Thank you to Kisses on the Steps for being my Beta on this story. I just updated this to clarify some plot points.
Sir Percival Blakeney, Baronet, stood on the deck of his yacht, The Day Dream, his eyes focused on the approaching hills of Calais. He certainly cut a very dashing figure in his immaculately tailored dove grey suit and cloak. Just north of 30 years of age, he was an example of an English Gentleman in his prime. Tall and slender, yet radiating vigor and strength, which was occasionally belied by a bland expression that he wore as if it was a mask. Pale blond hair, usually coiffed, but now torn loose by the wind and clear blue eyes completed the picture. He was looking at the hills as if he could make The Day Dream cover the distance between Calais and Dover faster by sheer force of will.
"How long has it been," Sir Anthony Dewhurst asked as he came to stand by his chief. He was younger - not yet 25, with brown hair that he did not bother to powder and warm brown eyes that seemed to dance with humor. He was slightly shorter than Percy (most men were), but appeared to be equally strong from a lifetime of riding and fencing. In the privacy of The Day Dream, both men dropped the foppish drawl and expression that seemed to be de rigueur for English gentlemen in the polite circles of society.
"Too long. It has been much too long, Tony," Percy sighed. "Six months last fortnight. The last time I saw her was when we celebrated Christmas together. I miss her terribly and the house is not the same without her. I think it's time to bring her home. It is just getting too dangerous for her in France."
Percy switched his focus to his friend. "And you, Tony, you have not seen her in three years?" Tony just nodded. Percy smiled. "She has changed quite a bit." Percy clapped Tony on his shoulder. "Cheer up my friend, I am sure she will be as happy to see you as you are to see her."
"I hope so," said Tony. Three years was a long time, would she be happy to see him again? Did she even remember him and if she did, would she feel the same way after all this time?
Both men were lost in their own thoughts as they continued to stare at the shore line of Calais as it crept ever closer.
As soon as the yacht docked and while Tony remained aboard The Day Dream to finish some tasks, Percy headed to the large sprawling manor house covered in vines and surrounded by gardens. The uniformed footman let Percy in on the second knock. He took Percy's cloak, walking stick and hat and indicated that he should wait in the Salon.
Percy however, walked through the house to the ballroom from whence were issuing sounds of steel on steel. Two people were fencing the instructor calling instructions and the youth responding. Percy carefully and quietly stood at the back of the room to watch without disturbing the lesson. The pupil struck out and the instructor caught the foil. He twisted his hand and the foil missed him while creating an opening that he exploited to touch his opponent. "Deux a deux," the instructor called out, "very good Ma Petite." Somebody with very good hearing may have heard the student mumble quietly, "Bloody hell," as the pair saluted and started again. This time, the instructor struck first, but the student was able to dance aside with the agility of youth. As he turned, he swiped the blade beneath that of the instructor knocking it completely out of the instructor's hands. Thus disarmed, the instructor had no defense as the pupil reached with the foil and scored a touch upon the instructor's breast. "Trois", the instructor called out, "Very good, ma cherie."
Percy, too, applauded the performance. "Lud. Madam," he stated in his affected drawl, "soon you will be a better fencer than I."
At the sound of Percy's voice, the youth flung around and tore the mask off. A tumble of pale blond curls fell around her shoulders as Lady Elizabeth Blakeney, threw herself into her brother's arms with a squeal of pure joy.
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