Chapter One

Shadowcrest, Kent—March 1812

L ady Euphemia Strong awoke, a sense of dread filling her.

Today would be her last day at Shadowcrest.

In the morning, Effie would leave Kent for town—and her come-out. She was the last of the six Strong girls to make her debut into Polite Society, and she was only doing so to please her mother. Effie had never really considered marriage. She enjoyed life in the country, wearing her breeches, and taking care of her many animals. Her cousin Caleb, who was the steward at Shadowcrest, had also taught Effie quite a bit about estate management, and she would be content remaining here forever, assisting him in the running of the estate.

She was making her come-out this spring because it was important to Mama that she do so. Her mother had given everything to her four daughters and two nieces, whom she had raised, living for them and not herself. Thank goodness, after her mother was widowed, Captain Andrews came into her life. The former sea captain—and best friend of Effie's brother James—had swept Mama off her feet. It had been good to see her mother giddy with happiness, especially now that she had a new babe. James—or Jamie, as the family called him—had been born last September and would be the only child Mama and the captain had, thanks to her age. They lived in town for the most part because the captain helped run Neptune Shipping Lines, the business owned by Effie's sister-in-law Sophie.

Daffodil, her cat, nudged Effie, wanting attention, and she stroked her, scratching Daffy between her ears and watching bliss fill the animal's face. Her cat would be the only one of her pets which would accompany her to town. Daffy was her constant companion, and it would break the cat's heart—and Effie's—if she were left behind at Shadowcrest.

Rising, she rang for a maid, washing and dressing for the day before heading to the breakfast room. She entered, seeing James, Sophie, and Caleb. The only one missing was Aunt Matty. Her aunt had been away from Shadowcrest for a month, helping to care for Mirella and her newborn, Daniel. Aunt Matty was like a second mother to all the Strong girls, having never wed. Instead, she had remained at Shadowcrest and helped Mama in raising them.

"Good morning," Effie greeted, being seated by a footman, who then poured her a cup of tea.

Caleb dabbed his lips with a napkin. "I must be off. Will I see you later today, Effie?"

"Of course," she promised her cousin.

She tucked into the eggs and rasher of ham brought to her by a footman as Sophie said, "I hope you do not mind that we will not be leaving with you tomorrow. The captain is coming to talk over business with me today, however, and so he will be the one to escort you back to town."

"It will be good to see him," she said, happy she would spend the carriage ride to town with her stepfather. He had taken all Mama's ducklings under his own wing and was very protective of them.

"I am certain your mother has already scheduled appointments with Madame Dumas," Sophie continued. "She is the modiste we have all used for the Season."

"Yes, I am familiar with her work. She has made up gowns for me the last several years when I have come to town for visits."

"This will be different, Effie," her sister-in-law said. "You will wear more gowns and change outfits more time in a single day than you ever have."

She tried to hide her displeasure, but James caught her eye and started laughing.

"I know you are not happy about making this come-out, Effie. I am glad you agreed to it, though, because it will make Dinah happy. I will repeat what I have told those before you, though. If you do not fall head over heels in love with a gentleman this Season and wish to wed him, you are welcome back at Shadowcrest for as long as you like. No more Seasons required of you."

"Thank you, James," she replied, knowing he truly meant it.

All five of Effie's sisters and cousins had wed in the last couple of years, with all now having children. Some of them had missed the Season because they were increasing or had just had a child. This spring would mark the first time the six of them would be in town at the same time. She felt immense pressure, knowing they would be there, cheering her on as she made her debut. Effie also knew her entire family hoped she would make the love match they all had.

Strongs were known for their love matches, something almost unheard of in Polite Society. Most marriages were strictly business arrangements between a couple, with dowries being handed over and families using marriage as an opportunity to join together for prestige.

Effie liked her life the way it was, helping Caleb on the estate and caring for the strays she brought home, as well as the injured animals she nursed back to health. Daffy had been one of those strays, severely underweight and her fur matted, but Effie had taken time and patience to bring the kitten back to good health. Now Daffy was sleek and loving. Truly, Effie did not wish for any man to be her husband, someone who would tell her what to do.

