Lady Archer's Creed 02 - Georgina

by Christina McKnight

  Felton made haste to gather his equipment, then followed Georgie and Lady Josephine as they went to collect the prize purse. As they neared the booth, people swarmed around them offering congratulations and shaking their hands. His gut twisted with worry. All it would take is for one person to notice they were women and all hell would erupt.

  He hurried to their side. “You shoot as well as ever.” He tossed his arm casually across Georgie’s shoulder, moving her forward. “How long has it been since we saw each other last?”

  She looked at him, wide-eyed. “What are you doing?”

  “Protecting you. Keep walking.” He looked to ensure Lady Josephine was keeping pace with them, but never slowed his steps until they reached the booth. Once there, he stood behind Georgie with Lady Josephine beside him, ensuring no one got close to Georgie.

  With her coins in hand, Felton swept Georgie along, rushing her to his carriage. He handed her and Lady Josephine up, then climbed in beside them, his footman closing the door in his wake. “Have you completely lost your wits? We had a deal.”

  “You do not understand. I had to come.” Georgie bit her lip.

  “What if you’d been found out? Did you consider the consequences?” He looked between the ladies, settling his glare on Lady Josephine. “You both could have been hurt. Tossed into the tower even.”

  “The tower.” Georgie rolled her eyes. “Now you are making things up in an attempt to frighten us.”

  Josie tucked her chin, her lip quivering.

  “Leave Lady Josephine out of this. She only came in support of me.”

  Felton drew a deep, calming breath. “I am taking you both home.” He paused, expecting Georgie to protest. “How did you get here?”

  “My horse.”

  “You rode together?”

  Georgie nodded.

  Felton knocked on the carriage window, then waited for his driver to open it. “Retrieve Lady…” He turned to Georgie. “What name is your horse being held under?”

  “George Halloway.” She rubbed at a smear of coal dust on her cheek.

  “Retrieve Mr. George Halloway’s mount and secure it to the carriage.”

  “Right away, sir.”

  Felton ordered the driver to take them to Lady Josephine’s residence once the horse was secured. As the carriage jerked into motion, he relaxed against the velvet seat. In the very least, Georgie was safe. He would deal with her trickery later.

  Chapter 10

  Georgina watched Josie as she hurried up the walkway to her home, leaving her and Felton alone in his carriage, sharing a bench. She slanted her gaze at him as the carriage set off once more. He’d not said a word the entire way to Josie’s, but now that they were alone, she had no doubt a great deal of words were to come. His eyes still crackled with anger, lips remained pressed together in a tight line of annoyance.

  She’d not intended to upset him. “I am sorry, Felton.” And she was, though in truth, she would have competed regardless. The ambition and desire that drove her came from deep within, and her future hinged on her success.

  “I have to know why you risked your safety, your reputation.”

  Georgie held her hand to her lips. Dare she reveal everything? Could she trust him? The answer’s she sought shone in the depths of his eyes—tenderness and warmth breaking through the outrage. He cared for her.

  “My future depended upon my winning.”

  Felon angled toward her, took one of her hands in his. “What are your intentions?”

  The warmth of his touch comforted her. “I cannot marry. Cannot allow my wings to be clipped. This was my only way to ensure my freedom. I will continue competing in order to support myself.”

  He gave a slight nod as though he understood, and perhaps he did. Georgie glanced down at their connected hands. “I also miss Father terribly and hope that if I make a success of myself, he will love me once more.”

  “Oh, Lady Bug.” Felton pulled her against him. Her hat dislodged, tumbling to her lap. He stroked her hair. “I am sure your father loves you a great deal. He cannot help that his attentions are spread thin now that he has a demanding young wife and new baby.”

  “That may be true, but it does not make it right. I can’t help believing that I might win his affection back by becoming the best archer in all of England.”

  Felton placed a tender kiss on the top of her head. “You need not risk yourself to win someone’s affections, leastwise not for someone deserving of your love.”

