Chapter 7
9th June 1815
The needle pierced the muslin with ease and Georgiana pulled the sunny yellow thread through the fabric, ensuring the stitch hugged the rim of the material before lining up her next. She was not as accomplished as Jane at embroidery, but she could claim a better mastery than Lizzy, who preferred just about any ladies’ diversion to holding a needle in her hands. Georgiana much preferred the pianoforte, yet maybe if she improved her skill with a needle, she would enjoy it just as much.
“How is the edging for your handkerchief coming?”
She glanced up to Jane, who watched with her eyebrows slightly raised. Jane had been teaching her to make a scalloped border, which had not been as difficult as Georgiana had expected.
“I suppose it looks well enough.” She pressed it across her lap. “It does not curl, so the stitches are not pulled too tight.”
“You are doing splendidly for a first attempt.” Jane returned her attention to her own needlework. “We are having a special dinner tomorrow for Charles’s birthday. I thought you would wish to know.”
“Tomorrow is his birthday?” Her head had shot up at the mention of it. “Why did you not tell me sooner?” While they had not sought each other’s company every moment of every day, they had been friendly enough at meals as well as in the drawing room afterwards, and of course, there were those two nights in the library.
Jane frowned and paused her stitches. “I had not thought it of such consequence to you. The two of you get on better at meals, but you are not friends, are you?”
“I suppose we are more than mere acquaintances, though.” Georgiana cleared her throat and tried to avoid Jane’s observant eye by returning her attention to her handkerchief. “As a guest in this house, I shall attend his birthday dinner. I shall feel rude not having a gift for him.”
“Oh, well, I am certain he is not expecting one from any of us. Nonetheless, Henry has an expensive bottle of brandy and another of Port for him. Mrs. Fletcher has had the girls draw pictures for him. He will be more than satisfied, so you need not feel obligated.” Why could Jane not understand that she did feel obligated? She could not feel any manner but.
“Excuse me,” said Georgiana. She set aside her needlework and hurried from the room. She made her way to the duke’s study and knocked upon the hard oak door.
“Come!”
She left the door open when she entered. “Forgive me, but may I use a carriage to go into town?”
The duke sat back in his chair, his eyebrows drawn down somewhat in the middle. “What is it you need to do in London?”
She crossed her arms over her chest. “Jane just mentioned that your brother’s birthday is tomorrow, and I feel remiss in not having a gift for him.”
“He would not expect it of you.”
“Which is beside the point, Your Grace.”
“Henry.”
She started. “I beg your pardon?”
“You are staying in my home and are part of the family. I do not expect family to address me so formally. Since we are not exactly new acquaintances, I would have you address me by my Christian name.”
“Oh, then you must call me Georgiana.”
He sighed and picked up his pen. “Should you wish to make the drive into London for a gift, I shall be happy to provide you with a carriage and driver. I do ask that a footman accompany you and your maid for safety’s sake.”
“Thank you.” She relaxed her arms to her sides.
“Do you still want to go?”
“I do.”
He quirked his head in the direction of the bell pull. “Then you had best tug on that before you prepare yourself. I shall have the carriage awaiting you in front of the house when you return.”
So he had no time to change his mind, she hastened to ring the bell then hurried to her bedchamber. Ambrose soon had Georgiana changed and ready to go and accompanied her to the hall, where she came to a sudden halt. Why was Lord Bath in the hall and why was he wearing his great coat and carrying his walking stick?
“Miss Darcy, my brother tells me you are to London?”
After taking her reticule and gloves from her maid, she fumbled for a moment. What was she to say? “I had a last-minute errand. Are you to ride this afternoon?”
“No. I should like to stop by Bathwick Place to collect something, so I thought we could share the carriage. I hope you do not object?”
“Of course not.” She could hardly hold any protest since it was his brother’s equipage. But how was she to visit any of the shops, much less purchase him a gift, with him in tow? His presence would not allow her to search for what she wanted.
Nevertheless, they made their way to the equipage with Ambrose accompanying them. Once they were settled into the carriage, they set off.
“What is this errand you need to accomplish?”
She set her reticule between her and Ambrose. “I have not decided just yet.”
“You have not decided?”
With all that was in her, she tried not to show any consternation with his questioning or his accompanying her, but how to do so? If she knew what she was to purchase, it would all be so much simpler.
He relaxed back into the squabs while she pulled a reticule-sized book from her bag and tried to read. Would that he would cease his staring, though! It was impossible to concentrate when his gaze bored into her as it was.
The calling of hawkers selling their wares as well as horses and more carriages greeted them after a time, but Georgiana did all that she could to keep her focus on her book; however, when the equipage came to a stop, she looked up.
