Page 28 of Watching the Earl

Sophie gave her a hug, which she returned. Then Sophie took her hand and led her to the settee. “I must admit something.”

Georgina squeezed Sophie’s hand still in hers. “Please do.”

Sophie laughed, letting go. “I have missed you, too! In fact, I purposely made your invitation for a half-hour early so I could see how you were.”

“I’m well. I just wish the wedding was today instead of five days from now.”

“Do you really? So you have feelings for the Earl of Durham?” Sophie’s gaze was so hopeful that Georgina was loath to disappoint her, but she never could lie.

“To be truthful, I’m anxious to leave my family’s home. My mother already has had the staff pack up my clothes. All I have to wear is this peach day dress, one other dress, and my emerald-green gown to wear for my wedding.”

“Oh, Georgie, I’m so sorry. My husband told me your parents aren’t even going to the wedding.”

“That’s true. Mother found out how much Father is paying the earl to take me and was furious. She said I’m not worth half that.” At Sophie’s stricken look, Georgina shook her head. “Don’t be sad for me. I’m convinced I’m moving on to a better life. Not only will I be a countess, but Lord Durham is pleased to have me as his wife. Am I not very lucky?”

“You are, and if you’re happy then I’m happy for you. So you like your intended, then?”

“I do. He is a bit stiff, but has the best manners. I’ve been watching the earl, much like I watch my birds, and I’m noticing when I do, I learn more about him.”

“You do? Such as what?”

Since none of the other Curious Ladies were present, Georgina felt comfortable sharing. “When we are in his coach he goes into deep thought. I’ve watched his expressions, and I’m sure much of it troubles him. I don’t know what yet, but I will learn. I’ve also noticed that though he appears oblivious to my presence, he is aware of it all the time, for he is quick to attend to me once we stop.”

“What a wonderful idea to watch your betrothed in such a manner. Have you noticed anything else?”

Anxious to share her thoughts with someone so astute about human behavior, Georgina nodded. “There is, and I couldn’t wait to talk to you about it. There is something between him and his family. His sister appears to hold him at fault for something, while his mother is overly kind to him, as if wanting him to know she forgives him. I have no idea what he might have done to warrant either reaction.”

Sophie clasped her hands in her lap for a moment before speaking. “Do you think, perhaps, it is that bet he made that would have lost him everything if you had not agreed to the marriage?”

“That is a very good possibility. I can imagine that his sister may not be happy at him for almost losing all that was left to him and can imagine his mother forgiving him. Though I’m not sure if he told them. I believe he talks more with his friends than with his family.”

Sophie held up her hands. “I cannot say for sure if that is the reason, but it does seem to make sense. Now, tell me. Has he asked you about Lord Ashfield?”

Georgina shook her head. “He has not asked for him by name, but he did ask me the other day if I had feelings for the cad. Sophie, I don’t know what came over me. After getting to know Lord Durham, who does not pretend to love me, but is solicitous of me in every way, the memory of what he did sent me into a fury! I was quite emphatic that I had no feelings for such a man.”

Sophie patted Georgina’s hand, the one she was using to lightly scratch the upholstery in her agitation. “Do you think he asked you because he hopes that you will come to love him?”

Georgina stilled. “I don’t know.”

“Do you think you could…one day?”

“I want to, but I also don’t want to. I don’t trust myself anymore.”

Sophie gave her a soft smile. “You don’t have to. This man will be your husband. It’s perfectly acceptable to love him. I know I love mine. Your husband is someone you can trust, as he will swear to take care of you when you take your vows.”

Georgina rose, her nerves making it too difficult to sit still. “I understand that. I do. It’s just that marriage doesn’t mean love for many women. I fear I may love him and then he will seek the company of another, even if he does take care of my daily needs.” She walked to the writing desk in the room then turned back to face Sophie. “If I don’t love him, then I will be content, but what if I do, and he does, and—”

“Georgie, I’m so sorry you were so badly betrayed. I still blame myself for not cautioning you more. It is perfectly fine if you don’t love Lord Durham. After all, it is an arrangement to protect you and him. I suggest looking for a comfortable friendship.”

Georgiana felt herself calm. “I do like that idea. I’m very good at friendship, I think.” She strode back to the settee and sat. “I do so appreciate you and my other classmates.”

“And we appreciate you. I don’t know what we would do without our beautiful, swift bird.”

“A swift?”

“Yes. It’s how I think of you. You’re always flitting about, whether at a ball or while visiting.”

Her heart filled at Sophie’s kind words. “Thank you. I love the idea of being a swift.”