Surrender of Trust (First Volume of the Surrender Series) by Mariel Grey

surroundings. Blinking once again, Monique sat up
straight and began tugging and pulling at her clothing. Though it
wasn't an extremely arduous journey into Town, the trip was long
enough to compel them to wear heavy traveling clothes.
    The closer they drew to the heart of Town,
the more Lucy's stomach twisted and her sense of dread grew. She
would see the vile Perdan again. He made her skin crawl. How
could her brother have accumulated such a large debt? Could
he really have been gambling to that degree? Irrespective of
the reason for the debt, if they were to avoid ruin, she must make
payment.
    Lucy wanted some quiet time to think and
decide how she would handle Perdan tomorrow. At least she would
have the luxury of a relaxing evening at Glenhurst Hall to settle
herself. Thankfully, she didn't need to worry about Lucien. Lucy
was confident he was being well cared for and her servants would
run the household efficiently in her absence.
    The coach arrived at Glenhurst Hall situated
on Grosvenor Square in the Mayfair district. The mansion was an
imposing structure that exuded wealth and privilege. The exterior
walls were of a sturdy limestone block. Elegant French windows and
balconies trimmed in a delicate wrought iron filigree graced the
edifice on the lower floors and contrasted with the stout stone
walls.
    Lucy and Monique approached the grand
entrance framed by classical stone pillars. Having visited many
times before, Lucy knew the ceiling in the main hall soared so high
above her head it generally invited images of the clouds which
surely must float through from time to time. Lucy had always
admired its high, imposing walls decorated with an ornate frieze
and dado.
    Bursting into the entrance hall, Monique
found her brother descending the steps to greet them himself.
"Monique, sweetling, it's good to have you home! I was quite
surprised to find myself missing you!" His lips brushed her
cheek.
    "Well then, seeing as how you want me to
marry soon, perhaps you should become accustomed to it!" Monique
replied tartly.
    Laughing, Lord Glenhurst said, "As sweet and
genteel as ever!" Turning to Lucy, he said, "Ah, the lovely Miss
Goodwin! It's been such a very long time since I've seen you. I
hope you have recovered somewhat from your father's demise. I
rather miss the spirited conversations we used to have. How is your
brother these days?"
    Lucy's face fell, "I wish I had better news
to report. He was in a coach accident returning home a little more
than a week ago. His situation had not improved much until
yesterday, when he woke and spoke for the first time. His valet was
able to feed him before he fell asleep, so that was
encouraging."
    "I'm sorry to hear of this. You've had a such
difficult time this past year, what with your father, and now your
brother. I sincerely hope my sister was some comfort to you."
    "I was thankful for her friendship and her
presence."
    "Good. Not knowing your circumstances, I
invited some guests for dinner. Do you think you will be up for
it?"
    Before Lucy could speak, Monique broke in, "I
think that would be just the thing to get her mind off of her
troubles."
    "Excellent! Then that's settled."
    Lucy pasted a smile on her face. "That was
most gracious of you. I think, perhaps, I should retire instead and
get some rest."
    "Nonsense, I'm sure Monique is correct. I
doubt you have anything seriously pressing tomorrow. A dinner party
would help lift you out of the doldrums. I've taken the liberty of
inviting a few eligible men this evening along with my regular
cronies. You are both of a marriageable age and need to be thinking
of your marriage prospects. You can both fight over whom you think
the most handsome!"
    Lucy groaned inside, the false smile still
plastered to her face, "You have certainly thought of everything,"
she said woodenly. The idea of making polite conversation with
people above her station and young men seeking Monique's hand in
marriage on the eve before her meeting with Perdan was