Richard had a lot on his mind lately with things that both involved work and his personal life. His sisters were increasingly on his case about perhaps beginning to put out feelers for a more suitable bride than 'that Scrimgeour girl'. They didn't seem to have anything against her personally but scandal seemed to follow her everywhere. They just didn't know her like he felt that he did.

As distracted as he was, he wasn't too distracted to notice that a blonde girl just ahead seemed to be in some need of assistance. "Is this man bothering you?" He asked, his eyes on the unscrupulous lad that had been accosting the poor girl. That seemed to be all it took for the man to run off, leaving him in the company of a young lady that seemed vaguely familiar.

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graphics by Lady!