“You said he belonged to you.”
“There could be a vast difference between the two.”
“Whatever the difference might be, it is quite mad to run away from a child, my lord. He couldn’t have been much more than four or five years of age. Clearly, he meant you no harm whatever the case of his parentage might be. And in either case, I no longer wish to share your presence. Please, unhand me and allow me to make my own way home.”
Chapter Ten
Georgia was seething and could barely sit still. She didn’t want to draw too much attention to herself and thus shame the Shertons, but she would have loved to kick and scream at the wicked earl. How he was accepted by everyone was beyond her. He was certainly no gentleman. If this was what the ton was like, she was rather relieved that he had made it impossible for her to remain there. She shuddered at the thought of being married to a man like him and began to worry about her dear Vicky’s future.
“Come, Miss Holton, you know I cannot just leave you here. You must see reason.”
The earl’s low voice and his attempts at soothing her were having the opposite effect. She would so enjoy hitting him with her parasol if she had thought to bring one with her.
“Reason? Really, my lord? You want me to see reason? You are the one who claims to have possession of a child but then ran away from him. And you are also the one who cannot keep his word or hold a confidence. I am a perfectly amiable young woman who would like to go my own way unaccosted by one such as you. I do not need to see reason.”
When the earl chuckled suddenly Georgia truly began to fear for her safety. She had thought the man a touch irregular, but now she truly questioned his sanity. Her feelings must have written themselves on her face because he held up his free hand in a staying motion.
“I know, laughing at this moment does not reassure you, I am sure. But your righteous indignation is a sight to behold, my dear Miss Holton, and I could not help myself. I swear to you, I am not a madman. I will drive you straight back to Lady Sherton and shan’t darken your door without an invitation ever again.”
Georgia wouldn’t trust the man farther then she could throw him and, considering his size, that would not be very far. But he wasn’t wrong about the fact that she could not just traipse around the city on her own. Since the earl was driving a curricle, she hadn’t been able to bring a maid with her, so if she left him she would do so alone.
“Please, return me to the Shertons immediately, my lord.” She couldn’t bypass almost two decades of training to be polite, but even though she said please it was through tight lips and in a steely tone.
She heard him sigh but refused to look at the earl. Georgia didn’t think she had herself well enough in hand not to start shrilling at him like a fishwife if she set eyes on him at that moment. Why did I agree to take a ride with him? She could have politely refused or even claimed a headache. The countess had merely insisted that she see why he was calling; she hadn’t said Georgia had to accompany him. But she was honest enough to admit, at least to herself, that part of her had thrilled at the thought of going for a drive at the fashionable hour in Hyde Park, where everyone would see that she was not such a bumpkin that she could not receive an invitation from one such as he. So really, she wasn’t much better than he was. In London for not even two full days and already she was being influenced by its questionable standards.
She was grateful that he didn’t insist on trying for polite conversation. Or impolite, for that matter. Since she had seen fit to let him know what she thought of him, one couldn’t argue that she had been perfectly polite. Her stomach was beginning to hurt, but she was glad to see that he made short work of turning them around and getting them safely back to her lodging. Thankfully, it wasn’t far to Curzon Street. The girls would, of course, wonder why she was back so soon, but she couldn’t find it in herself to care at that moment. She was certain it wouldn’t harm them in any way. Besides, they were better off not having any association with the mad earl anyway. Georgia offered up a silent wish that she not have to see the man for the rest of her stay in London.
~~~
Her wish proved to be futile.
The earl dropped her off with a stiff farewell and helped her down from the curricle. She nodded acknowledgement of his words and then nearly fled into the house.
“Miss Holton, we had not thought to see you for at least another half hour or more,” the surprised butler commented, making heat flood Georgia’s cheeks.
“We did not drive as far as expected,” was all she had to offer. “Are the ladies still in the drawing room?”
