Unfortunately, when Eliza enters the dining room with Lady Trinity, Mrs Hill and Mrs King the first thing they notice is Mirabelle sitting very smugly next to Jasper with a young handsome gentleman on her other side. He does look appealing however his eyes are unnerving as they take in everything they see including Eliza. All the gentleman stand as they enter, Mr King walks over to his wife and escorts her to a seat next to him, two other men followed by Jasper do the same with Lady Trinity and Mrs Hill leaving four unaccompanied men standing respectfully. Jasper takes Eliza's hand and walks her around to the head of the table, his thumb runs over her wedding ring spreading warmth up her hand.

"Are you alright?" He whispers in her ear as she sits down with him to the left. She nods at him once with a small smile, Mirabelle watches her with a scowl though her face falls neutral as she catches Eliza's eye. Once everyone has taken their seat Jasper stands up with a wine glass from in front of his place.

"I would like to thank you all for coming. It is wonderful to see you all again." He raises his glass at everyone seated, "I hope you have a good evening and that we make this gathering a regular occurrence"

They clap as he sits down. The butlers walk in with silver dishes, they place them in front of each guest, they are lifted to reveal the starter. Everyone picks up their cutlery and begin to eat the food.

"So Jasper, how long are you planning on staying?" One of the single men asks.

"I am having the house down in Chester remodelled, once it is finished we will be returning," Jasper replies.

"Oh we do love London, don't we hun?" Mirabelle remarks to her companion. All eyes fall on him.

"Yes." He states bluntly, he takes a sip of wine. Not pleased with his answer she turns to Jasper and bats her eyelids.

"You must show me around London this summer."

Jasper pauses, fork halfway to his mouth, he looks at her openly eager face, "I am sure Eliza would love to have you visit."

Eliza chokes on her lamb but quickly clears her throat. "Indeed, you may even find a new husband, I am sure the ton will love to have a fresh unmatched face."

Mrs King and Lady Trinity both let out a snort quiet enough for only Eliza to hear.

"How delightful," Mirabelle says through gritted teeth. Eliza smiles at her. Mr King turns the conversation to business and Eliza swims in and out of listening to what they say.

"I must say my profits are skyrocketing this year." Mr Hill boasts knocking back more wine. "It's a good year."

"I agree." Mr King nods. "I am hoping to invest more this year."

"My father's company always has a good year." Mirabelle's companion says boastfully, "A constant line of success."

"Oh yes." Mirabelle jumps on his statement. "Oliver is quickly becoming one of the most powerful men in London, Freighton Company is a critical part of England's financial business."

"I have heard that your father has great influence with the French Royal family." Lord Percy, Lady Trinity's husband says, Oliver glares at him momentarily but his face returns to its unpleasant leer.

"I am to take over the company so it will become my greatness soon." He says, casting smug looks around at his audience.

Mirabelle hits his arm teasingly, "What is it you always say?"

Oliver puffs his chest out impressively, "Some are born great, other's achieve greatness." He smirks at the table. "I happen to think I fall into both."

"Shakespeare," Eliza says looking up from her plate. Everyone looks to her at her confident voice.

"What?" Oliver sneers at her.

"That quote is from Shakespeare."

"No, it is isn't," He says dismissing the claim with a wave of his hand.

"Yes, it is." She insists, "From Twelfth Night."

No one says anything so she continues.

""Be not afraid of greatness, some are born great, other's achieve greatness and other's have greatness thrust upon them." Twelfth night."

"That does ring a bell." Mr King comes to her rescue, "It would appear your saying has already been said." He says to Oliver chuckling. Oliver twists his face into a fake smile.

"Indeed, your literary knowledge is astounding for someone of your standing." He says slowly, the emphasis in not lost on anyone.

"I don't believe anyone can be above learning Shakespeare," Eliza retorts holding up her glass, "He is, after all, a genius."

Oliver and Mirabelle wear identical angry expressions but Eliza pays them no heed and asks Mr Hill about his new company. The remaining meals follow without much interruption and they swiftly move into the drawing room. The men light cigars and drink whiskey as they talk, the women sip tea and chat. Eliza feels tired and she watches the fire crackle and burns in the grate as Mirabelle talks about her plans for the new season.

"And I simply must have a new wardrobe." She says, "It would be a travesty to appear in old gowns."

"Indeed." Mrs Hill comments dryly.

"Speaking of dresses," Lady Trinity says cutting off Mirabelle, "Duchess Harrington I love your gown."

Eliza jerks from her thoughts realizing she is speaking to her. "Thank you, I bought it from Madame Olive's in London."

There is a collectable gasp from all the ladies apart from Mirabelle who turns her nose up.

"Oh, she does make the most delectable gowns." Mrs Hill says dreamily.

"I find nothing special in her work," Mirabelle says snobbily. They ignore her comment.

"Madame Olive was kind enough to make my wedding dress for me as well," Eliza says. The women gush at that.

"And you looked beautiful in it," Jasper says appearing suddenly, "My beautiful queen."

She smiles at him and the ladies fall over his words.

"We are going to discuss plans in my study now." He tells her. Everyone freezes as they hear a frantic knocking on the front door. Jasper looks down at Eliza who looks equally confused. There are some scuffling sounds and the sound of the door opening, some inaudible conversation, the door shutting and then a butler enters the room. He marches right up to Jasper.

"Duke Harrington," He bows, "An urgent express mail for you." He says holding out a letter, Jasper takes it and dismisses the servant. All eyes are on Jasper as he opens the envelope and begins to read it quickly. His face drops into a dark look almost instantly. His expression becomes more frightening as he reads, his eyebrows draw together and his mouth turns into a thin angry line. He finishes the letter looks up at the silent room.

"I apologize but the dinner must end now, please go home." His voice is emotionless and empty. Everyone looks at each other in surprise, unsure what to do.

"Now." He growls, "It is a family emergency and I ask you to promptly leave my house."

"Of course." Lord Percy takes action and ushers, everyone, to stand and move towards the door.

They bid goodnight to Jasper and Eliza before leaving the room. Mirabelle is the last to leave, she strokes Jasper's arm before leaving. The door shuts on her and the couple is alone. Eliza stands and tries to take his hand but he pulls away.

"What has happened?" She asks concerned.

"Study, now." He orders and she bristles under his coarse tone but she follows him to his study. She steps inside and he slams the door behind her.

"Sit." He orders taking the seat behind the desk. Eliza perches on the edge of the armchair opposite and crosses her arms, annoyed at the way he is treating her.

"What on earth has happened?" She demands. Jasper slides the letter across the polished desk, he doesn't say anything so she picks it up and begins to read.

I am sorry to report that your best friend James Eaton, Duke of Devonshire has eloped with your wife's maid. By the time you read this they will already be married, they left in the night with plans to marry in Oxford, I believe they succeeded. There is hope however that without a credible witness the marriage can be disputed and James brought back to his senses.

"Jasper...." Eliza trails off, her heart thumping wildly.

"Don't."