Onslow bent towards Miss White and said, in a confiding tone, ‘We suspect she left to avoid the shame of another, miss.’
Julia, surprised and pleased at the friendliest tone she had heard from the marquis since her arrival, said, ‘Now my lord, you must not malign my friend. I shall not permit it.’ She took Georgette’s hand playfully as she said this and was surprised to feel an answering squeeze.
‘It is clear the ladies wish to gossip together,’ said His Lordship to Bellamy and his friend. ‘We should leave them to it, gentlemen, and seek some cards.’
Faulkes put a friendly arm on Bellamy’s, and they all moved off together. As she watched the gentlemen leave, Miss White said, ‘Were you acquainted with Colonel Bellamy previously, Miss — Georgette, dear?’
Georgette, relieved of the heaviness of the colonel’s presence, was able to say easily and honestly, ‘Hardly at all.’
Chapter 16
Sitting up in bed that night, with a shawl around her and the blankets pulled up to her chin, to avoid the worst of the summer draughts, Georgette reviewed the day. Onslow’s strange behaviour on the ride, his disgust at her behaviour and their unexpected argument was truly horrible to recall. No matter how much she replayed it in her head, she could not make sense of how badly the conversation had gone. His coldness before breakfast, and then his serious and forbidding expression as he had given her the note, were quite different to the easiness of the last few days. She had lost her temper, and she knew it, but it seemed as though he was another who had jumped past politeness and into intimate frankness without a pause. ‘I thought we were better friends,’ he’d said, and she had almost revealed her secret to him.
Colonel Bellamy was handsome, and she believed he was sincere, but this did not make her comfortable. She had believed that it would be wonderful to be feted and paid attention to as Miss Julia White so often was, but in practise she found it did not suit her. She found the gentle teasing of Faulkes and the more robust taunting of the marquis much better for her spirits than Bellamy’s passionate looks. She wondered, if he had come and been pleasant with her as he had at Almacks, if he had talked and walked with her without the confession of strong feelings so soon, might she have responded?
Onslow’s every move still took her attention. Even when her back was turned to him there seemed to be tentacles that told her his location. But when he was beside her these last few days she had finally found that she could relax and be herself — that she could be his friend. When his eyes turned to Julia’s, or even when he chatted with Amethyst Bailey, for example, she knew this friendship was not all for her. They were small knives in her heart, reminding her that the handsome peer was not, and never could be, hers. Sometimes, when they joked together, she had felt such a fluttering in her heart that when he left her it was as though she had fallen from a great height. Being closer was even more painful sometimes.
That is why, though afraid of anyone noticing Bellamy’s attention to her, she was more attuned to the colonel’s feelings than many would be. Perhaps, after all, Bellamy might be a way for her to let go of Onslow’s grip on her heart. A grip the marquis was certainly oblivious to. But first she must explain to the colonel how his behaviour, which she knew many women might welcome, was in this situation harming any chance of a closer relationship. Before she knew Onslow, she had spent a delightful hour in Bellamy’s company thinking him handsome, funny and sincere. Perhaps she could find a way to that time “before Onslow” even now. But she must explain things to him in person, if she could.
This afternoon, though, Faulkes had stood her friend at the archery course and later Onslow had taken her in his arms, up to her room. She had hardly had time to be shocked, just thrilled, but she had been glad when he had laid her down abruptly, in case she had been tempted to cling to him. This evening, they had stood as her guards, and she was so grateful to them for having done so. Tomorrow, she would express that gratitude. She would keep them her friends until she was ready to go to Bellamy safely, and perhaps finally find a way to let Onslow go.
Apart from the fear of Bellamy’s presence on the ride, Georgette had her new spirit the next morning. However strange last evening had been, she had felt their protection. When she saw that only Faulkes and Onslow stood in the hall, she fairly danced down the stairs, grinning. They looked up at her and suddenly whatever constraint had been between them vanished.
‘Let’s ride!’ said Onslow.