“No, Miss. Lady Rosabel has gone driving, Lady Hilaria is in her room, I believe, and Lady Sherton and Lady Vigilia have gone out to make some calls before the evening’s entertainments.”
“Thank you, Mr. Jennings. I will be in Lady Vigilia’s room resting before this evening.”
The butler sketched her a brief bow. Georgia had the sinking feeling that the man was disappointed in her, but there was little she could do about it. It would embarrass them both if she tried to explain herself, besides the fact that she ought not to be gossiping with the Shertons’ servants. And the only explanation she could offer was that the earl belonged in Bedlam. Lady Sherton would not thank her for bandying that around.
With as much dignity as she could muster, Georgia made her way up to the room she was sharing with Vicky. A part of her wanted to pack her luggage and head back to the village. But that would be the coward’s way out. And she didn’t want to do that to Vicky, who seemed so delighted to have her here. Georgia sighed again as she threw herself onto the high bed. She needed to take a moment to regain her perspective.
Staring at the ceiling Georgia marvelled, even the ceilings are ornate here! She shoved the inconsequential thought out of her mind.
“It is quite lovely not to be the one in charge of the household for a change. I ought to be enjoying the vacation. And I truly do want to see the city. It would be lovely to go to some bookshops, and milliners, and even to Tattersall’s. I must ask if they allow women there. And the theatre, I really must get to the theatre. Besides the fact that there are so many more people to meet. If I am to follow Vicky’s letters in the future, it behooves me to meet as many of her acquaintances as possible. Perhaps I will even be introduced to her future husband. I cannot allow the words and actions of one crazed man to send me running from Town.” She sat up abruptly, and her gaze collided with her own reflection in the mirror across the room. “In fact, he would be winning if I left now. That will just not do.” Her conviction solidified. “I shall merely cast him from my mind. He is nothing to me. It matters little what he says, does, or thinks. I needn’t give him another thought.”
Just as she was concluding, Vicky burst into the room. “Who were you talking to?”
Georgia flushed with hot colour. “Myself,” she said with a sheepish grin.
Vicky laughed. “Well, you are the best one to talk to. But what are you doing back? I would have thought a ride in Hyde Park would take considerably longer.”
“Oh, we didn’t go very far. The earl just wanted to apologize once more for breaking our confidence. After I accepted his apology, we didn’t have much else to say to one another so he brought me back here.”
She had to work hard not to squirm under Vicky’s questioning gaze. Thankfully, although she looked sceptical, all Vicky had to say was, “I’ve never known you to be at a loss for words.”
Georgia forced out a laugh. “No, it is a rare occurrence, that is true. But never mind about that. What have you been doing? And what are we going to be doing tonight?”
This was the perfect distraction. Vicky happily launched into a long description of the visits they had made. “If only we had known your drive with Crossley wasn’t going to result in much, it would have been better for you to accompany us on our visits. You would have enjoyed them far more.”
“Well there’s always next time,” Georgia murmured, glad that her
friend hadn’t pressed for more information. She normally told Vicky everything, but she was unusually reluctant to tell her about her strange afternoon and the earl’s bizarre behaviour.
“You are absolutely correct, my friend, now let me ring for the maid to bring us some water so we can begin our preparations for the evening. Tonight will be your first ball, and we must make sure everything is perfect.”
Georgia couldn’t remain in her dull mood for long in the face of Vicky’s excitement to be sharing the joys of the Season with her. Before long they were engrossed in preparations, and in what felt like the blink of an eye they were on their way to the ball.
Despite her disquieting afternoon, Georgia couldn't help but join in with Vicky’s enthusiasm. She certainly wouldn’t consider herself to be a slave to fashion, in fact, she had never worn anything considered remotely fashionable in her life and it had never bothered her. But here, in London, with Vicky, she found herself falling under the spell of the beautiful clothes and the stylishly adorned hair. She was beginning to realize it would be harder to leave this behind than she had thought. But there was no other option. She had responsibilities back in the village, and there could be nothing for her here in London save these two weeks as Vicky’s companion. It would have to do. And it would have to stay here in London. She would not allow it to haunt her after she returned home. But she would milk every last drop of enjoyment from it that she could while she was here.