Then again, Strong women were strong—and she did not see any of her sisters or cousins being ordered about by their spouses. Instead, they were partners to these unique men.

James was the best example. As the Duke of Seaton, he had inherited Strong Shipping, the family business and rival to Neptune Shipping, which had been owned by Sophie. Not only had her sister-in-law owned the shipping empire, Sophie had also run it on her own.

When James and Sophie wed, her brother made certain in the marriage contracts to allow Sophie to maintain sole ownership of the company, something unheard of, which had shocked the ton . Their son George, who was the heir apparent to the dukedom, would not only inherit his father's title but also Strong Shipping, while their other children—male and female—would have ownership in Neptune Shipping and run it.

"I thought you were always eager to return to town, James," she commented, slathering blackberry jam on another toast point.

"I am fond of town simply because it is where Strong Shipping is located. When I am there, I am able to go into the office daily."

He reached for his wife's hand, lacing their fingers together. "But I have come to enjoy the country immensely and want George and Ida to spend as much time at Shadowcrest as possible."

"Do you ever miss being at sea?" she asked.

Her brother grew thoughtful. "Yes and no," he finally said. "Having spent my life at sea, working my way up from cabin boy to the captain of a ship, it was the only life I ever knew. Yes, I miss leading a crew of men and the camaraderie I experienced being on a vessel for long stretches. At the same time, I exercise my leadership in Polite Society as the Duke of Seaton and am head of the Strong family. The new friendships which I have formed with Caleb and all my brothers-in-law more than suffice. Why, I see Seth almost daily, since he is our neighbor, and you know that we visit with August, Sterling, and Silas as often as possible. Drake is still my closest friend of all, and seeing him wed to your mother warms my heart."

James got a faraway look in his eyes. "While I enjoyed going up on deck at night and staring out into the vastness of both sea and sky, I can do the same thing here when I ride out at Shadowcrest and view all my land."

She grinned. "I told you those riding lessons I gave you would come in handy."

He chuckled. "You are an excellent riding instructor, Effie. Yes, it is far easier getting about the estate having become comfortable on the back of a horse. For those lessons and the patience you showed while teaching me to ride, I am grateful."

"What do you have planned today?" Sophie asked her.

"I will be checking on all my animals a final time. One of our grooms has promised to take over for me in their care, especially that goat whose leg is broken. He is on the mend, however. The next time I see him, I hope he will be running freely about."

"I assume Daffy will travel to town with you," her brother said.

"I never leave Daffy," Effie declared. "Why, not only does she accompany me anytime I journey to town, but remember that I took her to our tour of the Lake District."

She had accompanied Aunt Matty, along with Mirella and Miss Feathers, her governess, to the Lake District a year and a half ago while Mama hosted a house party for Allegra and Lyric at Shadowcrest. Not only had her cousins found their husbands at this house party, Mirella had met Byron, the man destined to be her husband.

A moment of sadness filled her. Miss Feathers had searched for new employment with Effie ready to make her come-out. The governess had departed from Shadowcrest a week ago, headed for York and a new position with two young boys, aged five and six. It had been hard seeing Miss Feathers go since she had been such a part of Effie's life for so many years.

"I thought I would ride over to see Pippa today," she said, sharing what she planned to do first on this cold March day.

Of all the Strong women, Effie was closest to Pippa. They were both tomboys, and Pippa had taught Effie how to ride, hunt, shoot, swim, and fish. It had been hard to picture Pippa wed and as a mother. But now that she was, Effie could see how easily her sister had made the transition, and how comfortable she was in her role as Viscountess Hopewell and mother to Adam and Louise.

"I am glad you will go and see her and the children," Sophie said. "And one last ride through the countryside will do you a world of good."

"I also want to go to the nursery and play with George and hold Ida sometime today," she said.

Sophie's face softened at the mention of her two children. "They will be coming with us when we go to town."

Effie knew that a majority of married couples in the ton left their children at their country estates, not seeing them for months while the Season went on. Mama had never done that, insisting all her girls come to town so she could spend time with them. Effie believed she would see just how different her family was when she made her come-out, but she was grateful the Strongs were a close, loving group. She looked upon their spouses as her own brothers and sister, as well.

