Chapter Twenty-Three #2
Lady Alderidge placed her hand gently on Georgiana’s arm. “I attended a ball here as a young woman, before Lady Ashford passed. It was a magical evening, as I’m sure this one will be. It gives me great pleasure to see her home restored and such a fine event taking place.”
“Thank you for your kind words. They mean a lot to me, truly.”
“Oh, how interesting.” Lady Alderidge gestured subtly with a lift of her chin in the direction of a striking figure in black evening wear.
“That’s the Honorable Henry Montrose. He is rumored to be rather introverted, so I’m surprised to see him.
From what I hear, he’s content to stay at his home on the southern coast, away from Society. I do wonder why he’s here?”
Henry Montrose. Sophia’s employer. Georgiana’s mother had sent the invitation to him, not realizing the connection between Sophia and Montrose.
Georgiana discreetly observed Montrose. He was handsome, with dark hair neatly combed and expressive, sensitive eyes.
Yet, he seemed tense, his expression one of controlled courtesy.
She watched as Montrose’s gaze swept the room systematically, taking careful inventory of the assembled ladies with what could only be described as grim determination.
He did indeed seem like a man on a mission.
Georgiana merely nodded, keeping her worries to herself.
Lady Alderidge continued. “Such a tragic story, the poor man. Taking in a baby as he did after his dear sister and her husband were killed. It’s quite something. Do you think he’s here to find a wife and mother for his niece?”
“It could very well be.” Georgiana’s stomach tightened, thinking of Sophia’s resolve to stay as his governess.
What would she think of a new mistress? A stepmother for Amelia.
It would break her. While Henry Montrose searched this ballroom for a suitable bride, Sophia was tucked away in his nursery, playing governess to his ward when she should be here, dancing and laughing as befitted a lady of her birth.
The situation grew more troubling by the day.
If only she would listen to reason and come to stay with them, have a Season, and find a suitable match.
Lady Alderidge was called over to greet another friend, just as James came to stand beside her.
“Do you see Montrose?” James asked, barely moving his lips.
“Mother invited him,” Georgiana said. “I didn’t realize until it was too late.”
“Meanwhile Sophia’s at his home, caring for his child,” James bit out. “I’m not pleased.”
“Neither am I.”
“What is Sophia thinking?” James asked. “Giving up the life she was born into. Not a servant, but a lady.”
“I don’t know, but you mustn’t interfere. Please.”
“I gave you and Sophia my word, and will not break my promise. However, I should like to speak with him.” James tucked her arm against his side and headed toward Montrose.
“Mr. Montrose, are you enjoying yourself?” Georgiana asked when they reached him.
Henry turned, his face showing polite pleasure. “Lady Ashford, Lord Ashford. I’m having a nice time, thank you. I haven’t attended many functions since I took custody of my niece.”
James bristled beside her.
Montrose straightened his shoulders as though preparing for battle rather than pleasant conversation. “I’m told it’s time for me to choose a wife. For Amelia’s sake. According to my mother and father.”
“You do not want a wife?” Georgiana asked.
“Not particularly, no. I like my life the way it is.”
“How so?” James asked.
“I have been lucky to acquire the most loving and wonderful governess. She and Amelia adore each other. In fact, Amelia would be lost without her. She’s done such a fine job that I see no need for another mother figure.
Anyway, I do not think it is fair to choose a woman only because I need a mother for Amelia.
But I’m afraid I’m facing pressure to do otherwise by my father and mother. Financially speaking.”
“They’ve threatened to cut you off?” James asked. “If you do not marry.”
“That is correct. My mother’s been bereft since the death of my sister. She is not always reasonable these days.”
“Grief does that to a person,” Georgiana said.
“I plan to choose a woman to be my wife before the month’s end,” Montrose said. “And marry her in the new year.”
“You make it sound like a business transaction,” James said.
“Isn’t it?” Montrose asked. “For those of us without the luck of a love match?”
“Unfortunately, it is so much of the time,” Georgiana said.
Lady Alderidge returned, introducing herself to Montrose and offering to make introductions to several young ladies. “You must allow me to introduce you to some of the eligible women here.
“That would be most kind.” Henry straightened his shoulders as though preparing for battle rather than pleasant conversation.
Henry’s gaze followed Lady Alderidge’s to take in two women standing near the punch bowl.
“Miss Catherine Wood—such an accomplished young woman. And Lady Margaret Thornfield is next to her. She has a substantial dowry, although her disposition may be in question.”
Georgiana knew the women a little, although not well enough to form an intelligent opinion of either of them.
Miss Catherine Wood was a cheerful brunette with a lilting laugh and a talent for the pianoforte, though she had a habit of nervously smoothing her gloves and seldom looked anyone in the eye for long. Georgiana suspected she suffered from shyness.
Beside her stood Lady Margaret Thornfield.
A striking beauty with golden hair pinned in elaborate curls and eyes the cool gray of winter mist. Her posture was perfect, her smile practiced to the edge of sincerity.
Dressed in pale sea foam silk with pearl embellishments, she radiated exactly the kind of poise and polish Society adored.
But something in the sharpness of her gaze, the subtle tilt of her chin, hinted at a nature less yielding than her manners suggested.
A shiver went up the back of Georgiana’s spine.