This last thought traipsed through her mind as their carriage came to a stop in front of the large, elegant house where they would be spending the next couple of hours. Georgia marvelled at the fact that their evening was just beginning when most people in the village would be taking to their beds. She shook her head with amazement as she stepped down from the carriage.
She realized she would have to work hard not to stare around like a bumpkin. Despite her exposure to the Shertons, as well as the little bit of experience she had so far enjoyed while here in London, she hadn’t been prepared for the overwhelming beauty of a ballroom packed to overflowing with the fashionable elite. Each person her eyes landed on seemed to be better dressed than the previous. And it seemed to Georgia that every second lady was being dragged down by an overabundance of jewels. Thieves would have a real frolic if ever they could find their way into such an event, she thought rather contemptuously. Why would anyone want to wear quite so many jewels at the same time? Have they no care for their own safety? Or do they perhaps believe they are so very important that no one would dare accost them?
Georgia stifled a sigh. She was not so unaffected by her afternoon as she had thought. She realized her sarcastic thoughts were unkind, and she forced a smile to her lips when she encountered the next overly bejeweled lady that Vicky wanted her to meet.
“How do you do?” the other woman murmured politely.
“Very well, thank you. It is a pleasure to meet you,” Georgia replied, although she had already forgotten the woman’s name. She called herself to task and tried to focus.
“I have heard you are the young heiress that is staying with the Shertons this Season.”
Georgia felt heat climbing into her cheeks and floundered for a reply. Really, it wasn’t even a question, so what could she say?
She tried to smile pleasantly, but she wasn’t sure if she pulled it off. She looked to Vicky for help, but her friend looked as perplexed as she felt. Finally, she cleared her throat and said, “I am enjoying the pleasure of being a guest of the Shertons for a few weeks here in London, but I fear you are mistaken if you think I am an heiress, my lady. I am merely a friend of the family here for a short visit.”
“Oh, you needn’t be coy with me, Miss Holton. There is no shame in inheriting funds. In fact, you ought to be proud of it.”
Georgia could only blink and smile at the woman. It was worse than they had thought. It would seem she was the talk of the ton for all the wrong reasons. There was nothing she could do but make the most of it. Perhaps it would be diverting. She allowed her smile to widen as she bowed her head to the older woman. Without a word, she dipped into a curtsy knowing full well the woman would take it as acquiescence. Thankfully, though, it also served the purpose of ending the awkward conversation. With a smile at the younger women, the lady turned to hail some other acquaintances.
“Why did you smile at her like that? She is more convinced than ever that you are some rich female nabob. Now what shall you do?” Vicky’s wide-eyed stare only brought on a giggle from Georgia.
“What else could I do, Vick? The woman was already convinced because she heard it from someone she believes more than me. Since the mad earl opened his traitorous mouth, there has been no one interested in the truth of the matter. To them, I am an heiress. We might as well go with it as there’s nothing that can be done. It might even prove amusing to see which of the fortune hunters will be the first to present themselves to your father.” She had been speaking as quietly as possible while continuing to gaze about, but her last words caused her to turn to Vicky, aghast. “Do you think we ought to tell your father what has happened? Your mother didn’t seem too upset over our story, but we should warn your father, at least, that he is sure to be fielding some bizarre interest in your temporary guest.”
Vicky giggled. “You’re right, it is a funny predicament. But I cannot decide if we should tell my father or not. He is sure to be displeased with us over it. Mother already knows about it and rang a peel over my head. I can only imagine what will happen if all the fortune hunters start making a path to our door.”
Georgia clenched her teeth at the injustice. “It is certainly not our fault. That simpleton Crossley is to blame.”
