Katie's eyes closed, letting out a sigh as Lucy brushed through her long curls.  Lucy was the only one that would be able to calm her nerves.  “Well then you or father can marry Lord Covington.”  The words burst from her lips, quickly followed by a giggle.  But it made her feel better, simply being able to laugh with her dear friend easing her heart.<br/><br/>At the whisper, Katie's vibrant eyes opened wide.  “Oh Lucy! That is a wonderful idea!  You will be careful, won't you?  Have civil whiskers with his servants, sort out the faradiddles?”  Lucy could do anything, of the two she was always the most clever and strong willed.  Taking her maid's hands, Katie gave a gentle squeeze.  “I would be so very lost without you, my dear sweet Lucy.”<br/><br/>Her eyes searched those of her friend, looking for the promise of caution.  Knowing without a doubt Lucy would find what she sought.  “I must hurry, I do not wish to be late and draw suspicion.”  Her cheeks flushed at the excitement of a grand adventure.  One which she was forced to take a passive role.  “I shall keep them all entertained, I will not fail you Lucy.”  Rising from the dressing table she carefully embraced the other woman, not wanting to wrinkle the fabric of her gown.<br/><br/>Touching the few artfully escaping curls and then the jeweled broach in the turban, Katie smiled.  “I shall see you this eve.  Be wary.”  There was one last squeeze of Lucy's hands before the future Lady Covington hurried from the room.  Nerves over the evening and her maid's planned activities making her steps light and quick.  Her color high and eyes bright.  The Lady Kent was already in the hall, fussing over her own gown, a rich burgundy brocade.<br/><br/>“There you are Katie. Lovely, lovely!  Is that your Grandmother's pin?”  The elder woman touched at the broach, golden filigree accented with a range of jewels to form a peacocks plume.  “I do wish you would wear a necklace.  Your throat is positively bare!”<br/><br/>Katie smiled warmly at her mother, accepting with long practiced grace the criticisms over her choice of adornment.  “I prefer it this way mother.  I find to do otherwise would break up the curve of my neck.”  Not waiting for her mother to respond, Katie headed for the stairs, descending with her head held high.  The Lady Kent followed after, her displeasure at her daughter's behavior increasing.  Since accepting the marriage offer, Katie had found her patience for her mother growing thin.<br/><br/>A soft and confident smile was Katherine's main adornment, one which hid her nerves.<em>Breathe Katie, remember to breathe.</em>Taking in a deep breath at her own reminder, she ceased to feel as lightheaded.  While it was not entirely unacceptable to swoon, she did not wish that to be the first thing Covington would see after so long.  Waiting at the foot of the stairs for her mother's slow descent, she managed to peek through the doorway.  Her heart fluttering at the sight.  Covington was far more handsome than she recalled.  While he'd always been attractive, there was something different, something more appealing.  The country air certainly suited him.<br/><br/>Threading her arm through her mother's the two ladies of Kent entered the main chamber.  Ready to greet The Lady Covington and her son.  It was the first time The Lady Kent spent any amount of time with the young man or his mother.  The social circles of the two families never intertwining.  Were it not for business interests, they would never meet at all.  Not that either woman knew of such activities.<br/><br/>“Lady Covington.  Your home is precious.  Such a charming country estate.  I have found that with The Lord Kent's business affairs it is far too rare that we visit our own.”  That the Kent holdings outside of London proper were in shameful disrepair and barely habitable was never mentioned.  It was a well known secret that polite company never discussed.  The matriarch shared Katie's brilliant eyes and even at the ripe age of forty two was still quite a beauty.<br/><br/>Katie remained silent, allowing her elders to speak.  Her gaze was modest, kept downcast, lest the color rise to her cheeks once more upon looking at her betrothed.  It was not simply the mission which Lucy was going to undertake.  She found the man charming enough to recall their occasional dances.  And as Lucy stated, he was a fine figure of a man.