by Anna Macy
Georgiana nodded, moving towards Edwin and donning her cloak. He had a carriage waiting outside, which caused her to raise her brows at him.
Edwin chuckled, his face smiling as he leaned into the softness of the interior cushions. “There are perks to this business, Georgiana; I promise you that.”
Georgiana’s lips twisted. While the shame she felt over her theft and subsequent betrayal had lessened over time, she feared it would never truly be gone. Edwin knew this, and part of her instantly resented him for bringing it up.
Her brother’s face was turned away, observing the streets as they passed quickly through the city. His once drawn, almost grey pallor had faded. Now his cheeks had filled in, and his coppery brown eyes shone with health and vitality.
When he smiled, she couldn’t help but notice how handsome he could be. While her heart ached for Robert, looking at her brother, she could at least be glad that he had found a way to be happy.
Stopping at the port's Western entrance, Edwin bounced out of the carriage, reaching back to assist Georgiana. Passing quickly through the throng of workers spread across the area, Georgiana briefly acknowledged that they were headed to Conning’s large warehouse on the Eastern edge.
She blinked hard, the brightness of the English sun against the remaining snow temporarily blinding her. Clutching hard to Edwin’s arm, she hurried into the shadow of her family’s building.
When the light finally receded, she squinted up at the goliath building. Several men on ladders were spread across the building's short end, heavy black paint cans hanging from their hands.
Wains Goods & Storage
Her heart stopped. Slack-jawed, she stared up at the thick, freshly painted letters and then to her brother. Edwin was gazing up at the letters as well, but a serene smile had tilted his mouth. Georgiana shook her head, incredulous. What had happened to their building?
“What did you do, Edwin?” She could barely choke out the words. Edwin looked at her, copper eyes shining in the sun.
“I sold the company.”
Georgiana leaned away from him, feeling faint. “You did what?” After everything she had risked, after everything she had ruined. He had thrown it all away.
Broken wasn’t enough to cover the feeling that was spreading over Georgiana’s chest. She pressed a gloved hand against her breast, worried that her heart might physically break.
“I sold it,” Edwin repeated gently, his face suddenly worried. He looked at something over her shoulder hurriedly.
“He sold it to me,” came the gentle response from behind her. Georgiana broke with a sob, knowing only one person in the world who could undo her with only his voice. Releasing Edwin, she turned to face him.
Robert stood in the cold winter air, his cheeks flushed, his mouth drawn into a line as he watched her.
“Why?” Her chest was so tight; she barely got the word out.
Robert stepped towards her, his bright blonde hair blown loose by the wind. “When your brother returned the company’s ledgers to me, it sparked an idea.” Robert smiled at Edwin. “A bloody wonderful idea, really. I wish I had thought of it before.”
Georgiana only stared. Her heart was hammering.
“I offered to buy the entirety of the Conning assets, including that large warehouse behind you. My father and I have been waiting to branch out into the new trade lines' storage and distribution business. It so happens that your brother had a building that fit into our plans perfectly. And even better, it allowed me to help out an old friend. And the girl who stole my heart.”
Robert rolled his eyes, the blue flashing in laughter. “Also, the girl who stole my books.”
Georgiana clapped a hand over her mouth. “I don’t understand. What happens to us?”
“Your brother is a wonderful businessman, and I’ve kept him on as the head of this branch of the brand new Wains Company. Your father and mother received more than a fair portion of the sale of their company. And now, there is no stopping us.” Robert stepped up to her, letting one hand snake around her body.
Hot tears slid down Georgiana’s face as she stared up at Robert. “But I stole from you. I can’t believe you could ever forgive me.”
His finger pressed to her lips, silencing her. “Oh, please don’t think you got off that easily. I was incredibly angry with you. But Georgiana, you will never have to explain to me the desire to help your family.”
He pressed a chaste kiss to her lips. She closed her eyes, savoring the smell, the feel of him against her again. He broke the kiss long before she was ready. Exoneration filled her with laughter, her face glowing as she stared up at him.
“I’m almost afraid to ask you this next question.” Robert grinned at her, even as a quiet sob shook her body.
He pulled away, keeping only his hands on hers. Dropping to a knee as if unaware of the cold snow under him, Robert looked up at her.
“Georgiana Conning. You are my greatest joy, and I can think of no other way to spend the rest of my days than by your side.”
Georgiana sniffled, her eyes filling with tears as she stared at this incredible man who had forgiven her against all odds. And now he kneeled before her, wanting her above all others.
“Georgiana, will you marry me?” Robert looked up at her, his eyes sparkling as blue as the winter sky above them.
“Yes!” Georgiana sobbed, hurling herself at him as he stood, wrapping her up in the strength of his arms. Looking down at him, she couldn’t remember another moment she had felt more loved. Robert pulled her face to his lips, kissing her slowly this time, savoring the taste of her.
