"DO YOU SUPPOSE Ginger will be comfortable in a basket with blankets?" Vivienne asked Lady Torrington.

There was a flurry of activity around them as footmen were placing trunks in the carriage in preparation for their journey to London.

"Absolutely not," Lady Torrington said with a tone of distain. "You must leave the feline here. I will not travel with it."

"But I can't just leave her here alone, she will be lonely."

The dowager turned up her nose, "There are plenty of servants in Chalcott manor, surely someone will keep her company."

Vivienne watched from the corner of her eyes as James approached them. He had been holed up in his study the last few days making the arrangements for their journey and preparing the place for his absence. The duke looked at both Vivienne and Lady Torrington picking up the subtle tension between them.

"What is the matter?" he asked.

"Lady Torrington won't let me bring Ginger to London," Vivienne complained.

James' brown eyes peered into her and Vivienne's heart sank. She knew she wouldn't be getting her way. As if noticing her sadness, the duke explained, "She will be happier here. London is a city where there isn't much for a cat to do. At least in Chalcott manor, she can explore outside, catch as many mice as she wants."

Vivienne didn't say anything, but she turned away to shield her face from James and the dowager. "I have a few things left to pack. I'll be down in an hour."

"Don't be late," James said at her back, "I wish to be in London before supper."

She ignored the duke's words and ran to her room where Ginger was awaiting her. She tugged the cat to her chest. "Oh Ginger, you are going to have to remain here while I'm in London."

The cat purred, and Vivienne's heart broke even more. "You'll be good for the servants? I'll ask Mrs. Shrine to look out for you."

The cat meowed in response and the burden upon Vivienne's heart lightened slightly. Vivienne spent the next few minutes with Ginger. She was really going to miss the cat. There was a knock on her door and a maid stepped in, "It's time my Lady."

Vivienne looked up from petting Ginger before she gave the cat one final hug. "I'll be back before you know it darling."

She stepped into the riding coat the maid held and walked down the stairs. She knew it was only for a few weeks, but a feeling of sadness overcame her at the thought of leaving Chalcott manor. It was not her home, but it had begun to feel like it. Perhaps this trip to London was better for creating distance, lest she grow even more attached to the manor. Martin held the door open for her, and she smiled at the butler. "Thank you for everything Martin, I'll be back soon enough."

The butler didn't look affected as he merely bowed, "We will be waiting for your return my Lady."

She exited the manor, ignoring the feeling of sadness creeping upon her. The duke sat upon his horse, looking regal in his riding hat and boots.

"Will you not be joining us in the carriage?"

James shook his head, "I don't believe you ladies will be comfortable with me in there as well. I also enjoy having my horse in London in case I ever need to return in a hurry."

Vivienne nodded at his response. Spinning away, she took the footman's hand and stepped into the carriage. Lady Torrington was already seated against the lush brown and gold upholstery. The carriage was truly magnificent in his shades of gold and black. Vivienne could not stop her fingers from running alongside the plush interior. The roof had geometric designs running along the corners, drawing her in. 

"You've seen the carriage, now it's time for you to close your mouth."

Vivienne looked at Lady Torrington in confusing. "Yes, it's a spectacular carriage, but you mustn't behave like it is the first time you've see something as grand as this."

"But it is the first time," Vivienne said, by way of explanation.

Lady Torrington sighed—a noise that Vivienne was growing quite accustomed to hearing. "What am I going to do with you."

Vivienne knew it was one of those questions she wasn't supposed to answer. "Do you truly think Ginger will be alright?"

"The cat lived before you, didn't it?"

"Well yes, but she almost got killed by James' horse."

"His Grace's horse," Lady Torrington corrected.

"Pardon?"

"I do not want you to assume such familiarity once we get to London. Things are rather different there, as you will soon see. In the company of others, refer to him as Your Grace."

"And in private?"

Lady Torrington's eyes were very serious, "I don't believe there will be a moment in private. You should always be chaperoned. I do not care if it's James, make sure someone else is with you."

The carriage started moving, and Vivienne gripped the edges. "But we didn't always have a chaperon at Chalcott manor."

"My dear, the countryside is drastically different from London. Gossip spreads like wildfire and there is nothing more damaging than a debutante being caught in a scandal—which you will most certainly not be," Lady Torrington warned.

Vivienne understood the warning loud and clear. It was not as if her and the duke were close anyways. They would occasionally see each other around the manor, and he would ask her about Lady Torrington's lessons while Vivienne would question him about the estate. She was always surprised when he answered and told her the truth. As Lady Torrington explained, many gentlemen were firm in the fact that ladies should have nothing to do with their business and instead focus on the finer things in life, such as embroidery and spending their male relatives' money.

"What is the London house like?" Vivienne asked.

Lady Torrington had a wistful look on her face, "Ah, it's been quite the while since I visited, but it's a charming house in Mayfair."

"You don't stay with the duke during the season?"

"Oh, I don't come very often," Lady Torrington explained. "I usually stay at my own manor in the country."

"Is it one of the duke's properties?"

The dowager countess looked at her haughtily, "Of course not. The previous Earl of Torrington made sure to gift me one of his unentailed estates. It is not grand as Chalcott manor, but it suits my needs perfectly."

Vivienne opened her mouth, ready to ask Lady Torrington more questions about her estate and London but the dowager pulled out a book from underneath her ridicule. Vivienne was surprised, she'd never seen the dowager countess with the book.

As if noticing her stare, Lady Torrington's grey eyes pierced her. "There will be plenty of time to ask questions later, I want to finish this novel before reaching London."

