The Earl of Sutcliff was present for Amy’s debut at the ball. She glistened in a white gown and silk gloves. It was her night and it started perfectly as she danced with her father before he stepped out of the way for Henry. It was obvious they only had eyes for each other. Lucy was exchanging pleasantries with her father and some of his mates, when a rather plump man entered, wearing full navy regalia.

Lucy touched George’s arm to get his attention. “Please say that is not Francis Appleton walking this way. I abhor a pudgy man.”

“Girth was not one of the things you mentioned you disliked in a man. Too late now Lucy,” George said. He was secretly amused because Lucy acted unkind to Henry Winsted, thus she was getting her comeuppance.

"Hello, George. I was thrilled when I received your note stating that the lovely Lady Lucy Fitzwilliam would be in London again this year. I was surprised to hear that such a lovely flower was not spoken for," Francis spoke as if Lucy were not standing before him.

“Captain Frances Appleton it’s my pleasure to present Lady Lucy Fitzwilliam of Sutcliff.” George backed away.

Francis kissed Lucy’s hand, leaving behind a stain on her white silk glove. "I've heard so much about you Captain. You can tell me about your adventures at sea because I have never met a sea Captain."

They started to dance, and the Captain's hands immediately began to wander down Lucy's backside. It was nothing like Lucy had ever experienced out in the open. If it were in private and he wasn't physically undesirable she would have thought different. “Captain, perhaps you are not aware of ball etiquette, but I don’t think wandering hands are approved.”

“Nonsense, Lucy. I’m well known for my conduct of behavior but because of my rank, I’m above the rules.”

“Ick, you’re not above my rules Captain. You will excuse me.”

Lucy scanned the ballroom for George who was her pillar of strength and panicked when she couldn’t find him. Finally, She, discovered him laughing and flirting with Lady Isabel. Isabel was batting the lashes of her green sphynx-like eyes and tittering like a schoolgirl. George looked at Lucy and shrugged his shoulders as if to say he was unable to assist her in her time of need. In a moment she had a choice to make; she could either disrupt whatever was going on between Isabel and George or go back to Francis. Anything else would send the wrong message to the elite society surrounding her. Lucy didn’t want it to appear that she was refused by both parties.

“George,” Lucy softly laid her hand on his shoulder. “I don’t intend to intrude on your evening but mine is dreadful and I need your assistance,” Lucy said breathlessly.

"Tell Isabel and me your story," George responded.

“Francis Appleton isn’t the man you said he would be, He’s a vulgar man without manners for a ball of this kind.”

"I didn't say I knew the Captain well. I told you the particulars and that is all. You're a grown Lady and unless he's violated you in any way, I suggest you just excuse yourself."

Lily frowned. “You helped with Henry and I’d expect you’d do so again.”

“Excuse me, Lily, but George isn’t your personal constable. He knows the law because of his studies to be a barrister but that’s all. I know you to be a very capable person so you can get out of this jam.”

Lucy saw Francis advancing out of the corner of her eye. She'd teach George a lesson; who was he to flirt with Isabel, her rival, and nemesis. She was wrong to think that Isabel had softened through the years. Lucy turned and walked to Francis, hooking arms and leaving the grand ballroom.

***

Captain Appleton’s carriage was waiting only a short walk away with a driver ready to take him wherever he pleased.

“I keep a room at the finest Hotel in all of London. There is a stash of fine Champagne from France that Napoleon himself can’t procure,” Captain Appleton said as spit gathered at the corners of his mouth.

“Would you believe I’ve never tasted Champagne.”

"I believe there are many things you have not done. Tonight will be a night of firsts Lucy; when George mentioned he had a delicate flower who wasn't afraid of a challenge, I knew you'd be perfect."

“Perfect?” Lucy asked as the carriage stopped at the York Hotel. They became climbing the ornate staircase.

“A man at sea develops urges over time and I was looking for someone to fulfill my desires.”

A butler opened the heavy mahogany door and they walked in. Francis closed the door and secured the lock. Before Lucy could figure a way out of the situation, a glass of Champagne was in her hand. She sipped and then gulped, so Francis reloaded her glass. He did this several times and she felt the need to sit on the bed. If she didn’t, Lucy would have fallen over. Captain Appleton joined her on the bed and started pawing at her neckline, which was low. His eyes had been focused on her breasts all night and he was ready to feast on them.

“Captain, I’m beyond tipsy and I’m afraid of doing something I wouldn’t ordinarily do.” Lucy slurred her words.

“You don’t have to do a thing; that’s the beauty of it.” He snickered and shoved his hand down the front of her dress. He cupped her breast and squeezed, causing Lucy to let out a light scream. “Noise is good. It tells me you are enjoying our little game.”

The Captain began rummaging under her petticoats, eventually finding her garter belt and removing her silk stockings. He snickered and stood up as Lucy lay bare on the bed. His high waisted trousers were soon around his ankles and he mounted Lucy like an animal. She felt as if she would break under his ample weight and sobbed, in which he delighted. After a short time, he rolled off Lucy’s petite body. He propped himself up on one elbow and smiled at Lucy as he breathed heavily. “The times have been many that I’ve had the pleasure of removing the purity from a young lady. With practice Lucy you will be quite skilled.”

Lucy could manage only a few words. “Take me home now.”

“Ha, you’re frightened and a touch mad at me now, but the next time we cross paths, you’ll be begging me for more. It always happens that way. I’ll have my carriage drop you home, but I advise you to collect yourself first. You are looking a bit disheveled because I couldn’t keep my finger out of your black hair. The Captain stuck his nose in her coif and Lucy recoiled with disgust.

***

Lucy made it into the hallway of the London house before collapsing in a heap. Her dress torn and her hair askew, she knew she had to retreat to her quarters before anyone saw her. She needed to get lost in Agnes’ soft embrace. Since she had been a tot, her loyal maid always made her feel safe. She made it up the stairs and fell into her room, where Agnes was worried about where she was.

“Lucy! Where have you been and how did you get in this condition?” Agnes said as her voice cracked. “Have you been attacked by a villain?”

“I’ll tell you everything later Agnes. I need you to make me presentable and get rid of this dress. I never want to lay eyes on it again. Burn it if possible and fetch my bottle of strong perfume.”

Agnes did as ordered, before returning to brush Lucy’s hair and dry her tears. “Wasn’t George with you at the ball?”

“Isabel had his attention and he turned from me. George was paid to be my escort this season and help me find a suitable husband. He thinks Captain Appleton is the man for me? I shall never forgive him for sending me in the direction of that monster.” Lucy grabbed Agnes’ arm and pulled her close. “You are not to tell George Lancaster of my condition or the time I arrived home.”

“Not a word, Lady Lucy. You’re lucky that you didn’t run into George coming home. He and Lady Isabel were out late also,” Agnes said.

Lucy was clearly upset by this news, but she wouldn’t admit to it. “Good, George and Isabel deserve one another. Her Mother is fat and she will turn out the same. George Lancaster with no title is hardly a catch. I want to wear a fetching dress today with a low neckline and that choker I fancy. I’m not about to let George know that last night went so horribly.