Alice sat in her bedroom and emptied the contents of her purse. Edmond had already looked to see if there any reference to her name but there was nothing except for the necklace. She held it in her hands. It was a single strand coral necklace of the deepest red she had ever seen. There was a small Sevigne bow with a pearl at the center of the bow. She felt the necklace was significant but could not give it meaning.

Was it passed down through her family, or a trinket she had bought for herself? Had it fallen off her and Edmund had placed it in her purse, or was it already in her purse? The clasp didn't appear to be broken. So many questions went unanswered. Surely, if her family was missing her, they would be scouring the haunts of young ladies. What did it mean? She had no idea if her memory would ever return.

It gave her a headache to think and not come up with any answers. It only served to upset her.

"So much for not being scared," she said to herself. She was afraid to remember, and she was afraid she would never remember.

She heard a gentle tap at the door and she put her necklace back in her purse. A young woman, who was newly promoted from kitchen maid to lady's maid, entered with garments in her arms.

"Miss Faith, His Grace has asked me to fit these dresses for you. He expects you for dinner at seven o’clock. I shall bring you some shoes and jewelry shortly, Miss."

"Oh my, these are rather splendid. Is he quite sure?" Alice asked out loud, but the poor maid wasn't sure how to answer her.

"Very well. Let's get started." Alice had to take charge.

Alice had to admit it was very exciting to be getting dressed for dinner. She welcomed the change of clothes.

"My dear, you look lovely. I'm afraid there's been a change of plans and Edmund shall take you to the theater. While it is not an ideal way for your family to find you, it may be the only way of finding out who you are. I feel that Edmund could do with a night out. I am sure you will keep him on the straight and narrow."

Alice felt excited at the prospect of a night out. There was every chance someone would know her. However, she knew that part of her was excited about seeing another side of Edmund. She enjoyed his company.

"Miss Faith, you look breathtaking." Edmund couldn't say any more.

It had been quiet that afternoon. As Alice had rested, the duke had called Edmund to his study.

"I think you should take Faith to the Theater Royal in Covent Garden."

The duke's command had taken Edmund by surprise. He was quite sure that Bosley had been seen. Was the duke testing him? Not quite sure how to react, Edmund decided to ask if His Grace would be accompanying them. The reply, for now, yes, the duke planned to attend the theater also, but was waiting on a business communiqué which required his attention.

"Don't look so shocked, Edmund. I am not without some understanding of a young person's need to mix with others. I am trusting you to take care of our guest. Now, do whatever preparations you need. Don't just stand there, young man, I have work to do."

Edmund's legs felt like jelly. Now he was convinced this was some sort of test. Nonetheless, Edmund was going out with a beautiful woman on his arm. He could allow himself to feel excited. She wasn't someone brought to him by Bosley, or one of his cohorts, nor was she seeking a husband. She had just appeared in his life. He would be the better for it.

Her little speech in the chaise must have made the duke think about his and Edmund's situation. Edmund knew it had stayed with him as he planned to seek the duke's guidance on his estate. He had noticed how more agreeable the duke had been since her arrival. He had heard the duke chuckle as he played pontoon with her and she had won. It wasn't something he had heard since his great aunt's passing.

There, Alice stood before him now, resplendent for an evening on the town. She smiled at him, and he felt he could do anything if she was by his side. He had never been in love before, but surely this was it, he told himself.

Jarvis helped him with his cap and hat, as he gave the duke's regrets, and wished them a pleasant time.

"This is rather nice," Edmund said as the door of the carriage closed, "some people I know will be there, and you can make their acquaintance. If you are feeling up to it, we could perhaps go for a late supper following the show."

He felt so nervous asking her that he couldn't bring himself to look directly at her.

"That would be very pleasant, thank you, my lord."

Alice was feeling good. She felt for sure that someone was bound to know her, although it would mean leaving the duke and the marquess. She felt so at home in their company.

As they were a little late, they were shown directly to their seats. Alice looked around hoping that someone would look familiar to her, but as the players arrived on stage, she became mesmerized by the actors. She gasped with awe as the story was unveiled and Edmund was amazed at the effect the play was having on her. Usually, attendance was to see and be seen with very little attention given to the performance. She really was like a child, fascinated by the charm of the theater.

At the intermission, they mingled in the foyer making polite conversation. Unaware of the commotion they were causing, Edmund continued to introduce Alice as Miss Faith. Gossip had been rife since their ride in Hyde Park, and the mystery of exactly who was Edmund's lady friend had taken society by storm. Bosley approached them. He was very curious about the woman. Where had Edmund found her?

"We meet again, Miss Faith," he took her hand and kissed it as he bowed. She could feel herself blushing as she curtsied.

"Muddy, we're going to Madigans after. Bring Miss Faith. I didn't catch your last name…" Bosley was interrupted by the gong signaling the start of the second half of the play.

Edmund didn't want Bosley anywhere near Alice. He wasn't quite sure why he felt this way. After all, he and Bosley were lifelong friends, but Bosley had a way of sullying anything that Edmund found first. It had started when Edmund wanted a pony. Bosley's father had purchased the pony instead. When Edmund got a dog, Bosley claimed the dog had bitten him and Edmund never saw the dog again. It was curious how Edmund never noticed how Bosley took what he wanted until now. It was done so subtly that he found he berated himself for thinking such a thing when Bosley always included him on his trips.

Edmund had lost his heart to a young girl. They were just teenagers at the time and Bosley promised to intercede on his behalf. Edmund was quite boring when compared with Bosley, who was very dynamic in his personality. Edmund never stood a chance while Bosley was around. Whatever he wanted, Bosley was sure to take it from him. Bosley wasn't good enough for Miss Faith. Edmund decided they would have to avoid Bosley.

