"Marry you?" I demanded, for what must have been the twelfth time in the last five minutes, while William stared out the carriage window. "I cannot marry you!"

William sighed. "I'll not go over the reasons again, but, it seems as if I must," he responded in an exhausted tone. "You claimed that Abe and Eli seemed prone to gossip, and have committed this crime before. It was a crime, Henrietta; you can see that, can you not?"

I gritted my teeth. "I was given an excellent education, thank you very much," I told him flatly, knotting my fingers together from where they were placed upon my lap. "I realize that Abe and Eli could likely make my reputation worse, but it isn't your responsibility to save me."

"I am a man of honor," William said firmly, still avoiding my eyes. "We shall marry, Henrietta, and we must do it quickly. Not in New Kent, as it is far too small a settlement. However, we shall make it to Richmond on the morrow, and we shall wed there." He turned to face me at last, his eyes firm, brokering no argument. "You are Anglican, are you not?"

I pursed my lips. "Yes, I am Anglican," I confirmed, "but that is not the issue at hand here, William, the question of whether or not we share a religion."

William rolled his eyes, growing impatient. "If it is naught to do with religion, or the gossip which will likely spread about you if Abe and Eli do talk, what is bothering you? Is it the notion that we hardly know one another, or dislike one another?"

"Oh, so you no longer hate me, then," I muttered sarcastically. "How lovely."

William suddenly seemed to find the floor of the carriage very interesting indeed. "I do not hate you, Henrietta, and I apologize if I was impatient with you earlier. I took some time away from the British Army for grieving purposes, and I was irritated at the notion that I would have to step away again. I took it out upon you, and it was the ungentlemanly thing to do. All I can do is apologize, and I do, Henrietta, apologize."

"Well then, I suppose I do not hate you either," I told him softly.

William nodded his head, but did not move to look up at me. "Very well. Now, would you please tell me if it has anything to do with our lack of knowing one another? Some individuals believe that that is what marriage is for, getting to know your husband or wife."

I shook my head. "No, although it would certainly make things simpler if we knew one another longer than a handful of hours," I said quietly. I turned and looked out the window; we'd gone from Williamsburg and were firmly upon the road to New Kent. "I cannot marry you, William, because I am not... I am not..."

William, at this, looked at me. "Have you a past?"

I turned to him, my eyes wide with shock. "If that is a roundabout way of asking if I've ever lain with a man, the answer is no," I said firmly. "I have kissed a man, once or twice, in my eighteen years, but it meant nothing, and I shall never see any of them again. I'd grown up in the same area with them, you see, and they fancied themselves attracted to me. The question did come up, if lying together would have been appropriate, but I always assured them that it wasn't. If you're so determined to marry me, you will see for yourself on our wedding night that I've never lain with anyone," I said rather stoutly to him.

"I had to ask," William said softly, "although I did not believe you had one. I don't mind if you kissed other men in the past, Henrietta; it was before we knew one another, before I staked a claim upon you—"

"I know the law dictates that I am my father's property until I wed, and then I shall be thought of as my husband's property, but I will never be your property, William Clarence Henry George Ransom, or anyone's, no matter what the law says."

William's eyes widened at that. "Well... All right," he said at last. "Now, would you kindly inform me about your reasons for not being willing to marry me?"

"I am not titled!" I cried out at last.

William, to my surprise, laughed aloud. "Is that all?"

"All?" I demanded. "All? You are an earl, which is two steps below a duke, and one step below a marquess. A duke being the highest form of nobility, meaning that you are literally three steps away from royalty. I am merely a commoner, although I do believe my father was a lord, but I could be mistaken..."

William reached outwards and took me carefully by the hand. "I care not if you are titled, Henrietta, although, if your father was a lord, it would certainly complicate things less. Do you know who your mother and father are?"

"They are dead," I said flatly. "It doesn't matter now."

"You seemed to know General and Madam Fraser very well..."

"They were close friends of my mother and father," I said softly. "I look upon them as my grandparents, and they see me as a granddaughter."

William nodded his head. "Well, they are intelligent individuals, so that certainly says quite a bit about the company you keep..."

I sighed. "Well... Your father had a relative, who was my father," I said at last. "Not Jamie, I am speaking of Lord John, your adopted father. I believe he was your adopted grandfather's brother, if we must get technical about it..."

"That gives you a noble background," William informed me patiently, "which certainly makes things easier. Why did you tell me that your surname was Hathaway?"

