“Only a few days, though I have suspected for a fortnight. I have not yet told James.”
“He will be beside himself with joy,” Cecily said warmly, joining their embrace. “Though I confess, I wondered if you might have news when you seemed so ill when the fish course came out.”
Georgiana pulled back to look at her sister. “You are remarkably observant. I thought I hid my revulsion well.”
A becoming flush rose in Cecily’s cheeks. “There’s a reason for that.” She bit her lower lip. “I was rather hoping to speak with you both privately before the evening began. You see, I also have news.”
Lavinia’s eyes widened. “Cecily really?”
“I, too, am expecting a baby.” Cecily’s smile was radiant. “The doctor said we conceived on our wedding night, if he were to venture a guess. Is it not romantic?”
“It is, dearest,” Georgiana said. Her sister and Nathaniel had married just a month after her wedding to James.
“And the fish smelled heinous to me too,” Cecily said.
From their calculations, the sisters would give birth within weeks of each other. The squealing that followed could likely be heard in the servants’ hall, but none of the three women cared a whit for propriety in that moment.
“Sisters, expecting together,” Lavinia said, dabbing at her eyes with her handkerchief. “Oh, how jealous everyone will be of me. Two grandbabies at once. I shall tell everyone tonight.”
“No, not yet, Mother,” Georgiana said. “It is too early to share. Promise me?”
“All right, fine. I shall keep it to myself.” Lavinia sniffed in protest but it lacked any real luster. Despite their mother’s maddening ways, she had become less so now that she felt safe about her and her daughters’ futures. It was remarkable what security could do for one’s peace of mind. Even Lavinia Linley’s.
“There is something else,” Georgiana said once they had composed themselves somewhat. “I have been corresponding with Sophia, and she remains absolutely steadfast in her refusal to consider aSeason. She refuses to leave Amelia. James is appalled but they cannot make her do something she doesn’t want to do.”
Lavinia clicked her tongue. “Such a shame. She will be a spinster before long if she remains steadfast. Think of all the fun she will miss.’
A soft knock interrupted them, and Molly appeared in the doorway. “Forgive the intrusion, my lady, but our first guests have begun to arrive.”
“Already?” Lavinia flew to the mirror to check her appearance one final time.
“And Mother,” Cecily said with studied casualness, “I believe Mr. Whitaker wished to speak with James before the dancing began? Do you have any idea why?”
Georgiana and Cecily had discussed it at length and felt certain Mr. Whitaker, who appeared to be a very wealthy capitalist from America, was going to ask for Lavinia’s hand. They had met him while in London and he had seemed immediately besotted with Lavinia. The sisters were delighted, but not only because they were happy for their mother. Rather, they were feeling rather giddy that their mother would be an ocean away.
At the mention of the American gentleman’s name, Lavinia’s cheeks pinked most becomingly. “Oh. Yes. He wishes for James’s blessing. He does indeed want to marry me. And best of all? He has agreed that we will live here with you for part of the year. Now that I know babies are coming, I am even more delighted.”
Georgiana exchanged a meaningful look with her sister. What was to be done? Their mother was their mother, for better or worse.
“Shall we go then?” Georgiana asked. “To greet our guests and see what the evening holds for each of us?”
“Indeed.” Lavinia beamed and practically ran from the room.
*
The ballroom hadbeen transformed.
Garlands of ivy and late-blooming roses wound around the pillars, while hundreds of beeswax candles cast everything in warm, golden light. The musicians, positioned on a small dais decorated with autumn leaves and ribbon, had begun with gentle airs to welcome the arriving guests. Ladies in their finest silks and gentlemen in elegant evening dress filled the space with animated conversation and laughter.
Georgiana moved through the crowd on James’s arm, marveling at how many had come. The local gentry, certainly, but also neighbors from farther afield who had not set foot in Ashford Manor since before Lord Ashford was hanged. She recognized familiar faces and caught snatches of conversation, but the evening felt delightfully new and hopeful.
Ashford Manor was alive with joy.
“Lady Ashford.” Lady Alderidge approached with a warm smile, resplendent in navy blue and diamonds. “What a magnificent evening you have arranged. The house looks absolutely splendid.”
“Thank you, Lady Alderidge. Though I confess the credit belongs largely to my mother and sister. They have worked tirelessly these past weeks to ensure everything was just so.”
“Cecily has such an eye for these things,” her mother-in-law replied fondly. It warmed Georgiana’s heart to see the affection Lady Alderidge obviously felt toward Cecily. Whatever misgivings she’d once had were no longer. In fact, Cecily and her mother-in-law had grown as close as mother and daughter. Georgiana felt envious of the new mother figure in her sister’s life, but also relief that everything had worked out so well for her sister. It was easy to lose sight at this point in time that securing Cecily’s future had been her reason for everything not so long ago. She’d accomplished not only that but, by a miracle, had found love of her own.
