Page 21 of Watching the Earl

Philip sat in the chair next to Georgina. “Be assured, Lady Georgina, that there was no such talk while we enjoyed our drinks. We were actually discussing the latest play to take London by storm.”

Lady Durham sniffed. “The latest play or latest actress?”

“I assure you, Mother, it was the play.”

Lady Durham didn’t seem convinced. That puzzled Georgina, since she’d found Philip to be very honest in his dealings with her. Or at least as long as she’d known him.

“Brother, Lady Georgina was just telling us of how you met and your constant courtship. However did you find the time?”

Though Philip sat in his own chair, Georgina sensed him tensing. “I’m a man of many talents. And as you know, when I want something, I pursue it.”

Berry lifted her brows in disbelief, but didn’t say anything as she sipped on her tea.

Lady Durham took up the conversation. “Will you both be attending the Reedans’ ball next week?”

Excitement filled Georgina at the opportunity to dance again. She did so love to dance. When Philip rested his hand upon hers as it lay on the arm of her chair, her excitement doubled.

“I suppose we could, but I’d much rather keep Lady Georgina to myself until we are wed.”

Even as disappointment filled her, she understood why. He didn’t want her to reveal the real reason they had to marry. She was thankful that he protected her, but a small part of her resented it.

“Surely you cannot keep her all to yourself for the next two weeks, Philip.”

Philip’s hand on hers tightened. “But I can. That is to say, we will be out and about, as I hear there is a new art exhibition I have yet to see. Would that interest you, Lady Georgina?”

She looked at him, and with his gaze so hopeful, she couldn’t deny him. “It would. And perhaps we could also attend the lecture on the American hummingbird at the Royal Institution next Tuesday? I have been fascinated by the hummingbird’s existence, since we have none here in England.”

If he was surprised by her request, he didn’t show it. “It would be my honor to escort you there. It is refreshing to find a woman with such a hungry intellect.”

She felt her cheeks heat. Usually, if she received a compliment, it was on her energetic dancing, not her mind.

Lord Granberry raised his brows. “Interesting. Lady Georgina, have you visited Lady Farnell’s aviary, then?”

“Not this year as of yet.”

The man looked to each person in the room. “This year? Why, I know many people who have yet to enjoy it. Do you go every year?”

She nodded. “I do. She has many birds from abroad. But to be truthful, I prefer watching them in their natural habitat. In the aviary, their food is plentiful, which is the only way they can survive no matter the time of year. It’s not so in the wild. Their food sources are quite different.”

Lady Durham smiled at her. “I do believe I will learn much from you. I’m so pleased you will be joining our family.”

“As am I.” Though Berry spoke to Georgina, she looked at Philip. “I admit, I doubted my brother would choose well, but I can see that you’re perfect for him.”

Berry doubted everything about Philip and was not impressed with him no matter the subject. Maybe that was why Georgina felt so comfortable with him, as she knew how that felt.

“Sister, you were right to doubt me. As much as I’d like to take credit for finding Lady Georgina, I admit a friend, Lord Tamworth, pointed me in her direction. I count myself lucky that he is such a good chap.”

“Is that a friend from Oxford?”

At Berry’s question, Philip released Georgina’s hand. His entire body seemed to radiate irritation, much like how a male robin gave other birds warning when they encroached upon his territory. It was an odd reaction to such a simple question. “Lord Tamworth did attend Oxford and became a mentor until he left recently to run his own estate.”

Lady Durham frowned at her daughter before smiling at her son. “Then I’d very much like to meet him and thank him for providing you with such a perfect suggestion. Is he in Town?”

Georgina never considered herself as observant about people—it was birds she observed—but even she was aware of strong emotional tensions within the room, so she quickly replied, “Lord Tamworth and his wife, my dear friend Sophie, are due to arrive next week before being witnesses at our wedding in Newnham. Sophie is also from the Belinda School for Curious Ladies and is very knowledgeable about literature.”

“Mother, the more I hear of this school, the more I wish you’d sent me to it.”

Lady Durham shook her head at Berry. “My dear, if it existed, I would have insisted on it.”