George was a lucky man because he was accompanying two Fitzwilliam sisters to the opening reception of the social season in London. With Amy on one arm and Lucy on the other, George Lancaster entered the marble hall at Hines on the Thames. When their names were announced the girls each gracefully curtsied. Henry Winsted was at Lucy’s side before she made it to the punch table. Introductions were made before Henry inquired after a dance with Lucy.

“I would be delighted, Henry.” Lucy took his hand with her elegant silk glove.

They got to know one another as the string quartet played. It didn’t take long for Lucy to realize Henry lacked the qualities in a husband she was looking for.

“Do you hunt in Surrey?” Lucy inquired.

“I’m not a fan of the hunt. My days are spent in our expansive library, so I rarely have reason to step outside. I have to admit that I’m not much of a horseman,” Henry said apologetically.

“I don’t hunt, of course, but I love to ride in the country. I would hunt if my father allowed a woman to handle a weapon.”

“You have a bravery not many ladies display. One thing I know for sure about you, Lady Lucy, is your ability to dance.”

Lucy smiled and knew she had to somehow end the dance with Henry. His conversation was tedious, although polite. He was pleasant looking but not for her because he had little life experience or mischief running through his veins.

“Ouch!” Lucy exclaimed.

“Did I step on your toe?” Henry asked.

“I turned my ankle,” Lucy lied. “Can you manage to get me to George, my escort? I’m so disappointed that I’ll miss the waltz. Can you forgive my clumsiness?”

“I will find another partner, although not as fair as you. We can make up for it because the season is still young.”

Lucy whispered in George’s ear. “He’s not ideal. Find him another partner – Quick!”

“I have an idea if your sister Amy will abide,” George said as he sat Lucy down and Henry fetched her a glass of punch.

***

Amy joined on the bench; after an hour of dancing she was parched, and her feet hurt.

“Having fun sister?” Lucy asked Amy.

“I’m having the time of my life. I danced every dance with a different partner and I’m looking forward to the second half of the evening. The waltz is coming up soon and I only have one spot left on my dance card.”

George sprang into action. He found a way to rid Lucy of Henry.

“I have the perfect partner for you.” George looked to Henry. “Since Lucy is injured; ask the lovely Lady Amy to dance.”

Henry sprang up and soon he and Amy were twirling.

“Thank you, George. Henry is courteous but better fitted to a lady like my sister. She favors a man with red hair who is happiest reading a book by the fire. I prefer running with the wind blowing through my hair.”

“Perhaps I misjudged you and Henry as a match. I will improve my matchmaking skills as the season wears on. I sense you are looking for a chancy fellow with anything but red hair.”

“That will do but for now, I’ll sit and nurse my swollen ankle,” Lucy winked.

“How about some wine in your punch glass to move along the healing.” 

“That would be fine indeed.”

***

George had both girls home just after midnight which was just about right for an early season reception. Lucy was a bit tipsy and retired to her room and Amy floated to hers after her night of dancing. Lucy was asleep as soon as her head hit the pillow, still with no eligible gentleman to dream about. Before she knew it Agnes was shaking her to wake up. It was already noon and she had a caller. Henry stopped by to check on her ankle and had been playing parlor games with George all morning.

“Agnes, tell Henry my ankle is throbbing with pain and that I have been directed by the doctor to stay in bed,” Lucy pleaded.

“You want me to lie Lady?”

“Yes. Hurry on and get it done quickly. When you get rid of the flame head, send George up post haste,” Lucy demanded.

“No need to call the gentleman names, Lady. He had nothing to do with the hair color he was born with. Use the manners that I tirelessly tried to teach you. If you weren't 20 and I wasn't 60, I'd throw you over my knee."

“Agnes!” Lucy sulked, and her maid followed her orders. George entered her room next, having been warned by Agnes about her mood.

“Henry has been handled, Lucy. Amy came down and the two of them went to the conservatory where they are playing music together. He on the piano and she on the harp. I may have made a match after all.”

“A ball is next on the schedule. Do you have a name?”

“I do; Captain Francis Appleton of the Royal Navy, from which he is retired. He’s a bit older and very worldly with a very comfortable lifestyle.”

“Perfect. I assume you will be there to save me if he is not to my standards.”

“I will be. I’m certain Lady Isabel will share my company if necessary,” George smiled.

Lucy’s eyes widened. “You and Lady Isabel, but I thought your only interest was caring for your mother.”

“Isabel and I have so much in common. My Mum is safe at Averly House and she would want me to frolic.”

“Oh, very well. That’s all George.” Lucy threw a pillow at the wall when George left. Sharing George was unexpected, indeed.