Vicky shrugged. “You and I both know that, but in my experience, I am always the one who takes the blame. I don’t see how this will be any different.”
“Well, let’s never mind about it for now. We are at a ball, and it is bound to be far more interesting than worrying about what we cannot control.”
Vicky’s spirits appeared to revive over those words, and a grin broke over her face. Georgia set her mind to enjoying the evening. Thankfully, it didn’t appear as though it was going to be very difficult. Before too long, the girls were surrounded by young men clamouring for an introduction or requesting their hands for the next dance. It would seem they were not to be wallflowers that night. Georgia was gratified.
Until her gaze collided with Lord Crossley’s from across the room and all the air seeped out of her lungs. She was in the middle of a cotillion, for which she was grateful. She was so familiar with the steps that she managed not to trip or otherwise draw attention to herself.
He was standing on the side of the dance floor talking with another gentleman, but his eyes followed her as she circled the room through the steps of the dance. After that breathless moment, she had managed to drag her eyes away from his and her attention back to her dance partner, but she could feel his focus on her and the fine hairs on the back of her neck stood at attention while a small frisson shivered its way down her back.
~~~
The chit was here, just as he had expected. Crispin allowed his gaze to follow her as she moved through the crowded dance floor in the arms of Lord Tipton. Crispin could feel his jaw tighten when it registered in his mind who her partner was. The man wasn’t a bounder by any means, but it was a well-known fact that he needed to marry into money to save his estates from falling into ruin.
Cris kept watching the Holton girl. She was a taking little thing. But he had never allowed a debutante to ensnare his attention since he had been fool enough to fall for Cassandra. He supposed it was his shame over breaking his word that kept him uncharacteristically focused on the young woman. And he could now understand a little bit of why she was so angry. By breaking his word, it seemed he had opened her up to being pursued by all the fortune hunters. Of course, that was the usual state of affairs of any heiress, so he didn’t really understand why she was so determined to avoid that fate. Most of the tonnish b
usybodies would have ferreted out the information of her finances anyway. Did she not expect Lady Sherton to have divulged it anyway, even if he had kept his silence?
Crispin called himself to task. That was no excuse for his own lapse in judgment. He had to make it up to her despite the mess he had made of his attempt that afternoon. Not that there was anything truly wrong with Tipton, but he was a dullard and would not do for the spirited young Holton girl. He would have to make sure she met some more appropriate gentlemen. But who? And really, was this not Lady Sherton’s responsibility? Crispin rolled his eyes at his own foolishness.
But just in that instant his gaze collided with Georgia’s once more, and for an instant he could see that she looked stricken. Crispin cursed under his breath. He was going to have to ask the chit to dance. He made his way through the sea of people.
He reached them just as Tipton was escorting her back to Lady Vigilia’s side.
“Miss Holton, might I request your hand for the next dance?”
Despite the fact that her voice did not sound in the least regretful, the chit answered, “I am sorry to have to tell you that I do not think I have a single dance left uncommitted this evening, my lord.”
“Then might I have the pleasure of escorting you in to supper, or have you committed that already as well?”
He could see that she wished to deny him but was surprised by her reluctant honesty. “No, my lord, I have not yet been asked.”
“Very well, then I shall have the pleasure.”
She dipped into a shallow curtsy in response, not bothering to use any words, but her lack of enthusiasm was expressed loud and clear. He wanted to grin. The chit was amusing in all her prickly little kitten efforts.
There was no time for any further conversation as both girls were then claimed by their promised partners as the next dance was starting up. Not wanting to make a cake of himself and have it become obvious to anyone that he was singling out the Holton girl, Crispin set himself to the task of partnering a couple other girls before it was time for supper. He knew it would surprise the nosy onlookers to see him on the dance floor, but he was relieved to find some of the less annoying ladies who still had spaces to fill on their dance cards.
Inheriting Trouble: A Sweet Regency Romance (The Bequest Series Book 1) Page 8