Lucy consoled herself that this person wouldn’t be following her around for too long; when she was married she could dispense with his services. Sir Geoffrey early dispelled this view. “I’ll have to get him a proper livery. I would like him to continue with you when we’re married.” “But he’s so large, so –so conspicuous.” she protested. “All the better to protect you, my dear.” They were in the Park again, but this time in St. James’ Park, on foot. Lucy felt she would enjoy her stroll so much more without the man-mountain behind them, but she understood the necessity of his presence. In any case, she could do very little about it. “I won’t need protecting when we’re married,” she reminded him. “Lord Royston will have no reason to persecute me then.” “There will be others. There always will be, for one as lovely as you. I cannot have you bothered by too many admirers once you’re mine, can I?” She smiled, warmed by his consideration, but something niggled at the back of her mind, something easily squashed at this point in their relationship.
