Page 11 of Watching the Earl

“I’m sure she was pleased when you arrived, as she was outnumbered in gender in such a large family.”

“Oh, no. She’s often said she’d wished I wasn’t born. But I believe she would have felt differently if I were a boy.” She nodded for emphasis, and Lord Durham stared at her.

“I, for one, am quite pleased that you were a daughter, or I’d not be riding in this carriage with you.”

“That is true. Right now, I consider myself very lucky to be a lady because I’m so pleased to be here with you.” Not sure if she was being too bold with her betrothed, she quickly looked away.

“Georgie!”

At the sound of her name, she looked past Lord Durham to find Ellie and her husband approaching them in a curricle. “Ellie!”

“Stop the carriage.” Lord Durham turned his attention to the Marquess and Marchioness of Ferncroft. “My lord, my lady, how opportune to see you here.”

Georgina glanced at Ellie’s husband briefly before addressing her friend. “I have so missed you. How are you? Are the children well?”

“Everyone is in good health and we are enjoying London. It’s so wonderful to see you out and about. Lord Durham, as I see you here with Georgie, I must surmise that you’re now betrothed?”

“Indeed we are, my lady. And it was your Twelfth Night affair that brought us together.”

Georgina held her breath, hoping Ellie wouldn’t mention Lord Ashfield.

“I’m beyond pleased. We must visit Monsieur Armand’s together. It’s Georgie’s favorite establishment and I heard he has created new ice creams. I shall invite the Curious Ladies, because they will want to share in your newfound happiness.”

At the prospect of seeing all of her friends, Georgina pulled her hands from beneath the blanket and clapped them together. “That would be splendid. That is if you’re willing, Lord Durham.”

“I couldn’t deny you something you look forward to with such joy.”

Ellie gave an emphatic nod, sending the red curls about her face bouncing. “Excellent. Expect an invitation within days. Now we must head home, as I promised the children a trip to the Museum of Mechanical Curiosities.”

After saying their goodbyes, Ellie and her husband moved past, leaving Georgina feeling more like herself. When Lord Durham didn’t immediately have the carriage continue, she set her hand on his arm. “I cannot tell you how grateful I am that you’re willing to visit Monsieur Armand’s with my classmates. I have not seen them in over a month, and I admit to feeling lonely.”

Lord Durham scanned her face as if searching for an answer to a private question. Finally, he spoke. “I do wish to make you happy, but I admit to reservations. The fewer people who know of our arrangement, the more likely we will remain out of the gossip.”

Happy she could lay his concerns to rest, she smiled. “Don’t worry. All my friends are keeping their ears out for any untoward gossip about me, and Sophie assured me that no one has mentioned anything.”

“All your friends?” If anything, he looked more worried.

“Not all, but the classmates from my year at school. That would be Ellie, Sophie, Rose, Dory, Lissa, and Elsbeth. But Elsbeth is still in the country, as she is with child and due very soon. We never know when Lissa will be in Town, and Sophie isn’t back yet, but I do know the other three are listening very closely.”

Lord Durham stared at her, his brow furrowed, obviously confused.

“I apologize. You probably don’t know whom I’m referring to. At Monsieur Armand’s, we will probably only have Ellie, Dory—that’s Lady Harewood—and Lord Harewood’s sister Lady Rose. They want to keep my reputation intact, and so are making sure no one has any idea why you and I became betrothed.” Even as she explained, she slumped back into the cushions. She’d just referred to her sullied position and his financial problems in the same breath, which was hardly fitting.

“Drive.” No sooner had he given the command, he leaned back into the cushions as well. “Lady Georgina, I hope that when we are in private, with no servant ears about, that you will always feel free to speak candidly. I don’t believe that hiding behind formalities will make for an amiable marriage. Do you not agree?”

“I do agree. But I fear it may take me some time to be candid in my speech until I know you better.”

“That is perfectly acceptable.”

As they lapsed into silence, she had time to ruminate on the man that was to be her husband. He was very solicitous and even caring. He clearly worried for both of them that their reasons for marrying would remain hidden, and he genuinely appeared to want her to be content.

The problem was, she had thought the same of Lord Ashfield, and he’d lied beautifully. What if Lord Durham also lied beautifully? She hadn’t paid much attention to him at Ellie’s event, but what she remembered was he’d always been with a few other men and enjoying himself. She wasn’t even sure what costume he’d worn, only that she’d seen him push Lord Tamworth in a race while ice skating, which had resulted in Lord Tamworth falling into Sophie. That wasn’t the best impression.

Yet here he was, paying the utmost attention to her and being very kind. Would he continue to be, or would he marry her and then leave her alone on his estate while he went about participating in everything he’d always done—racing with friends, betting, and perhaps even visiting a mistress or a brothel?

At that thought, her chest tightened. Though she was aware he didn’t love her, being ignored again would hurt. But she was in no position to expect loyalty. He would no doubt have never considered her as a wife if not for his being in terrible debt. She had to remember that. Still, the idea of being left on her own worried her, and she clutched at the blanket as if it would save her.

Lord Durham’s hand lifted and enveloped both of hers. Startled, she looked at him, but he still faced forward.