“I did not see you dance all night.”
I frowned. I supposed I hadn’t, busy as I was introducing Georgiana to the masses. “I was more social than usual in other regards.”
“I overheard many disappointed young ladies.”
Deuces, what did they want from me? Talking or dancing or some undisclosed combination of both? “I am sorry to hear it. I shall ... have to dance more in the future.”
Georgiana’s eyes flicked to mine with evident humor. Was Ithatobvious? Could she tell I didn’t mean it?
Lady Jersey’s smile was all pride for having my assurances. “I shall tell them. There is much excitement having you here this year. Even with your ... friend.”
“Miss Wood is very excited for him as well.” Mother setdown her teacup, a tight smile splitting her features. “She is a good friend to help him find a suitable match.”
Lady Jersey looked between us with interest. “Indeed.”
Georgiana said nothing. Only smiled sweetly at them. “We are glad to hear it. Happy to see you, Your Grace. And we understand how busy your day must be.” She rose from her seat. “We hope to see you all again soon.”
Setting aside our teacups, I rose alongside my family and Georgiana and offered a bow. Mother followed our guests to the door, and we again took our seats.
“What the devil was that about?” I asked Maggie.
She sighed. “Just you wait.”
I searched Georgiana’s face for any clues, but she decidedly avoided my gaze as she said, “It appears we’ve made a grand miscalculation, you and I.”
Well, that did not sound good. “How so?”
The tall front door clanked closed, and with heavy steps, Mother strode across the room, voice shrill, “What on earth were you two thinking?”
I looked to Maggie for any sign, but her head was bowed. Georgiana sat in silence.
“Beg pardon?” I swallowed my last bite of sandwich.
Mother stopped above us, pointing her finger between Georgiana and me. “Did you lie to me? Is there something between the two of you?”
“No, Your Grace.” Georgiana, already sitting at the edge of her seat, straightened, semi-horrified. “We made an error in judgment.”
What had we done? Had I even been part of it? I’d gone straight to bed last night.
“My son does not makeerrorsin judgment.” Mother’svoice was ice. Commanding. “Everything was set until you arrived. Marlow, she must go. She is in the way.”
Georgiana’s lips parted, her cleverness subdued in the face of the duchess, who sat in Lady Jersey’s abandoned seat, huffing. I had learned long ago that when a woman’s emotions were high, it was best not to rise to them or else risk elevating them even further.
I took a solemn sip of my tea. And disregarded my own instincts. “She will not go.”
Georgiana looked to me with surprise.
Mother stood again. “Shemust! Her presence is threatening to all your prospects after the way you flaunted her about at the Waymonts’!”
Flaunted her? Of all the ridiculous notions. “We made simple introductions.”
“Allegedly, it came across quite clearly that the two of you share a rather intimate acquaintance. Every caller has said you were grinning from ear to ear. Laughing together. Reminiscing! And that business with Mrs. Winston and wine? Your little friend spilt her drink all over a guest!”
“Allegedly,” Maggie muttered, and she and Georgiana exchanged a glance. I could’ve sworn Georgiana’s lips twitched ever so slightly, but she managed to stay contrite.
So, we’d enjoyed the night a littletoomuch. Perhaps we’d laughed a little too loudly. Clung a little too closely. Thinking back, it might not have been the wisest decision to allow my future prospects to see Georgiana as my partner for the evening. Circumstances with certain guests had required improvisation. The alternative had been leaving altogether, and who could say that wouldn’t have caused even more questions?
No, Georgianahadto stay, else I would not have my ring.And I needed it to entice a wife and secure the future of the dukedom. The ring was a symbol of health and prosperity for our family. With it in hand, everything would come together just as it should.
