Prologue ... Brighton 1814

Lady Laura stretched her arms above her head and extended the morning yawn down to the tips of her toes. She slowly opened her eyes and looked at the small clock on the mantle above the now unlit fireplace. At night the fire was always lit to keep out the chill, to keep her comfortable. Now, she remembered her plans for the day and commenced to get out of the bed. She washed her hands and face, brushed her teeth and rang the bell-pull for her maid.