“This is Miss Gwen Ashbourne and her father lord Ashbourne, mama”, your daughter Beth introduced you to her new friend.

Your eyes equally widens as do Lord Ashbourne’s, a man you didn’t think you’d have to see again. You especially didn’t expect your Beth to befriend his daughter who is rumored to have a smart mouth and still hasn’t found a husband despite it being her third season already.

Despite everything you force yourself to smile as the shocked lord places a soft kiss on the gloved back of your hand.

“I’ll show Beth around, father”, his daughter Gwen says and tugs gently on Beth’s arm, disappearing with her in the ballroom, leaving you in awkward silence.

“It’s been a while, hasn’t it, Lady Denevier?”, Gregory tries to start a conversation, though it seems like even his usual charm, which he uses to bed half of London’s women, has left him now that he’s in your presence again.