As the women woke up at their leisure, they dressed and joined the John and Bartley for breakfast.

“Did you stay the night, Lord Swinford? I would have thought you would have gone home,” asked Amelia.

“Well, Lady Amelia, that was the plan. But His Grace and I were involved in a lively discussion until very late in the evening. I was graciously offered a guest bedroom, and I accepted,” smiled Bartley.

“Well, how lovely that you are able to join us for breakfast,” said Henrietta.

The women had also stayed up late with their card game as entertainment. They had a hard time suppressing their yawns.

"Did the change in air interfere with your sleep?" Bartley inquired of the ladies, as he looked to John with a bemused look upon his face.

Bartley had business in London to attend to, so he rose as he excused himself. But before he took his leave, he enquired after Amelia, "Lady Amelia, I wonder if you might do me the honor of taking a carriage ride with me in Hyde Park.” He paused when Amelia didn’t immediately answer. “I know it is snowing, but the city is quite beautiful at Christmastime. Lady Henrietta may like to accompany us." He hoped the extended invitation would not be declined.

"That would be wonderful, Lord Swinford. We shall see you after luncheon," Henrietta accepted for both of them. She smiled as she saw Amelia's cheeks and décolletage flush with redness.

The men left the room, and Bartley looked particularly pleased.

"You are not so immune to his charms, as you'd like me to think, Amelia," Henrietta teased.

"I really don't know what you mean, Henrietta. Shall we wait for them to leave before we look upstairs?" Lady Amelia went to the window.

It was her first view of the city in daylight, and while there was something romantic about snowfall and the silence it brought, now all she saw was the dirty slush on the road. It would make walking impossible. However, she was quite taken by the sounds of the city. The hustle and bustle of the street traders. At home, there was birdsong, whereas now, it was the sound of people going about their business.

"I must write to Papa and tell him all is well. I shall see you shortly, Amelia," Henrietta left Amelia alone.

Amelia was alerted to the sound of a whisper. What was it? She turned around to see Bartley standing at the doorway.

"Lady Amelia, please do not be alarmed," he said as Amelia was very aware of being alone in his company. "I just wanted to say that you are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen. I will not get the opportunity to declare my love when we are in company. You have stolen my heart," he leaned forward in an effort to continuing whispering, but Amelia stepped backward.

"My Lord, have you taken leave of your senses? Please step back. We have only just met; it is not possible that you can have that depth of feeling towards me. Especially when I have not reciprocated any such feelings," Amelia was rather alarmed by his ardor.

"My apologies, my lady, I did not mean to cause you alarm. It is just when Venus herself stands before me, what is a mere mortal supposed to do?"

"Ahem. Do you need anything, m’lady?" Andrews announced himself as the earl quickly bid Amelia farewell.

"I shall join Lady Henrietta shortly, Andrews. Actually, we may need your assistance. We wish to explore the duchess's quarters."

"I would advise against it, m’lady. His Grace has not said it may be occupied," Andrews said.

"It is not my decision, Andrews. Discuss your concerns with Lady Henrietta. I shall be along shortly."

Alone again, Lady Amelia couldn't help but smile as she watched the earl leave the townhouse. She watched his footprints left in the snow. He looked up at the window and blew a kiss, but she stepped back, not wanting to encourage him. However, she had to admit she was very flattered by his attention. Despite her best efforts, a giggle escaped. As Lady Amelia Harrington, she was of excellent breeding. Her father, the Marquess of Stannington, had been trying to encourage her to marry, but she didn't trust the suitors who showed an interest in her. Even though they declared their love, Amelia knew they were more interested in her money and her father’s title. While she pretended not to be romantic, she really did want to fall in love. Amelia believed that people confused infatuation with love, and she suspected this to be the case with Henrietta and the duke. Their courtship was very brief, and Amelia did not believe one could fall in love so quickly.

Doing her best to recover her composure, Amelia made her way upstairs. She could hear Henrietta giving orders to Andrews. As the soon-to-be Duchess, Amelia believed she should have full access to the house. Suitably admonished, Andrews agreed to help.

"Look, Amelia. Isn't it the most beautiful room," Henrietta exclaimed as Mary, her lady's maid, opened the shutters, and the sunlight flooded the room.

Amelia looked around the room. It was exquisitely decorated. The fireplace was ornate, and the gilded mirrors allowed the light to bounce around.

"It is so beautiful. Mary, tell the maid to prepare this room for me. I wish to sleep here tonight."

Andrews' eyebrows looked like as if they were about to jump off his forehead. Amelia had to admit to feeling as if Henrietta’s behavior was inappropriate. While it wasn't long until she would be the duchess of the house, she was still a guest.

"Are you quite sure of that decision, Henrietta? Surely you should discuss this with John. It is still his house, after all," Lady Amelia shivered as a draft rushed through the room.

"Amelia, you of all people! Like you ever asked permission to do anything. John will understand."

Henrietta's mind was quite made up, "As the room is being prepared, let’s sit by the fire in the study.”

The fireplace radiated warmth as the women enjoyed its comfort. Henrietta questioned Amelia about her feelings towards Bartley.

"We have our carriage ride in Hyde Park later, but I may feign a headache, and Lucille can act as chaperone," said Henrietta, who was working up a plan in her mind.

"Please do not do such a thing, Henrietta. I have no wish to be alone with the earl. Promise me," Amelia knew that once Lady Henrietta was scheming, nothing was going to stop her.

Henrietta wanted a match between Bartley and Amelia, and this would be the perfect opportunity for a romance to develop. Christmas lent itself to romance, Henrietta thought to herself.

Henrietta's new quarters were ready for occupation. She insisted that she and Amelia have tea in the room.

"We must make ourselves comfortable. This is essentially my house now," she told the skeptical Amelia.

"M’lady, the Earl of Swinford has arrived. He said you were expecting him," Andrews announced.

"Yes, you must go, Amelia." Henrietta turned to Andrews, "Do tell his Lordship that I am unwell, and it will just be Lady Amelia and her lady's maid."

"Very well, m’lady."

"No, you promised me," Amelia said as she became very flustered at the thought of being alone in the earl's company, much to Henrietta's amusement.

"You will be fine. Enjoy yourself,” said Henrietta, as she embraced her friend and kissed her on the cheek. “Do be kind to him. He is my future husband’s cousin, after all.”

Amelia smiled and left the room to meet Bartley.

With time to herself, Henrietta took delight in her new surroundings. The dressing table was intricately carved with roses trailing up the leg. The mirror was crafted from silver with the same rose pattern. The furniture was made from walnut, and the sofa and chaise were covered the same blue upholstery.

“I wonder if this room has any secrets," Henrietta said aloud, as she examined everything the room had to offer.