"Part of my fabricated identity to serve in the Continental Army," I told him. "Besides, your cousin, Henry, already was involved, and there hardly could be two Henry Greys walking about, on opposite sides..."

William chuckled. "Yes, I suppose you are correct." He mulled something over in his mind for several moments. "So, you are familiar with my entire name. What is yours?"

"Henrietta Elizabeth Lydia," I said quietly. "Hardly as impressive as yours, given that you have the names of three monarchs in your name, whilst I have only a queen consort and a queen regnant within mine."

William's lips quirked upwards in a small smile. "Yes, but quite soon, you shall be the envy of society everywhere, for you shall be Countess of Ellesmere, Viscountess Ashness, Mistress of Helwater, and Baroness Derwent."

"I shall not hold my breath, William," I said softly, "for you may still change your mind."

"In addition to being a man of honor, Henrietta, I am also a man of my word." He broke off for a moment, before he got in between both sides of the seats of the carriage, which was quite a feat, given that it was trundling down the winding road, and kept ahold of my hand. "Henrietta Elizabeth Lydia... Grey?"

I nodded in confirmation. "Yes, Grey."

"Grey, then," he said, and began again. "Henrietta Elizabeth Lydia Grey, would you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

I straightened up upon my cushion, doing my best to ground William, not wishing him to topple over and hurt himself. "Yes, William," I said softly, "I shall marry you."

William nodded with satisfaction, pressing a chaste kiss onto my hand before he moved back to his side of the carriage. "Just don't go and fall in love with me, now..."

I shook my head. "I wouldn't dream of it," I assured him, "but the same goes for you, too."

"Please tell me that Uncle Hal and Aunt Minnie have been treating you well since they arrived in Philadelphia and are staying at Chestnut Street."

I peered over my shoulder at William, who still lay in bed, while I perched upon the edge of my side, doing my best to dress without having to wake Lottie. "They have been treating me just fine, thank you," I replied, biting my lip to keep from smiling as William inched closer to me, his breath hot upon my still-exposed skin, before he pressed kisses to my neck, shoulders, and upper back. "You know entirely well what we were up half the night doing, William Ransom, and I cannot be late back to Chestnut Street."

"I cannot help it if my wife is a supremely talented lover..."

"With no experience to her name," I countered, a squeal escaping my lips as William took ahold of my waist and flipped me, so that he temporarily was keeping me prisoner beneath him in our marital bed. "Except, of course, with you..."

William looked immensely proud of that notion, leaning downwards to kiss me, but the bell tower at Independence Hall interrupted him. He let out a frustrated groan as I slipped out from underneath him, and dashed around the room to put on the gown and underthings that I'd worn for my flight there the evening before. "Mrs. Figg is making a fortune off of us," he muttered, clearly disappointed.

"She adores you," I called over my shoulder, pulling on my stockings as quickly as I could, whilst keeping my skirts underneath my chin. "It was only natural for her to be the to agree to keeping our secret."

"Please tell me she's being good to you..."

"Of course she is; I adore her," I confirmed to William, who had, by this time, rolled over onto his back to keep an eye on my progress. "Let's just be glad that she's cunning enough to get the carriage for me nightly, and again at dawn, so that I don't have to walk eight miles unsupervised in the darkness or the morning. Goodness knows what the people of Philadelphia would think if they spotted me, walking from Elfreth's Alley to Chestnut Street..."

William's gaze darkened at that. "I would never allow such things to be said about my wife, Henrietta, I can assure you of that."

I felt myself growing saddened at his tone, as well as his expression, so I crossed the room and gave him a gentle peck on the cheek. "I know you wouldn't. I'm sorry if I spoke out of turn, I... I know she meant a lot to you."

William shook his head. "It is over now, and you are my wife. Best not to dwell upon the past and 'what-ifs'."

I stood back, knowing when he needed space. "Of course," I said gently. I hastily found my shoes, before making a grab for a spare strip of leather upon one of the bedside tables, and did my best to pile my hair onto my head. Next, I removed my wedding band from my finger and returned it to the chain around my neck, and gathered my shoes to put on just before I stepped outside to meet the carriage. I walked towards the door, giving a last smile to my husband, and curtsied to him, picking up my fur-lined cloak from a nearby chair. "Until tonight after the festivities, then, Lord Ellesmere."

William, too, bowed his head. "Until tonight, Lady Ellesmere."

