Richard was trying to relax after another long day at work. He'd had an indulgent class of brandy and had been enjoying a book by the fireplace in his den when his butler came to inform him that he had a lady caller that seemed to be in a bad way. Hopefully the poor woman wouldn't be accosted by one of his parents before he could see what it was all about. The last thing he needed was his mother making assumptions. Thankfully, he could see his parents quite engaged in a game of chess in one of the family rooms.

His mothers laughter towards one of his fathers bantering words followed him down the steps as he made his way towards the parlor. "Miss Lacey?" He asked in confusion, personally not thinking themselves as quite acquainted enough to warrant an unannounced drop in. Not that he wasn't pleased to see her but it wasn't quite proper for her to have done so.

Upon closer look, however, he could see why she might have done so. "My dear Miss Lacey, who has done this to you?" He asked in concern as he noted the blackening eye that clearly indicated that someone had struck her in the face.