by Rose Pearson
“Of course, I shall not make any agreement with Lord Pembrokeshire if I discover those rumors to have any basis in truth,” he said firmly, which only took a little fire from Lady Allerton’s eyes. “You need not worry, my dear. I shall be very careful indeed.”
Lady Allerton sniffed, lifted her chin, and fixed her husband with an icy gaze. “Be sure you are,” she told him, sternly, as Georgiana watched with a mixture of both amusement and relief. “For I shall not permit Georgiana to marry anyone with such a reputation.”
Lord Allerton cleared his throat, gesturing for them all to sit down. Lady Allerton poured the tea, handing Georgiana a cup before sitting down herself and looking expectantly at her husband, clearly thinking he had more to say.
“You will need some new gowns, of course,” Lord Allerton said as Georgiana nodded eagerly. “The winter is to be a very cold one indeed, or so I am told, although the frost has not been lingering for too much of the day as yet.”
Georgiana nodded, sipping her tea and closing her eyes at the wonderful warmth that began to spread through her. After the long and arduous journey in the cold carriage, she finally felt as though she were becoming warm again. “I thank you, Allerton,” she told her brother. “I will need a new cloak also, I believe, not because there is any need for me to cling to the latest fashions, but merely because I—”
“You shall have whatever you please for whatever reason you may want it,” her brother interrupted with a charming smile in her direction as if he were trying to make up for his foolishness only some moments before. “You know very well that things are much improved when it comes to financial matters, and thus, I am very happy indeed to pay for whatever you require.”
A sudden urge to go out into London again hit Georgiana hard and, as she sipped her tea again, she glanced towards Lady Allerton. The lady herself might be too tired to join her, but surely there was a maid she could take as a chaperone?
“Might I go to a few shops this afternoon?” she asked, making her brother look up in surprise. “I know we have only just arrived, and there cannot be long until the dark evenings begin to creep in on us, but I should very much like to take a stroll through London.”
Her brother made to shake his head, only to catch a sharp glance from his wife. “I—yes, of course,” he stammered a little awkwardly. “I will attend with you, shall I? Not that I have any intention of looking at ribbons or the like, but rather that I would walk with you if you would wish it. Although I would prefer to take the carriage, of course.”
“Then the carriage it shall be,” Georgiana shrugged, thinking to herself she would not mind taking the carriage if it meant she could wander in and out of the shops that offered so many wonderful things. “Shall we say, within the hour?”
Her brother sighed heavily, although a teasing smile caught the corner of his mouth. “Within the hour,” he agreed, finally managing to earn a warm look from his wife, which seemed to please him greatly. “And we will ensure to purchase you a new cloak at least, for you cannot go about London without such a thing.”
“I will make sure to do so,” Georgiana answered, setting her teacup down and rising to her feet. “If you will excuse me, I will go to prepare for our departure.”
* * *
The London shops were everything Georgiana remembered them to be, although the damp, cold weather did seem to lessen their appeal just a little. In the summertime, one could walk along the street and see windows covered in bright colors, with ribbons displayed in one window and a new bonnet in another. Now, however, in the gloom of the day, it felt as though there were a drabness to the ribbons and a dullness to the bonnets that had not been there before. But Georgiana felt quite contented in herself regardless, smiling warmly at every shopkeeper she saw.
A new cloak was purchased without too much difficulty, and Georgiana knew it would keep her very warm indeed. She purchased a new muffler in another shop and then some ribbons in the third. The gowns and the like would have to wait until another day, of course, but the joy of being back in London again filled Georgiana’s soul, even when it began to rain.
“The carriage is a little away still, my dear,” her brother said, looking glumly up at the sky. “We might go into this bookshop for a moment until the rain begins to lessen?”
A sudden thundering caught Georgiana unexpectedly, making her gasp in fright as the sound rolled across the sky, making everything else fall entirely silent. It faded away completely, only for the skies to open and the rain to pour with such intensity that Georgiana felt it soaking through her bonnet almost at once.
Her brother did not hesitate but practically pushed her in through the door of the bookshop, hurrying in himself after her. A flash of lightning lit up the sky, making her gasp with fright as she pressed both hands to her hammering heart, feeling both awestruck and afraid in equal measure.
“Good afternoon,” she heard her brother say, turning her head to see him speak to the proprietor. “We will have to linger in your shop a while, I fear, but I will make sure to purchase a few books from you.”
The proprietor did not look to be at all disturbed by this remark, inclining his head towards Lord Allerton. “But of course,” came the reply. “You must wait for as long as is necessary. This thunder should pass soon, I’d expect, but the rain…” he trailed off, and Georgiana looked back out of the window, seeing how the rain practically bounced off the pavement and the cobbles of the street. It was quite a downpour!
“You must find at least one book to purchase, Georgiana,” her brother said, his voice low as he came towards her. “It is only fair.”
She laughed, the fear and unease of the thunderstorm finally fading away. “I can find more than one,” she told him teasingly. “I will have at least five by the time our carriage arrives and the rain has died away.”
