Page 98 of Lyon of Least Resistance

“Eight also.”

“You lack an understanding of financial matters, Bedford,” Sir Iain said, shaking his head. “Margaret will not be wanting a husband for some years yet, at which point her fortune will have accumulated a substantial amount of interest. A more equitable split would be to give Georgiana, say, twelve thousand, leaving Margaret with four.”

“Equitable?”

“It’s only a suggestion, of course.”

“Perhaps you should wait until you’ve secured my sister’s consent before making financial demands,” James said. “I will also need to discuss the matter with my wife, given that it’s her fortune funding Georgiana’s dowry.”

“Good heavens, Bedford! Are you a milksop?”

“No,” James said, “I’m a gentleman. And my opinion, as a gentleman, is that if a man claims to love my sister, then he should be equally prepared to take her for eight thousand as twelve.” He drained his brandy. “Now, you must forgive me, Sir Iain. I’m unable to contain my desperation to join the ladies.”

“Quite right,” Stiles said, approaching, empty glass in hand. “A man can have too much of a good thing, and your brandy is particularly good. Gentlemen, shall we retire to the drawing room and Mrs. Ffortescue’s love songs?”

Sir Iain scowled, but the others nodded and murmured their assent, and together they entered the drawing room.

James’s heart warmed to see Cordelia approach as they entered, playing the part of the hostess. Georgiana appeared at her side.

“Gentlemen,” Georgiana said, “now you’ve concluded your business, we can devote the rest of the evening to pleasure. Sir Iain, might you sing for me?”

“Isn’t Lady Ffortescue going to sing?” Cordelia said.

“Mrs. Ffortescue has sung herself hoarse,” Georgiana said, and Cordelia flinched at the correction. “Everyone knows it’s not the done thing to sing more than three arias in a row,” Georgiana continued, “but she obliged you, Cordelia, because you were so insistent.”

“Miss Bedford,” Countess Stiles said, “I’m sure Lady Bedford didn’t intend—”

“Of course, Countess,” Georgiana said. “My sister-in-law is unused to these occasions. But it’s of little consequence. Sir Iain and I can sing a duet, then if, and only if, Mrs. Ffortescue has recovered her voice, she might be persuaded to sing a little. But I understand the very real risk of overtaxing one’s voice, which would give rise to permanent damage.”

“My dear!” Mr. Ffortescue rushed toward his wife. “Are you well?”

“I’m quite well, my love,” came the reply, “though my throat is a little sore.”

Georgiana glanced at Cordelia, triumph in her eyes, and James frowned at his sister.

Georgiana approached the pianoforte, followed by Sir Iain, then she began to play while the gentleman sang. There was no doubt that the two of them were well matched. Both were tall in stature and handsome, and Sir Iain’s rich tenor voice, with Georgiana’s accomplished musicianship, would be the toast of every Society party they attended.

There might be better men that Georgiana could marry. But there were also worse men.

James shivered as he glanced at his wife, recalling what she’d said about men who took what they wanted without a woman’s consent. Georgiana and Margaret, thank the Almighty, would never have to endure such behavior.

Cordelia still wore a haunted look on her face, and her gaze seemed focused on Stiles, at least when it wasn’t directed toward the couple at the pianoforte.

James sidled over to her, coffee cup in hand, his blood warming as he inhaled her scent—the sweet aroma of rose.

“Are you at liberty, Cordelia, to perform a very specific task that most ladies would, understandably, find impossible?”

Uncertainty glimmered in her eyes and she glanced toward the pianoforte. “I don’t know. What is it you require me to do?”

“Find it in your heart to forgive the complete and utter arse to whom you are married?”

A flicker of a smile curled on her lips.

“There’s nothing to forgive, James,” she said. “I know that compared to every other woman here tonight—”

“Do not say it,” he said. “You have every right to be here.”

The song finished, and Georgiana rose to gloved applause.