Murmurs of assent came from one and all.
Georgina glanced around at her friends who all wore varying degrees of indulgent, or encouraging, or supportive smiles.
“You don’t? But whatever am I to do?”
Gwen sent her a gentle smile. “You must tell him the truth, from the beginning. Tell him you love him—”
“I have told him that, many times. Indeed, he seems rather fond of hearing the words for some odd reason.”
Amelia gave a watery chuckle. “Of course. The man arranged a wedding ceremony for you, Georgina. I think it is clear he has strong feelings for you.”
Gwen nodded. “Precisely. You will tell him what you did and why. I believe, strongly, that he will understand.”
“And if he doesn’t?” Georgina asked, her voice just above a whisper.
“If he doesn’t,” Lady Harriet said, her voice clear and strong, “then he doesn’t deserve you to begin with—either way you will survive this, Georgina. And, whatever happens, you will not face it alone.”
“Thank you. All of you,” Georgina said.
“I would add one thing more.” Gwen squeezed Georgina’s hand, still held in hers. “I suggest you do not delay your conversation, Georgina. I’d hate to think how Lord Arlington might feel if it happened that his memories returned without you having shared the truth. It’s important he hears from you why you did what you did.”
Georgina nodded.
By the time she stood on the front stoop beside Gwen awaiting her carriage, Georgina’s course was set. This very day she would make a full confession to Teddy.
Gwen hugged her tightly once more. “All will be well, dearest. I would not be surprised if your pretend husband loves you every bit as much as you love him. How could he not?”
Georgina did not have the heart to tell her Teddy did not love her. He had never once said anything to imply he did. Which was fine—so long as he did not hate her when all this was through.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Georgina spent theshort drive back to Marine Parade mentally preparing herself for what lay ahead. She would tell him the truth, and face the consequences, come what may.
She entered the villa fully intending to call Teddy into the receiving room where they could have a frank discussion. Teddy was intelligent, reasonable. He might not like what she had to tell him, but, together, they could come up with a plan to move forward.
She hoped.
Mr. Danvers greeted her in the foyer, looking as unflappable as ever. “Welcome home, Lady Arlington. I trust you had a pleasant visit with your lady friends?”
She sent him a brilliant smile as she removed her bonnet, thinking of how she’d nearly sacked him, when, in truth, she would be forever grateful to him for his selfless act in daring to aid Teddy even though it could easily have cost him his livelihood.
“Indeed. Very enlightening. Where might I find Lord Arlington?” she asked, peeling out of her traveling gloves.
“Lord Arlington opted for a late morning swim, ma’am. He departed some fifteen minutes ago.”
“I see.” Lambasting herself as a coward for the small surge of relief that flooded her at the respite, she made for her desk to do what she did best.
She would write out her thoughts to better articulate her reasons for doing what she had. It was crucial he understand she had not set out to deceive and entrap him.
Settling behind her desk, she removed the ribbon ’round her neck holding the key to her private cabinet and unlocked the rolling door, then withdrew her notebook containing personal anecdotes, lists, appointments, and such.
Picking up her quill, she flipped to the first blank page and wrote in a heavy hand,what I did for love.She sat back, reread the five words, then underlined them. Twice.
Then she began her list.
Point one. I learned only a wife could take possession.No, that didn’t sound right. She scratched out the last two words and addedoverrule a parental figure’s decision to commit his son to an institution.
Point two. I fully intended to reveal the truth to Teddy the moment we departed Bell Haven.