Georgette tripped down the last few steps, holding back his arm with her small gloved hand as he turned towards the vast studded oak door. ‘Wait, my lord!’ He turned then and he saw her look up at both of them, her smile so infectious that they reprised it. ‘Thank you,’ she said at last. ‘It is not something I can speak of, but I know you both understand. Thank you.’
‘I have no idea to what you refer,’ said Onslow. ‘Let us ride before the house awakes.’
‘Indeed, Miss Fortune. I believe you awoke with cobwebs in your head. This may be the day that your brother discovers you are exercising Falcon,’ Faulkes warned, and she smiled back at him. ‘You may not be able to compete with us tomorrow.’
They were all heading to the stables at this point, and Georgette adopted her old manner with them. ‘I engaged in no competition, sirs. Is this not our sedate morning exercise?’
‘You drove Falcon at Lucian’s Thunder as though you were set to run him down two days ago.’
Was it just two days ago? Georgette reflected. So much had happened since.
‘I was shaking in my boots,’ lied Onslow piously, with a slow smile in her direction. She looked at his athletic form as he mounted his stallion. His hat was at a rakish forward angle, his blond curls still over one eye. That eye laughed down at her as she mounted Falcon, and she exchanged a look with Sir Justin.
‘I believe my brother’s horse is too strong for me, my lord,’ she said innocently turning back in Onslow’s direction, ‘as you once suggested it might be.’
‘So untruthful,’ remarked the marquis, as he spurred forward his horse. With a laugh, Georgette and Faulkes followed, and she breathed in the freedom of feeling safe with them more fully than ever before. She was glad there was no other with them. Glad that they could share this liberty together before the call of the rest of their small society intruded.
A half hour later, when they were dismounting, Faulkes ventured, ‘Do you want to speak of it—?’
‘It is just that I am not accustomed to being so, so … I have not Miss White’s facility with attention—’ she gulped. ‘I am not sure how to—’
‘It seems Colonel Bellamy remembers you well though three years have passed,’ gentled Faulkes, helping her from her horse.
‘Yes. I believe so. But he does not know me. And I wish he might temper his — attention. I am afraid that my father—’
‘Perhaps Onslow and I might have a word with the colonel.’
‘Oh, no. For what could you say?’ Onslow had joined them as they stood in the stable yard, bidding farewell to their horses. Georgette had an idea. ‘But if I were to write a note after breakfast — could you give it to him?’
‘More notes?’ said Onslow crossly, and she flushed.
‘What notes?’ asked Faulkes, lost. He looked reluctant to go along with her request, for it was indeed beyond the bounds of behaviour.
But Onslow said, once more bloodless, ‘I can.’
Georgette touched his arm lightly, to get his blue eyes on hers. ‘Thank you. Thank you.’
‘You will reject him, then?’ the marquis asked, not dropping his gaze.
Faulkes burst in, ‘Lucian! How can you—’
‘No, Lord Onslow has a right to ask. Please let us not misunderstand each other again,’ Georgette said, determinedly. ‘We three are friends. I’m sorry if in my anger yesterday I suggested otherwise, my lord. I hardly know what I must say to Colonel Bellamy. I have had no time to consider what his behaviour means, or indeed what I am to do. It is only that to be single
d out in this way is very uncomfortable. It is too much. His attention is unwarranted, and I do not know what to do in company with him. Perhaps if he behaved as a rational man, as both of you treat me, I could understand him better, even converse with him without panic. But I feel like—’
‘The fox scented by the hounds?’
She looked up at Onslow. ‘Yes, that’s it.’
‘I’ll deliver your letter,’ said Onslow briskly, and they joined the party for breakfast.
Colonel Bellamy,
I am asking my friend Lord Onslow to give this to you in the hope that we might have a discussion away from the eyes of the party. If you wish to do so, please offer to drive my sister Katerina and me to my aunt’s this afternoon once I mention my plan to go. Please do this as casually as you may, giving no reason for comment.
I think we may need to talk a little. I hope this does not incommode you.
