Eliza storms through the house, pushing past servants and hurrying along corridors until the library doors come into sight. Through them, she weaves round bookcases until her window seat appears, she pulls the cushioned top up and pulls out the worn bound novel. Feet up, she hugs her knees and opens the book. Her eyes scan the pages, drinking in the words, relishing in the familiar tales of love, loss, hope and desperation. Her fingers flicker with the pages as she turns them, the characters jump off the paper they are written on and pull her deeper into the story. The words arise a feeling of comfort and safety, they often provide her with the affection she lacks at Ryddan Manor. The clock ticks slowly but the minutes turn into hours, the clock strikes four by the time Eliza finishes reading, she closes the book and places it next to her. She watches out of the window and gazes around at the green estate. The stable manager has let out the horses and they graze in the paddock. The horses prance around together, playing and having fun. She smiles at the way they frolic around, reminding her of what she and Eloise were like when they were little.

Her beautiful sister, Eloise, always a kind word for everyone. Natural in grace and elegance, excelled at piano and needlepoint. She was very shy and that was not helped by the way mother tried to show off her most accomplished daughter rather than the outspoken and confident one. Eliza never fought with Eloise, wanting to be more like her, admiring the way she never shouted or lost her temper. When both twins became ill they stayed in the same bed, wanting the contact to grieve for their father together. Eliza got better and managed to recover fully, the doctor banished her from spending more than ten minutes with Eloise who grew worse quickly.

"Eliza," Harrington stands by a bookcase, she glances around at him in surprise, not having heard him enter the library.

"Eliza, I wanted to apologise again." He says humbly.

"It is unnecessary." She replies. "You already have."

"And yet I seem to remain unforgiven."

"Harrington, believe me, it is of no consequence." Eliza places her feet on the carpet and turns her whole body to face him.

He groans loudly and runs a hand through his hair.

"Please, Eliza tell me what is the matter?" He demands, "Was it the men? The hunt? The deer?"

Eliza observes him cryptically for a moment or two,

"It wasn't just one thing, over the last two days we have fought and made up and fought again, I cannot bear a marriage where we are at each other's throat constantly." She explains, "I don't wish to be difficult but you cannot expect me to forget what I believe in, I refuse."

Harrington looks regretful, "I confess I haven't dealt with this situation well, you are the most stubborn and infuriating woman I have ever met and you seem to fight me at every turn. I am not used to people contradicting me."

"Maybe it is about time someone stood up to you," Eliza says coolly.

"My mother is constantly saying the same."

"Smart lady."

"I agree." He says ruefully

"I have done my best to accept what happened at the ball and the consequences of that but no engagement should be this hard even if we aren't remotely fond of the other."

But I am fond of you, is what Harrington wants to say to her. But he doesn't, he cuts off his heart completely.

"The past two days have taught me we are in no ways compatible, our marriage would be a catastrophe, I think it would benefit us both if we pretended to be in love and get married and then get an annulment a few months later."

"I...I..." Eliza stumbles on her words, "I think that would be sensible."

"Then we have an accord?" Harrington holds out his hand. "Also it would do well not to tell Benjamin or Charlotte."

Eliza reaches out her hand and they shake once.

"I take it everyone has returned from the hunt?" Eliza asks standing and straightening her habit.

"They are all in the dining room, shall we join?" Harrington offers his arm.

"I should change." Eliza denies the offer. "A duchess shouldn't wear a habit to tea."

"Of course," Harrington drops his arm quickly, Eliza walks past him and out of the library.

Harrington sinks into the empty window seat and puts his head in his hands. He repeatedly tells himself that this is the right decision, a fake marriage then they go their separate ways. But why does he feel no relief? Why is he sad?

Several days later is the eve of Harrington's and Eliza's engagement ball. Charlotte arranged the entire event and came to Ryddan Manor early to help Eliza and Benjamin with the organisation of servants and final oversee. However mainly to ensure Eliza is ready for the evening. The house looks spectacular, waiters stand with flutes of champagne and canapes, a small orchestra is on a raised platform in front of the dance floor. Every single detail has been perfected by Charlotte so that the night will run like clockwork.

Harrington walks through the door at ten to six in a dashing black tux and top hat, he oozes sophistication and power. He looks around in approval at the house, the decor is stunning, much better than he could have planned.

"I cannot believe you are almost late for your own engagement ball." Charlotte strides over to him disapprovingly, carrying a sapphire encrusted comb, she looks nice in a pale pink gown and matching gloves. "Hat off."

Harrington gives his hat to a passing servant.

"I organise everything for you two, you could at least do me the courtesy of arriving when I request." She tells him sternly while straightening his clothes. Thomas hurries down the stair looking unusually flustered.

"Darling," He approaches Charlotte

"Yes?" Charlotte has moved on from Harrington and is straightening an arrangement on lilies.

"Eliza is being a little..."

"Oh, you panicked her didn't you?" Charlotte sighs.

"I didn't mean to!" Thomas protests defensively.

"Well, what did...?"

"Charlotte, Charlotte." Eliza runs down the stairs holding a shoe in each hand. "Charlotte I need you to..." She notices Harrington,

"Hello." She says politely.

"Good evening." He replies, "You look lovely."

In a royal blue dress with sweetheart neckline, she did look lovely, it isn't figure hugging but pools out at her waist into a long skirt, her hair has been tamed and done up in a sleek bun, not a hair out of place.

"Thank you," Eliza says before turning to Charlotte. "Please, can you tie the ribbon." She turns her to show where the ribbon goes around her waist and then falls away. Charlotte puts the comb into Eliza's bun first, she then ties the ribbon into an elegant bow.

"Put your shoes on it is almost six, people will be arriving soon." Charlotte orders glancing around to check every detail.

"Thomas go start up the music." She ushers her fiance away to the ballroom. Eliza struggles to put her heels on and almost falls but Harrington catches her just in time. Eliza smiles her thanks as she slips the last shoe on.

"Now you too need to stand there and greet the guests as they arrive." Charlotte pushes them into position, "Just make friendly conversations and introductions, nothing too technical."

"Understand?" She looks at the couple who have matching expressions of distaste. "Understand?"

"Yes." They both answer quickly.

"Oh no, where is Benjamin?" Charlotte looks around frantically. "He needs to be here with you."

"Eliza where is he?"

Eliza shrugs, "No idea."

"I cannot do up this damn...." Benjamin enters from the side fiddling with his cufflinks.

"Mr Turner." Charlotte marches over does up the cufflinks and takes grasp of his hand, "You need to stand next to Eliza and greet guests as this is your house and you are the host." She places his next to his niece and steps back to look at them all.

"Jasper, smile more." She says, "Eliza don't be sarcastic and Benjamin be yourself."

The grandfather clock chimes the hour just as the front door is knocked.

"Everyone calm?" Charlotte asks excitedly, "This is going to be successful, just remain calm and collected, I will be with Thomas if you need me."

Charlotte nods to the footman to open the door and begin the tidal wave of guests. Eliza winces as people flood into the hall.

"Here comes the hurricane."