It was a beautiful day for a picnic.  The sun was shining, a a cool breeze was stirring. There wasn't a cloud in the sky, and the smell of Bluebells and honeysuckle permeated the air.  The hostess had set games up on the lawn for entertainment, and blankets were strewn along the perimeter for spectators to watch.  Servants and personal maids ran to and from the house seeing to the guests every need, couples strolled arm-in-arm along the wooded path, and excitement and laughter was in the air. 

Victoria was miserable.  It wasn't as if she was trying to be.  However, she just couldn't get Marcus out of her head.  She had promised Johnathon no more scheming, but even if she hadn't it wouldn't do any good anyhow.  The blasted man was avoiding her.  She thought for certain he would come when he heard Dander's bring it up.  She knew he didn't care for the man, and judging by the anger in his face the other night, she was most certain he would be here if only to stand guard.  Obviously she was mistaken in thinking he truly cared for her.  Sadly, Marcus was only angry on her behalf out of some misguided notion that he was her protector for life.

Johnathon had warned her.  He told her that Marcus was emotionally unavailable, but did she listen? No.  She continued to throw herself into his path hoping to ignite some spark, some hint of passion, but to no avail.  He wasn't showing any feelings of true, physical love, just the love for the child he still seen her as.   Well enough was enough.  She couldn't make him love her, and although she felt she had enough love for the both of them, sadly she knew it would never work.  He was too proud to accept less, to give her less of himself.  She would have to move forward with her life, a life without Marcus Jones in it, as it would be unbearable to see him as only a friend. 

Oh, she wouldn't have to find another, she didn't think there would truly ever be one.  However, she would quit chasing him, expecting him at parties and other ton events.  She would find a hobby, maybe volunteer.  Yes, that was the ticket.  She would focus on helping others.  Shannon had founded a charity for the children in the West end.  Maybe she could help there as she had before she left for Paris.  She would talk to her sister on the morrow, there was bound to be something for her to do.  Maybe she could teach the children, after all she was an educated lady.  With determination, renewed vigor, and a little excitement she decided to join her friends.  It was a party after all, and she was going to enjoy herself for the first time since coming home.

Just as she was about to turn in the direction of the other guests a voice interrupted her progress.

"Ms. O'Brien, may I be of some assistance?  You looked as if your thoughts were a million miles from here."

"Oh! Lord Kensington. Do forgive me.  I am quite fine I assure you, in fact I have never felt better" she answered with a genuine smile.  "I was just taking in the fresh air and the peacefulness of the countryside.  It's such a refreshing escape from the city noise and smells London has to offer.  Do you not agree? Shall we rejoin the others?"

The lady wasn't fooling James for a minute, but he wouldn't press the matter.  He knew who she was thinking about, and it rankled him for some reason.  She was a beautiful woman, one he could see himself courting, if that is what he actually wanted. He had no interest in marriage, not after watching what his parents went through.  However, a night of passion with her would be more suiting to his needs.  It wasn't as if his dear brother actually wanted her.  The man avoided the lady like the plague as far as James could see.  However, deep down he knew there was more there than Marcus was letting on.  Oh well,  something to think about he determined, then offered the lady his arm.  "Then please, allow me to escort you back Ms. O'Brien," he said in his most charming demeanor.

********

Unbeknownst to the couple they were being watched by a madman, who was coming unhinged by the minute.  "Just who does he think he is waltzing in here with his Dukely charms, trying to impress her.  The lady is mine, mine I say!  Kensington be damned. Nobody denies me.  I will have her at whatever the cost.  He, nor his brother will stand in my way, of that I am certain.  I have a plan. Victoria will be mine and nobody will take her from me, ever!" He practically screemed aloud in anger, hands clenching at his side.  A voice next to him made him cringe from its nasally sound.  He immediately regained his lordly composure and fake grin, inwardly sneering at the offending party.  He hadn't been able to shake the irritatingly insistent shrew of a hostess the entire day.  If the woman continued her little game he would give her what for, and then some.   In fact she might even be up for a little bedroom sport, he thought wickedly.  The Bitch was certainly in heat, of that he was certain.

"Lord Dander's, do you not agree?" Asked Lady Ashcroft as she slapped him in the arm with her fan, giggling in that ear shattering laugh.  The woman sounded like a braying mule.  No matter, she was a rather fetching girl to look at, and he had something that would keep her mouth occupied.  The picture of the lady trussed up sent a sudden trill of excitement coursing through his body, he was growing hard from the thought.  He needed to compose himself, he was a gentleman after all.  It wouldn't do for anyone to take notice.  "I am afraid I didn't hear the question, Lady Penelope.  I have just remembered something of importance I must take care of, please excuse me,"  he said and then bowed before taking his leave.  He had plans to put in motion.