Shaw shook his head. “He’s a Sphinx to everyone, as far as I know. I do think he smiled when I almost impaled you, if that helps.”
“That’s something, I suppose.”
Concerned as he was about the middle Carroway brother’s continuing reticence, the presence of Georgiana Halley in his house was nearly as troubling. Something was going on, and he had the distinct feeling that the sooner he discovered what it was, the better it would be for him.
At the moment, though, he needed to go purchase a pony for his youngest brother, with money he didn’t have to spare. But if his family had one proud tradition, it was their skill with horses, and he’d already put the Runt off longer than he wanted.
“So who’s with the aunties?” Shaw asked again.
He stifled a sigh. They would all find out, anyway. “Georgiana Halley.”
“Geor…Oh. Why?”
“I have no idea. But if she intends on burning the house to the ground, I’d rather be elsewhere.” An exaggeration, but the less discussion concerning Georgiana and himself, the better.
Though she had long made a point of staying as far away from most of the Carroways as she could manage, Georgiana had always had a liking for Milly and Edwina. “So, with Greydon married,” she explained, “my aunt has no real need for a companion. She and her daughter-in-law Emma are getting on splendidly, and I don’t want to be in the way.”
“You don’t mean to return to Shropshire, though, do you, dear? Not during the Season.”
“Oh, no. My parents still have three other daughters waiting for their debuts. They hardly want me dragging back there to set a poor example. Even Helen is one female too many, and she’s married.”
Edwina patted her arm. “You are not a poor example, Georgiana. Milly and I never married, and we have never suffered from the lack of a husband.”
“Not that we ever lacked beaux, of course,” Milly broke in. “Just never found the right ones. I don’t miss marriage one bit. Though I admit that with this bad foot, I do miss dancing.”
“That’s why I’m here, really.” Georgiana sat forward, taking a deep breath. This was it; the first move on the chessboard to begin the game. “I thought you might like having someone here to help you get about, and I would like to feel at least a little useful, so I—”
“Oh, yes!” Edwina interrupted. “Another female in the house would be splendid! With all the Carroway boys in London until Midsummer’s Eve, believe you me, it would be a relief to have someone civilized to chat with.”
Georgiana smiled, taking Milly’s hand. “So, Milly, what do you say?”
“I’m sure you have better things to do than follow an old, gouty spinster about.”
“Nonsense. I would make it my task to see you dancing again,” Georgiana answered firmly. “And it would be my pleasure.”
“Oh, say yes, Milly. We’ll have such fun!”
Milly Carroway smiled, color touching her pale cheeks. “Then I say yes.”
Georgiana clapped her hands together, hiding her relief in enthusiasm. “Splendid!”
Edwina stood. “I’ll have Dawkins prepare a room for you. I’m afraid with all the brothers in town, the west rooms are occupied. Do you mind the morning sun?”
“Not at all. I rise early.” Not that she would do much sleeping, knowing that devil Tristan Carroway was under the same roof. She was insane, to do this. Yet if she didn’t do this, who would?
While her sister bustled from the room, Milly remained in her well-cushioned chair amidst an imposing pile of overstuffed pillows, one foot bandaged and resting on an equally well padded stool. “I’m so pleased you’re coming to stay with us,” she said, sipping her tea. Dark eyes regarded Georgiana over the porcelain rim. “But I was under the distinct impression that you and Tristan didn’t get on well. Are you certain you wish to do this?”
“Your nephew and I have had our differences, yes,” Georgiana admitted, choosing her words with great care. Dare would no doubt be after his aunts for information about her visit later, and she needed to begin spinning the threads of her trap. “That is no reason, though, for me to avoid spending time with you and Edwina.”
“If you’re certain then, my dear.”
“Yes, I’m certain. You’ve given me a purpose again. I hate feeling useless.”
“Do I need to write your aunt to ask her permission for your change of address?”
Georgiana drew a quick breath. “Oh, of course not. I am four-and-twenty, Milly. And she’ll be pleased to know I’ll be here with you and Edwina.” With a last smile, she stood. “In fact, I need to tell her, and to take care of a few things this morning. Do you wish me here this evening?”
Milly chuckled. “I still wonder if you have any idea what you’re getting yourself into, but yes, this evening will be lovely. I’ll inform Mrs. Goodwin to lay another place at table.”
