The house felt as it did out of Season. Quiet. Calm.
Lonely.
But at least I was getting work done. I had outlined a request for work to be completed on the estate, as well as a few full-time positions we needed filled for farming.
The estate I’d reclaimed from Mr. Newbury was now workable and needed new tenants. Finding them would be like closing that chapter in my life.
Cleo wandered in and jumped up on my desk.
“Down,” I told her, pointing to the floor. She made a mewing sound and slowly sauntered off.
And then it hit me—a waft of apples.
Georgiana’s perfume.
She’d held my cat last night. I’d no idea how long she’d sat in my chair or when she’d eventually retired for the night. This morning her teacup, the empty plate, and my whiskey glass had been cleaned and taken away as though the two of us had never been there.
And yet, the evening was burned into my memory.
Gabriel and I had gone to White’s. He’d refused polite conversation. Gambled for hours after dinner. And when I’d tried to force him home, he’d thrown off my hand and stalked down the street alone. I’d had to hire a man to trail him and ensure his safe return.
Then the only thing I’d had to look forward to all day—my chair and my fire and my tea things—had been stolen when I’d returned from the water closet.
Georgiana had settled in like she belonged there. Her stockinged feet tucked in, hair in a loose chignon at her neck, her thin robe a temptation a lesser man might not have borne.
She would have left. I should have let her. Perhaps the night would have been easier to bear.
But of all the people in all of London, my family included, hers was the only company I did not feel the need to dismiss. And if she’d needed the same reprieve I did ... I wanted her to stay.
I’d wanted to hear her opinions. I’d wanted to know her reasons. Then, I’d simply wanted her to keep talking.
All night I’d felt like I was reaching. Like I could notkeep the pace. Like the answers I sought were just beyond my grasp. But Georgiana ... she made me feel capable. She empowered me to reach even higher than I’d imagined for an even better outcome.
She was brave and honest. Bold and determined.
And I ... I’d said too much.
Then again, so had she.
And I could not keep myself from staring even as we’d finished afternoon tea.
I’d asked, “Did you finish your book, Miss Wood?”
And she’d answered, “No, Your Grace. I was quite distracted.”
I’d reveled in the telling smile that reached her eyes. “Try again this evening. I will tell the servants to see to your comfort.”
She’d grinned. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
So again, that night I dressed for White’s. I followed Gabriel inside the carriage and waited for him to speak as we drove toward Town.
Silence.
I cleared my throat. “About that loan you asked for ...”
His frown deepened, gaze pointed firmly out the dark window. “You have made your point very clear. There is no need for further conversation.”
If only he knew how I’d rather do just about anything else than this. The carriage swayed from side to side. “On the contrary. I have given your request further thought.”
