Antony's work stalled for a fortnight. Robert's men tailed him everywhere. Antony decided to lay low till the suspicions eased. He planned to portray himself as a social climber. He created the perfect alibi, by flattering an old lady to take him as a partner to Wellington ball.

Frances smiled like a child as they moved to the Scottish reel. Antony wondered for the hundredth time why he couldn't fall in love with someone as simple as her.

Frances was innocent and lively; came from a humble background. She would be an ideal wife for him. Being exceptionally beautiful was a bonus. Try as he might, he couldn't make him fall in love with her. He stared at her happily flushed face and felt nothing.

He spotted Marcus entering the ball, some devil in him made him introduce Frances to Marcus. He smiled inwardly as he eagerly waited to watch how Marcus would handle Miss. Hill.

As Antony neared the lemonade stand, he spotted Matilda talking with the other ladies. He didn't approach her. Dancing with her just once has made him pine for her with greater intensity.

"Is Mr. Long courting Lady Cassandra now?" someone asked.

"Yes," answered Tily nonchalantly.

"I thought he fancied you, Lady Matilda," said the other.

"No, you are mistaken. We are business partners who happen to be friends."

"Let us face it, Lady Matilda is not marriage material. Mr. Long must think so too."

"Yes! What gentleman would want a lady who works like a common maid? No offence, Lady Matilda," said another in a voice that was nothing but offensive.

"None taken," waived Matilda. But Antony noticed the hurt in her eyes.

"A Lady should please her man. Which man would want a woman who doesn't behave like one? Her best chance is some guy who would marry her only for all that money," came another voice which was intentionally louder for a whisper.

Antony wanted to wring everyone by their necks. He wanted to prove they were wrong. He wanted to offer her a dance and extricate her from there, but he would just prove the ladies right. Given Antony's financial status, he would be the 'needy man' who courts Matilda for her money. No, she didn't need someone poor like him. He marched straight to Marcus, who was standing on a balcony laughing alone like a maniac for reasons best known to him.

"Do me a favour," said Antony without preamble.

"Yes."

"Go and offer Lady Matilda a dance."

"I don't dally with my friend's women, you know that Antony," said Marcus smiling cheekily.

"Do not even think of humour now. I might break your leg to make my point."

"Is it one amongst your failing attempts to court her? I tell you it won't work. Women's minds work strangely but not that much. Just go and talk to her. You have been yearning her like a lovesick puppy for the last five years. If it were me, I would have already..."

Antony cut him short with an angry reply, "Shut up and just do what I said."

"Fine, I am going."

Antony watched as Marcus and Matilda danced, and smirked in satisfaction as the ladies scowled in jealousy. Soon the reality sunk in, what she needed was not him. He could never be her husband, he must content himself with just watching her from afar.

"You look lovely, Lady Matilda. Can I have this dance with you?" Marcus asked bowing to Matilda. The ladies around her who batted their eyes seductively did not earn his attention.

"Of course," said Matilda without a smile.

As they danced, Marcus noticed her glancing at Antony. Marcus smiled with satisfaction as he asked, "What quality are you looking for in a man you wish to marry?"

"Someone brave and doesn't run off to his friend to mind his business."

Marcus winced. What has Antony gotten himself into! They haven't even started speaking, but they are fighting already!

"Lady Matilda," Marcus started without knowing what to say but she cut him off.

"We both know you don't want to dance with me. And trust me, rakes like you don't appeal to me. Just tell your friend I don't need his pity." Marcus got the impression that when she mentioned rakes she was not talking about him alone.

"I am sorry, I am not telling Antony anything. I know you are brave enough to mind your own business. I see no need to continue this dance, as you have your business to take care of."

He held her hand and led her to the balcony. Marcus knew the only way those two adamant people would admit their feelings for each other would be when they talk.

"Marcus," Antony said curtly.

"I will leave you two alone, I have business elsewhere." Marcus couldn't leave without emphasizing 'business'.

"I don't need your pity."

"I don't pity..." Antony started.

But Matilda hurriedly said, "Mind your own business, I am not some damsel in distress. I don't need you running off to your friend to rescue me. I can take care of myself."

"Lady Matilda, I don't pity you. I just wanted to teach them a lesson."

"You insulted me. If you wanted to do something, have the courtesy to do it yourself."

Matilda expected Antony to retaliate and deny he ever did such a thing. His response rather stunned her.

"I am sorry, I was not thinking properly. I should have minded my own business." He turned and left her alone on the balcony.

Matilda's heart sank in regret for loving a man who doesn't fight for her. Hoping Antony would come to his senses she has kept her patience for almost five years. She now realised her foolishness for believing in the impossible.

Not long after, news spread that the social climber was now courting Miss. Frances Hill- the most gullible girl in Liverpool. He had attended a musical with her and of course, in the inevitable company of Lord Marcus Paulen.