The Regency Season: Hidden Desires: Courted by the Captain / Protected by the Major. Anne Herries

offence to the Ravenscar family for they are our oldest friends.’

      ‘I do understand, Mama,’ Lucy said and held back a sigh. ‘But you would not think me wicked if I fell in love with someone else?’

      ‘If you should meet someone you like very much, I should be happy, my love. We should continue to socialise so that you could meet in company, but there would be no formal agreement for twelve months.’

      Lucy nodded. ‘Thank you, Mama. I feel better for our talk. May I walk out with Jenny now, please?’

      ‘Providing you take one of the maids with you.’ Lady Dawlish smiled. ‘Do you intend to go shopping?’

      ‘We have spoken of it. Jenny wishes to have some pretty gowns made and I need one or two evening gowns in grey or lilac.’

      ‘Yes, you must have at least one of each and perhaps a dark-blue silk,’ her mother agreed. ‘I think you need three afternoon gowns, two at least for mornings—but you will not need a ballgown. By the time we attend such an affair you will be wearing colours.’

      ‘I should not wish to dance just yet.’ Lucy kissed her mother’s cheek. ‘It would be disrespectful of me. I did think the world of Mark, truly I did—only not in that way. Jenny is waiting for me. I must not keep her any longer for I only came to tell you of our plans.’