Georgette Fortune
Colonel Bellamy had devoured the note in a second, and looked up at Onslow before the marquis had time to take his leave. ‘Thank you, my lord. Thank you.’ He breathed. Onslow looked at the man’s joy and felt his stomach curdle. He had not much thought of the note’s contents. However, surely Miss Fortune’s words on the subject, or at least her demeanour, suggested that the note was a rebuff of some kind? The colonel did not look rebuffed. What did it mean? He was soon to get an inkling.
After the archery, Lady Bailey talked of taking a walk in the wilderness and some guests made haste to join the family. Paxton was first, wondering if any of the Fortune sisters would care to join them. Jocasta accepted, and Portia too.
Katerina felt that a walk was beyond her (not a phrase generally heard from a sixteen-year-old) and Frederick Bailey almost gave Kat’s head a friendly cuff as he had used to when Amethyst and she played together. But this Katerina, while recognisably the moody brat he had annoyed as a child, was dressed in a green muslin gown and wore her hair up in ringlets. So he rolled his eyes instead. Katerina, as ever, was unimpressed. Georgette grinned, but rather nervously announced that she could not go either, for she must visit her aunt.
Bellamy said, ‘Oh, I have been meaning to explore the estate, let me drive you, Miss Fortune.’
‘Thank you. Katerina will come too. She prefers to drive than walk.’ Katerina shrugged, bored.
Onslow looked at Faulkes, who did not understand the molten anger he saw in his friend’s eye. But as Bellamy left for the stables, Onslow caught up with Georgette and hissed in her ear. ‘In the sitting room.’
She had been smiling at him, but now frowned and froze. Faulkes, making up the rear, was concerned. Onslow moved first, and Miss Fortune and he followed on.
‘Whatever—?’ began Georgette, entering the room, confused.
Onslow turned on his heel to face her, his voice enraged. ‘Do I understand that I just colluded in an assignation?’ he demanded.
‘Well—’ began Georgette reasonably.
‘Lucian!’ began Faulkes, surprised at his tone.
‘That the note I delivered suggested a meeting?’ pursued the marquis, now leaning forward so that Georgette had to take a step back to keep her distance.
‘Well, you must see I have to talk with him,’ said Georgette, more surprised than angry.
‘Then do so under your father’s eye!’ scolded Onslow.
‘You said you understood!’ threw back Georgette, losing her temper back at last.
‘Now, Miss Fortune,’ said the quiet tones of Sir Justin, ‘I understand why Lucian is upset. If your father or brother understood that he had aided in an underhanded meeting—’
‘Not you too!’ Georgette spun at him. ‘My sister will be there. As she was last time.’
‘Last time?’ asked Faulkes, bewildered.
‘Yes,’ said Onslow, jeering. ‘When Miss Fortune was enticed by the colonel to meet him at the stables in the dead of night.’
‘Nine thirty is hardly—’ complained Georgette.
Sir Justin was shocked. ‘He should not have done that!’
‘I suppose you mean,’ said Georgette, close to angry tears, ‘that I should not. Well I know it, but I thought you would understand that I have to explain to the colonel why the present situation cannot go on.’
‘You do not mean—?’ said Faulkes, reeling, ‘He cannot have made you an offer this quickly?’
Georgette blushed, unable to answer.
‘Well, did he?’ said Onslow, beyond politeness.
Georgette shut her eyes and took a breath. ‘Are we friends?’ she asked. She did not open her eyes, but stood, breathing deeply until she sensed some calm come into the room. She looked up and saw Onslow first, of course, his demeanour now ice instead of fire.
Sir Justin said, ‘Of course, Miss Fortune.’
‘Then please trust me. Katerina goes with me. I am sorry if the subject of the note is not to your liking, my lord marquis, but you must see that I cannot risk this situation further. I could think of no other way to have a quiet conversation with him.’
There was silence for perhaps thirty seconds and at last Sir Justin broke it, speaking gently. ‘I am sure you are not aware of it, Miss Fortune, but delivering a note was a step beyond form, and delivering a note of assignation is dishonourable. Your father and brother would surely find it so.’
‘I am sorry, my lord, if I have led you to do what harms your honour, but since you did not know what the note contained, acquit yourself and blame me. I must fetch Katerina and get ready. I am sorry,’ here she just touched Onslow’s arm, ‘truly, my lord. Please forgive me.’