She only hoped those who had wed would not urge her to do the same, because although Effie had stated she was going into this Season with an open mind, she could not see herself falling in love, much less marrying. It would be too hard to leave Shadowcrest. The odds against her finding a love match after all her siblings and cousins had were too great. She saw herself returning to the country and devoting her time to Shadowcrest and its people.

Finishing her meal, she left breakfast and headed straight for the stables. Most women would have needed to go and change into their riding habit, but Effie's daily attire in the country consisted of a coat, shirt, and breeches. It was more comfortable dressing in such a manner with the work that she did on the estate and with her animals.

She rode to the lake which separated Shadowcrest land from that of Hopewood. The two estates had shared the lake as long as anyone could recall, and she had spent many happy hours picnicking by it, swimming in it, and rowing about in a boat, fishing. She supposed she might attend a picnic in town but knew the other activities would not be ones available for her to partake in. She laughed just thinking of asking a suitor to take her fishing in the Serpentine.

More than anything, though, was something she had not confided in anyone about. Effie worried about fitting in with the other girls who would be making their come-outs. The fact that she would have to wear gowns for several months during the Season already bothered her enough as it was. She had no idea how to behave around other young ladies.

At least she would have her sisters and cousins with her, along with Mama. With all of them being wed now and living away from Shadowcrest, she would cherish the time she had together with them this spring and summer.

She reached the Hopewood stables and handed her reins to a groom, cutting through the kitchens, as usual. She was a regular visitor to the viscount's estate, and no one seemed to blink an eye when she did so. Cook even greeted her, calling out to her by name.

"Lady Effie, it is good to see you. When do you leave for London?"

"Tomorrow, Cook. That is why I have come to say my goodbyes to you and the others at Hopewood."

Hearing that tickled Cook, and she laughed heartily.

Effie left the kitchens and found Mrs. Robb, the housekeeper, who told her that Lady Hopewell was in her sitting room. She went straight to it, finding her sister at her writing desk. She slipped her arms about Pippa's neck and kissed her cheek.

"Oh, it is so good to see you, Effie," Pippa declared, setting aside the letter she worked on. "I am glad you came for a last visit."

She chuckled as they took a seat on the settee. "It is not as if I will not see you for months. You are coming to town for the Season."

"You are right. We will arrive in a couple of weeks. I have already written to Madame Dumas so that she will reserve time for me to see her. I will not have nearly the number of gowns made up as you, however. Why, a girl making her come-out has the largest wardrobe of anyone at the Season."

"You act as if you know all about the Season when you yourself did not make your come-out, Pippa. Why, this will be the first time you have attended a Season, now that I think about it."

A dreamy expression crossed her sister's face. "No, I did not. And I am very glad I met Seth here at Hopewood and did not have to go about all that nonsense. Oh, I know I should not voice such opinions to you since you are on the cusp of your own debut into Polite Society, but I find the idea full of nonsense. I only wish that Seth had a brother whom I could introduce you to so the two of you might fall madly in love. Then you wouldn't have to bother with all this fuss."

"I am counting on you to help temper the others," Effie said. "It will be the first time all the Strong women will be together for a Season. I am most worried about Georgie and Mirella. They are the ones who have always enjoyed the company of others and talked about the many social affairs held during the Season. You know me, Pippa. I would rather be around animals than people."

Pippa reached up and stroked Effie's hair. "I know that, little sister. I do think, though, that both Georgie and Mirella have changed since they have become mothers and the Season is not as important to them as it once was." She laughed. "That is because they got out of their Season what they went into it for—a husband!"

They both laughed. Effie only hoped she would not feel bored or stifled by the events she would need to attend.

"Let me go to the nursery and see Adam and Louise now. From what I gather, I will not have much time to play with children because of the large number of scheduled events."

"You will be busy," her sister said. "Only as busy as you wish to be, however. I suggest that you only go to the social affairs you are interested in, Effie. It is important to stay true to yourself throughout this entire process. I am certain James has already spoken to you about not worrying whether you find a love match or not."

"He reminded me of that very thing this morning at breakfast," she confirmed. "I know they all wish for me to find my soulmate—even you—but I just do not see that happening, Pippa."