  “I simply refuse to continue on as I have been. If by season’s end, I have not regained Father’s affection and changed his mind about forcing me to marry, I must have enough income to support myself. As it is, Father has cut my pin money completely.”

  “As angry and hurt as I was to discover you at Cheapside, I knew it must mean a great deal to you. I am pleased you came away the victor.”

  Georgie tipped her chin, her eyes meeting his. She narrowed her gaze and he averted his.

  “You let me win.”

  He turned back to her. “I did not.”

  But he could not lie to her, not without her seeing through to the truth. His eyes gave him away. “You most certainly did.” She crossed her arms over her bound chest.

  He reached for her, but she jerked away. “I wanted to win of my own accord. You took that from me.”

  “We both know you are a superior archer, you bested me at East End and I had the devil of a time winning our bet. What difference does it make if I ensured your victory today?”

  The bloody, infuriating man, could he truly not understand her vexation. “I can no longer call it my victory. You cheated.”

  “I made sure you received what you so clearly needed. I knew not the reason behind your determination, but I could plainly see how important it was for you. I did not wish to see you crestfallen nor cost you something dear. Do not be cross with me for caring about you, Lady Bug.”

  Georgie sighed, letting go of his hand. “What about your needs? Why were you competing?”

  He readjusted himself on the seat. “For the pleasure and distraction, not the prize. My needs are met.”

  Another lie. “If you honestly care for me, be honest with me as I have with you.”

  “Honesty is not always easy for a man. We detest baring our souls, admitting our failures.”

  Georgie slid close to him and wrapped her hand around his arm. “Try. I will not judge you.”

  He studied her for a moment. “My mine’s coal deposit is running out, and with your father’s refusal to grant me mining rights to his land, I am about to be out of business.”

  Georgie rubbed his arm, her mind rolling over his words, seeking a solution. “Can you not locate another deposit elsewhere?”

  “Business is not a proper topic of discussion for a lady.” Felton looked out of the carriage window at the passing countryside. “You need not worry over my future when you have your own to see to.”

  Georgie could not say what possessed her to do such a thing, but she rose up and pulled his mouth to hers. Her arms came around his neck and she pressed herself to him.

  His mouth softened against hers. Felton brought his hand to her side and delicately stroked as he took the lead. He slid his tongue along the crease of her lips and she parted them on a sigh, giving herself over completely.

  Georgie’s blood ignited as she leaned into the kiss, reveling in the new sensations he caused. All of her past emotions flooded back in a slow build until they grew so powerful they nearly stole her breath. She loved this man—always had and always would.

  Breathless, Georgie pulled away, more determined than ever to help him. “I believe we have soundly established my failing as a lady. Now I would like an answer to my question.”

  “You are every inch a lady.” Felton pulled her closer, placed a kiss on her forehead, then her cheek.

  “Do not deflect, answer me. Can you not locate a new deposit?” She rubbed the tips of her fingers across his jaw, following the hard li
ne, enjoying the pleasure it gave her.

  His smoldering gaze held hers. “Not without a great deal of coin.”

  “Then allow me to buy in. I can be a silent partner, fund the discovery of a fresh deposit and earn my own income in the end.” She smiled triumphantly, for in her mind it was the perfect solution.

  “You have no need of a mine. Even if you did, I would never take your money, Lady Bug.”

  “It should be your money. Would be had you shot honestly. Allow me to share it with you?”

  “No. I will find a way.”

  She held his cheek so that he could not turn from her. “Felton.” He pressed his lips together and she saw the answer in his eyes. He would not bend to her will. Very well, she would find a different way to aid him as he had her when he threw his shot.

  The carriage turned, pulling her from the spell she had been cast under. Her stomach sank as the ducal mansion came into view. “Let me out here. The duchess will ruin my life even more if she sees me alight from your carriage.”

