Her face fell. “No! You didn’t,” she cried. “You wouldn’t! I am eighteen in three months’ time.”
John grinned. “Everything you wish for falls into your lap, does it not? I’m sure it is not good for your character.”
Georgina rolled her eyes. “Pooh! See how he teases me, Guy?”
John smiled. “I told him the marriage can take place when you turn eighteen.”
“Then I am betrothed?”
“It would seem so. He will call tomorrow, no doubt, with a handsome betrothal ring.”
Georgina squealed in delight. She kissed her brother on both cheeks. “You are a beast. I shall be glad to leave home.”
She turned to Guy. “I shall kiss you, too, Guy. I am so happy!”
Before her brother could protest, she had kissed Guy’s cheek and flounced toward the door.
When it closed, John shook his head. “I’m fond of my sister. But I’ll be relieved to hand her to Broadstairs.”
“Does she love the duke?”
“I imagine so. She’s been busy making him jealous for some months.”
Guy laughed.
“Now…” John turned serious. “Any questions?”
“You’ve jogged my memory,” Guy said. “Something Forney mentioned that I thought odd at the time. He said he enjoyed England when the shadows in the wood grow long.”
“Longwood!” John’s eyes gleamed. “That confirms the password! We have the wolf by the ears! We’ll get him and the whole pack along with him.”
“Preferably before they get me,” Guy said with a grimace.
Chapter Twenty-One
“Ihave thekey.”
Guy led Hetty up to the front door of an impressive house in South Audley Street. Doric columns flanked the doors with a pretty fan-shaped window above.
Hetty took a deep breath as she looked at the handsome man beside her. An hour spent alone with him was enticing.
Guy unlocked the door and led her into the marble hall where elegant stairs curved away to the upper floors.
“It’s very grand.” Hetty’s hushed voice echoed around the lofty space.
Guy took her hand and led her through the empty rooms. Then they mounted the stairs to the upper stories.
“This is the drawing room.” He threw open a door.
Crimson silk walls rose above the dark polished wood of the wainscoting, rising to a high plaster ceiling. The Adam fireplace was of white marble. Tall French windows opened onto the garden. She crossed the bare boards to inspect the magnificent carved fireplace. “I can imagine it furnished.”
“That will be your domain.” Guy gazed down at her. “How pretty you look today. The lilac suits your hair.”
She smiled. “I’m glad you didn’t say red hair.”
“I have learnt my lesson.”
She reached up and touched the cleft in his chin. “The first of many.”
