Lucy was arriving home from a stroll with Mark her spirits were high, and both were anticipating the night’s ball. They had not been to a formal occasion since the night they met, so this was their chance to show off themselves as a couple. The moment Set foot inside, Lucy sensed something was amiss.

“Mother, why the forlorn look and the girls are in tears. I demand an explanation?” Lucy said in a shaky voice.

“It’s your father Lucy,” George said, because he was also present, and the girls were in no condition to speak. “We received word that the Earl of Sutcliff has fallen ill. He has been in bed for weeks but would not allow anyone to be summoned. He has taken a turn for the worse and we are traveling.” George said solemnly.

“Why not tonight?” Lucy demanded to know.

“We just received word, so the servants have only begun packing our things. Agnes and Jim started right away but they will not finish until morning. We will travel faster with a day of light upon us and also we have a ball tonight which we are obligated to attend.”

"George, you must be joking to mention a ball when my Father is ill. No fun will be had on my part, I can guarantee you that," Lily insisted.

George looked to Mark for aid in convincing Lily to attend the ball. He touched Lucy's quivering elbow. "Lucy, there will not be a coach leaving until morning and there's nothing you can do here. Agnes, Jim, and the other servants will work faster without you underfoot and your father would want you to attend the ball. It will be your last of the season and farewells will have to be made on behalf of the Fitzwilliam family,” Mark said convincingly.

Lucy dried her tears and gave hugs to her mother and gathered sisters. “In this situation, we have to be strong and stick together as a family. I shall attend the final ball with Mark as planned and I expect you will all be in attendance. We must show a brave face for the Earl of Sutcliff – an honor father deserves.”

Lucy said goodbye to Mark before he returned to escort her to the final ball. She hoped that her courtship with Mark would survive time and distance because she felt they were an appropriate match.

***

Lady Lucy and Baron Mark Fenwick walked into the ballroom with arms hooked. Lucy felt safe with Mark, at a tumultuous time in her life with her father ill. George's job was done, as Lucy had found a man her Father would surely approve of. The rest was up to Mark because it was his choice to ask for Lucy's hand in marriage. Lucy had no expectations right away because their courtship had been brief. For the moment, she was happy to have a dance partner for the evening.

George was standing with Isabel among a gathering of excited young ladies. There was apparently some news they were celebrating, which created a lump in Lucy’s throat because she had an idea of what the news was. She and Mark approached to inquire what the fuss was about. Lucy and George locked gazes and it wasn’t joy in his eyes, only resignation.

“Cousin Lucy, you will be among the first to congratulate me.” Isabel couldn’t wait for Lucy’s reaction. “George and I are to be wed in the autumn. I’m marrying your best friend which would make us very much like sisters.”

Lucy faked an enormous smile. “The news is fantastic! I am sure the two of you will have many happy years together.”

“Yes, and you and I will be neighbors. George and I will take over Averly House when the time is right and after your father dies, you will stay on in the manor.”

“The Earl of Sutcliff is still very much alive, and you are aware that Catherine Lancaster is as well.”

“I know, we plan to allow Catherine to stay. There is an adorable guest cottage in back that would be more room than one person needs. I have such grand ideas for the interior of the house and we may have to think about adding on a room or two as I’m sure we will have many children,” Isabel bragged. She was talking as if she had won a contest.

Lucy turned to George, the dear friend who days earlier she had kissed. “Congratulations George. You were paid as my agent to find me a suitable husband and you found yourself a wife. How fortunate for you.”

“Thank you, Lucy. I wouldn’t have found Isabel if not for you. I’ll be in the caravan back to the manor tomorrow and if we end up in the same coach we’ll have time to talk.”

“I’ll likely travel with my sisters. Our days carefree days of being chums have come to a close. No more keeping secrets or sharing jokes together in the coach or running in the garden. It was a sweet time but now you move on to a wonderful life with Isabel.” Lucy cleared her throat. “I’m assuming that your Mum and Isabel got on and that Catherine is amenable to living in the guesthouse,” Lucy said.

“What about the guesthouse?” George was confused.

“You’ll have to ask Isabel; I assumed it was something you discussed.” Lucy walked away knowing she had left George something to think about.

***

Lucy and Mark said their congratulations before participating in a few dances.

“You look as if you need a break, Mark. Sweat is gathering on your brow and you seem somewhere far away.”

“I am preoccupied, Lucy. I thought the dance would offer a distraction, but it isn’t. Take a rest with me out on the terrace.” Mark suggested.

“Are you daft. It’s cold outside and I shall die of exposure.”

“I’ll fetch your cloak and your hands are covered so we’ll be fine.” Mark retrieved her black velvet cloak which matched her pink gown with black detailing.

“The cool air might wake you up otherwise I never set foot outside," Lucy complained. When they were outside she demanded to know what was on his mind.

Mark took Lucy's hands and held them tight as he looked deep into her china-blue eyes. "Last week when I was gone for several days, I made a journey."

“A journey where? What’s going on Mark?” Lucy asked.

"I was away at Sutcliff manor to see your father. Before you accuse me of not telling you he was ill, I did not know it was serious. He was sitting upon a chaise during my visit."

“Go on.”

“I asked your Father for your hand in marriage. He started to tell me of your dowry, but I stopped him because I would love you the same if you were a pauper. Our conversation was lengthy, and he promised me you were of pure virtue, which I assumed anyway. I have the permission from John Earl of Sutcliff and now I need yours.” Mark got down on one knee and bowed his head. “Will you do me the absolute honor of being my wife.”

Lucy was stunned but through the window, she saw George and Isabel dancing, which caused her to speak the words Mark wanted to hear. "Yes Mark, I will marry you." Lucy accepted his kiss but in the back of her mind, she remembered that she wasn't as pure as everyone thought after her night with Captain Appleton.