  “Have you considered that she may have your best interests at heart?”

  “She only wishes to see me removed. Pawned off on some decaying lord and forgotten. Please stop the carriage.”

  Felton knocked on the roof, signaling his driver. Georgie opened the door as the carriage jerked to a halt and bound out without waiting for assistance or a step. “Go.” She waved Felton away before sprinting across the lawn toward the back entrance. A glance over her shoulder revealed he had not moved. She waved frantically hoping to convey her desire to see him gone.

  He closed the door and in an instant departed.

  With a heavy heart, for she knew she would never have him, Georgie made her way to the back veranda. She darted through the large double doors into the ballroom, then paused to catch her breath before continuing across the room. A cursory look showed the hall to be empty and she headed toward the stairs that would take her to the safety of her room.

  Clutching the banister, Georgie stepped lightly so as not to make noise. She had no wish to draw attention to herself as she climbed the stairs. Halfway, she paused to listen for signs of activity above. Satisfied she was safe, she continued. Another five steps and she would reach the landing.

  “Georgina Ann Marie Seton, explain yourself at once.”

  She jumped at the boom of Father’s voice, then spun to face him, her stomach in her toes. “I-I…” Think Georgie, she chastised herself.

  “What the devil are you doing dressed in such a way?”

  “I was practicing my archery.”

  She turned to look up at the sound of foot falls, her gaze meeting the duchess.

  “My word.” The duchess’s hand went to her chest, her attention moving to Father. “I told you something must be done at once before she ruins all prospects for marriage.”

  “Do not fret, Dinah. I have already seen to everything.”

  Georgie’s head spun. Seen to everything? The words spiraled across her mind. “What is your meaning, Father?”

  “When Dinah discovered you missing this morning, I contacted Lord Qinnly. He has agreed most readily to make you his wife. The bans will be read at once.”

  “No! I cannot. I will not!” Georgie glared at Father.

  He stared back, his gaze hard. “You will and until you do, you are not permitted to leave the house.”

  “How do you intend to keep her in?” The duchess tilted her head. “She seems incapable of following orders.”

  Georgie turned her accusing glare on the duchess. “This is all your doing.” She’d take great pride in ringing the woman’s neck.

  “Do not blame your poor judgment and bad choices on, Dinah.”

  Georgie started down the stairs toward Father, her pulse racing. “Father, please see reason. Lord Qinnly is much too old for me. I will never find happiness with him.”

  “My decision is made. You need a wise husband with a strong will to keep you under control. You will marry him and that is final.” Father turned his back on her. “Go to your room. I have a footman positioned outside your door. He will escort you around the house until I safely deliver you into Lord Qinnly’s care.”

  “But, Father.” Georgie ran down the stairs as he walked away. Desperation drove her as he reached for his coat. “Father, please.”

  He shook her off. “Cease this nonsense. You are creating a scene.”

  Georgie stilled, squeezing her eyes closed, willing Father to reconsider. When she opened them, he was gone.

  Chapter 11

  Georgie accepted a bath, then allowed her maid to dress her in a night shift and plait her hair. Her mind and stomach churned in unison the entire time her maid tended her. No matter what she told herself, however much she tried to calm down, one fact remained.

  She would not wed the old goat!

  The fading rays of sun streaming through her window signaled nightfall fast approached. Georgie went to her armoire and pulled out her trousers along with a white shirt and boots. Her pulse thrummed as she changed into the clothes and pinned up her braids before lining her bed with pillows and flinging her blanket over them.

  Standing back, she admired the results. If anyone came to check on her, as they surely would, it would appear as if she were fast asleep. Georgie paced her chamber, restless energy driving her until the house eventually grew quiet.

  Borrowing an idea from Adeline, she went to her window and pushed it open. With a deep breath, she sat on the sill, then swung her legs over the edge before turning onto her belly. She hung her legs and feet out the window, running them along the side of the house until she found purchase wedging her boots into the grooves of the trellis.

