Page 33 of The Long Road Back to Yesterday

* * *

Wickham and Mrs. Younge sat together in the drawing room, awaiting the announcement of dinner. Georgiana had not come downstairs.

“George, attending the theater was a masterful decision. However, you must think about your first night with Georgiana. Bear in mind she is but fifteen, little more than a child. If you are too forward with her, you will frighten her, and she may flee from you. You must treat her with care and not press her too far.”

George listened with interest. “Clarissa, it has been nearly fifteen years since I was last with an innocent. I may very well frighten her. Had you not spoken of this, I might have ruined our entire scheme on the very first night. Perhaps we can persuade her to drink a little wine to help her relax.”

Mrs. Younge considered the suggestion. “I shall ask Smithers to bring champagne once we return. We shall drink a toast to the newlyweds.”

* * *

Above stairs, Georgiana sat at the dressing table while Jenny dressed her hair.

“Did you post my letter to Fitzwilliam, Jenny?”

The servant's face tightened. “Oh, mistress, I forgot. I did your laundry, and it slipped my mind. I shall take it to the post office first thing in the morning, unless you wish me to give it to Smithers.”

“No, Jenny. I do not wish either Mr. Wickham or Mrs. Younge to learn of it. You may post it in the morning. That will do well enough.”

* * *

On the drive to the theater, Georgiana could scarcely contain her excitement. She asked about the theater itself, the people they might see, whether her evening gown suited the occasion, and a host of other questions.

Mr. Wickham listened before saying, “During the intermission, I shall take you, ladies, out for refreshments. Cakes, fruit, and sweetmeats will be served, and they also offer sweet wines. It will prove a delightful way to celebrate our first evening together as husband and wife.”

When they had taken their seats in the theater, Georgiana could scarcely contain her anticipation. Elegantly dressed ladies and gentlemen filled the boxes and made their way to their seats. The moment the curtain rose on the first act, the rest of the world disappeared.

At the intermission, Mr. Wickham rose and offered his arm.

“My dear, let us go to the saloon for refreshments.”

Mrs. Younge followed them from the box and down the stairs. Upon reaching the saloon, where refreshments were served, Mr. Wickham found a table for the ladies before leaving to place his order.

He returned a few minutes later, carrying two glasses of wine for the ladies. A server followed with another glass and a bottle of wine. Wickham settled into his chair and sipped his drink.

“Well, my dear girl, what do you think of your first play?”

“Sir, it was better than I imagined. I admire Kate Hardcastle above all. She turns everything upside down where class, courtship, and society are concerned. Thank you for bringing us here, Mr. Wickham. It is the perfect ending to a wonderful day.”

“Drink your wine, my dear. We shall soon return to our box, and refreshments are not permitted in the theater.”

Georgiana did as he asked and finished both her cake and her wine with ample time to resume their seats before the intermission ended.

After the performance, Georgiana laughed in the carriage and spoke with an animation unusual for her.

George grinned at Mrs. Younge. She answered with the slightest inclination of her head.

Georgiana remained unaware of the silent exchange between the two adults. She spoke only of the play, the elegant company in attendance, the refreshments, and the farce. By the time they reached the house, however, the effects of the wine had begun to fade.

When they entered the house, Mrs. Younge said, “Smithers, bring a bottle of champagne to the drawing room.”

“Yes, ma'am.”

Smithers served the champagne and handed a glass to each of them.

Mrs. Younge raised her glass. “To the bride and bridegroom. May Mrs. Wickham always find in her husband a faithful protector, and may Mr. Wickham always cherish the treasure he has won.”

They drank to the toast.