by Anna Macy
Georgiana shrugged, “You were always so serious. I was never sure you even knew I was there.”
Incredibly, Robert blushed. “Truly? I believe the correct word was distracted, not serious. I spent most of my time there, attempting to upset the delicate balance that keeps my mother’s mind intact. It was a true joy at the time to cause her torment.”
“Seems to me that she’s finally getting her revenge then?” Georgiana grinned at him.
They heard the shuffling of footsteps as various Conning family members seemed to be making their way to the dining room. Cook must’ve finished the midday meal.
“May I be so bold as to ask you to stay a bit longer?” Georgiana couldn’t believe the words as they flew out of her mouth. She frowned. In a million years, she would never expect Robert to sit across from Teddy and Serena and pretend to enjoy it.
He would do that; she realized as his face remained calm. But he didn’t need to.
“We could take our meal in the kitchen. It isn’t fancy, but we would have it to ourselves,” Georgiana said quickly.
A flirtatious smile flitted across Robert’s face making her heart skip a beat. “Trying to get me alone?”
It was Georgiana’s turn to blush lightly. “I just meant there’d be no chance of sharing a soup bowl with Teddy.”
“Ah, yes, indeed. Then I humbly accept your proposal Miss Conning. Please, my lady, lead the way.” Robert stood, offering a hand to Georgiana as she rose as well.
Heart fluttering, she kept ahold of his hand, drawing him down the narrow hall to the entrance to the dining room. Within, she could hear bits of conversation and silverware clattering as her family served themselves. Taking a deep breath, Georgiana leaped past the arched doorway. A shocked Robert following with a graceless lurch.
Pulling on his arm, laughing, she practically dragged the heir to Devonshire into her kitchen. The fireplace there was roaring, a dark brown stew bubbling happily beside the stove. It was warm, scented with rosemary and the yeast of rising bread.
Nervously Georgiana wondered if Robert would judge her hasty decision to serve him here. Or if one of her family members would come barging down on them any moment. After all, they were alone together, and the opportunity for scandal was nigh. But when she looked up, his eyes were staring down where she still held his hand tightly in her own. Blushing furiously, she released him, stepping away.
“Excuse me, I’m sorry about that,” she finally choked out, covering her face in horror at the insanity of her actions. Both the clutching hand and the dash to hide from her family. To her surprise and resounding pleasure, his deep laughter joined hers.
“Don’t apologize. I’ve never been someone’s secret before; the effect is rather exciting.” Georgiana peaked between her fingers to see the man standing close to her, his proximity doing wonderful things to her belly.
“You’re no secret; I just didn’t want them to be intruding. Especially Teddy.” Georgiana gave Robert a tentative smile. He nodded in agreement, stepping back from her at the mention of her sibling.
Georgiana bit her lip. A soft guggle from the stovetop behind her drew her attention. “Are you content with just a beef stew? We tend to eat simply around here these days, but I can promise you that it’s quite delicious.”
Robert didn’t waver for a moment, “That sounds lovely. How can I help?”
He must have noticed there was almost no staff remaining at the Conning house. Sniffing, Georgiana forced the heat from her cheeks. She had nothing to be ashamed of. She was sure plenty of ladys served their gentlemen callers from the kitchen. Right?
She sighed deeply. Georgiana was sure that any of the Devonshire homes would have an entire contingent of servants. They probably ate a full sit-down meal several times a day.
The Conning’s no longer had the means to live that lifestyle. Now that she was older, she wondered if they ever should have been. Nowadays, they were used to fending for themselves during the day, save the rare occasion that housekeeper or the maidservants would come downstairs.
A lingering embarrassment filled her as she crossed the room, but Robert didn’t seem to notice. He looked rather at home here, scuffling around to sniff at the stew before selecting a spoon and stirring the contents. He must’ve sensed her interest as he smiled her way.
“We never keep a full contingent of staff at the Devonshire country house unless we are hosting an event. My mother says that they get underfoot, and I believe she actually enjoys the quiet far more than she enjoys the servants.”
“Really? You cannot be serious. Your mother, the dragon of Devonshire, doesn’t like servants?” Georgiana handed him a bowl; her face befuddled as Lady Catherine’s old nickname among the ton slipped out.
She slapped a hand over her mouth, horrified. “Oh my goodness, Robert, I’m so sorry, please excuse me,” Georgiana rambled, her face blanched as she realized what she had said.
“Don’t be. Between you and me, you should know that she loves that nickname.” Robert said. He offered her a quick wink as he stood beside her. Georgiana swallowed, trying to calm her racing heart.
Robert stirred the stew again, sending a fresh waft into Georgiana’s nose. “And I didn’t say that she always dislikes the servants. I just mean that during the quiet months in the summers, we operate a much smaller group.”
He spooned in a heavy pour into the bowl before surprising her and passing it to her. She returned the gesture with the second bowl, which he filled for himself. Finding two only slightly creaky chairs, they found a cleared edge of the kitchen where they could both balance their steaming bowls.
