Page 60 of Watching the Earl

A strange feeling, as if a great rock had been lifted from his shoulders, filled him.

Just then, Mrs. Bean returned. “My lord, I do believe there are two dresses that would fit Lady Durham with a few alterations. If I may take her into the back to try them on now, I can have one ready by tomorrow and the other by the next day. That is, if they are to her liking.”

Georgina let his face go and turned at Mrs. Bean’s announcement. “That sounds lovely.” She looked back at him. “Did you wish to join us?”

He did, but it was far too small a room, and he didn’t trust what seeing his wife half undressed would do to him. “No. I don’t wish to be in the way. I shall wait here.”

“Very well.”

He rose and walked to the small sideboard with tea and sweets displayed upon it. Since no liquor was in sight, he made do with the tea, black. Baffled by the idea that telling Georgina might relieve some of his shame, he returned to his seat. Did he think that because it would be sharing his burden? But what right did he have to ask her to share such a shame? On the other hand, hiding information was never a good idea in a marriage, as his mother had often told him and his sister. The dowager Durham was quite proud that she and his father had shared everything.

The shop door opened and two ladies walked in. Philip rose to be polite then froze at the sight of Lady Edgerton. The woman was with another who could only be her daughter, since the resemblance was very marked.

“Oh, Lord Durham. I didn’t expect to find you at a lady’s modiste.”

As if the sight of her was not enough, her words started a simmering in the pit of his stomach. “That’s odd, Lady Edgerton, for was it not you that told my wife that you wouldn’t provide her with a trousseau, and that purchasing her gowns would be my responsibility?”

Color rose to the older woman’s cheeks. “I don’t recall saying that at all.”

“Then I suppose it is good that Georgina recalls everything and can’t keep a secret.”

The red grew darker, spreading across the woman’s chest.

“Mother, it’s of no matter. Lord Durham, it appears that you’re providing for my little sister, which is as a husband should.”

“Lady…” he let his voice trail off, since he had no idea who she was.

“This is my second-eldest daughter, Mrs. Furzeman. Daughter, this is Lord Durham.”

He gave a slight nod, pleased that his title brought Georgina higher in Society than one of her sisters.

At that moment, Mary came out to see who had arrived in the shop. “My ladies, how can I be of service?”

Lady Edgerton looked down her nose at the assistant. “We’re here to choose material for the De Viers’ ball at the end of the month. Where is Mrs. Bean?”

“She’s in the back fitting Lady Durham. I can help you, or if you would like to return in a couple of hours, I’m sure she will be finished.”

“A couple of hours?” Lady Edgerton was clearly not happy. “But I’m a longtime customer and that lady back there is my daughter.”

Mary obviously knew how to deal with an arrogant woman such as Lady Edgerton, because she lowered her head. “I’m terribly sorry, my lady. I had hoped to wait upon you, but I see now that only Mrs. Bean will do. I know she will not want to be rushed while taking care of your needs, which is why I suggested returning, but I’m sure she could hurriedly help you before returning to her current client.”

Lady Edgerton puffed with importance. “Of course, I would not wish you to attend me when Mrs. Bean is here. Nor do I wish to be rushed. You tell Mrs. Bean that we will return in two hours and expect her usual level of service.”

“I will, my lady.”

With a huff, Lady Edgerton started for the door. Mrs. Furzeman, however, was aware enough to address Philip. “It was a pleasure to meet you, my lord and brother-in-law.”

Not willing to outright lie, he simply nodded as his station allowed him, before the woman followed her mother out.

Mary turned around and gave him a cheeky smile. “Don’t worry. It will only be an hour. I simply wanted Mrs. Bean to have all the time she needed to help your sweet wife.”

Then with that, the assistant disappeared through the doorway.

Surprised, he remained standing. There was a certain amount of satisfaction in being able to confront Lady Edgerton and have the modiste’s assistant also inconvenience her. Returning to the sideboard, he took a small plate and added two macarons and a rout cake before resuming his seat. He probably shouldn’t antagonize the Edgertons, considering they knew why he’d married Georgina, but to reveal it would also hurt their reputation, so he was confident no ill would come of his confrontation. Besides, the lady had obviously known he told the truth about what she’d said, or she wouldn’t have turned so red.

He’d just finished the last macaron, having eaten the rout cake first, when Georgina strode out from the back. He rose. “You’ve finished already?”

“I have. Mrs. Bean is truly a wonder. I’d have never chosen the first dress, but after donning it, I do believe I fell in love. It will arrive this evening. I’d like to wear it to the dinner tonight.”