Page 27 of Watching the Earl

“I don’t think that’s the case. My father was quite fond and rather proud of my sister.” And in the end, he was quite sure the former Lord Durham was gravely disappointed in his only son.

She set her teacup down once again. “And your mother is fond and proud of you. But you don’t care to be around her. Did you and she have a disagreement?”

That would be an understatement, and yet it wasn’t exactly correct. “We see some things differently.”

“Such as what?” She popped a small marzipan into her mouth and closed her eyes in pure happiness.

He stared, a little taken aback. Was that what she would look like in their bed when he brought her fulfillment? Suddenly uncomfortable with his thoughts, he stood. “I fear I have overstayed. I don’t wish to take all of your afternoon.”

Her eyes popped open wide. “Have I said something untoward?”

“No, I only meant to pay a call, and I see I have stayed nearly half an hour.”

She turned her head to look at the clock on the mantel, her long, slender neck as graceful as a swan’s. “But I do so enjoy your company.” She rose. “I wish you could stay. Mother isn’t allowing any visitors except Sophie—that’s Lady Tamworth—and she has not arrived yet. If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t see anyone until the wedding.”

“Our wedding. Yes, I know your mother is very concerned about you keeping your secret until we wed, but I have good news. Lord and Lady Tamworth arrived yesterday, and you should be receiving an invitation to their home for later this week. I’m to bring you there. From what I understand, it is a meeting of the Curious Ladies?”

“Oh, Philip, that’s wonderful!” Lady Georgina threw her arms out as if she would hug him, then seemed to remember her manners. “I apologize. I mean, Lord Durham, this is such welcome news. Now I will have something to look forward to before our wedding.”

If he hadn’t already deduced it from their conversation in Hyde Park, her reaction about the gathering confirmed that she would not be happy if she couldn’t spend the rest of the Season in Town. He’d discuss Tamworth’s rental when next he saw him. “And are you looking forward to our wedding?”

She didn’t answer immediately, as if choosing her words. “I am. I’m ready to be a countess and fulfill my duties as your wife.”

The seriousness with which she responded wasn’t quite the joyous anticipation of one’s betrothed, but given their circumstances, he could understand that. He, himself, was both ready and yet reluctant. “And I’m ready to be your husband and fulfill my role as the Earl of Durham. I do believe we are well matched.”

She nodded her agreement, but didn’t smile.

He did wish to leave, but one doubt kept niggling at the back of his mind, and as they were alone, it was time to he cleared it up, one way or the other. “Tell me, Lady Georgina, before I go. There is something I need to know. Do you still have feelings for the man who forced you into this position?”

Though he admired his ability to say it in the most delicate way possible, her brows lowered and her hands fisted, making him think perhaps he’d just ruined any chances of them having an amenable marriage.

“My lord, if the man who showered me with gifts and professed his undying love to get beneath my skirts mere days before proposing to another woman were to drown in the Thames tomorrow, I’d don my best dress and celebrate at Vaux Hall by dancing.”

Her odd-colored eyes flashed with fury and her height seemed to increase as she leaned toward him. The force of her anger was so unexpected that he found himself taking a step back. “I appreciate your candor, and I will endeavor to reciprocate such honesty.”

Her shoulders immediately lowered and she released her skirts. “My lord, you have always been honest with me, and I will always be honest with you, so you need not worry on that account.”

“You have relieved my mind on many subjects, Lady Georgina. I will look forward to our next outing.”

She gave him a soft smile. “As will I.”

As he entered his coach, he found himself preoccupied with Lady Georgina. Though he’d not learned all he’d hoped to, he had learned that she had passion. He also was relieved to know that she didn’t harbor any soft feelings for the man who had ruined her. What he hadn’t expected was for her to reveal such a base element of herself, but it was something to be thankful for. That she couldn’t hide her true feelings for the cad who’d forced her to seek a man like himself meant he need never worry that she hid her strong emotions, or that she would be unfaithful without telling him.

Relaxing into the cushions, he began to contemplate what it truly would be like to have her in his life every day. At first, he’d hoped to lead more separate lives, but there was far more to his betrothed than he’d first assumed. He found himself imagining her across the table from him at Crestfield, or taking a stroll through the gardens, or sitting at her dressing table as he stepped into her room at night.

At least he wouldn’t have a virgin on his hands. The thought of having to explain sex to a wife made him shudder. Since Lady Georgina knew what to expect, he shouldn’t have to worry about shyness or confusion. The image of her as she enjoyed her first piece of marzipan filled his head. In that moment, he’d found himself attracted, a true relief.

Yes, he was looking forward to consummating his marriage.

Chapter Nine

Georgina entered the parlor just as Sophie strode toward her.

“Georgie.”

Just the sound of her nickname had her relaxing. Her coach ride with Lord Durham had once again been silent. Sometimes she wondered if he forgot she was present because he was used to being alone. But as soon as the coach stopped, he was very attentive. She didn’t think his behavior had anything to do with her. It was as if he’d always traveled alone, which, if true, was sad.

She smiled warmly. “Sophie, I have missed you so.”