Page 9 of Watching the Earl

On the other hand, it would have been an insult to his father. It was best this way, and a baby boy with brown hair and amber eyes was an intriguing possibility.

Chapter Four

Georgina stood at the top of the stairs, running her gloved hands along the railing. Surely Lord Durham hadn’t forgotten. Maybe where he lived in Town was congested and he was delayed due to a carriage breakdown or a particularly muddy street. It had rained for days until the day he’d come to call. How fitting that her life changed upon a sunny day.

She’d thought her mother had ruined her chance to be married, but then she’d received the news that she’d be going on a ride through Hyde Park…today…at three…with Lord Durham. She pinched herself again. “Ow.” No, she wasn’t dreaming. Her father had informed her at dinner just last night that the betrothal contract had been signed.

She squeezed the railing, the reality still so new. She’d finally be leaving her family. Even if she couldn’t marry for love, at least she would have her own home.

She stared at the front door from where she stood, not daring to wait in the parlor, since her mother was there. What must Lord Durham think of her? It didn’t matter. She would be circumspect today and as ladylike as she possibly could. Maybe he would—

The front door opened and she stilled, her gaze riveted to the man walking in. He’d arrived! He had truly come. Breathlessly, she waited for the butler to send a footman to fetch her. While some women might make their suitor wait, she just couldn’t. She backed down the hall, listening for footsteps. As the footman topped the stairs, she started forward as if she’d just left her room.

“My lady, Lord Durham awaits your presence below.”

“Thank you.” She walked past the footman and descended the stairs quickly. She was halfway down when Lord Durham looked up, his blue gaze riveted to her own, and she slowed, unable to look away. Finally, he turned to the butler, and she continued down. “My lord, it is a pleasure to see you.”

“And I you. That is a becoming dress. It almost matches your eyes.”

That he noticed her eyes with such detail had her cheeks warming. “Thank you. This dress reminds me of the yellowhammer, which are so common in the countryside.”

He blinked before studying her further. “Yes, I can see where the dress is closer to a yellow bird than your eyes. Your eyes are more golden, becoming a light brown near the pupil. Quite remarkable.”

Mortified that not only had she brought up a bird within the first minutes, but seemed to have brushed off his initial compliment, she quickly responded, “Thank you. Yours are such a startling blue…like the sky.”

Lord Durham gave a slow nod. “It’s chilly, despite the sun today. I have a blanket in the carriage, but you may want some outerwear.”

“Oh yes. Of course.” That he was concerned about her comfort surprised her. She hadn’t known he was so thoughtful, as the impression she’d had of him at Ellie’s was that he was more interested in his friends than the ladies. Immediately, she turned to the butler. “I’ll wear my warm pelisse.” The man helped her on with her brown pelisse and she turned back to Lord Durham. “I’m looking forward to our ride.”

He held out his arm and she took it, feeling like royalty as he led her to his barouche and they settled in. She was almost as excited to be out of the townhouse as she was to be with a gentleman. No, not just a gentleman, but her betrothed. But now that she sat next to him with a burgundy velvet blanket covering her legs and his, she didn’t know what to say.

He didn’t seem in a hurry to speak either, so she simply enjoyed the fresh air and the sights of the buildings they passed until an entrance into Hyde Park came into view.

“Have you ridden through the park before?”

His question made sense, but she hadn’t expected it to be his first one. She’d thought he might ask about more important matters, but she was grateful it was such an easy one to answer. “No, I haven’t, though I have walked along the Serpentine with my classmates a number of times. The duchess will often have us meet for an outing in the park.”

His brows rose at that. “You continue your studies during the Season?”

“Not our studies specifically. We gather at lectures, recitals, museums, and at each other’s homes to continue our conversations on various topics.”

As they passed into the park, he responded, “Indeed. What have been your topics so far this Season?”

She squeezed her thumb beneath the blanket. “I’m afraid I have not been able to attend any gatherings, as my mother didn’t wish me to speak out of hand. She only allowed Sophie to visit me.”

As if nothing was unusual about that, he turned to her. “Is that Viscount Tamworth’s wife?”

“Yes, it is. She’s wonderful and never reveals any secrets. I think that’s why she was allowed to see me. That and the Duke of Northwick’s insistence.”

His eyes widened at that, making it easy to see that the outside rings of his light blue eyes were a darker blue. “The Duke of Northwick is aware of your circumstance?”

“Yes, he is. I hope that’s not a concern for you. You see, the duke is very supportive of all the students.”

Lord Durham looked forward again. “I see.” He nodded to a couple in a gig before resuming their conversation. “Then perhaps we could visit with Lord and Lady Tamworth. I understand they will be returning to London soon.”

Thrilled at the prospect of seeing Sophie again, but aware of making a good impression, she tamped down her excitement. “That would be a pleasure, my lord. You’re very kind.”

He looked at her again. “Lady Georgina, despite the circumstances we find ourselves in, I want you to know that I plan to provide you with a contented life. You will want for nothing.”