Page 115 of Miss Wylde and the Wynd

“Likely Trade Wynd was what he recognized since Dublin is an important port, though our ships do not venture here.” He frowned. “It could also be that he is familiar with the name Wynd and knows that my brother would be the Earl of Wyndham. It truly does not matter.” He opened his valise and withdrew trousers and a suitcoat that had not yet been worn and were not as disheveled as the rest of him. He then retrieved a fresh cravat and quickly changed.

At least Georgie looked put to rights, even though her skin was rather pink.

“Shall we go shopping?” He offered his arm as he opened the door.

Georgie retrieved her reticule from the satchel and then joined him.

“Besides books, I wish to purchase you a shawl that will also protect you and your skin from the ocean winds so that you do not feel it necessary to hide away from the sun.”

“I had the same consideration, and perhaps a parasol for further protection.”

Damian was determined to see that Georgie had everything she needed to protect her skin from the sun and books aplenty to keep her entertained on her voyage.

They had the day to together, without any worries and he was going to enjoy it.

“Georgie, is that you?”

His heart sank as a darked-haired woman crossed the lobby toward them.

“Grace?” Georgie asked in surprise as if she were not certain, or perhaps surprised.

And, at that moment, the pain in his chest grew so tight that Damian was certain his heart had shattered.

His time with Georgie had come to an end, abruptly and without warning.

*

Georgie blinked, uncertain if she was truly seeing Grace after all this time. “What are you doing here?” she asked.

“I should ask you the same. Where did you come from?”

“Scotland,” Georgie answered absently.

“Why were you in Scotland?”

“We went there from Liverpool, after we had arrived from London, after we had traveled from Southampton, where I had thought to find you.”

At least Grace had the good sense to blush. “I can explain.”

“Fisher already did,” Georgie answered. “We saw him and his new wife in Greenock. He was the one who told us that you had continued on with Lady Mountrath.”

“I am not in her employ any longer,” Grace answered excitedly.

“Then who are you with?” And why was her sister apparently alone in a hotel?

“Lady Mountrath knows Uncle Patrick and saw me delivered to his home so that I might visit before I gained the nerve to return home.” Grace frowned. “Did you really sail from Carrera to find me?”

“Yes!” Georgie cried. “I needed to stop you before you did anything more foolish after following Fisher.”

“It was a mistake.”

“But I did not know that until four days ago, and I arrived in Southampton twelve days ago and have been searching for you.”

“I am sorry to make you worry, Georgie, but I did write home as soon as we arrived in London and explained.”

“I was already gone.”

“Well, now you have found me.” Grace grinned then looked at Damian and arched a dark eyebrow.