As Lady Alderidge led Montrose away to make the introductions, Georgiana caught sight of Cecily, radiant in deep rose silk, laughing at something Nathaniel had whispered in her ear.
They moved together with the easy grace of two people utterly comfortable in each other’s company.
Georgiana’s heart warmed at the sight of them.
If only Sophia could find the same kind of love.
But her attention was drawn back to Henry, who was now bowing over Miss Wood’s hand with perfect courtesy while his eyes remained utterly cold.
“Think no more of it tonight, dear wife,” James said into her ear. “Come and dance with me.”
The music shifted, and soon the dance floor filled. James guided her into his arms, and together they moved through the steps of a gentle country set. Laughter rippled around them. Glasses clinked. Guests swirled around them in a kaleidoscope of silk and candlelight.
But Georgiana found herself distracted, her gaze drifting once more to Henry Montrose, who was now leading Lady Thornfield onto the dance floor with the same grim efficiency he might use to sign a legal contract.
Georgiana didn’t want to worry but she did just the same.
*
The last guests had departed, the candles in the ballroom had been extinguished, and the laughter of the evening lingered like the soft scent of roses trailing through the corridors.
Upstairs, in the quiet sanctuary of their bedchamber, James sat on the edge of the bed, unfastening his cufflinks while the fire cast a golden glow across the walls.
They’d sent Digby and Molly off to bed earlier, content to undress each other without help from their valet or maid.
Georgiana stood at the window, still in her gown of midnight blue silk, her hands resting on the sill as she looked out into the darkness. The moonlight silvered the gardens below, and her reflection shimmered faintly in the glass. Her fingers traced absent patterns against the cool windowpane.
“You’re quiet,” he said gently. “Are you worried about Sophia, as I am?”
She turned to him. “I am, yes. But I have other things on my mind as well.”
“Your mother’s engagement?”
Not long after midnight, the rich American had asked for a meeting with James, where he asked for Lavinia’s hand.
Being American, he had no qualms about Lavinia’s lack of wealth or previous scandal.
Georgiana couldn’t help but think how freeing that would be.
James had given his blessing. Mr. Whitaker and Lavinia would marry soon and then sail across the ocean for America.
Her mother was beside herself with glee.
So much so that she’d actually acknowledged James and Georgiana’s contribution to this new life for which she would soon embark.
“No, I am delighted for Mother. I do hope she’ll be happy and not trouble Mr. Whitaker with her exuberant personality or love of shopping.”
“From what I hear, Mr. Whitaker has more than his share of wealth,” James said. “I believe they will be very happy together.”
“I have something else to tell you.” Now that the moment was upon her, she suddenly felt apprehensive. What if he was not as overjoyed as she was about the baby?
James set his cufflinks aside, the small click of gold against mahogany loud in the hushed room. “What is it, love?”
She crossed to him slowly, her skirts whispering against the carpet, and brushed her fingers through his dark hair.
He leaned into her touch. “You were the loveliest woman in the room tonight.” He caught her wrist to press a kiss to her palm. “Your skin looked particularly dewy and flushed. In fact, I’ve never seen you look more beautiful.”
She smiled. “There may be a reason for that.”
He studied her face. “Is it? Are you…”.
Leave it to James to read her so well that he’d immediately guessed her secret.
She lowered herself onto the bed, the silk of her gown rustling as she turned to face him. Her free hand moved to her stomach. “It is true. I am with child. I did not want to say anything until I was certain.” Her vision blurred with unshed tears. “Please tell me you’re pleased.”
“Georgie, don’t be absurd.” He cupped her face gently, his thumb stroking away a tear that had escaped.
“How could I not be pleased? A child? What more could I ask for but to raise a family with you? The woman I love and adore? You’ll be the best mother too.
I’ll do my best to be a decent father, but it will be you who will be the center of their world, just as you are mine. ”
She drew in a shuddering breath, her hand finding his and pressing it flat against her waist. “Thank goodness you feel that way. I never thought I would have a family and yet here we are. I am ecstatic to think of a child bringing even more joy into our home. James, you’ve made all my dreams come true. ”
“You’re sure? You’ve seen a doctor?”
She nodded, happy tears spilling freely now. “I saw the physician while you were in London. He believes the baby will be here in early February.”
“It feels very far away. I will be a wreck until then. Do you want a boy or a girl?”
“It doesn’t matter to me, but it would be advantageous to have a son. Yet, we needn’t worry, since young Edward will inherit his father’s title.”
“I suppose. Furthermore, imagining a little girl who looks just like her mother would be a dream come true. I shall be absolutely besotted with a little girl.”
“Or a little boy,” Georgiana said, smiling up at him. “You will be a fine father, no matter what. That I know without any doubts.”
“My only aim in life is to make you happy. To think, there will now be a child. The blessings you have brought to me, Georgie, are too many to count. Or to describe in words.”
“As are those you’ve brought to me, my love.”
They held each other in the firelight, and Georgiana thought of the desperate widow who had arrived at Ashford Manor with nothing but her sister’s future to bargain with, never dreaming she would find her own salvation within these walls.
Now the house breathed with life again, its halls would soon echo with children’s laughter, all proof that love, like hope, could resurrect even the most shattered of dreams.
The End