Georgiana
What have I done?I asked myself for the hundredth time since waking up.
Jane had sent a runner early this morning to Hampshire to deliver my plea—Peter, I’ve made another grand mistake. Please hurry.
If he hadn’t already left, then two days at most, and I had no doubt he’d return for me. To save me from whatever fallout I’d incur from letting my heart loose again.
But thatkiss. I had dreamed of such a kiss. Endless fire, burning all through me. I could still feel it now buried forever in my bones. His lips, the taste of sugar and mint. I wanted more.
I hadn’t known such happiness was possible. I’d worked so hard against feeling anything for so long that locking away my feelings had become second nature. But last night, alone in the place where I felt most comfortable, I’d let my heart free from its cage.
I’d seen the truth of my feelings reflected in Lucas’s eyes.
I loved him.
Lucas.
Loyal, sweet, playful Lucas, who understood me betterthan any other man ever had. Lucas, who just so happened to be theDuke of Marlow.
And who was I?
A country girl with her name in the gossip papers.
He’d said so many sweet things, I could almost believe his feelings in earnest, were it not for the many other times he’d spoken to the contrary.
Hisneedswere not in line with his feelings. He needed a wife worthy of the dukedom, and I was far from it.
And Lucas loved the dukedom most of all.
My chest tightened. I wasn’t ready to leave Ashburn Abbey. Or Lucas. Or our library. Our chair. The secret passageway and the warm, comfortable stables.
But I’d have to.
“Miss Wood, has your headache improved?” Jane asked from the doorway. “The family is taking tea and would like for you to join them.”
“The ... entire family?” Lucas never took tea with us in the afternoons unless forced to do so.
“Including His Grace, yes.”
My stomach tightened, heavy and anxious. I could only feign a headache for so long.
For better or worse, I had to face Lucas. It was time. “I’ll be down in a moment.”
Jane smiled and left the door open a crack.
Drat, drat,drat. What should I do? What should Isay?
Something about having a lovely sleep. Feeling much improved since this morning. Nothing about having kissed anyone, or feeling anything afterward, and certainly nothing about wishing for another round.
Heavens.
I descended slowly, watching the foyer for any sign of movement. The house was still and quiet. Perhaps Her Grace was waiting in the drawing room. Or perhaps they’d already started tea, and I could sneak inside and settle without saying more thangood afternoon.
I stopped at the bottom, looking round. And blew out a long exhale.
Pausing right outside the open drawing room door, I heard low, undistinguishable voices.
Slowly, I stepped inside.
