The sound of another carriage door closing drew her attention.
A gentleman in a dark green riding coat was making his way towards them, his expression brightening when he saw Francesca.
"Miss Anderson." Lord Adrian bowed.
"Lord Adrian," Francesca replied.
For the first time that morning, some of the tension left her face. It was not quite a smile, but there was a softness in her expression that Penelope had not seen since they left home.
"I hope your journey wasn't stressful?" he asked, regarding her with the courteous charm of a gentleman.
"No, it wasn't," She said, returning the gesture. "How about you?"
"Likewise," he responded.
Penelope watched them for a moment, relieved to see her sister speaking so easily with someone.
Whatever passed between them at the Norwood ball—despite the little time—Adrian seemed to bring out a lighter side of Francesca, one that had been absent from their carriage. Unlike Lord Damon Riorson, she suspected she enjoyed his company.