He gave her a cold bow of his head. Her eyes filled, but she left.
‘You were very harsh on her, Lucian!’ said Faulkes quietly.
‘You’ve seen how that fellow Bellamy is behaving. She’s afraid of him already. And now she seeks him out.’
‘He wrote her a note? That is beyond the pale on such a short re-acquaintance. And without her father’s knowledge? I cannot like it.’
‘Two notes, though I do not know what the other contained. That is what we quarrelled about yesterday. I presumed to warn her. But the devil of it is, Justin, if anything were to happen to her today as a result of the note I delivered it will be my fault.’
‘Let us ride after them, then.’
‘You go,’ sighed Onslow. ‘I will be glad if you do, my friend. I’m liable to drag him from the carriage and damn him to hell. But you look after her.’
Chapter 17
Katerina read a book on the carriage ride, and Colonel Bellamy ventured, to the least sociable young lady he had ever met, ‘You do not admire the view, Miss Katerina, you prefer to read.’
‘Evidently.’
‘Katerina!’ sighed Georgette, ‘You must excuse my sister. Her manners are blunt, she is young and not yet used to company.’
Bellamy smiled politely but Katerina added, still bored, ‘And I do not wish to become accustomed to it.’
‘If you cannot be polite, be quiet,’ said Georgette coldly.
However, the colonel was amused, and he lay back in the carriage and crossed his arms, looking at Katerina interestedly. ‘There is no need to be polite with me. I have been abroad so long; my English manners are sadly lacking.’
Katerina did not look up from the book and Bellamy exchanged an amused look with Georgette.
‘So, you enjoy poetry, Miss Katerina?’ Bellamy pursued.
‘You are thinking of Portia.’
‘And will you be entertaining us tonight at the music evening?’
Katerina put down the book and looked at him direct. ‘Colonel Bellamy. I understand my purpose here very well. I am a chaperone. Georgie wants to say something to you, or you want to say something to Georgie and not be overheard. I am not interested, but I am acquiescent. But please do not tire me with empty conversation.’
‘I beg your pardon, Miss Katerina,’ Bellamy said, gravely. ‘I will not do so again.’ He bowed his head formally, and Katerina went back to h
er book.
Georgette had been clutching at her hands when she entered the carriage, but Katerina’s nonsense and the colonel’s good-natured replies had actually relaxed her until, when they approached the little wood, Bellamy knocked on the roof with a stick, and the driver pulled back the horses.
Soon Georgette found herself walking the path through the wood at the colonel’s side, Katerina finding a handy log to sit on while she read her book. A hundred yards along, Georgette stopped and said, ‘We can converse here. If we go further, the bend in the path will take us away from my sister’s eye.’
‘Can we not go on?’ Bellamy’s handsome face looked down on her, smiling. ‘I can see the river just around the bend. It would be a prettier aspect.’
‘The trees are pretty enough.’ Georgette took a deep breath. ‘Thank you for agreeing to this meeting…’
‘You knew that I must come. Thank you, Miss Fortune for permitting it.’
‘But that is just it, Colonel Bellamy. I should not permit it, and yet I am led here by necessity.’
‘Only tell me how I may aid you, Miss Fortune.’
‘Please stop seeking me out.’
There was a silence. ‘I have hardly spoken to you since the other night. I felt that you have been avoiding me.’
‘I have been avoiding you, for you have been much too particular in your attentions, your looks in my direction. I can hardly bear it.’
‘I do not understand you, Miss Fortune. I have told you what my feelings are. Surely you cannot think I wish anything dishonourable towards you.’
‘But sending me a note was dishonourable, and my note was too. And since it was a note arranging an assignation, my friend Lord Onslow has been led to do a dishonourable thing as well, and he is very angry with me indeed.’ Georgette found a handkerchief and blew her nose.
‘Onslow? Yes, he and Faulkes seem ever to be by you. When you were faint, and after dinner.’
Georgette and the Unrequited Love: Sisters of Castle Fortune Book 1 Page 15