Page 72 of Lyon of Least Resistance

“Ladies of your rank might marry for titles and fortunes,” Cordelia said, “but I had my own fortune. And when I chose to marry your brother, I didn’t know he was a viscount.”

“Then why did you choose him?”

“Because of the painting.”

“It’s not a particularly good painting.”

“Nevertheless, I preferred it to the other gifts. I didn’t choose it on the basis of technical competence. I chose it because…” Cordelia shook her head. “It matters not.”

Georgiana leaned forward. “Why did you choose it?” The softness in her voice belied her earlier disdain.

“Because it told me much about the man who had painted it.”

“What?” Georgiana said, her eyes gleaming with fervor. “What did it tell you about him?”

“You can hardly expect me to divulge that,” Cordelia replied.

Georgiana pouted and slumped back in her seat with a huff. “Do you fear discovery?” she said. “I mean…if you’ve…” She gestured toward Cordelia, her nose wrinkling. “Th-the house party…”

“You’re concerned that I might be…acquainted with some of the male guests?” Cordelia said. “It’s unlikely. And I wore a disguise at the Lyon’s Den.”

“A-and…” Georgiana colored. Her eyes glistening, she turned toward the window. “Wh-what about before?”

Sweet Lord! How much does she know?

“Before?”

“I-I mean…I…” Georgiana wiped her eyes. “I assume you weren’t always at the Lyon’s Den. It’s not an establishment for children, I imagine.”

“Or ladies of your rank,” Cordelia said. “We come from very different worlds, Georgiana. But I find myself living in your world now, and I’m eager to learn its customs so as not to let you down.”

“Let me down?”

“And your brother and sister, of course. But I presume with your come-out on the horizon, you’re anxious not to have your social standing jeopardized by inappropriate behavior on my part.”

Shame flickered in Georgiana’s expression and she lowered her gaze. “Do you mean to insult me?”

“No, I’m merely stating the truth as I see it,” Cordelia said. “Which brings me to your brother’s request. He’s anxious for me not to disgrace the Bedford name during the house party, therefore I’d appreciate your assistance in showing me how to act appropriately as hostess.”

Georgiana nodded. “Of course,” she said. “I’ll do my best to ensure that my brother is proud of us.”

Us?

Her expression softened and Cordelia’s heart warmed to see it. Hostile she might be, but Georgiana loved her brother. And, if nothing else, that was one quality that they shared.

Footsteps approached. The door burst open and Margaret entered, panting.

“I’m late. Forgive me, Cordelia. Have you finished your letter to your friend?”

“Margaret!” Georgiana said. “Decorum, please. How many times have I, and Miss Flight, told you not to run? It’s most unladylike. What will our guests think?”

“They won’t care. I’m just a silly child—isn’t that what you keep telling me?”

“You must grow up eventually, Margaret. You’re a Bedford and we must do all we can to ensure that the Bedford name is not disgraced, especially—”

Georgiana broke off and met Cordelia’s gaze.

“I’d better speak to Mrs. Case about the guest list,” she said. “I take it you’d rather I oversaw the choice of guests to ensure that…”