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

sure to
strain her sensibilities. However, Lucy could hardly refuse her
host, or Monique for that matter.
    "And Miss Goodwin ... "
    "Lucy, please, you've known me since we were
children."
    "And Lucy, I know you may be thinking that
all of the men who will be attending dinner this evening will be
above your station and have no interest in you as a suitable
marriage prospect, but they are men, and they are not blind. Not
only are you beautiful, you are Miss Lucy Goodwin, a member of the
family of one of the most celebrated horse breeders in England.
That fact alone is enough to make some young men salivate. Happy
hunting!"
    Glenhurst turned to a servant. "Please show
our guest to her room." Turning back to Lucy and Monique, he said,
"Dinner will be at eight o'clock."
    Later, a maid assisted Lucy in dressing for
dinner. She chose a cerulean blue gown suitable for half dress and
descended to join the family and guests assembled in the drawing
room. Upon entering the room, she caught Monique's eye and made her
way over to her. Monique circulated about the room with her,
introducing her to several titled men and highborn women in
attendance.
    When the eight o'clock hour arrived, everyone
flowed into the elegant dining room where dinner was served on
delicate blue and white Wedgewood china in the a la francaise
style. The first course consisted of pheasant soup, greenpea soup,
julienne soup and puree of grouse.
    Lucy's dinner companion was Lord George
Murtrey, Earl of Clayton, a handsome young man with an interminable
air of boredom about him. When he discovered she was the sister of
Lucien Goodwin, Clayton warmed considerably and made polite
conversation with her. Lucy tried to keep up her end of the
dialogue. She was undoubtedly making a poor showing.
    Lucy’s thoughts vacillated between the young
man seated beside her and Chalifour. She couldn't help but compare
the differences. Clayton seemed so youthful as opposed to
Chalifour. Suddenly aware of an expectant silence, Lucy realized
Clayton had asked her a question and was awaiting her response.
    "I'm terribly sorry, Lord Clayton, could you
please repeat your question?"
    Looking slightly miffed, Clayton said, "I was
inquiring as to whether your brother would be racing in the
upcoming Oaks at Epsom?"
    "I'm not sure, My Lord. He was injured in a
coach accident recently and hasn't made a decision yet." How
will that affect us? We've always been represented by Lucien in the
large races and his wins have brought great attention to our
horses. How will we fare if we have no representation during the
race? Just something else to worry her. She stifled the impulse
to rub her temples.
    "Well, I shall be cheering for your horse
should your brother decide to race."
    "That is most gracious of you." Lucy turned
to Clayton and beamed what she hoped was a breathtaking smile.
Clayton smiled in return.
    The second course offered braised ham, spring
chicken, boiled salmon pigeon pie, venison and lamb followed by the
main entrees of lamb cutlets, lobster curry, chicken patties and
scallops of chicken. Some time later, the third and final course of
roast duck, green goose, prawns, cherry tart, raspberry cream,
custard and tartlets were served.
    Dinner concluded and the ladies exited the
dining room for the drawing room. The women conversed about the
usual topics, the new play at the Drury Lane Theater and recent
excursions to Astley's Ampitheatre and Vauxhall Gardens. Lucy
remained silent, ignoring the exasperated looks from Monique.
Eventually, the gentlemen rejoined them and the evening droned on
for Lucy.
    After what seemed far longer than a few
hours, the tea board was brought out and supper was served. The
diners selected from the multitude of cakes, biscuits, pasties and
sandwiches which were presented. Lucy sighed a relief when the tea
board was finally removed and the guests began to depart one by
one, though not quickly enough to suit Lucy.
    Lucy could scarcely wait to escape to her