“Is this your house?” The structure was a handsome one: large, with a great many windows.
“It is. Would you care to refresh yourself before your shopping? My housekeeper can be of aid.”
“Yes, removing the dust of the road would be welcome. Thank you.”
When the butler admitted them, she handed off her spencer and hat to a maid before the housekeeper, a formidable-looking woman named Mrs. Baxter, led them up the stairs to one of the guest chambers. Once they were inside and Mrs. Baxter left, Ambrose chuckled.
“She is rather terrifying, is she not?”
“She does seem rather stern.” Georgiana glanced about the room. If she remembered correctly, this was once the elder brother’s home. Jane had mentioned Simon Granville preferred decoration that was uselessly fine, and this house had lived up to that description. The furniture was in gold and ivory as was the trim on the panelled walls and the rug upon the floor.
“’Tis a bit much,” said Ambrose.
“Jane mentioned the former earl had spent most of his money decorating this house. Seeing this room, I can understand how. Can you imagine that if this is a guest room, how richly appointed the master’s and mistress’s suites must be?” She shook herself. “I should refresh myself. I am certain Lord Bath will expect me down soon.” After wiping her arms and face with some warm water and towelling, she returned to the hall and glanced about her.
“May I be of aid, miss?” asked the butler.
“No, thank you. May I just wander until Lord Bath is finished with his business?”
He gave a slight bow. “The library is two doors down on the left, the master’s study is the door after, and the drawing room is through there.” He pointed to a door to his right. “I am certain Mrs. Baxter would be pleased to bring refreshments should you desire them.”
As she wandered through the sparsely filled shelves in the library, she made a review of what was before her. The shelves mostly contained older volumes—ones that could have been a part of the library when the former Lord Bath occupied this house. However, a stack of books lay on a side table next to the sofa as though they had been more recently read. Perhaps this stop was fortuitous. If he had set these titles aside, she could better discern what type of book he may prefer.
“ Blast! ”
She came to a sudden halt. The voice was familiar, yet different from the last time she had heard it. Tiptoeing towards a door on a nearby wall, she peered around to find the earl within his study, holding his pocket watch while he attempted to secure it back on the chain. He fumbled with the clasp, but it would not hold as he continued to struggle.
Before he could notice her presence, she crept into the hall as Ambrose returned. They waited no more than five minutes before Lord Bath joined them.
“Are you ready?” he asked.
“I believe so. I should like to go to Hatchard’s if you do not mind.”
He walked them out to the carriage, and the trip to the prestigious booksellers took little time once the equipage was moving. They all stepped down, and once they were inside, Lord Bath rubbed his hands together. “I should like to see what they have on agriculture.” He signed close to his body and in small movements. He was trying to hide it. After she nodded, he left her with Ambrose.
“What are you seeking, miss?” asked her maid.
“We are to go to the jewellers two doors down. I discovered what to buy while at Bathwick House.”
She ignored her maid’s strange expression and bustled out of Hatchard’s then into the jewellers. Her brother had purchased items here in the past. She only hoped they would have what she sought.
The older man behind the counter smiled in a welcoming manner. “Good afternoon, miss. May I help you?”
After a great inhale, she slowly released the breath. She could do this! “Yes, I am looking for a watch chain. A relation of mine has broken his, and I wish to replace it for his birthday.”
“Ah, we have some very nice pieces. Would you be wanting an engraving of his family crest on the piece?”
She had not considered doing so, which showed how little she knew of gentlemen’s fashion. What did the Earl of Bath’s crest even look like? “Just the chain for today. If the gentleman wanted to return for the addition of the crest?”
“It would be no problem at all. I assure you.”
Once she had selected a lovely gold chain, she had it added to her brother’s account. Ambrose took the package for her, and they hurried back to Hatchard’s where she selected The Corsair by Lord Byron and Waverly by Scott.
Lord Bath was at the counter when they approached and glanced at the titles. Once their purchases were charged and wrapped, they alighted into the carriage, and the earl rapped his walking stick on the roof.
“You will need to tell me if Waverly is worth reading,” he signed. “I do enjoy Scott, but I had not yet realised that was published.”
One side of her lips tugged upward. “Perhaps I might let you borrow it if you are so inclined.”
“Might?”
“Well, you will need to be amiable to earn it.” Amiable to earn it? Where had that come from?
His mouth twitched, but he did no more than cross an ankle over his knee while he watched her in a way that made her insides warm. “I eagerly await what you expect of me.”
“What? No!”
A chuckle slipped from him before he could stop it, but he cleared his throat and pressed his lips together.