"I do not think it wise to go for supper. I am sure we can get something at home," he whispered to Alice.

"If you feel that is best," Alice said. Her head was quite sore after meeting so many people, and she searched her mind for recognition, but there was nothing.

A messenger came to Edmund, and he excused himself.

"My lord, His Grace, the Duke of Donningford, has taken ill. Your presence is required immediately. We can send the young lady home. It might best if you left immediately," the man said solemnly.

Edmund was torn. He needed to go to the duke. It would be a pity to disturb Miss Faith's enjoyment of the play. She wasn't family and it may not do well to stress her.

"Very well. She is to be brought to the duke's immediately after the performance," Edmund gave the man money to ensure his instructions would be carried out and left the theater, feeling guilty about leaving Alice unattended.

He failed to notice Bosley lurking in the shadows, and once Edmund was gone, Bosley gave the man some money and he slipped into the theater to watch Alice, who didn't seem to notice Edmund was gone. As the curtain fell, Alice dried her eyes. She had found the performance played with her emotions and as she turned to speak to Edmund, only then realized he was missing.

She looked around, but all she saw were the theater goers milling out. She felt very lonely, even though she wasn't alone. It was the strangest sensation, and not one she had felt before, despite not knowing who she was.

"Miss Faith. Muddy gives his apologies. He was called away and asked me to see you home. I thought if you were up for it, we might go to Madigans for a light supper." Bosley was very polite as he spoke.

While feeling unsure about him, Alice had no option but to agree to take his arm. She had no money, and in fact, only had a vague awareness of where the duke's home was. She didn't know why Bosley bothered her, but they would be among others so how bad could it be. It must have been very important for Edmund to leave her by herself.

"I thought we were going with others," she asked when they seemed to be alone.

"They've gone on. We can walk from here if you do not mind. I have to say, I'm rather intrigued by you, Miss Faith. I do feel there is something familiar about you, but cannot quite put my finger on it. Where do you come from? Muddy never gave me your family name."

"Why do you call him Muddy?"

"It's a nickname; that's all. Also, he can be a stick in the mud sometimes, so I feel it rather suits him," Bosley snorted.

"I thought you too were supposed to be friends. It doesn't sound very nice to talk about Lord Cholmosley in that way," Alice was annoyed.

"Forget about him. Who are you Miss Faith?"

Part of her didn't want to answer him.

"I don't know who I am. I had an accident and cannot remember."

Bosley smirked.

"Isn't that interesting? You have absolutely no idea of who you are. Then we must make you attend Almack's next week. That's where the real party is, and anyone who is anyone will be there. I'll help Muddy find you a home. Ah, here we are," Bosley opened the door of a grubby little place.

Alice felt unwell as the smells hit her. They seemed familiar, but how could they, she asked herself. She asked Bosley to take her home, but he ignored her, saying he wanted to show her a good time that Edmund would never be inclined to do.

As the drinks flowed, Alice could only watch as the elite became more raucous. She hated being there. Bosley was getting too familiar with her.

"Do you think you're too good for me, Miss Faith, or whatever your name is? Are you sure we haven't met before?"

She blinked as the smell of alcohol hit her face and she closed her eyes, praying that the Lord would save her. She didn't want to be here at all. Bosley was getting annoyed with her for not drinking, and in his mind, not allowing herself to have fun. Why was she so boring? Had she already spent too much time with Edmund?

"I had to teach him how to drink and have a good time. Why aren't you having a good time?" he said as he spilled his drink on her. He took out his handkerchief to wipe Alice's dress. She felt so afraid, so unsure of what to do.

Suddenly Bosley was pulled away from her.

"Give me your hand, Miss Faith. I'll take you home," Edmund reached out and she gladly took his hand as he pulled her towards him. She felt faint. Too much had gone on and she collapsed as her legs went from under her.

Edmund scooped her up in his arms.

"Bosley, never contact me again. How could you?" Edmund shouted as he left Madigans.

Alice came to in the carriage.

"What happened? My lord, what happened?" she cried out.

She was so afraid, so unlike the day of the accident.

"That Bosley. I'll never have anything to do with him again. He didn't try to hurt you in any way, did he? I will have him dealt with, you know," Edmund sounded angry. He was riled up. He was afraid for what might have happened to her under his watch, and he couldn't bear it if anything had happened to her.

"You just rest and I'll tell you when we get home. His Grace will want details, and it will save you telling it again. Plus, I have my part of the story to reveal."

Edmund fell silent, but he heard Alice crying. She was so distraught. He couldn't get the image from his mind, walking into Madigans and seeing Bosley overpowering her. He could never let Edmund have anything for himself. Bosley just had to interfere and destroy all that was good.

Rather than back down, as was his norm, he had an attitude of power that caused the other party-goers to stand back out of his way as he pulled Bosley away from Alice. Her frightened face, seeing her cowering, looking so lost and alone, she had brought out another side of Edmund.

When Edmund had arrived rather abruptly at the duke's, he was in a tizzy. Jarvis was perplexed at the marquess's ranting about the Duke being ill, and when the duke appeared, Edmund had come to his senses. It was a ruse. The only one he knew capable of such behavior was Bosley. He had dashed out of the house again, much to the duke's annoyance. With the theater closed, he had made his way to Madigans, and sure enough, found the scene.

Jarvis opened the door as the carriage arrived, and much like the scene of the Alice's arrival, Edmund insisted on carrying her through to the drawing room.

The duke bellowed as he left his study to enter the drawing room demanding answers.

Edmund revealed his side of the story and Alice told him what had happened next.

Unbeknownst to her, Alice had helped Edmund stand up to a man who had controlled him for far too long. The duke had noticed this, too. He had always disliked Bosley, even when he was just a boy. There was something devious about him, but the duke had to admit, he liked this side of Edmund.