Page 70 of Watching the Earl

He stood and swooped Georgina into his arms, kissing her with a new passion. Then he pulled her with him as he fell back upon the bed to the sound of her laughter. “This is cause for celebration.”

She pushed up upon his chest and looked at him. “Shall I call for drink and syllabub, or should we move to the windowsill?”

The images from chapters four and seven flew through his mind. He shook his head. “No, I think I wish to eat you right here in this bed.”

She gave him a shrewd look. “Only if I can drink from you first.”

At her words, his ballsack tightened and he hardened with need. “Very well. If you insist.” He spread his arms out wide to allow her complete access.

Her golden eyes darkened to brown in the light as she pulled the tie about his dressing gown and bared him to her sight.

As her hands encompassed him and her mouth came down, he gave himself up to her ministrations, idly wondering how he could be so fortunate before all thoughts flew from his head.

Chapter Nineteen

A week later

“Georgie, you’re practically glowing.”

Georgina grinned, squeezing Felicity’s arm as they strolled through the private aviary. “I’m so full of happiness, I can’t seem to contain it. If you weren’t holding my arm, I’m sure I’d be skipping through this garden, much to the consternation of these magnificent birds.”

“Is it because you’re so enjoying this lovely aviary?”

“To tell the truth, I’m having a difficult time focusing on the birds, which is terrible.” She looked over her shoulder to where Philip escorted his mother. Somewhere behind him were Rose and Arabella. She faced forward again. “It’s my husband. Felicity, we’re in love.” She could barely keep her voice down.

Felicity smiled widely. “I’m so happy for you. I knew it was only a matter of time before he realized what a wonderful person you are. How could he not?”

Georgina sobered at her friend’s compliment. “Maybe now, but I know I was far too focused on getting out of my parents’ house to be truly wonderful.”

“Don’t be hard on yourself. That was a very important task to focus on. Besides, you have been a loyal friend to every Curious Lady.”

“That’s because you all have made me feel like I matter. I don’t think I’d have recognized true love if I didn’t have you all as friends first. I mean that.”

Felicity patted her arm. “I believe we are all better because we know each other. We are, after all, social beings, like horses.”

Georgina stifled the urge to neigh. “Horses? Really?”

Felicity laughed. “Maybe not the best comparison. How about birds of a feather? You truly have become a phoenix, starting your marriage under such sorrowful circumstances and now thriving and in love.”

“And what about you? Have you set your eye on any prospects this Season?”

“No one in particular, but I am observing. Like that bird right there. What is that?”

Georgina didn’t mind the change in topic, especially when it concerned a bird. “That’s a blue tit, and there must be another bird nearby because he’s puffed up his feathers. If I were to have an aviary, it would be just like Lady Farnell’s. This allows all the birds to enjoy the natural plants. But I truly don’t wish to create one. It must have taken quite a bit of study to determine what plants would be best for each species. I don’t think I’d enjoy that responsibility. Just thinking about the dovecote at home worries me. I do want the doves to be happy.”

“I completely understand. I feel that way about my menagerie at home. I worry about my animals I had to leave behind when I’m in Town.”

Just as Felicity finished speaking, they came into a large courtyard with tables and chairs along with sideboards filled with food. Georgina gestured toward the drinks. “I do hope there’s hot cocoa.”

“Then allow me to check for you.”

At Philip’s voice right behind her, she giggled. “Thank you.”

Felicity unhooked her arm and raised her brows. “I see I should leave you to your husband. I will join Rose and Arabella. I’m truly happy for you.”

As Felicity moved off, Philip’s mother came to stand next to her. “Shall we find a table before there is a crush? I believe half of London is behind us. I’m so glad you suggested we arrive as soon as the gates opened.”

Georgina followed her mother-in-law toward a small, round table on the far side of the courtyard. Lady Farnell only allowed visitors once a month to her aviary just outside of London, so as not to cause too much stress for the birds. That was something Georgina could respect. But that did mean most of the ton came when it was announced. It was a very different type of outing from the usual calls, museums, recitals, and balls.