Georgina winced at Teddy’s uncharacteristically haughty tone and sent Mr. Danvers an apologetic smile.
“To be fair, my lord, I must reiterate that Mr. Danvers has never met you and I have been going by my previous name to avoid anyone remarking on our marriage.”There. That ought to explain things nicely for both Teddy and Mr. Danvers.“Too, he has been in my employ only a few months, since I purchased the villa this summer.”
“Since you purchased the villa—without me?” He made a show of glancing ’round the grand chamber. “Was I aware of these plans? You certainly felt at liberty to spend my money in my absence.”
Her smile evaporated, and she was grateful for the dim lighting, as it would be difficult for Mr. Danvers to discern the hot flush stealing up her cheeks. Spend his money, indeed.
“No, my lord,” she said, aware anyone with ears could tell shespoke through her teeth. “You were not aware, nor did I spend your money. As it happens, I have quite enough of my own.”
He arched his brows, clearly taken aback. “I see. Wealthy parents?”
She huffed and turned to Mr. Danvers. “Thank you, Mr. Danvers. I do not believe His Lordship will require any assistance making it up to his bedchamber. However, if you would kindly assist Thomas with Lord Arlington’s luggage? You may deliver it to the guest chamber to the left of the landing. And please ask Cook to prepare a cold collation for my husband and myself. We missed dinner.” And, in her case, lunch.
“Of course, madam.” He sent Teddy a sardonic look and issued a crisp bow. “My lord.”
She wondered if she was the only who detected a note of sarcasm?
Teddy’s snort told her she was not. She might have a word with the butler in private tomorrow.
After Danvers departed, Teddy sauntered toward her. “Dinner sounds delightful, darling, as I could eat a horse. Beforehand, however, I could use a moment to refresh myself. Would you kindly point out our chamber?”
She blinked rapidly, swallowing hard, and pushed her spectacles higher up her nose. She’d hoped he would take her hint when she instructed Mr. Danvers to have his luggage brought to a guest chamber. No matter. She was prepared for this, having given the notion of their sleeping arrangements serious consideration throughout the long drive.
Still, it took a moment for her to compose herself enough to reply.
“If you’ll follow me?” She preceded him to the staircase. Climbing the steps, she continued. “I thought, as you don’t actually remember me, and as you are in the process of recovering, you might feel more comfortable in your own chamber.” Her voice pitched high on the last three words, and she thanked the heavens she was not facing him.
“How extremely considerate of you, my dear. No wonder I asked you to marry me.”
Feeling remarkably betterafter splashing cold water on his face and making use of the facilities—the villa had a separate bathing chamber. He rather liked that—he made his way back down the stairs to meet his wife in the dining hall, the direction of which she had given him after showing him to his personal “guest” chamber.
He hadn’t seen that coming, especially after she’d run her blessedly cool fingers over his face and through his hair during the long drive, as if she could not get enough of touching him. He had found her tender ministrations very pleasant, indeed, despite his drug-muddled state. He could admit he’d been rather looking forward to the physical aspect of his marriage. He wanted to see if the rest of his wife was as soft and welcoming as her touch.
His wife. He still could not quite believe he had one. Georgina. He wondered what he called her. Georgina, proper? Georgie? George?
Pet.
The one-word endearment rang in his head as if he’d spoken it aloud, and he froze, one booted foot on the landing. He closed his eyes, gripping the night-chilled banister, hard, searching his mind for more.
He cursed when nothing more came. Still, he would swear he’d just experienced a memory. Opening his eyes, he squared his shoulders and continued toward the hall.
Chapter Five
Teddy approached thedining hall with interest, pausing to peruse the space in the archway where the light spilled into the hall. Like the rest of the villa he’d seen thus far, the decor and furnishings were simple yet elegant, if feminine, and not bursting with gilt and heavy old-world ornamentation as in the home of the man claiming to be his parent.
The earl was, of course, telling the truth. To think otherwise would be ludicrous. He looked similar to his father, for one thing, and who would falsely claim someone as his heir—to an earldom?
He hesitated a moment longer before entering the chamber to take in the sight of Georgina, still garbed in the yellow day dress, with its demure bodice that nevertheless did nothing to disguise her generous curves. She sat at the oblong dining table, posture erect, spectacles glinting in the light from the crystal candelabra in the table’s center. Evidently it was too late in the evening to ask the staff to light the chandelier. He did not mind. He liked the effect of the dancing golden light on her pale skin.
He strode into the chamber.
Georgina glanced up with a welcoming, soft smile curving her lips.She had dimples. He had failed to notice them earlier.
As he seated himself at the head of the table which she’d left for him, he also noted faint circles underscoring her eyes. It occurred to him that she’d had an exceedingly long day, thanks to her efforts on his behalf.
“Thank you,” he said on impulse and hoisted up the decanter of red wine on the table. “May I?” he asked, his arm hovering over her empty goblet.
“Please. And it’s nothing. I’m sure Mrs. Everett already had something prepared for my—our—return.”
