Page 10 of Watching the Earl

The seriousness with which he made the statement sent a flutter through her body. That he cared enough to assure her was quite flattering. “Thank you for your assurance. I feel quite content being with you.”

“Lord Durham! Is that you?”

At the shout, Lord Durham turned. “Driver, halt.”

As the barouche came to a stop, a man on horseback rode up next to them. “It is you. I didn’t know you were in Town.”

“I just arrived a couple of days ago. Lord Manning, you remember Lady Georgina, do you not?”

Lord Manning moved his horse forward a few steps and doffed his hat. “My Lady Georgina, it is a pleasure to see you again. I hope you’re well.”

“I am. Thank you, my lord.”

“As you can see, Manning, we are taking in the park. Lady Georgina enjoys the birds, and as her betrothed, I felt it imperative to take her out as soon as the rains ceased.”

“Betrothed? I didn’t know. Felicitations on your upcoming marriage. Now I surely feel left out. First Harewood, then Tamworth, and now you. I’m sorely lagging behind.”

Lord Durham laughed. “It’s not a competition.” He turned to look at her and smiled.

At his soft smile, she felt her heart race.

He turned back to Lord Manning. “It’s about finding the woman who fits into your life perfectly. It’s better to be purposeful in your selection than quick.”

“I suppose. But now I’m left with Wellsley, and I’m not sure I can bear that.”

“Manning, if your goal is for me to be sympathetic to your plight, I cannot. We all create our own destinies. Perhaps you should look a bit closer at the ladies who are out this Season.”

“Perhaps I should.”

“Are you meeting someone here in the park?” Lord Durham glanced past his friend.

Lord Manning shook his head. “Just out for a ride and to see who might be about before I meet Wellsley at White’s. Will you be there later?”

“I will.”

“Then I shall see you there. Good day to you, Lady Georgina.”

“Good day.” She sent Lord Manning off with a polite smile.

“You may drive.” At Lord Durham’s command, the barouche continued toward Rotten Row—the place to be seen and to see.

Georgina felt quite giddy that Lord Durham wished to show everyone they were together. “You must have driven through the park many times.”

“Actually, like you, I have not. Though I have ridden, much like Lord Manning, for the exercise and fresh air. I assure you that you’re the first and only woman I have taken through the park like this.”

Again, she felt her cheeks heat at the honor he did her. “Have you not taken air with a female relative, perhaps a sister or your mother?”

Lord Durham immediately looked away, his chin lifting slightly. “My sister was older than I, and my mother enjoyed her outings with my father, so no, I have not. It is as I said.”

By the tone of his voice, she could see that he was not happy, but she didn’t have an inkling as to why. “I apologize. I fear I know nothing of your family.”

He stiffened even more at that. “And I know little of yours, though I understand you’re one of many.”

“Eight.”

He looked at her once again. “Eight?”

“Yes. I have five brothers and two sisters. I’m the youngest. My mother calls me the surprise. You see, she’d hoped she was done having children. She definitely didn’t want another daughter.”