season in London, I know this gentleman well and so do you,” John said.
Lucy’s jaw dropped. “Not what I expected father nor is this person something I require. Only I am capable of choosing the man I’ll spend my life with.”
“I thought that would be your response. I chose George Lancaster whom I believe will be agreeable to you.”
“George will do, I suppose. He and I are cousins, although in name only and we are good chums. I still don’t like the idea, but I don’t think the choice is mine,” Lucy said as she picked apart the food on her plate.
Mary was years away from caring about finding a husband and Betty was too focused on food to listen to the drama. Only Amy cared about the social season because it was the year of her debut.
“I’m looking forward to having you and George in London. I’ll be shaking in my slippers when my name is announced. I’ve been practicing the waltz for months and I’m still unsure if I’m ready. What if I fall on my face or step on a man’s toes? I’m not the social butterfly you are Lucy.”
"Men will be in cue to have a dance with you and you won't fall on your face. It's the gentleman's duty to lead a dance so you have nothing to worry about. Flirting and socializing comes naturally once you get started. The way things are going for me, you'll me married first." Lucy laughed.
Betty looked up from her towering heap of food. “I’m aware that the punch bowls are full, but I was curious about the food served.”
"I've never taken the time from dancing to visit the buffet, Betty. It's not ladylike to be too concerned with the food," Lucy advised. Betty was like her older sister Fanny in that she had an unnatural preoccupation with food. As a result, both were plump, which drove the Earl mad. He said it made them appear lazy and undisciplined.
Father excused himself. “As much as I love hearing you ladies prattle on, I am meeting with George Lancaster in my study.”
“Are you going to give him a set of rules?” Lucy asked. She didn’t like the idea of them talking behind her back.
“It wouldn’t have come to this if you had found a husband on your own,” John smiled as he walked out of the dining room.
***
George Lancaster was looking out The Earl’s window at the river that dominated the Manor’s landscape. The manor house was immense with a grand dining hall, ballroom and sixteen bedrooms. He and Lucy knew the manor well, having grown up together roaming its halls. When she was 12 and he 18, she stripped naked for him. It was nothing but a childhood prank, but she remained the only female he had ever seen unclothed. If the Earl had knowledge of this he would think twice before appointing him her agent.
“Not too late, I hope,” The Earl said as he walked into the drafty room. “I’ll fetch a servant to stoke the fire.” John pulled on a long satin cord, which rang a bell for the servant.
“I’m here at you request Earl Sutcliff.”
He laughed. "I've known you your whole life. In this casual setting, you may please call me John.”
“Yes Sir, I mean John, Sir,” George fumbled but grinned and his amber eyes twinkled.
“I have informed Lucy of our arrangement and of course she bristled at the idea at first but warmed to it when she discovered she had no choice.”
“You can trust me with cousin Lucy and as we discussed, I will keep you up to date with letters weekly. In return I only ask that my Mother is looked after at Averly House,” George said. His Mother Catherine was his main concern after the death of his father. She had no other children and it was the reason he had not yet chosen a wife.
“That will not be a problem. I have several spare servants who will be sure to look after her around the clock.” John softened his tone. “I’m unsure how to say this delicately.” He cleared his throat. “Lucy is to keep her clothes on.”
George nearly fell over. He hoped the Earl wasn’t aware that he had already seen his precious flower unclothed. “Of course, not John. I know how important it is that Lucy remain pure until marriage.”
He Earl nodded his head and smiled. He was confident that his precocious daughter was in good hands. “If more money is necessary, include the amount in your weekly letters. The Countess will be staying in the London residence, should you need anything further. I will see you next when you depart. I will have the coach packed and ready.”
George slipped into the hallway when their meeting was adjourned hoping to catch a moment with Lucy.
***
Lucy was wearing her blue overcoat and button up boots when George found her getting ready for a stroll.
“Lucy, Just in time. I’ll join you for a brisk walk if you like,” George caught her at the front door.
“I’m angry George and you’re the reason. You knew of father’s plans and you didn’t tell me.”
George turned red because she caught him keeping secrets. They told each other everything. “Oh no! Your eyes are turning black, which they do when you’re cross. This is why I said nothing. Being on the receiving end of Lady Lucy’s ire is something I try to avoid.”
Lucy swatted him from behind. “I’ll let you get away with it this once. You do know that I may not find a suitable husband. If one doesn’t meet my standards then I shall go home never been kissed and with no promise of marriage.”
George laughed. “Maybe no promise of marriage but remember I know you well Lucy Fitzwilliam. There is a better chance of a sunny February in London than you not getting kissed.”
“George Lancaster – that is to remain a secret between you and I because I’ve changed. I’m quite chaste, I’ll have you know.”
“We’ll see. I’ll race you to the gazebo.”
Lucy and George never tired of playing together like they were still children. Lucy was satisfied that she would have a friend in London.