Page 2 of Watching the Earl

Sophie clapped her hands. “See, you can do it.”

Georgina shook her head. “But I don’t believe it.”

“I know, but keep your hope alive. The Curious Ladies have been working on a plan, and I’m pleased to let you know that your future husband, if all goes well, will be pleasant to look upon and will not hate you.”

Hope began to light the dark pathways of her soul at Sophie’s words. “Do you then know whom my parents will be choosing?”

“All I can say is if all goes well, the man you will marry will be neither old nor hideous and will be grateful to have you.”

Fear and excitement twisted in her belly. “I’m truly afraid. If the man they choose is as you say, will he be as caring in his husbandly duties as Lord Ashfield?”

“Was he a kind lover, then?” Sophie’s voice lowered even as her cheeks turned a rosy red.

How could Georgina have forgotten that her dear friend was married and knew all about the marriage bed? Sophie was someone she could talk to. She pulled her over to the bed, and they sat. “You must tell me. My mother won’t talk to me unless it’s to scold. Please, you have indeed consummated your marriage, have you not?”

Sophie nodded, though her cheeks remained rosy.

“Is it always so…uncomfortable? I mean, I was so excited. At first, it was as if I’d had too much wine, a most pleasant feeling. Then he entered me and started rutting like a dog. I was quite disappointed, as it was just uncomfortable and truly rather boring. Don’t mistake me—Lord Ashfield was very solicitous and asked after my welfare when he finished. I just thought it would be…more.”

Sophie’s brows lowered as she clasped her hands in her lap. “I cannot speak for women in general, but for me it is much more than that. It is absolutely wondrous.”

Georgina could still see the pattern of the coach seat in her mind while Lord Ashfield had pounded into her from behind. He’d said it was the best way for a virgin. “Maybe it’s me.” She had strong misgivings about the pleasure derived from such an act.

“I promise, when you’re married, I will give you the book that the Curious Ladies have shared amongst each other. It will help you understand everything there is to know about the marriage bed.”

“Oh, Ellie mentioned something about that book when we were at Hawthorne Park. Is it really my turn?” To be given the secret book meant she truly was a sister, not just a classmate of the Curious Ladies.

Sophie patted her hand. “Yes, it’s your turn. As soon as you’re wed, I will gift it to you.”

“I’m honored. I thought that since I’d failed as a lady, you all would not wish me in your presence.”

“Of course not. We love you.”

As Sophie’s arms wrapped around her once again, Georgina hugged her back, a feeling of safety calming her nerves more than any draught could do.

Finally, she released her friend. “Your acceptance and support of me is more than I deserve. I promise I will try to live up to your faith in me.”

“You don’t have to live up to anything. Just be yourself and have hope. I promise, someone good is in your future. In the meantime, try to stay busy. Are there any books on birds I can send over to you that might keep your interest?”

Guilt made her stand. “I have three I have yet to study. I’ve just been so heartbroken that I haven’t been able to concentrate. And with all this rain”—she gestured toward the window—“there’s been no birds venturing into our courtyard.”

Sophie rose from the bed and took her hand again. “I understand. But now you know there is hope. I suggest studying up so you can impress your new husband with your knowledge. You might even think about which dress you might wear to your wedding.”

Georgina had actually decided that when she thought she was marrying Lord Ashfield, but now she wanted nothing more than to burn that particular dress. Rather than reveal her poor attitude, she smiled. “Those are very good ideas. I will endeavor to do as you suggest.”

“I’m so sorry, Georgie. I feel partly to blame. I had reservations about Lord Ashfield’s attentions toward you, but refrained from saying anything for fear of hurting your feelings. I see now that I should have said something.”

At the look of sadness in her friend’s green eyes, Georgina shook her head, squeezing Sophie’s hand. “I wouldn’t have listened. Only now am I beginning to see what anyone else would have. I was blind. I wanted so much to believe that one man found me to his liking. If you had said anything, it might have strained our friendship, and I value you more than anyone else right now. You were right to refrain from speaking on his behavior. It would not have stopped me, and because you know me so well, I can lean now upon you in my most grievous of circumstances.”

“You can lean upon me and all the Curious Ladies. We support each other like sisters.”

Holding back tears, Georgina nodded. “I will count the hours until I see you again. Thank you for being so kind to me.”

“Oh, Georgie.” Sophie pulled her into another hug. “I promise you, your situation will improve.”

Georgina sniffed back the tears as she let Sophie go. “Thank you.”

“You will hear something by the week’s end.” Sophie smiled before turning and walking out the door.