I hurried down the corridor outside the master bedroom, doing my best not to awaken Lottie; she cooked us a late supper every evening, made sure that William had breakfast and lunch, and tended to the housekeeping. I was pleased to have been told more than once that she was much happier here than she had been in Williamsburg, but I always told her that, once William's and my marriage was public knowledge, that William's adopted father, Lord John, would see to it that she was manumitted properly.

I peered through the windows inside the parlor, letting me know that the carriage had arrived for me, and put on my shoes before I stepped outside, my cloak going around my shoulders in the next moment. I nodded to the driver, a gentleman that Mrs. Figg trusted, who gave me a smile as he held the door open for me. I got inside, looking up at the house one more time, wondering what the day would bring, as my heart thundered from within me, matching the hoofbeats upon the cobblestones.

Winter had truly come to Philadelphia in the weeks since my arrival, as well as my secret marriage to William, and snow had fallen in the days previous. A good amount was already upon the ground, and it began falling again as soon as we arrived back at Chestnut Street. There was a good hustle and bustle going on, as tonight was the night the grand ball was to take place, a week after Uncle Hal and Aunt Minnie had arrived, so the driver brought me into the receiving line of carriages, which Mrs. Figg was directing.

The food was being delivered during the early hours, while the hired musicians likely wouldn't arrive until an hour or so before the festivities began. I likely could have an hour or two more of sleep, if I managed to slip by my mother and father. I stepped out of the carriage with the driver's assistance, and Mrs. Figg looked pleased to see me. "Is everything going according to plan this morning, Mrs. Figg?"

"It is, thank goodness, my sweet Henrietta," she said, patting my cheek with a kind smile. "Lord and Lady John are still abed, as are Their Graces. You should have plenty of time to sleep a bit more before any of the servants come to wake you..." She inclined her head closer, so that she could whisper more discreetly to me. "Will His Grace be in attendance this evening?"

I shook my head. "He regrets that he will be unable to attend."

Mrs. Figg patted my hand. "Well, that's all right, dear. We'll just see to it that you have as much merriment as possible, before we send you back to him. Hurry along now, my lady," she said, a wicked gleam in her eyes.

"Hardly a lady here," I toss back at her with a grin, despite the sadness that I felt that William would not be at the ball, before hurrying inside.

I immediately took off my shoes, before I hung up my cloak upon its peg in the entryway, and hurried up the stairs towards my bedroom. It didn't feel like my bedroom anymore, however, as the blue walls nearly always threatened to close in on me from loneliness. I managed to get inside without being seen, and shut the door behind me with a soft sigh, before placing my shoes into my wardrobe, removed my dress and stockings, and put on a fresh nightgown.

The windows' drapes were still drawn, and I did the same to the blue curtains upon my four poster, before I lay there in the semi-darkness. I had barely looked at the ostentatious, albeit beautiful, gown which hung within my wardrobe, which the seamstress that Papa had hired had spent a good eight weeks on. I couldn't imagine all the silks, velvets, and lace which had gone into it, along with time, and money, but was told over and over again by Papa that he could afford such things. Rubies would be the order of the evening, and be set within my ears and around my neck. Each of the main players—that is, Papa and Mama, as well as Uncle Hal and Aunt Minnie, and then, of course, me—was to be adorned in a Christmas color to celebrate the festive season.

I, as previously discussed, would be in red.

Mama and Papa would be in green.

And Uncle Hal and Aunt Minnie would wear gold.

I barely managed to sleep another wink before Phaedre awoke me, informing me that I was to have breakfast in the parlor with Papa and Mama, as well as Uncle Hal and Aunt Minnie, as always. Of course, she referred to them all as my uncles and aunts, and got me dressed in my plain blue day gown, before going on her way. I tucked my fichu in place, ensuring that my wedding ring was still on its chain, before I left my bedroom and went downstairs, already hearing the senior members of my family talking.

"I'm sure it will be lovely," Aunt Minnie was saying, likely consoling my mother's nerves, as she was adept at doing so.

"She's so modern as it is, I fear she will be out of her element tonight," Mama lamented.

"Henrietta was educated well, as you've informed us of on more than one occasion," Uncle Hal said. "I'm positive she will do well this evening. Who knows? Perhaps she will make a match tonight, and have no need to have a season in London..."

"Ah, there you are, my dear," Papa said, getting to his feet as I stepped into the parlor. He pressed a kiss to my forehead and walked me over to the table himself. "All well rested in preparation for the ball this evening?"

