JAMES LET OUT a yawn as he struggled to focus on the missives in front of him. After he had returned from the disastrous ball last evening, he'd drunk enough to squash his annoyance. Except all he saw in his dreams was Vivienne standing in the red dress, tears welling in her eyes. He had been the cause of those tears, but there was nothing he could do to stop them. He knew she had developed feelings for him, but James never expected them to be so deep.

He clenched his jaw and closed his eyes. Even with the tears, she had looked so beautiful. He swore the red dress was the same one he had picked out for her many moons ago at Chalcott manor. The colour looked vibrant against her skin and hair. There was no need for anything to adorn her neck as the cut of the dress made one's eyes fall there anyways.

James shook his head foolishly. He still did not know why he was recalling their kiss in the library either. Her lips had lit a fire in his body, but he was sure that was just because he had not taken a mistress in quite some time.

The fact of the matter was Vivienne did not need him. He was sure that some young buck would attract her attention soon enough. James had seen the flowers from her suitors arrive in the mornings even when the gents themselves did not. He had in inkling they were purposely staying away after learning that she was staying at his townhouse. If one thing the gentlemen of London knew was true, is that James would not permit the men to foolishly lounge in his house. He thrived on privacy. If they wanted to court her, they could do it elsewhere.

Combing his fingers through his hair, he forced himself to focus on the letter in front of him. Reading it, he suddenly leapt and opened the door to his study, "Preston, prepare the carriage at once."

James quickly gathered his hat and tailcoat before grabbing the letter as well. He made his way to the front door, surprised to see Preston walking towards him. "Is the carriage ready?" he asked impatiently.

"Well, Your Grace, about that..."

"Speak up," James said sternly. He did not like how Preston had started the sentence, he needed to get to Almonry quickly.

"None of the staff knew that you were going to make use of the carriage this morning. Hence why I believed it was alright for Lady Vivienne to use it when she asked."

James froze at the words, even as he opened the door. Vivienne stumbled on the other side, and he caught her before her head hit the floor.

"Ohh," she said quietly as he straightened her and stepped back immediately.

Not wasting a moment, he looked at her eyes. "What use do you have of the carriage?"

Her cheeks seemed warm, and James' eyes narrowed. She was blushing, but what for, he did not exactly know.

"She's going on a carriage ride with Captain Gronow," his great-aunt's word filtered through the hall as she walked with her cane.

James tensed as he unconsciously clenched his fingers into a fist by his side. Turning to his aunt, he asked, "And you're letting her go, without a chaperone that is?"

Aunt Esme's grey eyes pierced him with confusion, "I have arranged for her lady's maid to be with them. Also, why shouldn't I let her go? The captain seems like a kind man, in fact he has many of the Almack's Patronesses approval—something you will know is quite rare."

James did not have an answer to that. It would do him no good to argue, and would make him seem rather suspicious. Nevertheless, he turned towards Vivienne, "my apologies," he said stonily. "I'm afraid you will need to rearrange your ride in the park with the Captain. I have urgent need of the carriage."

"James!" Aunt Esme admonished as she walked up to Vivienne and handed her a piece of cloth. "Go on then," she said encouragingly. "The Captain must still be waiting for you in the carriage. Enjoy yourself."

Vivienne gave a nervous smile to his aunt while avoiding his gaze completely. She left and walked to the footpath where James could see Captain Gronow help her into the carriage. His jaw's ticked as he watched them leave a small storm of dust behind. He raised an annoyed eyebrow towards his aunt. "I really did need that carriage."

His aunt turned up her nose, unrelenting as ever. "I'm sure you can find alternate arrangements. You are, after all a duke."

"Which is exactly why my instructions should be followed in the first place," James said pointedly.

"James, this is the first time I've seen her actually go out with a suitor. She's looked miserable for days and this was the one thing that got a smile on her face. So no, I was not going to crush her dreams and hopes once again."

A flair of anger filtered through James' body upon hearing his aunts' words, but there was nobody to blame but himself. If she was happy then he should let her go. It was the right thing to do, but why did this ugly feeling flair up inside him then? And why was he itching to inflict some sort of bodily harm onto the captain? He could not possibly be feeling jealous, could he? Shaking his head, he ignored the thought—it was just too ridiculous.

His aunt gave him another look as she leaned onto her cane for support. Her grey eyes seemed more preceptive than usual, "You should be happy as well. If they are a match, you will no longer have to deal with two ladies under your roof and you can go back to being a bachelor— and whatever audacious activities they get up to."

Suddenly remembering why he was rushing in the first place, James leaned in and gave Aunt Esme a kiss on her rough cheek. "I must be off, especially since I'll have to find a hackney now," the last few words were said slowly in a deliberate tone.

Aunt Esme narrowed her eyes but didn't say anything as James left the house, rushing towards Almonry as fast as he could get there.

***

"Where is she?" James demanded as he entered the office.

Baldwin appeared from behind the door, much calmer than James expected. "Gilford should be here shortly with the lady in question," he said. "Meanwhile, may I offer you some tea or brandy?"

