I wanted to peel her off and throw her out, just for a moment.
“And if,” Peter continued, “after your Season in London, you want to seek her out privately, of course I will not stop you. But you will stay withmein the apartment, under my protection.”
My throat had gone dry, so I nodded. Grateful, but I could not help feeling like a burden. “Very well.”
Peter nodded. “The duke returns to London straightaway. I will make it known when we arrive, and he will call upon us to make arrangements. This is a great opportunity, and Iam proud of your quick thinking. Together, we will see your wrong made right, Georgiana. Things will brighten for you. I promise.”
I looked down at my slippers for fear the emotion in my throat might raise to my eyes. “Thank you, Peter.”
“Don’t start that,” he said, pulling me in close. “Go and tell Jane we’re London bound.”
I nodded into his shoulder, swiping away the one treacherous tear that had fallen before pulling back to offer him a smile.
The sooner we made it to London, the sooner I could let Peter free.
So, Jane drew me a warm bath.
She scrubbed every speck of dirt off my body, tied my damp hair in curling papers, and slathered me with oils. For the first time in a very long time, after settling my nerves, I fell asleep feeling like myself again.
The next morning, reality still hadn’t quite sunk in.
We’d packed my best dresses, colorful pelisses, spencer jackets, ribbons, underthings, my favorite silk robe, and various slippers, as well as my face creams, tinctures, and powders.
I paced the chaos of my bedchamber one final time, searching for anything I might need, anything I might have neglected, as servants carried my trunks down to the carriage. Finally, with my travel bag on my arm in which I’d packed the final volume ofUdolpho, my notebook, my favorite little pillow, and the miniature I had painted of Mercutio, I followed.
Peter stood by the front door with Amelia at his side andin his ear, whispering what I could only imagine were calming words. When they saw me, they both drew close.
Amelia forced a smile, unable to hide the sadness in her eyes. “You look lovely.”
“Thank you.” She’d be well taken care of without us here, but I knew she’d miss Peter. I knew she’d worry. It was in her nature.
“Thetoncan be cruel, but there are good people to be found among them. Trust your instincts.” Amelia turned to Peter. “And promise you’ll write.”
He drew her near and kissed her head. “Every day.”
I thanked her again, then left them to say their goodbyes alone.
The carriage waited for me at the bottom of the steps, fully prepared with all our things.
“I hope I haven’t forgotten anything,” Jane said as I settled in across from her. A new wave of nerves passed over me. I hoped I hadn’t either.
Soon, Peter let himself in, sitting beside me. We waved to Amelia from the window as the carriage jolted forward, and I gave Peter his corner. I watched the trees pass by my window and breathed deeply through my nose. I could do this. I could smile and laugh and find my place again.
In the space of one afternoon—in the blink of an eye—I’d been given a second chance.
I would not waste it.
Traveling from our home to London took a full day. Peterrested the horses often, and we took a long luncheon at his favorite inn along the way.
And I planned.
It went without saying that wherever the duke wished to go, others followed. I had no doubt the three women I wanted to catch in friendship would be aware of him. But, more, if I could get noticed by the right people, doors would start opening again. Invitations would come.
I wouldn’t have to hide away with barn cats.Forgive me, Mercutio.
The sky started to darken just as the roads grew easier.
I peeked out my window. Tall buildings clustered together on either side.