I smiled at him, although the notion that I would literally be put on display without my consent, as well as without my husband, set me on edge. "Oh, a bit nervous, to tell you the truth," I told him, thinking that it was a plausible answer.

Aunt Minnie patted my hand. "As I myself was not brought up in the glittering wonder that is society, my sweet, I know exactly how you are feeling right now. But you must know that you are on the precipice of greatness; you are positively stunning, and, if the rumors about that gown of yours prove correct, no gentlemen will be able to keep his eyes off you tonight, and all the ladies shall be jealous."

"I was already married to your father the first time we hosted a ball here," Mama said with a soft smile. "Of course, I was pregnant with Katya at the time, and, but for one lady present, all of them were lovely."

"Which lady was being bothersome?" Uncle Hal asked.

"Lady Munroe, dear," Aunt Minnie informed him.

"Oh, Eliot's wife," Uncle Hal responded, wrinkling his nose.

"Eliot gave her quite the dressing down that evening," Papa reported, patting Mama's arm in an indulgent manner.

"Too bad we were too busy enjoying the gardens to see it," Mama mused. "How did the two of you become acquainted with him?" she asked, looking in between Papa and Uncle Hal.

"Hal more so than me, as they attended school together," Papa put in.

Uncle Hal nodded. "Eliot had always proven to be a pragmatic, intelligent, and kind fellow at the end of the day. Pity that that meddling mother of his arranged that match with Baron Tweedbury when he was but a lad."

"Tweedbury?" I asked, laughing before I could call it back. "You're joking. Were they known for being merchants?"

"In the Tudor times, they were," Aunt Minnie responded, nodding. "One of their ancestors produced such a lovely bolt of fabric for a new gown for Kathryn Howard that King Henry the Eighth knighted him for it, and then King Edward the Sixth afforded him some land in... Where was it, Hal?"

"Berwick-upon-Tweed, in Northumberland, love," Uncle Hal informed her patiently.

"Did they have any children?" Mama asked.

"Oh, yes," Aunt Minnie said, nodding. "Two sons and a daughter. Their sons are called George and Edmund, and their daughter was named Anne." Aunt Minnie turned to look at me. "Anne would likely be a good friend for you, as she is eighteen as well. The Munroe's typically spend their Christmases here in Philadelphia, and bring the children as well. I have it on good authority that George, Edward, and Anne will be in attendance this evening with their parents."

Uncle Hal slowly lifted his cup of tea to his lips. "Let us hope, for all our sakes, that they inherited their father's manners and not their mother's."

I did my best to spread Mrs. Figg's special Christmastime pomegranate jam, as well as the delicious clotted cream, into my morning scone. The notion that I, too, was a baroness, through marriage, at the very least, was something I would need to keep a closely guarded secret. I would have to play the part of the eligible niece that evening, of a duke and an earl, and pretend to attempt to ensnare an eligible bachelor. If, of course, what I believed to be true about myself proved to be true, I could only hope that Jamie and Claire had responded to the invitation and would be back in time to attend the events in question, so that I could—

"Please tell me that you won't be wearing that dreadful fichu tonight," Papa said, inadvertently interrupting my thoughts.

I blinked. "What?"

Mama sighed. "Oh, John, really..."

Aunt Minnie patted my hand again. "What he means, love, is that... Well, some of the gentlemen will likely wish to see...more of you."

I felt myself flushing, before I turned to face my father. "I had the seamstress sew me a far more formal one for the occasion," I told him firmly, brokering no room for argument. "I won't put on airs for some gentlemen I may never see again, Papa. My charm and wit will shine through, not the placement of my bosoms."

Aunt Minnie twittered at that. "She's correct, you know, John," she informed my father, pouring herself more tea. "I am sure you will look positively lovely, dear. And," she continued, "as you, and all our guests this evening, will be wearing masks, how is any of Philadelphia society to know it is you until the unmasking at midnight?"

"Here, here," Uncle Hal put in, staring lovingly at his wife, likely thinking at how clever she was, as making the ball a masquerade had been her idea.

I was made to bathe that night, and was thankfully permitted to wash my hair for the occasion, which gave me an excuse to bring out my shampoo and conditioner from the future. I had proved myself trustworthy to bathe on my own, so hiding these little things hadn't proved too terribly difficult from the servants at Chestnut Street. One thing that was quite amusing was the notion that I had had my hair professionally lasered before I'd gone back in time, so I had none underneath my arms, my legs, or down below, which seemed to shock a great many people, including that of my husband.

