The reminder brought her back to earth with jarring force. “Don’t remind me. I’m still hoping she’ll change her mind.”
“From what you and Cecily have told me about her, that seems unlikely.” His tone was polite now, distant.
“She’ll take one look at this place and have opinions about everything. And she’ll interrogate you mercilessly about your intentions regarding her daughters.”
“I think I can handle one determined mother.” But there was no warmth in his voice now.
Georgiana stood and smoothed her skirt, feeling the chasm that had opened between them. “Thank you for the brandy.”
He nodded but didn’t move closer as he usually did. “Good night, Georgiana.”
“Good night.”
As she made her way down the stairs to the room she shared with her sister, she felt the weight of what her secrecy was costing her. James’s protection, his growing affection—all of it threatened by her inability to trust him with the truth about Julian. But how could she tell him? How could she risk losing what little respect he had for her?
The brandy had warmed her body, but her heart felt colder than ever.
Chapter Seven
James
Before James knewit, the first crocuses pushed through the cold dirt, bringing hints of spring, despite the bitter winds of late February. The workers, directed by Ben and Georgiana, had done splendidly. Last night before they retired, Georgiana had asked him not to look at the drawing room until she had everything ready. Now, standing outside the closed doors, he felt like a child on Christmas morning. Her careful and thoughtful work on his home touched his heart in ways that surprised him—a mixture of gratitude and admiration, along with the unfamiliar feeling of being part of a team.
They crossed the grand foyer together, Georgiana’s excitement palpable beside him.
“Are you ready?” she asked.
“Show me.”
With dramatic flair, she pushed open the doors to the drawing room.
He stepped inside and stopped abruptly. “Oh, Georgie. It’s perfection.”
“Is it how you remember?”
“It’s better. You kept the essence of the past while updating it beautifully.”
“Do you love it? Truly?” She bounced on her toes, looking absolutely adorable.
“I love it.” He stepped farther into the room, turning slowly to take everything in.
Although it was nearing the end of January, they were experiencing a rare sunny day. Sunlight spilled through polished windows, illuminating pale blue walls adorned with gilded frames containing landscapes and classical scenes. A magnificent crystal chandelier hung from the ornately decorated ceiling, where pale blue paint showcased intricate white scrollwork and gold leaf detailing. The elaborate crown molding featured coral and gold patterns that created a harmonious frame for the entire room.
“We were able to preserve the original crown molding despite the water damage near the eastern corner.” Georgiana moved beside him, speaking in her quiet, sure tone. “The plasterwork above the windows required complete reconstruction, but I followed the pattern from the surviving panel.”
“Glorious,” he murmured.
His gaze drifted to the elegant furnishings. The round mahogany table with its polished surface reflected the light, surrounded by delicate chairs upholstered in the same pale blue as the walls, their wooden frames highlighted with gold gilt. Against one wall stood a settee with cream fabric and ornately carved gold trim, flanked by matching side tables. A terracotta carpet with hexagonal medallion patterns in soft cream covered the floor, its colors warming the cool elegance of the room.
Snowdrops drooped gracefully over the sides of a crystal vase on the center table, their subtle fragrance mingling with the scent of beeswax polish.
“The blue and cream are soothing, don’t you think?” Georgiana asked.
“I agree.”
He turned slowly, absorbing more of the space. The settee was positioned perfectly for afternoon conversation. The paintings,restored to their former glory and depicting pastoral scenes and mythological figures, reminded him of happier times. There would be more of them—he felt more certain of that with every passing day.
“Are you ready to see your bedchambers?” she asked.