"My advice to you? Do not look for him. if you seek out love, you will be trying to force something to happen. If fate wishes you to find a husband this Season, it will intervene and guide you. If you finish the Season and have found no one to your taste, you have a home to return to and a loving, supportive family."

Her sister studied her a moment. "I know you, Effie. All too well. I sense that you will merely go through the motions, and you have no intention of finding a husband."

She flushed guilty. "Perhaps I am not quite as... open-minded about it as I should be. I will do my best to try and enjoy things. Hopefully, I might even like some of the activities. Thank goodness, I do enjoy dancing. Not as much as Mirella, of course, but I will not embarrass myself on the ballroom floor."

"Go into this Season with the idea that you are going to enjoy new experiences and make new friends. Remember how Georgie and Miss Bancroft became friendly during Georgie's come-out Season?"

"Yes, I do recall. My family has been my only friends up until this point." She grinned. "Well, besides my animals." Sighing, she added, "I will do my best, Pippa, to be open to whatever comes my way. The events. The people.

"Even love."

Her sister smiled warmly. "That is all any of us will ask from you, Effie. Now, let us go up to the nursery and see Adam and Louise."

Soon, she was playing with her niece and nephew, feeling the same pull she did when she spent time with George and Ida at Shadowcrest. Perhaps she wouldn't make a love match as her family members had. It was possible she might find a gentleman who would be a good friend to her and still allow her to be independent, while giving her children. The more Effie was around her various nieces and nephews, the more she realized she would like children of her own.

She took her leave and rode home to Shadowcrest, ready to ride about the estate a final time with Caleb and tell her sweet animals goodbye.

That night at dinner, James and the captain kept them laughing, telling stories of their time at sea. Effie couldn't recall the last time she had laughed so much.

The next morning, she awoke with trepidation, knowing even though she had been to town many times over the years, she would be going into the unknown, as far as the Season was concerned. She kissed the children and Sophie goodbye, and James enveloped her in a bear hug.

"We will see you in about ten days," he told her, kissing the top of her head. "And we will stay in town the entire Season with you and escort you to all the events."

Her eyes misted with tears. "I appreciate that, James. More than you know."

The captain handed her into the carriage, then gave her the basket which contained Daffy and climbed in himself. They waved goodbye. George kept waving and calling out her name, which tugged at her heart.

The coach drove down the long lane and turned on to the road which would take them to town.

"Are you ready for all this bloody nonsense?" the captain asked.

Effie burst out laughing. "No. Not really. I am already uncomfortable wearing a gown and wishing I were on a horse, going with Caleb to fix a fence or talk to a tenant."

"No matter how many times Dinah tries to explain it to me, I simply don't understand this Season. I watched Mirella go through it last year, though, and she was happy enough, especially when it led to Byron offering for her."

He slipped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her to him. Effie leaned her head on his shoulder, feeling safe with him beside her.

"I will not let anything happen to you, sweetheart," he told her. "You will only go to something if you really want to. Just because an invitation comes doesn't mean you have to attend every affair. While Mirella was a butterfly, flitting from one event to the next, I think you will be more judicious. Don't tire yourself out by trying to do too much."

"I appreciate hearing that, Captain. I suppose I will have to see what invitations come in and discuss them with Mama."

"These gentlemen will pester you. They'll come sniffing around every afternoon. Send you flowers. Smile at you and give you pretty compliments. Ignore all that, Effie. Go with your gut. You're a smart woman with a good head on your shoulders. You have a full life. Only say yes to a proposal if you truly love the man offering for you."

He kissed the top of her head. "And tell me which ones you wish for me to chase off."

Effie covered his hand with hers. "Thank you for looking out for me. For taking care of Mama and all of us."

"I may not have been there when you born or for most of your growing up, but you are my family. My daughter. I would bleed for you. Die for you," he proclaimed gruffly.

"Well, let us hope it does not come to that, Captain," she teased.

They changed horses at one point, and finally the great city of London came into view. Effie swallowed, calming herself. She would either find a husband she was mad enough for to wed—or she would return to Shadowcrest. This Season was as if she stood to where a road divided.

It would be up to her to make the choice of which path to follow.