“I do.”
“I know it’s forward of me to ask, but will you dance with me there? The first waltz, perhaps?”
“It would be my pleasure.”
He’d scheduled two hours for their outing, and it seemed like their time must nearly be up. He pulled out his pocket watch and snapped it open. Thirty-five minutes had passed since he’d collected her at her father’s door. Tristan stifled a sigh. He wasn’t certain he could stand another hour and a half. He hoped his family would appreciate it. And he hoped that Georgiana was having an equally dull time somewhere, and that she was wondering what he might be up to.
Chapter 9
The world’s a huge thing; it is a great price
For a small vice
—Othello, Act IV, Scene iii
“I have a question, then.” Lucinda curled up on Georgiana’s bed, her chin propped on her hand. She looked supremely at ease.
Georgiana envied her poise, though she’d never seen Lucinda the least bit out of sorts about anything. It probably came from having a brilliant, highly disciplined general for a father, who after his wife’s death had decided to give his daughter the full benefit of his own education and wealth.
As for herself, every nerve ending felt like it was on fire. Every sound made her jump, and even the softest silk against her skin felt rough and scratchy. Of course, changing into her fifth gown in twenty minutes might have had something to do with that.
“What’s your question?” she asked, turning to see her back in the dressing mirror. The blue was nice, but she’d worn it before. He’d seen her in it before.
“How far are you going to take this, Georgie?”
Another flutter of nervousness ran through her, and she motioned at Mary to unbutton the back of her gown. “Let’s try the new one.”
“The green one, my lady?”
“Yes.”
“But I thought you said that one was too…”
“Immodest. I know. But the rest of them just aren’t…right.”
“Georgie?”
“I heard you, Luce.” She glanced in the mirror at her maid, occupied with unfastening the back of her dress. She trusted Mary, but her reputation was her entire future. “Mary, would you mind seeing if Mrs. Goodwin has any peppermint tea?”
“Of course, my lady.”
As the maid closed the door behind her, Lucinda rose and finished helping Georgiana strip off the gown. “This is serious, isn’t it?”
“If the lesson isn’t learned, all of this will be for nothing. He hurt me, Luce. I won’t let him do that to anyone else.”
“That’s the most you’ve ever said about it,” her friend said, studying her expression. “But teaching him a lesson doesn’t mean you have to risk being hurt again.”
Georgiana forced a laugh. “What makes you think I’m going to be hurt? I’ve learned my lesson where Tristan Carroway is concerned.”
“You just don’t look like someone brimming with anger and determination.”
“What do I look like, then?”
“You look…excited.”
“Excited? Don’t be ridiculous. This is the sixth year I’ve been to the Devonshire ball. The festivities are always splendid fun, and you know I like dancing.”
“Are you riding with the Carroways, or is your aunt sending a coach for you?”