Putting the thought from my mind, knowing that it would dwell upon the disappointment of him not attending that night. Not only had it irked me, but it also gave me cause for concern, as he had not told me of a reason for not doing so. Of course, it likely had to do with his long-standing argument with Papa, not to mention the notion that Jamie was likely to be in attendance that night as well, which could prove complicated. I felt momentarily secure in the warm water of my bath, however, my hair already washed and pinned atop my head for, in this moment, all was quiet, and I was alone.

After I got out of my bath, I summoned Venus to help dress me, as Katya and Hans had already been put to bed, and Phaedre was to tend to my mother that evening. The pins were taken out of my hair and it was dried and curled expertly, before Venus began to style it, informing me that it would be the envy of many a lady that evening. The formal chemise for that evening was then placed upon my now-dry form, then the stays, my silk stockings, and, finally, the ruffled and formal petticoats which went with my new gown.

"Now, for the gown," Venus said, eyes bright with excitement.

The red silk and velvet gown was gently stepped into by me, before Venus pulled at the strings at the back to lace together. The skirts were immaculate, as fashion dictated, and I hardly thought I would be able to walk easily from room to room, leading me to believe that they were only designed to incumber women and make them more susceptible to men's wills of the day. As she continued to dress me, Venus, like Phaedre, said nothing about my scar above my collar bone, if she even noticed it, as she put my fichu in place with a smile.

"You will be the envy of everyone," she declared.

I stepped into the matching shoes and turned around so that Venus could clasp the necklace in place, while I put my matching earrings in. I watched as Venus turned back to the wardrobe to fetch the matching mask on the high shelf, which is when I took the opportunity to put on the chain where my wedding ring hung, tucking it into the fichu so that only the ruby necklace was on display. I stood with my back to Venus as she used the silk ribbon to tie the mask in place for me, and then stood back, regarding me proudly.

"You are ready," she said quietly.

I walked out of my room a few moments after Venus had, and watched as she walked to the nursery to check up on Katya and Hans. I knew that many ladies that evening would likely be wearing makeup, but I detested the notion of it, given that lead, mercury, and nitric acid was used in the products of the day. I knew that I would never risk my skin, let alone my health, for temporary "beauty standards".

I stepped towards the staircase, listening; I could hear Mama and Papa, as well as Uncle Hal and Aunt Minnie, greeting the guests as music played from the grand parlor, which is where the ball was to be held. Knowing that I should be downstairs, I went down the steps as quickly as I could without causing damage to myself, or my gown, and ventured towards my family. I saw Papa's pride as I came towards them, curtsying, knowing that I would have to act as if I was their niece and not their daughter for the night ahead.

"Very pretty, my dear," Uncle Hal said with a smile.

"Positively lovely," Aunt Minnie assured me.

"You look radiant, darling," Mama said.

Papa took my hand and kissed it, gently pulling me to my feet. "I am very proud to be your father, Henrietta," he told me softly.

"Why don't I go and make the introductions with Miss Munroe?" Aunt Minnie asked, and, at both Uncle Hal and Papa's nods, she whisked me into the grand parlor. "Ah, there, dressed in the peacock blue," she whispered to me, and guided me over. "Miss Munroe," she said, her tone as warm as the room was.

Miss Anne Munroe, with her auburn hair curled expertly, while her gown and mask were not an inch out of place, curtsied to Aunt Minnie. "Good evening, Your Grace. Everything is positively beautiful."

"That is very kind of you to say, Miss Munroe," Aunt Minnie said. "I wanted to take the opportunity to present my niece, Miss Henrietta Grey, daughter of my husband's late uncle," she informed the young woman flawlessly. "Henrietta, dear, Miss Anne Munroe."

I curtsied to Anne, who did the same to me. "A pleasure, Miss Munroe."

Anne's large brown eyes looked a bit anxious. "Likewise, Miss Grey," she responded, her words sincere.

"I shall return to greeting the guests now," Aunt Minnie announced, "and leave you two young ladies to get acquainted."

I watched as Aunt Minnie walked back out into the entryway, and turned towards Anne. "I hope you will excuse my aunt," I said softly. "I adore her, truly, but she did mention that she would introduce me to you, given our similar backgrounds, and being of a certain age."

Anne's anxiety quickly seemed to evaporate at my words. "Oh, think nothing of it, please," she said softly. "My mama is the same way when it comes to introductions. She is my mama, so, of course, I love her dearly, but it can be a bit exhausting at times, especially given that she insisted upon giving us as many names as possible."