Her brother arched one eyebrow, but Georgiana laughed and turned away, letting her eyes drift along the stacked shelves of books in the hope she might find a new novel of some kind with which she might occupy herself for a time. She was not a great reader by any means, which, most likely, her brother knew, but she would certainly be able to pull out a few books to purchase to take home. The winter meant there were undoubtedly fewer afternoon calls and the like that would entertain her, so she might perhaps finish even three novels by the time Christmas came.
Her heart lifted at the thought of Christmas. She had already enjoyed one Christmas with her brother and his new wife, and it had been such a wonderful occasion, she was looking forward to this year with an even greater sense of anticipation. There would be the singing of carols, the greenery brought into the house, the mistletoe and the holly berries that made her heart swell with the sheer joy of the Christmas season. There would be gifts to give and celebrations to enjoy. Georgiana was quite certain it would be just as lovely as the previous year…although whether or not she would be engaged by then, she had very little idea. There was only one month until Christmas Day, but that was long enough for her brother to make an agreement with whatever gentleman he settled on.
Just so long as it is not Lord Pembrokeshire, she thought to herself, grimly. Even Alice knows he is not suitable!
Another thunderclap caught her off guard, making her jump as a small exclamation left her mouth. A little embarrassed, she clamped one hand over her mouth, praying that no one had heard her.
“I was a little frightened too.”
Her cheeks heated furiously as she turned her head to see a gentleman looking at her, a small smile lifting his mouth as his eyes fixed on her. He was standing a short distance away, at the end of a shelf of books, and as she watched him, he came around to her, drawing a little closer. Her heart squeezed tight for a moment, realizing she did not know this gentleman and, as such, she should not engage with him.
“Are you hiding from the rain?” the gentleman asked, his accent capturing her attention. “I confess I’m having to do the same.”
“You…you are from America,” Georgiana s
aid before realizing what she was saying. Flushed, she dropped her head. “Forgive me,” she stammered, daring a glance up at the gentleman. “I did not mean to—”
“Please, please.” The gentleman was chuckling, his hands held up. “You needn’t worry. But yes, you are correct. I am from Boston.” He bowed deeply. “Mr. Oliver Lowell.”
Georgiana dipped into a curtsy, aware her cheeks were still a little red. This was not at all the correct procedure, and certainly her brother would think her very improper to be continuing to converse with a gentleman who had not yet been properly introduced to her but, given the circumstances, and given he was from an entirely different country, Georgiana decided to continue as she was.
“I am glad to make your acquaintance,” she said quietly, a little relieved the sound of the rain on the roof quietened her voice all the more. “I am Lady Georgiana, sister to the Earl of Allerton.”
The gentleman blinked in surprise, perhaps unused to such high titles. “I see,” he said after a moment. “Well, Lady Georgiana, I hope to see you again while I’m here in London. I came to visit a cousin and should be here for a few weeks still.” A shoulder lifted in a half shrug. “I haven’t decided if I’ll stay here for Christmas or not. I guess I’ll have to wait and see how things go.”
Georgiana, unused to having a stranger speak so openly to her, smiled a little cautiously, taking the gentleman in. He was not overly tall, although half a head taller than herself, with a broad frame and a thick head of dark brown hair. His appearance was pleasing, with hazel eyes, ruddy cheeks, and a lopsided smile that seemed to add to his charm. His speech, however, was very dissimilar to that of the ton, and his manner, of course, was certainly very different to what she might expect. Not that she held it against him, of course, for she knew very well just how difficult it had been for her sister-in-law.
“I hail from Boston,” he continued, making Georgiana realize there had been a silence for a moment or two that had added a slight sense of strain between them. “Although my cousin removed here a few years ago.”
“I see,” Georgiana answered, politely. “My brother recently married, and his wife comes from America also.” She smiled as his expression became one of astonishment. “That is why I recognized your accent.”
Mr. Lowell blinked rapidly, then shook his head in evident surprise. “Well, that’s wonderful to hear, Lady Georgiana,” he said. “It can be difficult to fit into London society, but if your sister-in-law has managed to do so, then I must hope that I will be welcomed also.”
“I am sure you will be,” she answered with a quick smile. “Might I inquire as to the name of your cousin?”
“Oh, yes, of course. She is Lady Rutledge, married to Viscount Rutledge. They have an estate but they do spend a considerable time here in London.”
“Oh.” Georgiana searched her memory to see if she had ever been introduced to Lord and Lady Rutledge but found she could not recall their names nor their faces. “I hope to meet them during the little Season, then,” she said, covering her lack of knowledge of them. “And I am sure you will find yourself warmly welcomed into society also.” Knowing it was time for her to remove herself from the conversation for propriety’s sake, she inclined her head and took a step away from him, seeing out of the corner of her eye how he bowed and then turned away. At least he understood certain manners expected within society, she thought to herself, seeing how her brother emerged from another part of the bookshop, one book in his hand.
“You have nothing to read!” he exclaimed, mockingly exasperated. “I thought you were to take five!”
She rolled her eyes at him. “I thought to ask the proprietor to find me a new novel or two,” she answered by way of excuse. “I shall do precisely that, should you be willing to wait for a few minutes?”
