Chapter Twenty-One #2
“Show her to the drawing room,” she said. “And ask Mrs. Ellsworth to prepare tea immediately.”
She found Cecily in the morning room, embroidering by the window, and delivered the news in hushed, urgent tones.
“She’s here?” Cecily’s needle stilled, her face paling. “Oh, dear me.”
“Breathe.” Georgiana smoothed her sister’s hair with hands that trembled only slightly. “We knew this moment would come. We’re ready.”
But neither of them felt ready as they entered the drawing room to find Lady Alderidge already seated, her posture regal as a queen holding court. She was a handsome woman in her fifties, with dark brown eyes and an air of authority that could freeze boiling water.
“Lady Alderidge.” Georgiana curtsied perfectly, Cecily following suit. “What an unexpected pleasure.”
“Mrs. Fairfax. Miss Linley.” The countess inclined her head a precise degree. “I do hope you’ll forgive the impropriety of calling unannounced, but given recent developments, I felt we should become acquainted without delay.”
They arranged themselves carefully—Georgiana and Cecily on the settee, Lady Alderidge in the wingback chair that seemed to transform into a throne beneath her. Mrs. Ellsworth arrived with tea service, her timing impeccable as always.
Lavinia appeared moments later, somewhat breathless and dressed in sky blue. “I apologize for my tardiness. We were out late last night, as you know.”
“Not at all,” Lady Alderidge said. “I thought it only right to pay my respects, especially considering the friendship blossoming between our children.”
Georgiana poured tea with steady hands, though her pulse hammered. “We’re grateful for your visit. And for Nathaniel’s kindness to Cecily.”
Lady Alderidge studied them each in turn.
“My son has not been interested in anyone until now. He’s taken with you, Miss Linley.
” Her gaze shifted to Georgiana. “However, I must be certain he is not being led by infatuation into a family of uncertain standing. Last night was quite eventful—not in a way I would wish repeated. And your sudden engagement to Lord Ashford naturally raises questions.”
Georgiana felt Cecily tense beside her. “Any mother would wish to protect her son’s future. But our family, while not always fortunate, has been raised with care and integrity.”
“It’s rumored you’ve been restoring Lord Ashford’s home and calling yourself an architect,” Lady Alderidge continued. “Some may wonder if your engagement was fabricated to cover scandal, or perhaps to elevate your sister’s prospects.”
“My late husband trained me in his profession,” Georgiana said firmly. “After his death, I had to support my family as I could. As for my engagement—Lord Ashford agreed to sponsor Cecily before any understanding between us. Our feelings developed naturally.”
Lady Alderidge turned to Cecily. “Tell me, child, what makes you suitable for my son?”
Cecily straightened, and something shifted in her bearing.
Gone was the nervous girl who’d been surprised by the visit.
“I offer myself, Lady Alderidge. My heart, my loyalty, my determination to be worthy of the love I’ve been given.
I hope to be judged not by my father’s mistakes but by the life I intend to build with your son—founded on genuine affection and mutual respect. ”
Lady Alderidge’s teacup paused halfway to her lips. For a moment, approval flickered in her eyes.
The drawing room door opened and James appeared, as if summoned by the tension. “Lady Alderidge, what an unexpected pleasure. I apologize for not being here to greet you—I was meeting with my solicitor about my upcoming nuptials.”
Moving to stand beside Georgiana’s chair, he placed a gentle, possessive hand on her shoulder.
“Lady Alderidge has expressed concerns about our engagement,” Georgiana said.
“Then let me address them directly.” James’s voice carried quiet conviction.
“I love Georgiana. Our engagement is not a stratagem but the culmination of months of growing affection. And if you have concerns about Cecily’s future, know that I intend to settle ten thousand pounds upon her as a dowry, plus a trust for her future children. Both sisters are family to me now.”
Lady Alderidge’s expression softened almost imperceptibly. “I can see that you love her. Rare these days to see a love match.”
She rose gracefully, gathering her reticule. “I feel I understand the situation better now. I shall convey my thoughts to my husband and son.”
“I do hope to entertain a call from Nathaniel regarding his intentions,” James said. “Cecily is very dear to me.”
“There is no better man than my son,” Lady Alderidge replied, then smiled—just a small lift at the corners of her mouth, but enough to transform her countenance entirely. “Good day to you all.”
After the door closed behind her, the room seemed to exhale collectively.
“Well,” Lavinia said brightly, reaching for a leftover biscuit, “that could have gone worse.”
“She was terrifying,” Cecily admitted. “But I think I held my own.”
“You were magnificent,” Georgiana said, beaming at her sister.
James squeezed Georgiana’s shoulder gently. “We all were. And now,” he said, his eyes twinkling, “I believe we have some happy news to share with the rest of our household.”
They had survived their first test as an engaged couple. Georgiana had the feeling there would be many more to come—but with James beside her, she found she was no longer afraid.