"Oh, really?" I asked, curious. "I have two additional names to my Christian one, which I have heard is considered standard. You have more than that, then?"

"Three, like the royals," Anne said, looking as if she would die of embarrassment on the spot as she informed me of it. "My eldest brother is George Frederick Philip Edward, while my other brother is Edmund Augustus Albert Henry."

"I always believed that Henrietta Elizabeth Lydia was too much," I said with a smile.

Anne shook her head. "Count yourself lucky it isn't Anne Isabella Caroline Persephone," she told me, her face flushing, telling me what she truly thought of her name.

"I was told your brothers would be in attendance this evening," I said softly, during the brief lull in conversation. "My aunt is under the impression that...well..."

Anne nodded in understanding. "The pair of them are lurking about somewhere," she answered. "George is in silver and Edmund is in blue." She pursed her lips as she scanned the area. "Thankfully, there are so many eligible gentlemen here this evening. We return to London after the New Year, and my mother and father are eager to see my debut with Her Majesty Queen Charlotte come the spring. That is, of course, if I don't meet my match during the Christmas festivities here in Philadelphia, then I will not have to deal with London society..."

I raised my eyebrows at Anne's lament. "Not a fan of crowds, then?"

Anne shook her head. "No, I'm not. This is nothing," she said softly. "I attended my cousin on my mother's side, Alice Montfort's, debut last year when they began and this..." She gestured towards the guests gathered around us, but quickly, and not in a manner which would draw attention to herself, "...this isn't even a sixth of what goes on in London."

A few moments later, Mama and Papa, and then Uncle Hal and Aunt Minnie, stepped into the grand parlor. All conversations around us fell silent, and it was then that I noticed Jamie and Claire, standing in pride of place in the throng of guests. Just beside them were Rachel and Ian, and I felt a surge of relief at their presence here that night. Perhaps, if it wasn't seen as untoward, I would introduce Rachel to Anne, whom I believed would get on exceptionally well.

"My wife, Lady John, and I wish to thank you for attending our Christmas celebrations," Papa said in a gentlemanly tone, directly causing the guests to clap. "For those who do not know, my dear brother and sister-in-law, the Earl and Countess of Melton, are here with us tonight."

Again, the guests clapped as Uncle Hal and Aunt Minnie made themselves known to the company, but, as tradition dictated, did not remove their masks.

"There will be a formal dinner to follow after the dancing," Papa continued, "but, for now, we encourage you to get to know one another, and enjoy in this festive season."

The musicians proceeded to do what they did best, and sweet, dulcet strings filled the ballroom as Papa led Mama, and Uncle Hal led Aunt Minnie, out onto the floor. After a few moments of permitting the hosts to have their moments in the spotlight, Jamie escorted Claire, followed by Ian escorting Rachel, out onto the floor themselves. It was an altogether lovely piece of music, but not something I could readily place, though it did sound European in nature.

"Oh, there's George," Anne whispered to me, and a dashing gentleman dressed in silver crossed the room towards us.

I dipped into my accustomed curtsy, mirroring Anne beside me, keeping my eyes lowered for a moment, until George came completely towards us and bowed his head in respect.

"Who is your friend, sister?" George asked Anne.

"Brother, this is Miss Henrietta Grey, niece of the Earl and Countess of Melton, as well as Lord and Lady John," Anne answered flawlessly.

"A pleasure Miss Grey," George responded, taking ahold of my hand and pressing a gentle kiss to it, his eyes matching his attire, which I could see underneath his mask. "Might I persuade you to accompany me to the floor?"

I swallowed, knowing entirely well that it was expected of me, but my loyalty to William waged war from within me. I looked up towards him, and saw both Mama and Aunt Minnie nodding at me with encouragement, however, so societal expectations won out. "You may, Mr. Munroe," I said at last, feeling awkward when Anne smiled with delight as I was led away from her, and into the mix of other couples dancing.

"So, Miss Grey, what is it you do to occupy your time?" asked George.

"I like to practice my language conjugation," I answered honestly, "as well as sing, or read, Mr. Munroe," I said softly.

"Ah, languages?" George appeared delighted, much to my surprise. "How many are you able to speak, then?"

"Well, let's see," I said, mulling it over. "I can speak English, Gaelic, Latin, French, Spanish, Italian, German, and Ancient Greek, Mr. Munroe."

