Page 7 of Watching the Earl

“That is a wise plan, Lord Durham. However, it is important that one of us is with her at all times, as she will tell everyone of her fall from grace. My daughter, this daughter, cannot keep even the most minor information a secret.”

As Lord Durham’s eyebrows rose at her mother’s statement, Georgina wished she could fly out the window and avoid the questioning look he sent her. She gave him a sheepish nod, hoping her mother would reveal nothing else about her, so she could make the best impression possible upon her soon-to-be husband.

“Indeed. That should be of no inconvenience, since, as her betrothed, I’d be with Lady Georgina often before the wedding.”

“Then you should also know that she’s forever wandering off to watch birds, of all things, can’t sit or stand still for more than two minutes, and is as likely to eat an entire trifle as not.”

Georgina swallowed a groan as she fiddled with her skirts, too embarrassed to look at Lord Durham.

“Is there anything else I should know?”

At his hard tone of voice, she snapped her head up to find him scowling at her mother.

Unfortunately, Lady Edgerton didn’t care for people challenging her, and her back stiffened. “As a matter of fact, there is something of great import you should know. My daughter isn’t with child, as she discovered just this week.”

Mortified, Georgina glanced at Lord Durham, who appeared as in shock as she, before she lowered her head in shame, crinkling her skirts in her hands and wishing she were anywhere else.

“You go too far, Lady Edgerton.” Lord Durham rose. “That information should have been shared between Lady Georgina and myself. Since I only came here to be sure that Lady Georgina was willing to marrying me, I have accomplished my purpose. I will now meet with your husband.” With that, he turned on his heel and strode out of the room.

“That upstart should be thanking me. What man wants to raise another man’s son?”

Georgina stared at her mother, completely flummoxed. She’d known since she was a child that she was her mother’s least favorite, but Lady Edgerton had always kept her feelings hidden when in Society. For her to have spoken so bluntly must mean she couldn’t wait to get rid of her last child.

Disheartened, Georgina rose. “I’ll return to my room now.”

“Yes, you will, but don’t think we’ll be buying you a new wardrobe simply because this man wants to pretend he’s courting you. We all know what the truth is, so you’ll make do with the dresses you have until you’re his wife. Then you’re his problem.”

Dresses? Her mother thought of dresses after all she’d just done?

“If he marries me.” Georgina walked to the archway.

“What do you mean, if? Of course he will, unless you’re scheming some way to put him off. You’d best not, or it would not go well with you.”

She hesitated, then turned around, speaking quietly. “No. I think you’ve already done that.”

At her mother’s incredulous look, she turned and hurried up the stairs to her room, quite sure she’d lost her only chance of leaving her family’s home.

*

Lord Durham followed the butler to the dining room, where Lord Edgerton sat reading a paper and eating plum cake. The man was as thin as his wife was round. Lady Georgina leaned toward her father’s build.

He waited as the butler caught her father’s attention. “Lord Durham, my lord.”

Lord Edgerton slapped down the newspaper and rose, a smile on his face. He strode from behind the table and held his hand out. “Lord Durham, it’s a pleasure to see you again. Please join me.”

The greeting, so opposite that of Lady Edgerton, took Philip by surprise. “Lord Edgerton.” After he shook the man’s hand, Philip followed Lord Edgerton to the table. The older man was quick in his movements as he set his paper aside and sat.

“Coffee?”

Though he’d already had his share, Philip didn’t think it wise to decline. “Please.”

Lord Edgerton picked up his own cup, then halfway to his mouth set it back down. “Have you seen Georgina? She did say she was willing, did she not?”

Pleased that the man was as anxious to get to the heart of the matter as he was, Philip nodded. “She is, and so I’m satisfied.” It was the one condition he’d dare make upon receiving the letter from Lord Edgerton offering his daughter for a tidy dowry.

“Good. Very good. She’s a biddable girl, but a bit scattered. Never seems to stay upon a topic long. Very odd. Would you like a veal pie? Our cook makes the best.”

“No, thank you. I have recently indulged. I hope you don’t mind.” He had a sensitive palate and found veal pie overly spiced. Instead, he took a sip of his coffee, but finding it very bitter, he added sugar, something he rarely did.