Chapter Six #2
At that moment, the two gentlemen joined them. Lord Ferncroft, Ellie’s husband, took the chair next to hers, while Lord Durham sat next to Georgina. She felt herself blushing.
Rose spoke immediately. “Did you gentleman solve all of Parliament’s current problems, or did you discuss the price of sugar today?”
Lord Ferncroft shook his head. “Neither. We were discussing the advantages of being a married man. Of course, I’m rather biased.” He reached over and laid his hand over Ellie’s on the table.
Lord Durham also replied to Rose. “Yes. Lord Ferncroft’s insights have me wishing the next fortnight speeds by, so that I might join such a hallowed group.” He moved his gaze to Georgina and smiled warmly.
Her heart raced at his kind look, and she sought something clever to say. “Mute swans have known that all along. They mate for life.”
She looked about the table as silence followed her statement. Now why had she said that? Her mother had told her not to talk about birds.
“I didn’t know that. I have a feeling I’m going to learn a lot from you once we’re married.”
She faced Lord Durham, grateful for his kind response. “I don’t know so much, but what I do know, I’m happy to share.” She smiled, counting herself lucky for the hundredth time that he wished to marry her.
“Speaking of marriage, did you hear that Lady Patience and Lord Janner eloped over Christmastide?” As Rose filled them in on the latest news, Georgina listened and watched.
Though Rose was not yet married, she comported herself better than any of them.
Georgina tried to memorize all her friend’s mannerisms, but doubt filled her.
Could she truly be a countess in just two more weeks?
“Madame, mademoiselles, monsieurs, your delights.” Monsieur Armand stepped back and allowed his workers to place the treats before each of them.
Georgina sighed. “I have so missed your marzipan, monsieur.”
“Mademoiselle, I truly hope that you will visit us more often, then.”
She started to nod before remembering that a lot would depend upon her future husband. “It is my greatest wish.”
“And you, Monsieur Durham—you must tell me what you think of my newest flavor ice cream.”
Her betrothed took a spoonful and thoughtfully moved the cold treat around in his mouth. “It is a spice, of that I’m sure.” He took another bite and cocked his head. “Yes, a spice in mulled wine and maybe in apple butter?”
“Mon Dieu, you are correct. But what spice?”
Georgina watched the interplay between Monsieur Armand and Lord Durham.
It was obvious that this was not the first time the confectioner had served her betrothed a dessert without telling him what it was.
She found herself hoping he would succeed in the puzzle, barely holding back an offer to help, which she was fairly sure would not be welcome.
Now everyone at the table watched as Lord Durham took a third bite. “It’s not cinnamon, as you have made that before, but something close. Hah! It’s clove.”
Monsieur Armand clapped his hands together. “You’re truly an epicurean genius, monsieur. Well done.”
Lord Durham smiled, and Georgina felt proud of him, though she’d done nothing to warrant feeling so. “That was truly remarkable.”
He gave a shrug. “An unusual if worthless talent.”
“I don’t think it worthless at all. I’m most impressed.”
“As am I.” Lord Ferncroft nodded. “Not only for your ability to identify the new flavor, but for your bravery in allowing Monsieur Armand to serve you whatever he chooses.”
As everyone at the table laughed, including Monsieur Armand, Georgina barely kept from hugging her betrothed.
Hug was what they did as classmates when something wonderful or terrible occurred, and she wished to hug her betrothed more than she wished to eat her sweet, which was unique in and of itself.
But she made herself refrain. He was not her husband yet, and she didn’t wish to embarrass him, something she could easily do.
“Monsieur Durham, I promise to try even harder next time you visit.”
“I will look forward to the challenge, Monsieur Armand. Now, please, everyone, do enjoy your dessert.”
The next half-hour went by in a whirl for Georgina as the five of them chatted and indulged their palates. She wished the afternoon could go on forever, but eventually it had to end. As she said her goodbyes, she yearned to journey to Ellie’s, like Rose was doing, but that was hardly an option.
Ellie gave her a reassuring hug as if she could sense Georgina’s doubts and whispered in her ear, “Don’t worry. You two will enjoy each other’s company much once you’re married. Darius and I grew much closer once we were with each other daily, attending to everyday tasks.”
“Darius? You call him by his first name?”
“Of course. I insisted on it. To me, it makes us feel like we are in this life together, not as a marquess and marchioness.”
Georgina’s parents never used each other’s given names.
“Lady Georgina, shall we?”
She gave Lord Durham a nod and took his proffered arm. After settling into his closed coach, she didn’t wait for it to pull away from Bond Street to speak. “Ellie, Rose, and I created the story of how you and I became enamored of each other. Would you like you hear it?”
“Indeed I would.”
She quickly launched into the story they had decided upon. Though he sat opposite her, he looked out the window as she explained.
When she finished, he didn’t say anything. “Lord Durham, is that acceptable to you?”
He finally looked at her. “Yes. That will do quite well.”
He turned back to the window as if the hawkers along the streets were far more interesting than she was. It was as if he were two different people.
The feelings that bubbled up inside her were ones she’d lived with all her life. Once again, she felt as if she were of little importance, but this time it was different. She wanted her chance at being someone’s complete focus.
Without thinking, she spoke. “My friends call me Georgie. You may call me that if you wish.”
His gaze snapped back to hers. “Excuse me? I have a number of arrangements to make for our future and I’m afraid my mind was on my list. What did you say?”
With the sun streaming into the coach, she could see he truly hadn’t heard. He was only thinking about them marrying. She felt silly for her reaction to his silence. “I said you can call me Georgie if you wish. My friends call me that.”
“I prefer Lady Georgina. It’s prettier and sounds like a lady, not a boy.”
He did have a point. “What is your given name?”
He pulled his chin down and his head back. “It is Philip.”
“May I call you Philip, then?”
“No.” He turned back to look out the window.
“Why not?”
He calmly turned back to her. “My mother calls me that.”
Stunned, she stared at him as he returned to his watch of the street, even as her mind filled with questions, none of which she was brave enough to ask.