George appeared thunderstruck for a moment. "My, most impressive. As it happens, Miss Grey, I speak all of those as well," he said, seemingly pleased.

I raised my eyebrows, though I very much believed him, although the Spanish and German seemed a bit out of the ordinary for this day and age, although both King George and Queen Charlotte reportedly spoke the latter. "I have no patience for needlework of any kind, I must confess, Mr. Munroe," I said.

George laughed heartily at that. "Neither does my sister," he said, "nor my cousin, Alice, the former Miss Montfort, now Viscountess Radclyffe. I see nothing wrong with that, given my station in life; I can easily afford clothes."

I did my best to smile at his words, but something in George Munroe's tone bothered me; it was as if he was bragging about his excess wealth, something that William never did, although he certainly had spoiled me as much as he was able to since we'd married. "Oh, yes, Mr. Munroe, I'm sure you do," I said, although my reply was awkward at best.

George took the opportunity to spin me so quickly that we covered the vast majority of the grand parlor in that one move, my heart beating erratically when I saw what his motive was—to get me out into the garden on our own. "Bit warm in there, is it not?" he asked.

"Mr. Munroe, I am sure you can appreciate why this is most improper," I told him firmly, doing my utmost to put a fair amount of distance between the two of us. "It is much too cold to remain out of doors without significant attire."

George chuckled at that. "I realize that, Miss Grey, but can you not see how truly lovely an evening it us? Look, the stars are out; I believe I can see Jupiter, and is that Venus?"

I crossed my arms at George's blatant, and uncomfortable, attempt at flirting. "Yes, they're lovely," I responded impatiently, wondering how many maidens he had tried that line on. "However, as I said, this is most improper, being out of doors alone with a gentleman, and with no chaperone to speak of."

George reached outwards, and gently but firmly took ahold of my arm as I turned to attempt walk away from him. "Come now, Miss Grey. The night is young. Just a few moments..."

I shook my head at him, making to pull my arm out of his grip. "I suggest you take your leave of me now, and return to the festivities, Mr. Munroe."

George's eyes suddenly turned steely. "I always get what I want, Miss Grey."

I felt my hackles standing on end. "Well, if you are looking for that, I suggest you search for it elsewhere," I informed him, with a glare in his direction, and moved to return inside.

George, not the type of gentleman to take no for an answer, grabbed ahold of my arm and held it roughly behind my back, hard enough to bruise. "Stay where you are bidden," he ordered, as one might a loyal dog, "and I shall not break your arm."

"If you propose to ruin my reputation, Mr. Munroe, then at least give me a fighting chance," I answered through my teeth. "I am hardly a dog which you can bend to your will. Release me at once—"

George chuckled, his breath hot and not at all welcoming upon my neck. "As I said, Miss Grey, I always get what I want, what I desire. By the end of the night, your reputation shall be ruined, for your aunt caused my mother much distress at the last Christmas festivities that were held here. You will be the talk of society, if the plan goes off. And I, graciously, will step in and agree to marrying you, if you cooperate—"

"George Munroe, I should have known."

I felt relieved as I managed to yank myself out of George's arms, running towards William, who suddenly appeared him the shadows.

"Ellesmere?" George squawked. "What are you doing here?"

"I believe my father is one of your generous hosts this evening," William responded, wrapping his arm possessively around my waist.

George's eyes darkened considerably at that, assessing the situation. Something passed between himself and William, before George put up his own hands in surrender. "Yes, I see," he said flatly, obviously knowing when he had been beaten. "Best keep a closer eye upon her. She's slippery, that one," he said, giving me a final leering look before returning to the festivities indoors, where dancing was still going on.

"What are you doing here?" I demanded, once George, and anyone else, was out of earshot, as I stared up at William. "You informed me that you couldn't come."

"Yes, and I received an earful from Mrs. Figg about how bitterly disappointed you were about my refusal," William replied, and I raised my eyebrows. "She is a good woman, although she does care to meddle in others' affairs. She cares for you as much as she cares for me, it seems, letting me know that I should always be by your side."

I felt myself smiling up at him in the moonlight. "Well, I certainly can offer no objections to her point of view, as long as you share in it."

William sighed, most put upon. "I offer no objections," he said at last, although there was no rancor in his tone. "However," he said, lowering his voice and touching my neck gently, "I find myself wanting my wife."

