Bosley stood by the fire, furious at the night's events. His friends had laughed at him when Edmund left with the young woman. He had never been so humiliated in his life. He was the one who laughed at others. Who did Edmund think he was to behave like that towards him? He would pay for his behavior, and so would this woman masquerading as Faith. He now knew exactly who she was, but now he had to ensure Edmund's social annihilation.

He laughed at his plan. It would be marvelous, and it was sure to put Edmund and the duke in their place. Who did they think they were to lord over him?

Bosley was glad he hadn't recognized Faith immediately. It was only when Edmund carried her away that he remembered who she was.

This was an excellent plan. He would extend an invitation to a particular young lady to accompany him to Almack's. The lady's maid of the Countess who organized the vouchers was rather sweet on Bosley, and he knew that the duke had been in touch requesting vouchers.

No one was going to get away with making a fool of him. Satisfied that his plan couldn't fail, Bosley went to bed.

Edmund and Alice had no idea of what was in store for them but for now, they were both recovering from their traumatic night.

"Jarvis, send for the doctor. Miss Faith is quite the peculiar color. It's a wonder it didn't jerk her memory back into place," the duke said.

Alice was shivering despite being covered in blankets. The doctor checked on her, but there was nothing physically wrong with her. He gave her a sleeping draught so that she could recover by morning.

The duke and Edmund spoke.

"It's a dastardly business, Edmund. I shall attend Almack's with you and Faith. By Jove, we'd better find her family. It's a big responsibility caring for her. I just cannot fathom how no one is looking for her."

Edmund agreed with the duke. It was high time that Alice was reunited with her family. Only then he could he ask permission to court her. Edmund's mind was made up. He wanted to marry her. Only a man in love could behave as Edmund had done. He had the strength of ten lions; he had been ready to pounce on Bosley.

The ton loved gossip, and without knowing her background, stories abounded that she was a French aristocrat, or a Russian tsarina, smuggled into London to escape death. Yet other rumors were circulating that she was, in fact, a nobody who had inveigled her way into the duke's home. Her presence made them notice the otherwise invisible Edmund, and Bosley didn't like that fact. He was the star of their group, and he wasn't looking for anyone to take his title as leader of their pack.

The following morning, Alice was hesitant about leaving the house, and the duke didn't force her. He encouraged her to sit with him. He sensed she didn't want to be alone and she was pleasant company. She was quiet when he needed to work, as she took reading some of the books in his library.

"You remind me of my dear wife. She used to sit there and read while I worked. I've missed that," the duke smiled kindly at her.

"Your Grace is very kind to compare me to the duchess. I have seen her portraits; she was a very beautiful woman," Alice said.

"They really do not do her justice at all. She was beautiful on the inside and out." The duke looked away.

Alice was sure he had shed a tear.

"Tell me, my dear, how do you feel about Edmund?"

The question unnerved her.

"Both you and he have taken great care of me," she said diplomatically.

"Yes, but how do you feel about him?"

"I feel safe when he is close by. Being alone in Lord Bosley's company unnerved me. A feeling I have never felt with Lord Cholmosley. It was quite peculiar. I feel safe with the marquess…" she paused.

"I am glad to hear that. Edmund is anxious that we find your family. He wishes to propose to you, but he must ask your father's permission. He has grown as a man in the short time you have been here. I would be very much in favor of such a match, if you were in agreement, Miss Faith."

"But Your Grace, I do not know if I am promised to another."

Alice wasn't sure she wanted to commit herself to any agreements.

"I didn't think of that. We shall see."

It saddened Alice to think no one was looking for her. The same thought had struck the duke and the marquess when they allowed that thought to rise. She should have been found by now. While many descended on London, the community was still quite small, and word would have spread by now if one of them was missing. There was an intrigue here, but the duke, who considered himself a great study of people, knew there was no presence of malice on Alice's part. She really didn't remember who she was.

But someone was looking for Alice, although not very successfully. Betty had convinced Jim to take her to their local police station, but the police weren't interested in looking for a disgraced lady's maid. Instead, Betty went to each police station and hospital she came across to see if any unidentified bodies were in their presence. She was assuming the worst. It was the only explanation.

Betty went to see Mrs. Dempsey to tell her what had happened. Mrs. Dempsey was shocked. It would be so out of character for someone like Alice to up and disappear. She was a gracious young woman. They came to the same conclusion. She must be dead. They didn't realize that someone was eavesdropping on the conversation and relishing every word. Connie couldn't contain her snicker. That uppity Alice had got her what she deserved.

"Who is there?" Mrs. Dempsey called out as Connie revealed herself.

"It's you. What are you doing here? What is that on your face?" Mrs. Dempsey looked back at Betty as she spoke and rolled her eyes at the get up of Connie.

"I'm meeting my gentleman friend," Connie said haughtily.

"Some gentleman!" Mrs. Dempsey guffawed.

"He's a real gent. You're just jealous because you're so old. What are you looking at?" Connie directed at Betty who was smiling at Mrs. Dempsey's comments.

"I used to be like you Connie, remember, thinking the "gents" would actually be interested in a maid. But you'll learn. Trust me."

Connie marched out. Her excitement at hearing of Alice's possible demise had faded by being teased by these two crones. She left, looking forward to meeting her fancy man.

"He's certainly turning her head, whoever he is. She's usually quite loud about the wealth of the men she sees, but she's keeping quiet on this one. I'm wondering if it's the same man as last year when we came here for the Season." Mrs. Dempsey said as she made tea for Betty.

"The Season isn't just for the young ladies we look after. I wasn't without having my head turned. She'll learn she's just a toy to be cast away when wife material catches their eyes. Those men don't marry maids."

Betty knew too well what it was like for a pretty girl to have her world turned upside down by a gentleman who would promise everything, but give nothing.

Jim had mended her broken heart, and they were happy together. They could do with more, but at least what they had was theirs. No one to boss them around. Jim had been the carriage driver for the Guildfords. But he couldn't stay feeling downtrodden. He wanted to make his own way in the world. What he really wanted was to have his own farm. But for now, it was just a dream. Betty loved him for it.

As Connie turned the corner, she saw her man standing there, waiting for her. She cheered up when she saw him and ran towards him.

"My pretty little thing, no need to run. Did you bring the jewels?" he asked, although Connie felt a little put out by his interest in the stolen Bankwell jewels, rather than her.

"Here they are," Connie said as she handed the handkerchief to the man.

"Good. Here's your cut. Tell me, Connie. What was the name of Lady Jane's lady's maid?"

Connie was sick of Alice's name.

"What's it to you? I hear she's dead. No one knows. Ain't you interested in me no more?" Connie tried to be coy.

"I've got no time today, Connie. But I'll see you soon, no doubt."

He walked away leaving her standing there alone.

"Bosley, you come back here. That ain't no way to treat a lady," she shouted at him.

"Good thing you aren't a lady then. Ta-ta, my pretty, it's been a blast," Bosley waved without looking back.

Connie threw a tantrum. Who did he think he was? She was going to get back at him. Thinking he could use her and then just leave her. No, no one made a fool of Connie Lakes and got away with it. She fumed as she watched him disappear.

As Bosley walked away, he thought about how he was going to get back at Edmund. He was going to relish in his revenge. He needed to dispose of the jewels first. Connie was becoming a liability. Pity though, he thought, she had a propensity for theft and having other people take the fall. Still, he couldn't have her falling in love with him. This was a business arrangement.

Bosley laughed as he returned to his carriage. With his plans in place, his trip to Almack's was sure to go down in history.