“That’s enough, Robert,” Edwin warned from somewhere behind them.
Georgiana broke the kiss with a laugh. Nuzzling into the heat of his neck, she put her lips against his ear. “Now you truly are going to have to expand your office.”
Robert chuckled softly, squeezing her sides as he let her slide down his body. Georgiana laughed again, wrapping her arms tightly around the man who showed her what real love could be. Their future was looking bright.
FIFTEEN
Edwin stared out into the grey winter morning. In one hand, he held a copy of the asset breakdown and agreement that he’d made with Robert Wains only a few short days ago. While his father had signed over Conning Family Shipwrights to him some years ago, Edwin was sure this would be a surprise.
The offer from Wains Shipbuilding was fair, and Edwin might finally have the chance he needed to prove himself.
But first, he had to tell his family.
Georgiana knew since she’d been on the docks yesterday as when Wains’ people had arrived to change the titles. And of course, when Robert himself had fallen to his knees to convince her to marry him.
Edwin smiled. Georgiana, his youngest sibling, had been the most impacted by their financial distress of the past years. Her selflessness and beauty were a constant reminder that good still existed in this world. No wonder Robert had fallen straight in love with her.
“Edwin, what is all this about?” His father, Bert, walked into the dining room, buttoning his waistcoat as he walked.
“Father, we must talk before breakfast.”
Bert snorted loudly. “Awfully demanding, aren’t you? What can’t wait until I’ve settled my stomach?”
Edwin gathered his courage, deliberately straightening where he stood. “I’ve accepted the Wains’ Company offer to buy Conning Family Shipwrights.”
Bert started, his face slack.
“Don’t worry. I hired an independent solicitor to confirm all of the assets. Wains was correct, and his offer was quite generous.” Edwin held out the stack of papers. “This is your copy, including the funds I’ve established for you and Mother’s future. You will be comfortable.”
Bert snatched the papers from his hand, his face flushing as he began to read. After a moment, he began to rub his eyes.
“What were you thinking?” He growled, falling dramatically into one of the chairs.
E
dwin raised his eyebrows. “What was I thinking? I thought that this family was on the brim of ruination. That Teddy is being passed over for promotions because his superiors fear his family is untrustworthy. And don’t get me started on how badly we failed Georgiana.
He took a deep breath, feeling his nostrils flare as the pent up anger and years of pain filled him. “I was thinking of us, Father, because you haven’t chosen to do so for years. You wanted me to take control, to run the company, and this is my first and last official act as the company’s leader. It was the right act, and I will stand by it for the rest of my days.”
Silence fell. Bert's eyes narrowed. “What did your mother and I receive?”
Edwin’s gut clenched. He was angry at himself for expecting anything else. “Turn the page. As I said, the number is quite impressive.” Edwin watched his father’s eyes widen with appreciation.
“Well done, Edwin,” he said softly, leaning closer to the page to decipher the intimate details.
Edwin gritted his teeth. For years he’d suffered, struggled to work under the ruthless arm of his father, pushing himself to his absolute lowest—all in a quest to hear those words. And here, he received them for doing the one thing he’d always dreaded most.
“The world can be cruel,” he whispered to himself. Sighing, he watched for another moment as his father leafed through the pile of papers.
“What was that?” Bert called to him, obviously out of earshot of Edwin's commentary. Edwin moved closer, forcing a smile to his face.
“Nothing Father, nothing at all.”
Bert sat back, slapping his thigh as he stared at his son and heir. “If I’d known how advantageous marriage to the Wains family would’ve been, I wouldn’t have encouraged Teddy to break things off Marian Wains all those years ago. Her dowry, plus this type of business deal, we’d be set for life.” His father smiled at him, his eyes shining with his cleverness.
However, Edwin’s stomach clenched. “Excuse me, Father, did you say you told Teddy to break things off with Marian Wains?”
“Erm...yes. Before Teddy took the commission, I told him that there was no sense in staying a one-woman man, especially when he was busy earning his keep. Plenty of fish in the sea, I’ve always said.”
Edwin’s hands fisted, his body growing tight. “You owe Lady Marian an apology.”
“Me? Why in heaven would I do that?” Bert snorted again. “Isn’t it obvious what would’ve happened?”
Edwin was silent, fuming. Finally, he shook his head. Bert smirked at him knowingly.
“I told Teddy he could woo the girl, even make her fall in love with you if that’s how it works out, but Edwin, you know as well as I do that Marian’s family would never have let her marry Teddy. The only reason your sister might make it to the altar is that she’s completely bewitched Robert.”
“Did Teddy love her?”
“Why does that matter?”
“Because it matters to me, your son, to better understand your motives.” Edwin felt his hands clench into fists.
