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when faced with an obstinate son. I will make him feel guilty.”

Chapter Three
    The next day
    L ucy donned her bonnet and set out for the Mayfair address. She dreaded the scene that would arise when she confronted Buckley after the dance lesson today, but once it ended, she would never have to see him again. She made her way to the elegant town house in Grosvenor Square and knocked at the servant’s door. A squat housekeeper admitted her and took her cloak. “Follow me upstairs,” the housekeeper said. “They’re waitin’ in the first-floor drawing room.”
    When Lucy entered, Buckley narrowed his bloodshot eyes. He’d probably drunk himself into a stupor the previous night. It reminded her too much of her late father’s nasty temper when he’d started drinking heavily after her mother’s death.
    “You are late, Lucy,” he said. “It is disrespectful to Mrs. Vernon.”
    She ground her teeth. Oh, how she despised him for his unfair criticism, but she must control her reactions in front of Mrs. Vernon.
    The clock struck the hour, proving she had actually arrived a bit early.
    The two young misses covered their mouths and giggled.
    “Girls, mind your manners,” Mrs. Vernon said.
    “Yes, Mama,” they said in unison.
    Lucy stood still, waiting for Buckley’s instruction.
    He cleared his throat. “Mrs. Vernon, with your permission, my assistant will show the fleuret steps to Miss Marie Vernon and Miss Anne Vernon.”
    Mrs. Vernon took a seat and sipped her tea. “Very well. My daughters are not acquainted with the steps. They need basic instruction.”
    Buckley snapped his fingers. “Lucy, will you demonstrate?”
    She inclined her head. “Of course.”
    Naturally he ignored the young ladies and hovered near Mrs. Vernon, no doubt trying to curry favor with the lady, who paid him scarce attention. Lucy wasn’t surprised. Buckley seldom exerted himself. After today, he would have no choice, unless he found a new assistant.
    Lucy faced the young ladies. “The steps of the fleuret are in three/four time.” She demonstrated slowly, saying, “Step, step, step, plié.” She paused and said, “Now perform the steps with me.”
    Both girls made the mistake of taking a fourth step.
    Lucy leaned down and smiled. “One thing you must remember is that it takes everyone a bit of time to learn a new dance. When I was a girl, I practiced a great deal. So please do not become discouraged. The more you practice, the easier it will become,” she said.
    The relief on the girls’ faces told her that she’d succeeded in making them feel that there was no shame in making mistakes.
    “Let us try it very slowly,” Lucy said. “Watch and perform with me.”
    The girls practiced three times slowly, though they had a bit of trouble with the plié.
    “Very good,” Lucy said. “Now we will dance the steps at the correct tempo.”
    The girls floundered at the quicker pace the first time, but they improved quickly.
    She worked with the young ladies for another half hour and praised them for their efforts. She leaned down to be closer to their level. “Continued practice will serve you well,” Lucy said. “Again, the most important thing is not to become discouraged. I have confidence in both of you.”
    “Thank you, Miss Longmore,” the girls said in unison.
    Lucy glanced over at Buckley for further instruction.
    When he leaned closer to Mrs. Vernon, Lucy winced because she’d smelled the spirits on his breath earlier. Mrs. Vernon’s expression registered repugnance, and she stood abruptly. Naturally, Buckley rose as well. “Is anything amiss, Mrs. Vernon?” he asked.
    “Pardon me.” She marched over to her daughters. “Anne, Marie, please return to your rooms immediately,” Mrs. Vernon said, her voice shaking.
    “Yes, Mama,” they said, and quit the room.
    Lucy’s heart thudded. She was certain Mrs. Vernon would dismiss them both without pay.
    Mrs. Vernon returned her attention to Buckley. “Sir, you are