“You are the greatest pride of my life, Lucas.” She kissed my cheeks one at a time, then my forehead. “The burden is heavy. But you are not inadequate.”
I wanted to believe her. She understood. Of anyone,shedid. She’d carried this weight beside my father. Slowly, I raised my gaze to hers, to a face as familiar as my own. Wisdom in every line. Her eyes measured with empathy I did not deserve.
“Tell me what to do, and I’ll do it.”
She did not hesitate. “What does your heart tell you?”
“That after having her, I cannot do this alone,” I whispered.
“Miss Wood.” Mother swallowed. “She would make a fierce partner, to be sure.”
“She doesn’t want it. Me.”
“She loves you,” Gabriel argued. “Anyone with eyes can see it.”
I shrugged. “She left.” And nothing in my life had cut so deep. I’d never wanted anythingthismuch.
“Then go after her,” Maggie said with feeling, as though the answer was obvious. “Show her how serious you are.”
I wasn’t sure anything I said or did would matter. “I do not know how to convince her to want this ... thispart of meI cannot renounce.”
Gabriel crossed his arms. “What is it, exactly, that discourages her from staying?”
“London life,” I said.
“Then live in the country most of the year. Hire more management. You certainly have the funds.”
I had offered. “She doesn’t think that is wise for the dukedom.”
“When have you, the Duke of Marlow, ever let anyone tellyouwhat is wise?”
True, but I had never faced anyone as wise as she. “This is Georgiana. She doesn’t like it when I ... try to bend things to my will.”
Mother’s lips twitched. She squeezed my arm, then stood. “It sounds like you have much to think about. Find me when you have made your decision.”
“So, don’t bend things to your will, then.” Gabriel movedout of Mother’s way as she quit the room. “Or better yet, bend them without her noticing.”
Gabriel, as usual, wasn’t making any sense. But I was desperate. I’d try just about anything. “How do I do that?”
“Well, to start, give hera few days to calm her nerves. Deuces, you just beat a man senseless in her honor. She’s bound to be a little skittish.”
Maggie nodded. “And with good reason. She’s had a very difficult year, Lucas. No one could blame her for feeling distrustful of the future.”
Was that it? “You think she does not trust me?”
“I think she needs a safe place to fall when she’s scared. Right now, that safe place is her brother’s home. Your task is to change that safe place toyou.”
Yes. That was exactly what I wanted. To be the place she ran to when she was scared or sad. To hold her until she felt capable again. I’d do anything to be Georgiana’s refuge.
“How?”
Gabriel stood tall and nodded. “You must go to her.”
“But you just said—”
Maggie stood and began to pace. “Befriend her brother. Show Georgiana you mean to be a permanent fixture in her life too.”
“She won’t like me forcing my way—”
