Lucy and the countess traveled back to the manor house after the private family service at the chapel. She had been by her Mother's side for all the ceremonies and they were mentally and physically exhausted. Countess Alice retired to her chambers for some much-needed rest, while Lucy waited for Mark’s arrival.
"Hello, Lucy. Are holding up well?" Mark said rather coldly.
“Yes, Mark. I feel at peace knowing that my father is free of pain in heaven. I've wanted to talk to you all week but there was never time when we could be alone."
"I have been waiting until after the funeral to speak with you, Lucy. You've been lying to me."
Lucy was shocked. “I was planning to tell you that I must put aside our engagement. It was something my father said that led me to my decision.”
Mark laughed. "No Lucy; the veil has been lifted and I'm no longer in the dark about your true character. You told me you were pure – a virgin. You haven't been pure since the night you over-imbibed and spent time with Captain Appleton. You are nothing more than a common whore."
Lucy was taken aback. She was confused about how Mark learned the truth until she remembered seeing Isabel in the hallway after her conversation with her Father. “Isabel was the one. She already has George and still, she couldn’t leave me with my secret.”
“Lucy, you dolt. Isabel knows you want the attention of George, but he loves her. He’s unlike your dead father and he plans to marry her and not run away with the likes of you.”
Lucy's eyes turned black. "Don't speak poorly of the dead, especially my Father, The Earl of Sutcliff. He loved my Mother and created a happy life for his family. Who are you to judge me so harshly and hold my past deeds over me? You have no spine, Baron." Lucy slapped him across the cheek with her gloved hand, before running away in tears.
***
Lucy went to the rushing river that cut through the manor. It was a place she always went to when she needed to sort through her feelings. It was also a spot she felt close to her father and now more than ever she needed his wisdom. It was damp and there was moss growing on top of the moss and the clouds grew thick. Lucy was in one of the darkest moments in her young life when a sliver of light found it’s way in. A hand with a red rose appeared under her nose. The hand holding the rose belonged to George Lancaster.
“I was in the library with Isabel when Mark stormed off. I saw the smile on her face and knew something was amiss. She told me what she overheard in your private conversation with your father.”
“You should be with Isabel and not with me George. I don’t deserve your kindness and I think maybe Mark was right to call me a whore.”
George grew red-faced. “He did not use that word and yours in the same breath!” He was as angry as Lucy had ever seen him.
“Relax George. I took care of the Baron. I don’t think he expected a slap from Lady Lucy Fitzwilliam,” Lucy said proudly and smiled for the first time in days.
George patted her on the back, sending a feeling through her body that Mark never caused. "I should have known you could take care of yourself. I suppose I was a failure as your agent. First, there was Henry."
“Henry has been by Amy’s side through this difficult period. They seem to love each other so that wasn’t exactly a failure,” Lucy pointed out.
“You have to admit I missed the mark with Captain Appleton and then with Mark.”
“I had a hand in how everything worked out and I’m sure it happened for a reason. It does seem that our friendship lasted,” Lucy said.
“No Lucy. Our friendship doesn’t exist as it once was.”
“Oh, I suppose Isabel won’t allow us to chum around after your nuptials.”
“No, silly Lucy. I’m no longer marrying Isabel Balfour because I’m madly in love with you. I know it will take time to convince you to marry a barrister with no title, but I won’t stop trying until you agree to be my wife.”
Lucy stood up with her blue eyes bright and sparkling. “No need to ask again George Lancaster. I will gladly be your wife with or without title, although you will have one. Father decreed it in his will that you will be Lord George of Sutcliff and I shall be your Lady. If we produce a male he will be Earl someday as he’ll inherit my dear father’s title.”
“You’ve just made me the happiest man alive. My mother will be thrilled because she wasn’t to keen on Isabel and the idea of living in the guest house.”
“Are you disappointed to be marrying a fallen woman?”
“No Lucy, are you mad? Since you’re no longer a virgin, I don’t see the sense in waiting until marriage.”
“I don’t want our marriage to start with a scandal. Haven’t we been through enough.”
“Rumor has it, your Father and Mother started their marriage with a scandal and look how that turned out,” George teased.
“Come to my room tonight and we’ll see what transpires.” Lucy winked.
***
Lucy put on a gauzy night garment that she bought in London with the hope of wearing it on her wedding night. Inviting George to her room before marriage was against the rules that society dictated but Lucy was never much for rules. She figured that years ago, George saw her naked and this was just taking it one step further. In her heart, she was convinced that George Lancaster would be the last man that she'd ever invite into her bed. There was a knock at the door and Lucy knew it would be George.
“I didn’t think you’d come,” Lucy whispered.
“I am many things but not crazy.”
“Fitzwilliam’s are around every corner in this house; are you sure you weren’t seen?” Lucy asked.
“I’m sure not. This is exciting and the only chance I’ll get to sneak around to be with you. Soon we’ll be married, and everyone will know what we’re doing behind closed doors.”
“This is like the first time because I love you and I’m not tipsy on champagne. Does it matter that I am not pure?”
“It only matters that I love you.”
George scooped Lucy up in his arms and kissed her deeply and passionately as she had never been before. He pulled her onto the bed with him and released her undergarments. Her breast was more beautiful than imagined and a great deal more developed than they were when he last saw them. He traced her nipples with his tongue and Lucy giggled.
She pulled George on top of her, thinking it might be awkward but the motion was natural. He entered her as their bodies rose and fell in unison. They were a tongue and groove fit and could have remained in bed for eternity.
George and Lucy slept until the sun came up, forgetting where they were until Lucy felt a poke at her face.
Fanny put her hands on her hips and smiled. “I was worried when I didn’t see you at dinner last night. Do you think you can spare a moment for breakfast?”
Lucy sat up, as did George. “I’m so embarrassed Fanny. I guess you will be the first to know – George and I are to be husband and wife.”
“It’s about time. I’ve been predicting the two of you together since you were children. We all knew this would happen eventually.” Fanny tossed George his clothes. “I’ll make sure no one is about, and you can sneak out the back stairs.”
After George scampered back to Averly house, Lucy asked Fanny a question. “Why didn’t you say something before about George if you knew all along?”
"It's sweeter if you think you figured it out on your own. At the rate you're moving sister, our children will be playmates."
“What! Finally, you and the Duke will have a child. Too bad father isn’t here to learn the news.”
“I told him before he died. No one else knows. They just think I’ve gotten fatter.” Fanny laughed. “Get dressed for breakfast Lucy and don’t worry your secret is safe with me.”