Knowing that she had been effectively dismissed, Vivienne instead placed her nose at the window of the carriage. The green lands they passed by were quite breathtaking. She couldn't wait for London; she knew it would be as amazing as she expected. Her love awaited and she couldn't wait to find the gentlemen to spend the rest of her life with.

***

The carriage stopped and Vivienne jolted awake. She yawned and rubbed her eyes before stretching her arms as much as the confined carriage allowed them to. She didn't know when she'd fallen asleep, but it seemed like the carriage's gentle rocking had been quite the lullaby. Vivienne looked across the carriage to see Lady Torrington gripping her walking stick.

"Are we here then?"

Her question was answered as the carriage door was swung open and a footman dressed in fine black livery rushed to assist them. He held out a gloved hand to Vivienne first, who graciously accepted and stepped on the cobbled street.

Vivienne's eyes went wide as she viewed the cream-coloured townhouse in front of her. The door was the darkest shade of black and stood as quite the juxtaposition to the colour of the house. Lady Torrington stood beside her, leaning on her walking stick.

"Shall we enter?" Vivienne asked, as her gaze swung around for James. She could not see where the duke was. "Do you know where J-His Grace is?" she asked the footman who had assisted them out of the carriage.

The man bobbled his head. "His Grace is leading his horse to the stables my lady. He wanted to give specific instructions to the stable hand."

Vivienne thanked him and turned back to Lady Torrington who was already making her way to the door which swung open just as the dowager stood a meter away. A rather large man stood on the other side. Vivienne assumed he was the butler.

"Welcome Lady Torrington, Lady—" he trailed off.

"—Vivienne," she supplied in answer.

The butler looked chastised, but he didn't say anything, merely dipping his head. Vivienne stepped into the foyer and her eyes immediately began travelling down to the shining chestnut-coloured floors and the pale green walls. The place was very different from Chalcott manor which had a much warmer ambiance. Here everything seemed stiff—which was an appropriate reflection of London itself she supposed.

"The footmen should be done placing your trunks in the respective rooms. Would you like me to ring for tea?"

Vivienne nodded just as Lady Torrington shook her head. "I'm rather tired Preston, I prefer to retire to my room now."

Vivienne peered at the dowager countess closely, noticing for the first time the vice-like grip she had on her walking cane. It was evident that the journey had taken quite the toll on Lady Torrington.

"I believe I shall do the same." Vivienne said, even though she wasn't tired in the slightest, it seemed like it might be better to freshen up before dinner.

"Very well," the butler pointed to a couple of maids by the door. "They shall lead you to your rooms."

Vivienne thanked Preston who didn't crack a smile. A part of her missed Martin, he had a sense of warmth around him that this man was lacking. She followed the maids to her room, taking in the details of the household as they walked by. There were countless number of paintings in the hallway, one with a couple and a younger child who was beaming from ear to ear. Her gaze lingered on the child, he seemed familiar.

Noticing her gaze, the maid stopped. "That is the portrait of His Grace and the late duke and duchess," she explained.

Vivienne knew why she had not recognized James straight away. It was because he had been smiling in the portrait. Now, there were harsh lines etched into his face from the permanent scowl he wore most of the time. She stopped there for a heartbeat longer, taking in the beauty of the joyous family before following the maid who had walked quite a bit ahead of her.

The maid stood in front of a chamber, keys in hand. Vivienne watched as the door swung open. The first thing she noticed was the walls. They were a pale-yellow colour, something she had not been expecting but they weren't terrible. The bed was placed in the centre, underneath it, a large grey rug took up most of the floor space. There was a chaise in the middle and desk pushed to the side. It seemed very grand, but Vivienne was reminded of her room back at Chalcott manor where her kitten would have been keeping her company.

The maid curtsied. "If you need anything, please ring. A lady's maid has been brought in. She will dress you for dinner."

Vivienne thanked her before collapsing on the bed. She glanced at the ceiling and sighed, she was finally in London, about to have the season of her dreams. She didn't know why she felt so gloomy. Vivienne passed the next few hours by filtering through her dresses. She knew it wasn't her task, but something about keeping busy soothed her anxious soul.

Her lady's maid came in close to supper. She introduced herself as Millie. Vivienne immediately took a liking to her. The girl seemed much kinder than Chrissy. They discussed Vivienne's different gowns before selecting a deep lavender one she hadn't worn yet.

Millie's eyes met Vivienne's in the looking glass, "How would you like your hair to be done my lady?"

Vivienne thought it over for a moment. She remembered how some of the young ladies at Chalcott manor had done their hair, so it was piled up away from their faces making them seem more ethereal. It had captured her attention then, but Vivienne had never bothered asking Chrissy to do it so. Hesitantly, she explained the hairstyle to Millie who nodded in understanding. A small sense of relief when through her then.

"You have very beautiful hair," Millie said as she set the last pin in.

Vivienne leaned into the mirror to admire her hair, "And you have very nimble fingers."

The two of them shared a smile. Millie excused herself and Vivienne stepped into her slippers before making her way downstairs to the dining hall. When she arrived at the table, she was surprised to see Preston, but nobody else. Only a single seat was set out.

"Where is His Grace and Lady Torrington?" she asked the butler.

Preston looked at her, a small flicker of pity in his eyes, "Lady Torrington opted to take her supper in her room and His Grace said he had business in town."

Disappointment filled Vivienne as she sat down on the seat the footman pulled for her. She'd worn a new gown and tried a different hairstyle for her first night in London, yet there was nobody to appreciate the effort. As the first dish was placed in front of her, the feeling of loneliness expanded. Candlelight flickering, and alone at the table, she tried enjoying her first meal in London as much as she could.

-----------------

It seems that Vivienne's trip to London hasn't exactly been what she had hoped, do you think it is going to get better, or is she too optimistic?