I felt myself flushing from head to toe at the plain desire in his voice. "But, William, there are festivities going on," I whispered, looking into the grand parlor, where everyone was still dancing. "Surely, we will get caught. I can get a message to Aunt Minnie, saying that I am unwell, and then we can go to our lodgings—"

William then proceeded to silence me with a passionate kiss, leading me to promptly throw my arms around his neck, not wanting to let him go. "I need you, Henrietta," he whispered, his voice rough with passion, his eyes dark with yearning.

I trembled at the implications, but nevertheless permitted him to lead me inside the house where, much to my surprise, we ended up in Papa's study. I said nothing as William shut the door behind us, lifted me effortlessly, and placed me upon Papa's large, imposing desk. The only light within the room came from the moonlight, as well as the firelight, and William made quick work of hitching up my skirts, petticoats, and chemise, finding what he was looking for.

William chuckled for a moment, watching as I tore of my fichu, and fumbled with his breeches in the darkness. "Ah, my wife is eager for me, is she?" he asked, and I gasped as found the wetness upon my folds. "Ah, she is indeed."

I felt my breath becoming ragged as I got William out of his breeches, whereupon I wrapped my legs around his torso. "Get on with it," I growled, more out of desire than impatience.

William chuckled again, but nevertheless did my bidding, almost immediately sheathing himself inside me. "God's blood, Henrietta," he groaned, trembling nearly as much as I was. "How on earth can you always feel so bloody perfect around me?"

I felt a laugh escaping me before I could call it back. "Well, I... Perhaps I was made for you?" I asked, knowing full well that it was a silly suggestion.

William, however, locked eyes with me in the darkness, before decisively nodding his head. "I suppose you could have been, yes."

I reached between us in the darkness, seeing something from behind his cravat. "What is this you're hiding?" I asked, unknotting it slowly, and gasping when I saw a chain identical to mine, this one also holding a golden band, but thicker than mine, symbolizing masculinity. "Gentlemen do not wear wedding rings, William..."

"I do not care," he declared, and I looked up at him. "I want the world to know that you are mine, and I am yours."

I shook my head at him. "I said I would never belong to you, William..."

"But I belong to you," William told me softly. "Can you not, therefore, put aside your principles and belong to me, then?"

"You belong to me?" I whispered, my voice shaking.

"Yes," William said, his voice determined. "I shall always belong to you, Henrietta."

I nodded, the entire world only existing between the two of us now, as I realized that William truly cared for me. "Then I am yours," I told him.

William immediately leaned forward and kissed me again, and I dug my heels gently into his back, letting him know that I wanted him, too. William proceeded to thrust within and without, and it was altogether exhilarating to practically hold onto him for dear life, as he whispered sweet nothings into my ear, directly causing goosebumps to erupt on every surface of my skin. It was just him and me, me and him, and nothing, no one, would ever be able to shatter what the pair of us had built in just two short months—

"...I have it just in here, lurking about somewhere," said Papa's voice, opening the door, holding onto an oil lamp, which Uncle Hal had to grab from him to stop him from dropping it, as they both, plus Mama, Aunt Minnie, Jamie, and Claire caught sight of William, as well as me, together, atop Papa's desk. "William?" he asked, dumbstruck.

I quickly unbound my legs from around William, as well as pulled down my dress, while William himself buttoned up his breeches. I caught sight of Mama, looking shocked at what had just transpired in front of her. "Mama, Papa, please..." I whispered, my voice shaking, instantly feeling William's eyes upon me, as I addressed his stepmother, as well as his adopted father, by their proper titles when it came to their relationship to me.

"What did you just call them?" he whispered.

I felt frozen to the spot, immediately regretful, but filled with relief when Claire seemed to take charge, stepping forward, and taking me by the arm. I let myself be led straight out of the study, and towards my own bedroom, while Papa, Jamie, and Uncle Hal began screaming at William, demanding to know what he had done. I was numb by the time we reached my bedroom, only vaguely aware of Claire shutting the door behind us.

"Love, it will work itself out," she told me, her tone gentle. "I know that John, Hal, and Jamie can be a bit ill-tempered at times, but..." She broke off, catching sight of my wedding band, glinting in the firelight of my bedroom. "Henrietta, what have you done?" she asked, moving towards me to get a better look.

"I..." I whispered, suddenly catching the scent of her jasmine perfume, which caused me to dash towards the large windows across the room, throw them open, and be sick into the beautiful holly that Aunt Minnie had suggested Mama plant in preparation for the ball.