  In moments, she reached the ground. It was as if she’d scaled the side of her family’s home many times, but truly, only the dire nature of her current situation had her daring the long climb down. Without pause, she ran across the lawn to the stables where she saddled her mare before guiding it out to the road. Luck had been on her side, the stablemen were fast asleep. She fought the urge to put the horse into a gallop as she rode across the property.

  Her pulse beat frantically when she reached the road and kicked the horse into a fast trot. She would not stop until she reached Adeline. Pray, let the girl help her.

  She rode for a great distance—nearly the whole night—before she at last turned onto the road leading toward Alistair’s estate and her dearest friend. Only then did she breathe a sigh of relief. Her spirits soared when the grand home came into view.

  Bone-weary and covered in road dust, Georgie dismounted near Adeline’s bedchamber window. She looked for something to toss at the glass in hope of rousing Adeline, but found nothing. Finding strength in her determination, she decided to climb the trellis and rap on the window.

  The drapes stirred and then Adeline’s face poked through them. Her eyes grew wide. “Georgie?” She pushed the window open. “What are you doing?”

  Georgie’s finger’s shook with the effort to hold on. “I had nowhere else to go. You must help me.”

  Adeline reached for her. “Don’t hang there waiting to break your neck.”

  Georgie smiled, relief sweeping over her as she crawled into Adeline’s room. “Father has demanded I marry Lord Qinnly…at once.”

  “He’s a fossil.” Adeline went to her wash basin and splashed water on her face. “What are you going to do?”

  “I am hoping you can stash me away until I figure something out.” Georgie rubbed her tired eyes. “I could think of no one else. Josie is too proper and lives in a house too small and full of people to hide a mouse let alone me.”

  “You say that as if I do not have siblings bursting from every direction.” Adeline laughed. “All the same, I would never turn you out.”

  “Thank you.” Georgie went to Adeline and took her hands. “I owe you.”

  “With the house in mourning, hiding you should not be much of a burden.” Adeline looked toward the window. “How did you get here?”

&nb
sp; Drat! Her horse. Georgie went to the window. “My mount is below. We have to put her up.” She turned to her friend. “Can we trust your stablemen to remain quiet?”

  “Indeed.” Adeline went to her armoire, pulled out a night dress, and tossed it to Georgie. “Get some rest. I will see to your horse.”

  Georgie held the gown to her chest. “Can I ask something else of you?”

  Adeline nodded.

  “I need you to get some coins to Josie. I won Cheapside, but in the aftermath, forgot to give her a share of the winnings.”

  “I’ll have it sent over later today.” Adeline opened the bedchamber door, then crept from the room, closing it in her wake.

  Georgie set about changing into the fresh white gown, then placed her dirty garments into Adeline’s armoire before lying on the bed. Everything would work out. She would not have to marry—certainly not Lord Qinnly. For now, she would let sleep claim her. She and Adeline would come up with a plan later. One sure to protect her and help Felton as well. She could not forget about him, would not.

  “Say that again?” Felton looked at his solicitor, not quite believing what he’d heard.

  The man grinned. “Your men have located another mineral vein.”

  “How? Where?”

  “The men dug across from where the deposit runs into the Duke of Balfour’s land, following a horizontal line across your father’s property. It was a long shot, but knowing they would soon be out of work, it was one they happily pursued. About ten feet in, they hit coal.”

  Felton sat back in his leather high back chair. He was not as surprised about the discovery as he was that his men undertook the risk to find it without pay. Prospecting took a great deal of funds and did not always reap rewards. It was a lack of funds that kept him from prospecting father’s land in the first place. He’d see to it that his men were compensated for this. “Do we know how rich it is?”

  “A survey would have to be done to determine that with certainty, however, the men believe it to be a vast deposit. They dug over in two other places and found the vein to continue.” The solicitor handed Felton a report. “Here are the estimates.”