Chance Encounters

At a time when arranged marriages were not as common as they used to be, two families who'd been friends since childhood had secured a union between their children.

Lady Elinor Bradford grew up knowing and preparing for the future which had been determined for her. She knew the family from when she was quite young, but they enjoyed travelling the Continent and she had not seen them for a long time. Nor had she the privilege to meet their son - her intended - as he'd been away at school when they used to come visiting.

During a family visit to a seaside resort, a chance meeting with a man sets her heart all aflutter, and she has to choose whether to allow herself to give in to the moment or choose the path which propriety dictates of her, and prevent the ruination of her family, which she ultimately does.

Years later, their paths once again cross at a ball. Who is this man and why is he here on the night she's meant to finally meet her future husband?