Lord Allerton sighed heavily, although his eyes twinkled. “Do be quick, Georgiana. The rain is beginning to lessen, and I would like to make for the carriage before it begins to pour again.”
“Of course.” She smiled and hurried towards the counter, seeing the proprietor looking up at her expectantly. She would have to tell Lady Allerton of her new acquaintance once she returned home. No doubt there would be a good many questions about him, and mayhap Lady Allerton herself would be glad to be introduced to Mr. Lowell. It might bring her some happiness to speak to a fellow countryman.
Thus contented, Georgiana allowed the proprietor to find her not one, but two new novels, her thoughts entirely on the task at hand and no longer settled on her new acquaintance, Mr. Lowell. Although she did not know the same could not be said for him.
Chapter Two
Oliver could not help but watch the lovely young lady hurry from the bookshop, seeing what he presumed was a footman hurrying from the carriage with an umbrella held out for her. The rain had become a drizzle in the last few minutes, and both she and the gentleman she had been with had taken the chance to hurry to the carriage. He chuckled to himself, turning around as the carriage rolled away. She had been very lovely indeed, but he certainly had surprised her in some way or another.
Quite what he had done, he did not know, but there were certainly a good many aspects of London society he had not yet quite grasped. The news that there was another American here in London brought a fresh sense of happiness to his heart, for whilst he had been enjoying his time here, it did bring with it a small loneliness that often pervaded his otherwise contented life. His cousin and her husband had been more than welcoming and, whilst he had not yet attended any large social gatherings, there had been a small dinner and another soiree he had enjoyed, and he had been to the theatre twice so far. Margaret, his cousin, had been very glad to see him and had gently guided him forward when he had mis-stepped, whilst her husband had merely waved a hand and told Oliver not to worry.
Oliver could not help but look forward to his first London ball, given he had never attended such a thing before. It was to be tomorrow evening, if he recalled correctly, and he could not help but feel a small twinge of excitement as he considered it. Would Lady Georgiana be there? Would he have the opportunity to dance with her? Oliver was not quite sure what to do when it came to dancing, or even how to ask a lady to dance with him, but one thing was for certain—he intended to speak to Lady Georgiana again.
“Are you purchasing these, sir?”
Oliver set down the first three books on the counter and smiled at the proprietor, who looked at him quizzically.
“I would like to,” he said with a grin, “but I wonder if you can tell me what sort of book that young lady might like.”
The older man blinked slowly, tilting his head just a little to one side. “Young lady, sir?”
“The one who just left,” Oliver said gesturing towards the door as though that would remind the fellow. “Lady Georgiana, I think. She was with a gentleman.” He looked back at the proprietor, aware of the slightly wary look in his eyes. Was he doing something wrong?
“You are speaking of Lady Georgiana,” the proprietor said slowly. “She was with Lord Allerton, her brother.”
Oliver nodded, a little cheered by the proprietor’s seeming willingness to continue the conversation. “I should like to know what sort of book she would like,” he said, wondering if he was making himself unclear in any way. “She was very kind to me and has informed me that her sister-in-law is also from America, as I am.” He shrugged as the proprietor nodded slowly. “I’d like to send her a book that I hope she will enjoy, just as a gesture of thanks.”
A look of understanding flooded the proprietor’s face, and his smile spread, making Oliver sigh with relief.
“Ah, I quite understand, sir,” the man answered, now looking quite happy to help Oliver with his intentions. “It is a very kind gesture, I am sure, and I know she will appreciate it. I helped her to find one or two new books just before she left, so if you wish, I could find another book of the same kind?”
Oliver nodded, leaning one elbow on the counter. “Please,” he said gesturing
to the bookshelves with his other hand. “That would be very helpful indeed.” He smiled to himself as the proprietor hurried off, murmuring under his breath as he went.
At least that is one thing I have managed to do correctly, he thought to himself as the proprietor continued to scurry here and there between the shelves of books. Sending a book to a lady as a gesture of thanks is obviously quite well thought of! His broad smile remained as the proprietor came back to the counter with three books in his hands. He laid them out for Oliver to peruse, telling him these were some of the newer novels, and he was sure the lady would be glad to have any of them.
“Send all of them!” Oliver exclaimed on a whim, thinking he would make himself very proper indeed if he were to send three instead of one. “That way she will know just how thankful I am to have met her.”
The proprietor goggled at him for a moment, looking at him in evident confusion before shaking his head and muttering to himself under his breath. Oliver frowned, wondering if he had been overeager, only to shrug inwardly and turn his head away. He was merely expressing his thankfulness through a kind gesture, and surely there was nothing that could be said about that!
“I shall have them sent directly,” the proprietor said, glancing outside at the rain. “Just as soon as the rain has stopped, so the books do not get damaged.”
Oliver nodded in understanding. “Thank you,” he said. “I shall pay you and then be on my way.”
When Oliver got back to the house, the rain had finally stopped, and the sun was attempting to shine through the clouds, although Oliver was not sure it would last.
“Good gracious!” his cousin cried as he stepped into the house. “Whatever happened to you?”
Oliver looked down at himself, seeing the glistening beads of rain running down his coat. “I am a little damp,” he said with a shrug. “The hackneys were hard to find.”