This is in response to Livia's challenge at MGSG. Gio as a 19th Century gentleman.

'Dearest Sophia, you must know how important tonight is! Mr Devonshire is hosting this ball and it's the perfect opportunity to win his heart. Dear girl, he earns £10,000 per year. That's just a great deal of money, enough for you to live comfortably and…'

Sophia gave a sideway, pleading glance to her sister Rose, and blocked the sound of her mother's voice out of her head. Martha Bridges possessed the belief that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife. So strong was this belief, that she had spent most of her time trying to match her daughters Sophia, Charlotte and Rose with any eligible and wealthy man within the Chatsworth Estate. Charlotte had been married for two years now and lived in Pembrokeshire. Her presence at Chatsworth Lodge was sorely missed by both remaining sisters. And tonight was Sophia's night. For the past month, she had become acquainted with Mr Robert Devonshire, a highly respectable gentleman of the Gentry who shared a mutual appreciation of the arts. There was no denying that she really did enjoy his company, but she wasn't sure if she did or could love him so much as to want to be his wife. Her insufferable mother however had decided she was to become Lady Sophia Devonshire and that was the end of the matter, because everyone knew that time was running out. She was nearly twenty-five years old, another couple of marriage-less years and she would be a burden to her father and a spinster in the eyes of society.

As the carriage arrived at Chatsworth Manor, Sophia gasped at the grandeur of the building, lit up with what seemed like millions of lanterns. It really was beautiful. She took Rose's hand and they excitedly began the assent to the House. Balls were always an exciting event on the social calendar, it gave the sisters an opportunity to meet with friends and perhaps meet some new people. There was also the music and the dancing to be had. Oh yes, the dancing!

The room was bustling, the mellow and romantic strings of the orchestra enchanted the space, and a line of dancers had already begun the proceedings. Sophia and Rose took a glass of wine and waited for her mother and father to join them.

'Miss Bridges' Mr Devonshire bowed before Sophia 'How wonderful to see you' His eyes never left hers, his smile wide.

'Miss Rose, I hope the ball is to your liking tonight' He bowed politely to the other sister.

'Miss Bridges, I have been reading a rather interesting book about the great artist Sir Joshua Reynolds, it is most fascinating, and his work is just sublime.' She was just about to reply, when Mrs Bridges arrived at her side.

'Mr Devonshire! How lovely to see you. Isn't my Sophia looking radiant tonight? The ball I expect will be the best that Chatsworth has ever seen!' Sophia blushed and moved her eyes about the splendid room, she was met with a scene of people talking and dancing and being merry. And that was when she saw him. Her eyes were drawn instantly towards him, the lighting of the room bathed him in a golden ray, as if he was an angel. He was the most beautiful man in the room. It was all that she could do to stop herself from gasping right there in front of Devonshire and her family. Her face felt warm and she was sure she was blushing yet she could not tear her eyes away from him. She continued to drink in the sight of him, his warm olive skin, his long dark hair, which swept across his features with every movement he took, every laugh he gave. Just as she was devouring the sight of his magnificent form and his strong arms, wrapped in breaches and a blue tail coat, his head lifted and he looked straight at her. From across the room his warm, sparkling, brown eyes bore into hers, taking her captive for what seemed like an eternity. She was sure she saw him smile, as he turned away and continued with his conversation.

She was flustered, and felt slightly ashamed that she had been caught staring at this perfect Adonis. 'Ex…Excuse me' She gave a bow and turned, walking intently towards the door. She needed fresh air fast!

'Sophia! Are you alright love?' She heard her mother call.

'Yes Ma'ma. Its just a little hot in here.' And with that she stepped out into the cold night air.