“You are not, as none know that you are our guest. But a Duke has considerable leeway in interpreting the scope of an invitation. None will question you being present as my guest,” Keaton reassured.
“Actually, I would be far happier remaining here,” Amelia put in quickly, “if that is all the same to you both.”
Keaton shrugged. “So, needless to say, Georgia, you should be considering a gown for the occasion. Too late to have one sewn, but we can visit Oxford Street and choose one, even if adjustments are needed.”
She glanced at him sharply, annoyed that he dismissed Amelia so quickly.
“Why do you not wish to attend, Amelia?” she asked, “You have always loved attending balls. Any excuse to wear a pretty dress, in fact.”
“Well, I do not have any pretty dresses, they are all at home,” Amelia said, “and secondly…” she looked uncomfortable, unable to meet Georgia’s eyes, “I would just prefer not meeting…anyone, really. Perhaps my time alone has given me a taste for solitude.”
“That is decided then. Amelia will be quite comfortable here, I assure you,” Keaton said briskly, rising, “Georgia, we should leave as soon as possible to begin seeking a dress for the occasion.”
Amelia was looking at Georgia with pleading eyes. She clearly did not want to go into more detail, but such a change in character was unsettling for Georgia.
She is trying to avoid someone? Her parents, perhaps? I do not like the idea of her being afraid. It simply isn’t fair! And Keaton being so dismissive, too!
“I have a dress, Keaton,” she said, an idea coming to her.
Amelia’s eyes widened as she suddenly grasped Georgia’s meaning.
“You do? I understood that you did not have any gowns other than the everyday variety. No ballgowns, that is.”
“I have one which Hermione has kindly loaned to me. It is an excellent fit and I think will be the perfect gown for this event,” Georgia said, brightly.
As Keaton walked away, Amelia leaned forward.
“Georgie, you cannot mean…thedress!”
Georgia hushed her, looking at Keaton, who had stopped, supposedly to sample the bouquet of a rose that trailed onto the path. Keaton resumed walking back to the house.
“That dress is positively indecent!” Amelia gasped.
“Yes, it is, but I did say that I wanted to wear a scandalous dress in public, and this will be the perfect opportunity.”
And it will teach Keaton to be dismissive of you, Amelia.
Keaton walked out to the waiting carriage, orienting himself by the sound of the horses and the greeting of his driver. When he was seated, waiting for Georgia to arrive, he pondered over the words he had heard Amelia say.
I wonder what she meant bythedress. And why could Georgia not wear it?
He could only imagine that it was a dress that would be considered risque by polite society. He could have insisted on seeing the dress, gauging its appearance based on touch. But the idea that she might appear in public wearing something daring was exciting.
This is foolish! I was pleased to receive the invitation because of what it means for our plans. And now, for the sake of something as primitive as lust, I am prepared to risk everything.
It also occurred to him that Georgia was the one taking dangerous chances. From drinking far too much to this new development. Did she want the purpose behind their marriage to succeed? Or did she think that by generating more gossip and scandal, she could extend her time at Westvale?
Avoid having to return to the servant’s quarters at Silverton. How demeaning that must have been…
“Are you quite well, Keaton?” Georgia’s voice was suddenly beside him.
He had been so lost in thought that he had not heard her approach, nor heard her greeted by the driver either. He berated himself for being so distracted.
“Yes, why do you ask?”
“You look as though you are chewing rocks,” she explained, getting into the carriage next to Keaton.
Immediately, her perfume filled his mind.