Bert sighed. “Yes, I believe your brother loved her. But he did as he was told, and look at him now. They consider him one of the brightest young stars, and marrying an American will make him stand out. Titles are a thing of the past. You’ll see.”
Edwin fought the urge to roll his eyes. First, his father had meddled with Teddy, now Georgiana. He pledged then and there that he would endeavor not to allow his father to meet any future wife of his until after the wedding.
“Not as much as you’d like to think. The Wains family will be here momentarily, and when Georgiana comes down those stairs, I expect you and mother to behave yourselves.”
Bert flushed red. “Don’t you talk to me like that boy.”
“I will talk to you. However, I’m tired of being your servant, muddling through life as you move me from task to task. You gave me the power to save this family, and I’m evoking it now. Starting with Georgiana’s happiness,” Edwin said.
His father’s mouth opened and closed a few times. Finally, he sunk deeper into his chair, looking up at his son with resigned acceptance.
“I will play along.”
“That’s all I ask.” Edwin turned and went back by the window. Just as he did, he caught sight of the tall, broad shoulders of Robert Wains. He was offering his mother a hand down from the pristine Devonshire carriage parked in front of their home.
Walking quickly through the room and to the staircase, Edwin called for his sister. “Georgiana, they are here!”
She didn’t need to reply as he could hear the frantic footsteps as she fled her room and came flying down the stairs. Edwin grinned at her eagerness and at the pretty blush that rose in her cheekbones.
“Are you ready?” Edwin asked gently.
“I’ve never been more ready in my whole life.” Georgiana looked beautiful, dressed in a new pale rose dress that made her appear as if she glowed. Or perhaps that was just Robert's influence.
“Mr. Collins,” Edwin called to the grey-haired butler, “Please show the Wains family inside.”
Mr. Collins smiled, his wrinkled face creasing in a bright smile. “Of course, sire.”
***
Georgiana held her breath, palms clammy as she watched Mr. Collins, their beloved butler, takes the wraps from first Catherine, Marian, and finally, Robert. The moment their eyes met, her legs threatened to give out.
After he’d proposed, they had ducked into the former Conning Shipwrights building and talked for hours. With Edwin as their chaperone, Georgiana told Robert everything. Some things were more challenging to explain. But true to form, Robert waited patiently, listening. And when Edwin sneaked away for a moment, he held her tightly in her arms—promising her a life that she’d never again have to choose between love and family.
She had kissed him then, trying to impart every part of her heart to him.
And now, he was here at the Conning home, larger than life. For as many times as she’d seen him in her childhood home, it never failed to fill her belly with butterflies.
“Robert,” she said softly, taking the final steps to him.
His lips quirked, bright blue eyes sparkling as he took in her appearance. “My Georgiana, lovely as always. A new dress?”
“A wedding gift from Edwin.” Georgiana let her eyes stray to the quiet, straight figure of her oldest brother. His face was in shadow, but she detected just a bit of a smile on his serious face.
Robert nodded, offering her a place on his elbow as he swiveled to present his future bride to his family. “I have someone I’d like you to meet.”
Georgiana was lost momentarily, staring at both Marian and Catherine, whom she knew well. “Robert,” she whispered, confused. He only grinned, walking her back towards the chill that suddenly blew into the foyer.
There standing in her doorway was a silver-haired version of Robert. The same straight nose, tall forehead, and a cheerful, wide smile. It could only be the elder Robert Wains, the Viscount of Devonshire.
Georgiana looked back and forth from one Robert to the other. Robert’s father moved to her immediately, bowing gallantly over her hand.
“When Rob told me that he’d gone and fallen in love with Georgiana Conning, the same one from so many years ago, I couldn’t imagine it. But seeing you now, I can tell you’ve grown into a sophisticated, intelligent woman. It is my great pleasure to meet you again, Miss Conning,” the Viscount spoke smoothly.
Georgiana blushed furiously. Suddenly realizing she had been standing like a statue, she dipped into a low curtsy. “My Lord,” she offered; her tongue felt thick and inadequate in his presence.
The elder Robert grinned at her, again reminding her so much of the man against her side. “Please, no more formalities. Not for the woman who has so thoroughly captured my son’s heart.” He wagged a silvery gold eyebrow her way.
“Leave the girl alone, Robert,” Catherine’s bold voice broke over the group. Her husband smiled at her once more before goi
ng to join his wife.
Edwin spoke up from behind, “Won’t you all join us in the parlor?”
As a group, the Wains family quickly followed his direction, and Georgiana was swept along, chuckling. Her laughter cut off as she realized how cold and silent the parlor was. Georgiana pushed away from Robert to step in front of her betrothed's family.
Inside the parlor, standing closest to the fireplace, were her parents; her mother, so petite, her body straight and willowy like a sapling, beside her gaunt-looking father.