Georgiana blew on her hot stew, cooling it, while Robert regaled her with his childhood stories. She laughed, listening to the pranks they had pulled on Marian as a child, dipping her curls in ink, and giving the family pet an unwarranted haircut.
“You seem so close. I envy that. I fear I don’t have as much in common with my brothers any longer. And I know the at Edwin would be quite opposed to me dipping his hair in my inkwell.” Georgiana smiled but looked subconsciously at the corridor led to the half-empty dining room.
“We are lucky,” Robert asked quietly, following her gaze. Setting his bowl aside, he reached for her hands. Her heart leaped in her chest, sending tingles of pleasure through her body as he held her against him.
She desperately wished for him to return, suddenly afraid that he was about to say goodbye. “Would you call on me again?”
Blue eyes twinkled as he lowered his lips to her knuckles, brushing them with a soft kiss. “Absolutely. I’ll look forward to it.”
Georgiana ducked her chin to hide the pleased grin that took over her face. A pair of fingers firmly gripped her chin, pulling her back up to look him in the eye.
“Thank you, Georgiana,” Robert said softly.
“For what?” Her words were barely audible.
“Giving me a chance,” Robert’s lips quirked, “And for the stew.” With something like regret on his face, he started to rise, his eyes going to the door.
“I can let you out the back?” Georgiana said, a gentle ache spreading in her chest. Of course, he wouldn’t want to risk meeting any of her family, or maybe even being seen in front of the house.
His brows lowered, “No, that’s not it. Regardless of what you think, I’m not your secret.” He moved to the door, his face bemused.
Georgiana sat red-faced, watching him. “Wait, Robert!”
He turned obediently, his body filling the doorway.
“Bread, you have to take some with you for later, since I forgot to serve it with lunch.” Georgiana rushed to the small loaf and quickly sawed through a hefty slice. The dull knife caught on the crust in her urgency, causing her to run her finger against the edge. The skin broke quickly, and a thin line of blood appeared.
She gasped in surprise more than pain. Cursing her clumsiness, she finished wrapping his bread in a carefully embroidered napkin. Holding it out in front of her, the cut hand behind, she
smiled bravely.
His eyes missed nothing. With one hand, he pushed the offering aside and reached around her to tug at her hand. His face bent low over her damaged appendage, he tutted at her cut.
“It’s nothing. Just a clumsy moment.”
His bright, sympathetic eyes fixated on her for a moment before returning to the cut. “No stitches, but let’s wrap it up just in case.” Without releasing her, he pulled a lace-edged handkerchief out of an inside pocket, wrapping it tightly around her pointer finger.
After he tucked the end in, he leaned in and kissed the injury lightly, making Georgiana’s knees quiver. “Accidents happen. You shouldn't be so quick to discount yourself.”
She gave him a watery smile. Why did his words always soothe her so? “Thank you, Robert.”
He nodded, quickly pressing one last kiss to her palm before pulling away. In a moment, quick as lightning, he gave her a bow, then he and his slice of fresh bread were nowhere to be seen. The entire house seemed to be holding its breath until they were sure he was gone.
Flopping into a plush purple chair, Georgiana tried to focus. Had she simply dreamed this whole interaction?
She peered down at the itching pain across her pointer finger. Seeing his handkerchief there, acting as a bandage, cemented it into her mind. Robert Wains indeed had been there, and she couldn’t wait to see him again.
EIGHT
That meal began a pattern. Every few days, Robert would appear, impeccably dressed, usually coming from his office down at the Port. Sometimes he brought treats, pastries, or even exotic chocolates that he consistently left in the front parlor. And while her mother nor Serena ever came forward, the treats continued to disappear regularly.
Her mother and Serena continued to turn a blind eye to their visits, that while proper, were highly unconventional. Especially the part that the two of them most often ended up in the kitchen, talking, laughing while languishing over whatever meal Cook had left that morning.
One day Robert arrived looking harried and a wit worse for the wear. Once they had retreated to the kitchens, the conversation lagged as his eyes strayed continuously to the stack of ledgers he had brought with him.
Finally, Georgiana propped a hand on her hips, glaring at him. “Robert Wains, what in the world could be in those books that’s has you so worked up?”
Robert paled, rubbing the back of his neck nervously. “They are from my father, something about new requirements. I only just received them.”
“Oh, goodness! You must read them,” Georgiana murmured, her coppery hair shining as she swept it from her face and leaned over his shoulder. He inhaled, letting the soft floral undertone of her skin fill his body. Instantly his mind quieted.
He smiled at her face, so close to his. Her face changed quickly, a flash of heat joining the excitement. For a moment, he almost pulled her down and across his lap. He would give anything to taste her again, to feel those silken lips on his own.
His body clenched as it reacted to that vision. Before he could act on it, Georgiana leaned in and pressed her lips against him in a quick, hard kiss. He smiled as she pulled away, blushing, but truthfully, he was left wanting much more.
