Silk pulled at her feet. “I used to wonder what it would be like to have someone look at me the way you’re looking at me now.”
“How am I looking at you?” James asked.
“Like I’m everything you’ve ever wanted.”
“Because you are.” He lifted her in his arms, marveling at the trust and desire shining in her eyes. “God, Georgie, you are everything.”
She kissed him as he carried her to the bed, bold and sweet and utterly without reservation. When rose petals scattered beneath them, she laughed—a sound of pure joy that made his heart soar.
“I love you,” she whispered against his lips. “Show me how to love you.”
With gentle hands and whispered endearments, he did exactly that, and she met him with an enthusiasm and courage that was purely, wonderfully Georgiana.
The fire settled to glowing embers. Outside, the moon climbed over Ashford Estate, silvering the orchard and the lawn below, blessing the beginning of their new life together.
Chapter Twenty-Three
Georgiana
The fire crackledgently in Georgiana’s bedchamber, its warmth spreading across the Aubusson carpet and reflecting off the polished mahogany of her dressing table. Georgiana stood by the tall windows, one hand resting on the windowsill, watching the early evening sky deepen to violet above the frost-touched gardens.
Behind her, Molly, her lady’s maid, carefully arranged the pearl combs in Lavinia’s auburn hair while Cecily observed from her perch on the window seat.
“Do hold still, my lady,” Molly murmured. “These combs are determined to have their own way this evening.”
“I cannot help it,” Lavinia replied, adjusting her emerald silk gloves for the third time. “What if no one comes? What if they all think to snub us after everything? I have spent months—months—planning every detail of this ball. The humiliation would be complete if we find ourselves dancing alone in an empty ballroom.”
“Mother,” Georgiana said without turning from the window, “you know perfectly well that everyone has sent their acceptances. We have had more responses than we can comfortably accommodate.”
“Acceptances mean nothing,” Lavinia insisted. “People can change their minds. They can decide at the last moment that the Ashford family is still not quite respectable enough for their company.”
“Half the county has been angling for an invitation since we sentthem out,” Cecily added gently. “Your ball will be the event of the season.”
“How I wish Rose and Sebastian could be here,” Georgiana said. “But it was impossible with the baby so young. She wrote to me just today that little Edward has James’s stubborn chin and Sebastian’s unfortunate tendency to wake at all hours.”
They had named their first born, a son, after Sebastian and James’s father, the first Edward. From all accounts both mother and father were overjoyed and smitten with their baby boy.
Lavinia’s expression softened slightly. “I’m sure he’s adorable.”
“We’ll see him soon enough,” Cecily said.
“There now, my lady,” Molly said, stepping back to admire her handiwork.
Georgiana smiled at her maid. “Thank you, Molly, for doing Mother’s hair. You may go.”
The maid bobbed a curtsy and withdrew, leaving the three women alone.
“Speaking of babies,” Georgiana said, drawing closer. “I have something to tell you both.”
Cecily’s hands stilled where she had been smoothing her skirts. “I think I know. You have a certain look.”
“What look?” Lavinia demanded, rising from her chair to study her eldest daughter’s face. “What have you two been keeping from me?”
“I’ve kept nothing from you. In fact, you’re the first to know.” Georgiana touched her hand to her middle, unable to suppress her smile. “I am with child.”
The silence stretched for exactly three heartbeats before Cecily let out a delighted gasp and Lavinia clapped her hands together.
“Oh, my darling girl!” Lavinia rushed forward to embrace her. “When? How long have you known?”
