“That land has been in your family for generations.”
“So has the debt. If losing one means losing the other, then so be it. Everything can start anew.”
“And what does your bride think of this?”
George paused.
“She does not know. Not yet, at least, but she will be informed.”
“You sound almost apologetic about that. Are you forgetting that you are in charge of what you do and who you tell these things?”
“Do not mistake consideration for softness.”
“I would not dare. I know you better than that, but at least tell me this. Do you dislike her?”
George thought of Lady Cassandra, and how he had thought her infuriating. She was precocious, and she seemed like the sort of person to act without first thinking, but she also had moments where she was still and quiet, and he wanted to know just who she truly was when nobody was looking.
He would have time to do that when she was his wife, at least. He had heard whisperings that people inevitably changed when they married, and he wondered whether or not that would be for the best when it came to her. Would she adapt to her new role, or would she resent him more and more, until she became completely mad?
“No,” he said finally. “I do not dislike her.”
“That is worse,” Brandon said with a grin.
“I am aware. Believe me, I did not intend to find a wife that I liked, and given my disposition I have always thought that it was an impossibility.”
“Then you are a fool, for I have always known that a lady would be pleasing enough for you eventually.”
George worried, when he returned home, about how his family would feel about the sudden news of the party, but it was better than he expected.
“Do you think Lady Harcourt will attend?” Philippa asked, leaning over the back of his chair as he took his evening drink. “She has never visited the estate before.”
“If she does not,” the Dowager Duchess said sharply, “it will be a blessing. I cannot stand her.”
Philippa ignored her, instead looking at George expectantly.
“It will be my second official event,” she continued, beaming. “And the first hosted here. Everything must be perfect.”
George did not look up, instead reading his paper for any news of himself and Lady Cassandra.
“That is the intention.”
“I shall need at least three new gowns,” Philippa said. “Perhaps four. I shall at least require something formal for the opening evening.”
“You will not outshine the occasion,” the Dowager Duchess snapped. “This is an engagement celebration.”
Philippa bristled. George, meanwhile, was simply pleased that she was acknowledging it.
“I am not intending to outshine anyone,” she said quietly.
“Then you should dress accordingly.”
“That will be enough,” George said firmly. “You know as well as I do that that is not her intention.”
“You should not indulge this.”
“I am not.”
“You are indulging the entire affair!” she replied. “Ten days is excessive. People will talk.”