Irritation was what James felt. This was the second time as many that the Bow Street Runner had arrived after James. Noticing that Baldwin was still waiting for a response, James shook his head at the man's offer. He had drunk quite enough last night and for what awaited them, James needed to be as sharp as ever.

"Morning gentlemen," Gilford said as he strolled into the office casually.

James immediately stood up and looked behind the Bow Street Runner. "Where is she?" he echoed his earlier question.

Gilford looked at James unbothered by the impatience in his tone. "Before she comes in, I need you to promise to speak to her gently. She has been through a lot and frightens like a mouse."

"And you're sure it's her?"

Gilford shrugged his shoulders and poured himself a drink. "Pretty certain, but like anything in life, I cannot give you a hundred percent certainty."

James' eyes narrowed at Gilford's words, but the Bow Street Runner looked unbothered.

"Perhaps it would be better if Mr. Baldwin was not here."

Mr. Baldwin's skin sheened under the pressure of their gazes. James could not fault the man. Nodding at Gilford's suggestion he spoke, "It may overwhelm her to meet two men at once. I'll send for you later to speak about the betrothal if need be."

"Of course," Baldwin stammered and looked around his office. "I'll be..."

"—In the waiting room," Gilford supplied dryly. "Although we must thank you for the use of your office."

Baldwin gave them a weak smile before the man left his office. "Be kinder to him," James said to the Bow Street Runner, surprised that the words had left his lips.

Gilford looked surprised as well, "Are you feeling well Your Grace?"

James scowled, "Never mind, bring her in."

Gilford got up and went outside to retrieve the lady. Meanwhile, James occupied Baldwin's uncomfortable seat, leaving the other two open for his guests. His shoes scuffed the floor as he waited in anticipation.

Seconds later Gilford came in again, but this time with a lady trailing behind him. Her gaze was averted but James did not stop his appraisal. She was dressed in an older green gown that had clearly seen better days. Her hair, which was more brown than golden seemed a bit dull. When she looked up, her brown eyes looked frightened.

James had to admit, she looked a bit...lackluster. He had expected more from her appearance somehow, but he did not know what it was. Remembering his manners, he gestured to the chair, "Please sit."

She sat still as a doormat, as Gilford settled into the chair beside her. It was clear that the lady in front of him was terrified. "Would you like something to drink, Lady Selina?"

Her eyes widened as she shook her head. Clearing his throat, James looked at Gilford for guidance. Maybe the Bow Street Runner would have more experience in speaking to ladies who had been found after years of being missing.

"I found Lady Selina in my search to France. It appears that she had been sent there by the Earl of Westmorland when she was very young with her governess."

James turned his gaze towards Lady Selina, "and what do you recall of that time?"

She twirled her fingers which were ungloved nervously. "I was quite young Your Grace. There isn't much I recall beyond my own name."

James could not exactly fault her for not remembering. If what Gilford had told him was true, the lady had been separated from her family when she was merely four.

"And what happened to the governess who accompanied you?"

Lady Selina's face fell, "Unfortunately she perished to Cholera a few years back."

"So then why didn't you make it back to London, and take your rightful place?" James questioned. That was the piece that was still not adding up.

"Well, you see, Your Grace we did not have enough funds and lived mostly in gentry. My governess was under the assumption that it was not safe for us to return. She believed that when the Earl—my father, would send us a message, only then we could return to England."

"I've since then explained to her what happened to the previous Earl," Gilford cut in.

James looked at the mousey woman in front of him. He felt compelled to offer her some sort of consolidation. "I'm sorry for your loss."

She gave him a weak smile. "Thank you, but I don't remember much of him you see, so my feelings are quite mixed."

James dipped his head. However, he knew from experience that a loss of life hit one in ways that was unexpected. "You do have an uncle and family that will be quite excited to meet you though."

Her face blanched as she stiffened, resembling a portrait on a gallery wall. He saw her swallow once. "But will they be welcoming of me? I barely know much about London. Wouldn't it be better to wait to meet them?"

James placed a hand casually on his jaw as he thought through his plans. Yes, it would be better if Lady Selina became accustomed to London first. He knew the Earl would take it as quite the shock. Bring her in her current conditions might truly do more harm than good. It would also allow James to learn more about her.

He wasn't going to speak about the betrothal today. Her face already showed signs of exhaustion, and the last thing he wanted to do was for her to run away in fear. James glanced at her again. She looked soft, but underneath, he thought he saw determination and fortitude. He could only imagine that her life in France had not been easy without the Westmorland name or money.  

"Very well. Lady Selina I have a small house set up for you with a few servants on St. James street. I will arrange for a new wardrobe to be sent as soon as possible." He grabbed a parchment, scribbling the address before passing it to Gilford.

"That is very kind of you, Your Grace." she said softly.

He nodded and stood up, "Gilford will see to any other needs. I'll be in touch soon," he promised, leaving before either person could get in another word. He was going to need quite the strong drink after today's meeting.

----------------

And so, Lady Selina returns! I bet you all weren't expecting that ;) Were you surprised? Also, thank you so much for getting this book to 10K reads!