Lucy was sleeping comfortably when Wham! Her bed began to shake, and she woke to find her sister Fanny sitting on the edge of her bed. Her exceptional weight nearly caused Lucy to fall out onto the floor.

“You leave for London today. I’ve come to bid you farewell and give you final advice,” Fanny said. She was wearing an elaborate dress with emerald green detailing and a gold brocade skirt.

“I see you dressed for the occasion.” Lucy rubbed her eyes as her curls fell gently down her back.

"The Duke likes me to look my finest at all times. He can't seem to provide me with offspring, so he buys me dresses and jewels to keep me happy."

“Nice arrangement I guess. Do you enjoy the process of at least trying to produce him an heir?”

"He's old and I'm fat so the act is tedious. I suppose I'll get fatter as he gets older so who knows if I'll ever have a child. I’d make a horrible mother. That's why Father is so anxious to get you wed."

“Makes sense. When I have a husband, we will spend days on end in our shared chambers and produce an entire army of heirs. That part of marriage will be very important to me, which is why I’ll have to test him first,” Lucy said without shame.

“Lucy Fitzwilliam! If father heard you say that, he’d lock you away.”

“Father need not know. I’m going to London with George Lancaster as my agent to help me find a suitable match. You can give all the advice you like, Fanny but I’m not obliged to take it,” Lucy sprang out of bed. “I don’t know how you tolerate being a wife. I envision it as being locked away in a dungeon.”

Fanny rolled her eyes as Lucy secured the latch on her final trunk.

***

Lucy, Amy, and George sat on one side of the coach with Agnes, Betty and Countess Alice sitting on the opposite bench.

“Are you prepared to spend the next months with women only?” Lucy teased.

“I’ll associate with plenty of men in London. I spend my days at Averly House looking after my mother with a female maid so I’m accustomed to it. As I look back and see Sutcliff Manor and Averly House growing smaller, there is not a lot that can darken my mood,” George said.

“You see a change is needed?”

“Yes, Lucy. Don’t you tire of the same routine day in and out? I feel like some excitement needs to be added to our lives and London is the place to find it.”

Lucy elbowed George and winked. “I like your outlook, George.”

The Countess interrupted. “George, remember you’re hired to do a job and not stir up mischief with Lucy. She has failed to find a suitable match and it is our hope that you’ll find one for her. Someone has to find a way to tame my wild daughter.”

“I prefer spirited, Mother. I abhor being compared to a savage animal,” Lucy responded. She always had a comment when her Mother opened her mouth. Lucy looked at George to continue the chat. "With all this talk of marriage and finding a suitable match, you must imagine the right lady coming along for you."

“That’s not what I’m here for.” George raked his fingers through his thick blonde hair. “The ladies in London are looking for a title which I don’t have, and my responsibilities lie with taking care of Mother. It was a promise I made before my father died and I wouldn’t be worth much if I broke that vow.”

“So honorable George, doesn’t it get boring?”

“Not with you around Lucy; It’s anything but boring,” George joked.

The coach charged on at top speed to London. It had been a relatively dry January, so the travel was smooth. Amy chewed her nails, Betty snacked on sweets and all Lucy could do was imagine the antics that lie ahead.

***

The London brownstone had been opened for the Fitzwilliam family in early January. The windows had been opened to rid the place of the musty odor, the kitchen stocked, and servants moved into their quarters. It was small compared to the manor, with only six bedrooms and no ballroom but they managed.

"I love the energy in the air. Do you feel it, Agnes?" Lucy asked as she flitted about her bedroom for the next months.

“I feel the difference from Sutcliff but it’s not energy; it’s trouble. An invitation has already been delivered announcing the season’s first event – a reception. George will have to make haste to have your first gentleman ready to pursue you.”

“I’m confident that he will have my best interests in mind. Father provided him with a list of acceptable titles and families. It saves me the inconvenience of sorting through the inferior chaps.”

***

Later that day, George was ready with the first name for Lucy’s consideration. Sir Henry Winsted was Lord Hathaway’s son and in line for his title as well as grand estate in Surrey. George would put Lucy’s name in the ear of Henry’s associate. George went so far as to offer a man’s perspective in choosing a dress for the occasion. He was given the privilege of joining her in her dressing room (under the watchful eye of Agnes of course!)

“The invitation is meant as a way to get one’s feet wet and renew friendships that were started in prior years. Is there anyone agreeable that you are looking forward to seeing?” George asked as he sat on the velvet couch in Lucy’s room.

"I corresponded with several men and women from last season who may be of interest. My cousin Isabel will be in attendance. She has been a rival of mine, as you know, but now that we're grown, that's behind us. She lives south by Dover, so I rarely get to see her. You say I'm beautiful, George but Isabel is fairer than I."

“Ah, you’re always the most beautiful in the room. I recall Isabel and she is no rival,” George said.

Lucy blushed. “Enough of the flattery George; which dress shall I wear?”

“The light blue dress that matches your eyes. It is very innocent and the color very fetching on you.”

“You always choose that shade and I suppose your right. I’d love to wear deep burgundy but that would be scandalous and set tongues wagging throughout London.”

Lucy stepped behind the blind to try the dress on for George’s approval. His eyes were fixed on the silhouette on the divider as Lucy’s dress fell to the ground. He licked his lips and then shook his head to rid himself of his lustful thoughts.

Lucy stepped out wearing the blue dress with lace details. “Don’t hold your tongue, George. Tell me honestly, what you think.”

“Without reservation; you’re perfect as a delicate flower in springtime,” George said.

Lucy laughed. “You’d say the same if I were wearing a burlap sack. You’re just like the brother, I do not have.”

“I speak the truth Lucy. I’ll leave you to your needlework and see you at dinner.”

George left when things became a bit awkward. He had to remind himself the reason he had accompanied Lucy Fitzwilliam to London.