Chapter 1

"Can you believe it has been three years since our debut, Chloe? Time flies by so quickly."

Lady Chloe Swift stared at her best friend, Lady Seraphina Fairfax, across the table in the cozy, bustling atmosphere of Gunter's tea shop. One of their favorite spots to gossip and escape the eyes of the expectations of their parents. Even if it was just for a while.

"Indeed, it does." Chloe smiled wistfully, her fingers tracing the edge of her teacup as she thought about the last three Seasons. "And yet, it feels like an eternity when I think of the endless parade of balls and suitors that the Season entails. It is such hard work."

Seraphina raised an eyebrow, setting her cup down. "You sound more weary than usual. What is troubling you?"

Chloe sighed, glancing around to ensure no one was within ear shot. "It is Father. The pressure he is placing on me to find a husband this Season is suffocating. He has such high hopes for me to marry someone of high rank and wealth. I feel like a prize he is trying to auction off to the highest bidder. I do not know what this Season will hold for me."

Seraphina's expression softened with empathy. "Your father does seem quite determined. But surely, he wants what is best for you?"

Chloe shook her head, her voice dropping to a whisper. "He wants what is best for the family, for our social standing. My happiness is secondary to his ambitions."

"And by happiness, you mean…"

Seraphina did not need to finish that sentence. They both knew exactly what she was talking about. Lord Anthony James. The love of Chloe's life. Her childhood best friend, who now seemed like a distant dream. His sudden departure years ago had left a void in her heart that no number of suitors could fill. No one compared, and there was nothing that Chloe could do to change that. Every single man that approached her, even for a dance, was instantly compared to him, whether that was what Chloe intended to do or not. And the worst thing was, no one ever even slightly came close.

"Do you ever think about him?" Seraphina's voice was gentle, as if sensing the direction of Chloe's thoughts.

Chloe nodded slowly. "Every day. His absence left me feeling abandoned and heart broken. I have never understood why he left so abruptly to go on a Grand Tour that he never talked about before. It is just so confusing."

She never got closure, which might have been the hardest thing of all, especially since she had spent most of her youth dreaming about marrying him. Seraphina reached across the table and squeezed Chloe's hand, offering silent support. Chloe's thoughts began to drift, the gentle hum of the tea shop fading as her mind wandered to the wedding she had once imagined. She could see it clearly: a sun lit afternoon in late spring, the gardens of her family estate bursting with color and fragrance, delicate blooms of lavender and roses formed arches and garlands, filling the air with their sweet perfume.

Chloe imagined herself standing at the entrance of the estate chapel, the place where her parents and grandparents had wed, wearing a gown of ivory silk and lace that shimmered like the surface of a tranquil pond. Lord Anthony James, her Anthony, stood at the altar, his eyes alight with the same mischievous sparkle she had adored since they were children. His dark hair was neatly styled, and he wore a suit that accentuated his tall, lean frame. He smiled at her, that smile that always made her heart flutter, as she walked slowly down the aisle on her father's arm.

The guests, a blend of their families and closest friends, turned to watch her, their faces reflecting the joy and admiration they felt for the couple. They would be the sort of couple so in love that it made everyone in their lives jealous. They would be the couple that everyone else wanted to be.

As Chloe imagined Anthony taking her hand at the altar, she could almost hear the vicar's voice echoing through the chapel: "Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony..."

Her heart ached with the bitter sweet beauty of the memory that never was. She envisioned the way Anthony's hand would feel, warm and reassuring, as he slipped the ring on to her finger. The vows they would exchange, words filled with promises and dreams for their future together. She had dreamed about it far too much, and losing that dream had killed her. It was still a feeling that she had very much not recovered from.

"Do you think he will ever return?" Seraphina asked, shaking her from her thoughts.

Chloe sighed heavily. "I do not know. Sometimes, I imagine that he will simply stroll back into my life and it will be as if he never left, and other times…" Now this part was much harder for her to say, but she truly did need her friend's advice. "Sometimes I think he will marry a beautiful woman that he meets on his travels, and I will never see those sparkling blue eyes of his again."

It crushed her, the idea made her heart physically hurt, but it was also a possibility that she absolutely had to accept, if she ever wanted to move on with her life.

Seraphina reached across the table and placed a comforting hand over Chloe's. "Oh Chloe, I wish I could say something to ease your mind, but I understand how you feel. The heart wants what it wants, regardless of reason or practicality."

Chloe looked at her friend, appreciating the understanding in her eyes. "I know. And it is not just the memories that haunt me. It is the uncertainty of the future. I can not help but wonder if I am holding on to a ghost."

Their conversation was interrupted by the chime of the tea shop's doorbell. Both women glanced over to see who had entered, but it was just another group of ladies from their social circle, nothing out of the ordinary.

Chloe returned her gaze to Seraphina. "Sometimes, I wish I could just run away from it all. Escape the expectations and the relentless search for a husband that fits Father's criteria."

Seraphina gave her a sympathetic smile. "I know. It is not easy. I struggle, and I am not under the same pressure as you at all. I do not have a man from my past that I am clinging on to."

Chloe slid her eyes closed for just a second, allowing herself to travel back in time for a second. This time to a cherished childhood memory that she had shared with Anthony. She could almost feel the grass underneath her and the sun beaming down on her shoulders as she watched Anthony, glistening in the sun light as he skipped pebbles along the water of his family's pond.

"You are very good at that," Chloe giggled.

She had always been impressed by him, she liked everything that he did. Just being in his presence always made her feel warm and excitable.

"Have a try." Anthony picked up a smooth, flat stone and handed it to Chloe, his fingers brushing against hers and sending a small shiver down her spine. That shiver was a sensation that she would remember for the rest of her life.

"I do not know what to do," she told him.

"Not to worry,," Anthony chuckled. "I will show you."

He patiently showed her how to hold the pebble and flick her wrist to make it skip. "Like this, Chloe," Anthony said, demonstrating the technique with a smooth, practiced motion.

The stone leaped across the water, creating a series of ripples that expanded outward. Chloe's eyes sparkled with determination as she mimicked his movements. Her first attempt sent the stone plopping unceremoniously into the water. Anthony laughed. The sound was infectious, and Chloe could not help but join in.

"You will get the hang of it," he assured her, picking up another pebble. "Try again."

Anthony's warm smile and gentle words filled her with determination, encouraging her to try again. And again, and again.

"Oh my," she gasped. "I do not know if I will ever be able to do this!"

Anthony laughed, shaking his head. "Nonsense, Chloe. Just keep trying. You have always been the most persistent person I know."

Chloe smiled, her heart swelling at his words. "Well, I am lucky to have you as a teacher."

She picked up another pebble, determined to get it right. With a flick of her wrist, the stone skipped once, twice, and then sank. But it was progress, and Anthony's approving nod made it all the more rewarding. As the sun began to set, casting a golden glow over the estate, they made a pact to always be there for each other, sealing their promise with a pinky swear.

"No matter what happens, we will always have each other," Anthony said, his eyes shining with sincerity.

Chloe nodded, her heart swelling with the depth of their connection. "Always."

Seraphina gently squeezed Chloe's hand, bringing her back to the present moment. "The right gentleman will come along, Chloe. One who will appreciate your wit, beauty, and kind heart."

Chloe smiled, grateful for her friend's support, but a part of her could not help but wonder if that gentleman might be Anthony.

And it might already be too late…