Lucy lounged on a velvet chaise in the parlor reading favorite poems by Lord Byron, acting as if she didn’t have a care in the world when George walked in.

“Hello Lucy, I missed you at breakfast. I thought perhaps you were holding a grudge after I brushed you off last night. It wasn’t my intention to harm you, I was certain that you could handle any situation that presented itself,” George said.

“I had breakfast in bed and of course, I wasn’t mad. I’m glad you had the opportunity to spend time with Lady Isabel. That went well?” Lucy asked; pretending to not care much.

“Yes, we have plans to play cards later today. She’s quite good, I hear.”

“Oh, yes; an exciting day you have planned.” Lucy knew that George loathed a day spent indoors playing parlor games. “As they say, the third time is the charm. Do you have another name? Captain Appleton and I had some differences.”

George moved Lucy’s feet and sat at the end of the chaise. He was relieved that Lucy seemed not to be cross. "I do. His name is Mark Fenwick – Baron Mark Fenwick of Gloucestershire. He is about 30 years of age with no marriage behind him. He's held in the highest regard and considered a catch – if he can be caught.”

“Is Baron Fenwick open to matrimony?” Lucy asked.

"Yes, and that's why he's about this season. He's traveled the world and now he's ready to settle in Gloucestershire. He'll be at the dance at Ridley Court this week. Shall I tell him you're open to an introduction?"

“Yes, Indeed. Will you have Lady Isabel on your arm.”

“Yes, if it’s acceptable to you,” George said.

“Why would I have a say? Why would I care?” Lucy did care but she wasn’t about to let George know that.

George smiled when he left the room and Lucy breathed a sigh of relief. George had no idea what Lucy had been through.

***

Lucy was unexpectedly taken by Mark at the dance. He was tall with dark hair and eyes. It left her to wonder why no woman had already claimed his heart. They managed to talk while they danced.

“George Lancaster did me favor when he provided an introduction to you, Lady Lucy. There aren’t a set of eyes that can’t tell you are the most beautiful woman at Ridley Court. The men swoon, and the ladies are green with envy.”

“You’re too kind Baron. Why have you delayed settling down for so long?” Lucy asked.

“I could say I was waiting for you but no, I was bitten by the travel bug. I’ve been all over the continent and spent two years in India, where my title meant nothing. I slept under the stars and relied on a camel for transport. I've seen it all and now I'm ready to call Gloucestershire my home." Mark said.

Lucy was impressed by everything that came out of his mouth. “Does that mean you intend to retire to your library and read for the remainder of your days?”

"No Lady Lucy!" Mark chuckled. "I could never live a boring life. I plan to be on my steed most of the time, galloping through the hillside. On top of that, I will pluck salmon from the river and hunt. I love the hunt most of all."

"Me too!" Lucy exclaimed. "I'm a lady so my father doesn't allow but someday I will ride along on a pheasant hunt."

"l have no doubt you will, Lucy." Mark smiled as they twirled on the marble floor.

Lady Lucy in her chiffon yellow dress with a blue satin sash danced the night away with Baron Mark Fenwick. Isabel and George found themselves next to the punch bowl most of the night, because Isabel grew tired of dancing. Lucy loved dancing but a small voice inside of her reminded her that George had been her first and most exquisite dance partner. Her heart ached for him sitting out the fun, but it was his choice to remain by Isabel's side.

"Lady Lucy, the time has come to leave you and I hope you'll accept my request to call on you tomorrow," Mark said.

“I’m flattered and yes, that would be lovely.”

Unlike Francis Appleton, Mark did not whisk Lucy away to drink champagne. He gave her an appropriate kiss on her hand and a light bow. She made her way home in the carriage with George.

“I can tell by your smile that I have successfully made a match. Am I right?” George asked as the carriage traveled through the East End of London.

“A girl does not divulge but I’ll make an exception for you. After only one evening, I am developing an affection for the Baron. I find no fault in his demeanor and he is extraordinarily handsome. I think he shares my feelings because I’ll see Mark again tomorrow.” Lucy tapped her feet with excitement.

“Oh.” George temporarily showed a bit of disappointment. “Oh, wonderful. I’m so happy I figured out the sort of gentleman you were searching for. I will not be present to chaperone the two of you for several days.”

Lucy was surprised. “Why not, George?”

“I am taking the days journey back to Averly House to introduce my Mother to Isabel. If you go for a carriage ride with the Baron, Betty can go along.”

“I’m surprised, George. I hope Mrs. Lancaster approves of your choice of a lady to bring home,” Lucy said flatly.

“I know she’ll be thrilled with my choice of women. Looks as if we’re both getting what we want this season.”

“We’re quite fortunate,” Lucy said unenthusiastically.

George and Lucy were silent until the carriage pulled up to the house. George waved off the driver and helped Lucy out himself by grasping her delicate gloved hand. He delayed in letting it go as the carriage departed.

“George.”

“Lucy,” he said as he pulled her in and gave her a delicate kiss on the lips that lingered. “I wanted to know what that felt like before we go on to live our futures.”

Lucy finished the sentence. “Our futures with other people. It feels like goodbye in many ways.”

“Never goodbye Lucy. You hold a piece of me and I have a piece of you and that will never change. In addition, how can it be goodbye when I’ll see you at breakfast tomorrow.”

They both laughed as they walked inside together.