We find Chauncy DeFord seeking out his favorite spot in the palace gardens: a bench surrounded by rose bushes, only to be confronted with the belle of the court, Elizabeth Brighton, who also happens to be the only girl who has ever captured his attention. They converse briefly and share the following moment.
"A rose made its way toward her face and she looked up to see that it was held in Lord DeFord’s hand. He was offering it to her. She knew she should not accept even so small a gift from a man she did not know, but his eyes entreated her. Her hand lifted, seemingly of its own accord and she grasped the stem, careful not to touch his fingers. A faint blush stained her cheeks but her eyes did not leave his as she murmured her thanks.
Chauncy stepped back, just looking at her."