Katherine's smile faltered for a moment as Lady Covington mentioned needing a full time lady's touch.  With the worries and the rumors, she found her thoughts filling with Lucy's mission.  Hoping beyond all hope that her maid and dearest of friends would find nothing untoward.  She quickly recovered, not wanting to show any of her fears.  “I look forward to adding my own touches, though there is little I could do to improve upon your own selections.  I already feel as though I am home.”<br/><br/>Lady Kent's expression lightened at her daughter's response.  Taking pride in the fact that she did not raise a child of ill gratitude and manners.  Other guests arrived and there was socializing to be done.  Allowing the youngsters a moment of reprieve from judging eyes.  Katie's heart fluttered as she found herself being drawn away by her betrothed.  The small crowd of guests ensured respectability, even though her cheeks warmed at the slight touch as she was led.<br/><br/>“That is most kind, Lord Covington.  It would hardly do for the future lady of the house to find herself lost among the rooms.”  Once more there was a shy smile and a hint of mirth.  Her childhood adventures at the Kent estate rising to the forefront of her mind.  Exploring the various rooms and making up stories with Lucy as to what was done in them.  Though in truth it was always the servants area that drew the most interest, having felt more lived in.<br/><br/>His whispered offer for a tour of the gardens truly set her to glowing.  Oh how she loved the gardens of London.  One of the things she felt she would miss most of all.  “It would be a pleasure, sir.  I simply adore gardens.  I can think of none other that I would prefer as a guide, Lord Covington.”  Lucy would accompany then, of course.  The Lady Kent would undoubtedly frown if she knew, but unlike her daughter, she preferred spending her days indoors or among the shops.<br/><br/>They were soon tucked away from the other guests, yet close enough to ensure her reputation.  “Do you find you enjoy the solitude of living in the country?  It will be quite the change from London.  Though I must confess, the constant dances were starting to grow wearying.  Watching the balloons take off in Hyde Park was rather thrilling.  I've dreamed of being so daring as to attempt a turn in the basket.”  The confession brought another blush, her blue eyes meeting Covington's and then skittering away.<br/>