Lady Alderidge turned to Cecily. “Tell me, child, what makes you suitable for my son?”
Cecily straightened, and something shifted in her bearing. Gone was the nervous girl who’d been surprised by the visit. “I offer myself, Lady Alderidge. My heart, my loyalty, my determination to be worthy of the love I’ve been given. I hope to be judged not by my father’s mistakes but by the life I intend to build with your son—founded on genuine affection and mutual respect.”
Lady Alderidge’s teacup paused halfway to her lips. For a moment, approval flickered in her eyes.
The drawing room door opened and James appeared, as if summoned by the tension. “Lady Alderidge, what an unexpected pleasure. I apologize for not being here to greet you—I was meeting with my solicitor about my upcoming nuptials.”
Moving to stand beside Georgiana’s chair, he placed a gentle, possessive hand on her shoulder.
“Lady Alderidge has expressed concerns about our engagement,” Georgiana said.
“Then let me address them directly.” James’s voice carried quiet conviction. “I love Georgiana. Our engagement is not a stratagem but the culmination of months of growing affection. And if you have concerns about Cecily’s future, know that I intend to settle ten thousand pounds upon her as a dowry, plus a trust for her future children. Both sisters are family to me now.”
Lady Alderidge’s expression softened almost imperceptibly. “I can see that you love her. Rare these days to see a love match.”
She rose gracefully, gathering her reticule. “I feel I understand the situation better now. I shall convey my thoughts to my husband and son.”
“I do hope to entertain a call from Nathaniel regarding hisintentions,” James said. “Cecily is very dear to me.”
“There is no better man than my son,” Lady Alderidge replied, then smiled—just a small lift at the corners of her mouth, but enough to transform her countenance entirely. “Good day to you all.”
After the door closed behind her, the room seemed to exhale collectively.
“Well,” Lavinia said brightly, reaching for a leftover biscuit, “that could have gone worse.”
“She was terrifying,” Cecily admitted. “But I think I held my own.”
“You were magnificent,” Georgiana said, beaming at her sister.
James squeezed Georgiana’s shoulder gently. “We all were. And now,” he said, his eyes twinkling, “I believe we have some happy news to share with the rest of our household.”
They had survived their first test as an engaged couple. Georgiana had the feeling there would be many more to come—but with James beside her, she found she was no longer afraid.
Chapter Twenty-Two
James
On a warmJune afternoon, the gravel drive crunched beneath the carriage wheels as it pulled to a stop before the grand front steps of Ashford Manor. James stood at the top, the late afternoon sun behind him, hands tucked behind his back, feeling like a boy. His brother and sister were there for his wedding but also to see the restoration. He could hardly wait to show them all the work he and Georgiana had done together.
The carriage door opened, and Sophia was the first to emerge, a blur of pale blue muslin and graceful energy. “James, there you are.”
He was halfway down the steps before she reached him, pulling her into a tight embrace. His baby sister. Here at last.
“You look well, James,” she said, stepping back to study him with narrowed eyes. “Positively glowing with happiness.”
“Women glow. I’m simply ruggedly handsome,” James said.
“The rugged seems to have been loved out of you,” Sophia said.
He took in his sister, marveling at her beauty. She was fair and delicate, with a graceful way of moving and speaking. No one would believe, looking at her now, that she’d been forced into servitude at the young age of eight.
“You’re beautiful, little sister. And I’m so glad you’re here.”
“I wouldn’t be anywhere else in the world. Although, I will miss Amelia. I’ve not often been away from her.”
“I’ve no doubt she’ll survive until your return to work,” James said. “Speaking of which, Sebastian and I would like to have a talk about your future.”
Sophia groaned. “I know.” She turned as Sebastian descended from the carriage with his usual soldier’s bearing, his expression unreadable.