She was charming, passionate, and just a bit more opinionated than he was used to. His every waking moment seemed to be consumed by thoughts of her. And now, the chance to sit beside her, whenever he wanted, it was the addiction he never knew he had.
For weeks, he indulged himself in these secret kitchen luncheons, unable to stay away. Those hours they sat, their knees pressed against each other under a rickety table, were his favorite part of the week, torn between the delirium of being close to her and the torture of wanting to be even closer.
***
One morning, before even she had made it to the dining room, a message for Georgiana arrived. In a looping, almost decorative script, Robert requested her.
Miss Georgiana Conning,
My family has been invited to attend a dinner party at Daniel and Judith Scott’s home tonight. I know that it is short notice, but I would love for you to join us as my guest. My mother and sister are happy to act as chaperones if there are any concerns.
My messenger will await your reply.
Yours,
Robert Wains
Georgiana read the note once, then twice, barely daring to breathe. Go to a dinner party with Robert. And tonight? The idea was insane but enormously tempting. She gnawed on her lower lip, her fingers wearing a crease in the note.
Mr. Collins, the Conning family butler, gave her a slight bow. “Do you have a response, ma’am?”
Heart pounding, Georgiana dashed to the library, picking up a quill pen and jotting down a quick response.
Mr. Wains,
I would love to. I look forward to seeing you tonight.
Sincerely,
Georgiana
Mr. Collins moved off, his shuffling feet carrying her note to Robert’s waiting messenger. There was no going back now. She went running for the stairs, breakfast forgotten. Today, she would be as much of a lady as ever had. Calling desperately for the maid, Georgiana scrambled to make a plan.
Hours later, she was almost to the point of pulling out her brown locks. She couldn’t decide what to wear, her hair was a literal rat's nest of curls, and the maidservant was moments from quitting. Georgiana covered her face with her hands, aghast at her foolish plan to show up at Scott's home tonight.
Judith Scott was an icon within the ton. Her voice amongst the loudest at every lady’s luncheon, her edicts across every gossip column. She devoured girls like Georgiana for breakfast. It had been ridiculous to think she could put herself together enough to grace the Scott home tonight.
Georgiana sniffed, her cheeks aflame. She would rather stay home and disappoint Robert than attend and end up embarrassing him. She must send a note immediately and apologize to him. There was no way that she would be attending after all.
“What’s all this?” Serena’s calm tone broke through Georgiana’s despair. Dropping her hands far enough to cast a warning look at her sister-in-law, she turned back to the mirror, glaring at the reflection within.
“Nothing to concern yourself with sister,” Georgiana couldn’t keep the sarcasm out of her voice.
Serena raised a brow, obviously intrigued by the breach in Georgiana’s usually polite and sweet demeanor. Horrified at both her manners and the carefully constructed wall that she’d placed between herself and Serena, Georgiana slammed her hands over her face again.
No matter how she’d felt about her brother’s new wife, she had always pained herself to be as polite as possible. But at the moment, Georgiana was fresh out of patience for the young woman’s curious eyes. Careful footsteps told her that Serena had ignored her earlier statement and entered the fray that was Georgiana’s chambers.
“Would you like some help?” Serena’s voice was soft and shockingly warm.
“What would you know?” Georgiana glared out at the lovely young woman, her dark eyes flashing with barely contained frustration.
Serena offered a quick sad smile, moving to stand behind Georgiana. Her firm, small fingers ran through the length of Georgiana’s russet curls, tugging them lightly. “I had two sisters back home. We commonly did each other’s hair for special events.”
Georgiana stilled, watching the raw sadness in Serena’s eyes as she spoke. Realizing she knew almost nothing about her brother’s wife, she felt a stab of guilt. Ever since the woman had arrived on English soil on Teddy’s arm, she had played the part of some type of villain to Georgiana. A sad shadow of what Marian Wains would’ve been as a sister-in-law.
But as she observed the dark-haired beauty, Georgiana realized that she’d never even given the young woman a chance. Perhaps she wasn’t the villain Georgiana had made her out to be.
“You’re meeting Robert again?” Serena gently combed her hair from her neck.
“Not like this, I’m not,” Georgiana huffed, frustration seeping out of every
pore. “I wanted to show Robert that I could thrive in his world too.” Serena gave her a wide knowing smile in the mirror’s reflection. One that transformed her brother’s wife from the sharp-tongued shrew into a devastatingly beautiful creature that stole Georgiana’s breath away. At that moment, she knew why Teddy had fallen so hard for the American.
“Don’t worry, Georgiana, we’ll get you fixed right up,” Serena said triumphantly, dusting her hands against her sides as she straightened her shoulders with a proud shake. Both the maidservant and Georgiana stared open-mouthed.
But Serena didn’t notice their matching expressions, she had already dived into the mess of curls, and by the look on her face, Georgiana dared not disturb her. Instead, she settled into her chair, casting a nervous glance at their maidservant as she surrendered herself entirely to their services.