“Georgiana.” He spoke softly, stepping closer.
They stood inches apart, looking into each other’s eyes. Despite everything that had gone unsaid, despite the barriers he’d erected between them, she could see the longing in his gaze.
“You are everything a man could want. I do hope you know that to be true.” James reached up, brushing his thumb against her bottom lip as he’d done before, and it had the same effect. Stars burst in her stomach and sent sparks through her entire body.
The sensation faded as that familiar barrier in his eyes slammed back into place.
“Goodnight, Georgiana.”
Georgiana. Not Georgie.
She hurried toward her room, heart pounding against her ribs,trying not to cry and praying no one had seen them in such an intimate exchange.
*
When she returnedto her room, she discovered her sister had not yet retired either.
Cecily sat cross-legged on her bed, her copper hair loose around her shoulders, brushing out the last tangles of the day. A small candle burned on the bedside table, casting flickering golden light that made everything feel softer, younger—like they were girls again, whispering secrets in the dark.
“I thought you were asleep,” Georgiana said.
“I was trying, but I can’t seem to relax. I’m terrified of what is to come,” Cecily said.
“What in particular frightens you?”
“Of London. Of everything. What if I fail? What if no one wants to dance with me at the balls? What if everyone notices this terrible hair?” Cecily pulled on a stray curl.
Georgiana crossed the room and perched beside her sister. “You will not fail. And your hair is lovely because it’s unusual. Thanks to James, I mean, Lord Ashford, you’ll have a dowry. I wouldn’t be surprised if you’re engaged by the time the Season ends.”
“Oh, how I hope you’re correct. But I’m not clever like you. I’m shy when I first meet people and can never think of anything witty to say.”
Georgiana took her sister’s hand gently. “You must simply be yourself. Don’t try too hard to be what you think the world wants. Because, honestly, they’ll be fools not to see your worth. You’re kind, and clever, and open-hearted. You have something most people don’t—genuine goodness. You don’t need to pretend to be anyone else but you.”
“But I’ll be alone without you.” Cecily’s voice cracked. “You’ve always been the brave one. The steady one. What if I can’t manage on my own?”
“You won’t be alone,” Georgiana said. “I’ll be right there, every step of the way.”
Cecily blinked fast, trying not to cry. “Do you think Mother will behave herself?”
Georgiana laughed under her breath. “That is an entirely different question.”
Just then, as if summoned by the mention of her name, the door opened and Lavinia stepped inside, her wrapper tied hastily and her eyes bright with barely contained excitement.
“My dear girl.” Lavinia closed the door behind her with exaggerated care. “I do hope you won’t think me terribly improper, but I couldn’t help but notice… that is to say, when I went down for a bit of sherry just now…”
Georgiana felt the blood drain from her face. “What are you talking about, Mother?”
“I saw you with Lord Ashford in the corridor.” Lavinia’s voice carried that particular tone of triumph she got when she’d discovered a particularly choice bit of gossip. “In your dressing gown, no less. The way he looked at you, the way he touched your face.” She pressed a hand to her chest. “Oh, my dear, I do believe his intentions are becoming quite clear.”
Each word felt like a stone dropped onto Georgiana’s chest. She watched her mother’s face, flushed with satisfaction, and felt a deep shame. The moment had been private, precious—not meant for anyone else’s eyes.
Cecily made a small sound of distress. “Mama, perhaps you shouldn’t—”
“What were you doing lurking about the corridors anyway?” Georgiana asked, her voice sharper than intended.
“I told you, I was seeking a glass of sherry to help me sleep.” Lavinia settled herself on the edge of Cecily’s bed uninvited. “And I couldn’t help but observe that his lordship seems quite attached to you. The way a gentleman becomes when his feelings are engaged.”
“Mother, listen to me carefully.” Georgiana spoke with as much sternness as she could muster, given the nervous thumping of her heart. “You are not to say a word about any of this to anyone. Do you understand? Not to Lord Ashford, not to the staff, not to anyone we meet in London.”