“I wish you would not hide your laugh from me. You smile so seldom. I enjoy hearing your good cheer.” Why did that need to ruin the pleasant afternoon they had been having thus far? His voice nor his laugh were objectionable. They were him after all. Anyone who truly cared for him would never ridicule him—or she would censure anyone who did without reserve. She blinked and fought the sting of her eyes. When had she made herself his protector?
10th June 1815
Charles set down his fork, dabbed at his mouth with his napkin, and set it beside his plate. “The meal was wonderful, Jane. Thank you for the menu. I shall need to give Mrs. Barnett my appreciation for her skills in the kitchen.”
“Well, shall we adjourn to the withdrawing room?” said Jane. “Since tonight is special, we shall eschew the separation of the sexes. Henry and I decided the ladies will drink sherry or claret while you drink your brandy, and we shall have a lovely evening, despite the weather.”
Henry and Charles had intended to ride today, but the rain pouring down upon the earth would not allow it. They would have been soaked through before they were a half-mile from the stable. This summer had been uncommonly wet. Being trapped inside was becoming tiresome, and he had spent the day pacing and huffing.
His brother offered his wife his arm, so Charles followed suit and offered his to Miss Darcy. He would have been rude not to do so, and they had formed a truce of sorts, though her almost flirty behaviour yesterday had haunted him since—the arch curve of her brow, the gleam in her aquamarine eyes. He had told her that night they kissed that she was pretty, but in truth, she was the most beautiful lady he had known. When he was in her company, being a gentleman was becoming more and more of a trial.
When they entered the withdrawing room, several parcels sat on a table. He had said he had no need of gifts. What had his brother and Jane done?
“I see that expression upon your countenance, Brother. Do not argue over the presents. We insist. You are part of this family, and we love you.” He held out his hand towards the lady on Charles’s arm. “Even Miss Darcy has a gift for you.”
Her hand tightened on his bicep as his heart cracked down the centre. He had done naught to deserve such kindness from any of them—especially Miss Darcy. Until not so long ago, his behaviour towards her deserved the severest reproof.
After he brought the lady to the sofa, he sat on the other side of the furniture as Henry handed him a glass of brandy. “I hope you will not be offended, but I did not wrap mine as the ladies did theirs.”
Henry placed two bottles before him, and he lifted the first to read the label. It was a fine bottle of French brandy indeed! His brother would have paid a tidy sum for the smooth liquor. The second bottle was a costly Port he knew well. Both were favourites of his.
“Thank you,” he signed.
A small parcel was held out by Jane. “This is not much.”
He untied the package and opened the wrapping to a small stack of handkerchiefs folded neatly with the Bath crest embroidered in one corner.
“I thought you may not have had any made as yet.”
After a dip of his chin, he breathed to contain whatever it was in his breast that threatened to escape. “Thank you.” He had not done so. Some part of him still associated the earldom with Simon, even though the servants had called him Lord Bath since his brother’s death. Perhaps one day, he would feel the part, but he had yet to do so.
Jane handed two parcels to Miss Darcy, who placed them in front of him. “I hope you like them. I had little time to shop.”
When he unwrapped the first, he had to suppress a laugh. “Was this intended for me when we departed the bookseller’s yesterday?”
“I had an interest in both, but I did intend to give you one. When you indicated you had not read Waverly …”
“Thank you.” He placed the book to his side and reached for the last. Inside was not another book, but a wooden box with a seal he recognised. At his first glimpse of what was within, he paused and breathed for a moment.
“The jeweller has the ability to make the Bath crest to be attached if you wish it.”
He swallowed down the lump in his throat. “My old chain broke, so I do require a new one, thank you. As for the crest, perhaps you would accompany me on Monday. We could go by curricle if weather permits, and place the order.”
Her mouth curved a bit. “Should you wish it, yes, I would be pleased to join you.”
While Henry and Jane watched from their seats nearby, he removed his watch and swapped out the chain while Miss Darcy looked on. How had she known his had broken?
What occurred the rest of the evening, he could not remember. He sat facing the room, his hand upon his pocket watch, his mind dwelling on the lady sitting no more than a few feet from him. Had she somehow been in the library when his pocket watch had come loose? The chain had needed replacing for some time, but he had not wanted to shop for it himself. If she had been in the library, she would have heard him swear. He rubbed the watch until he finally stood.
“Forgive me. I am fatigued and should like to retire.”
Jane hurried forward and kissed his cheek. “Happy birthday, Charles.”
His brother clapped him on the back, and Miss Darcy rose.
He departed the room and was almost at the top of the stairs when a tug at his arm made him stop.
“Are you displeased with the gift?” asked Miss Darcy. “If so, I shall not be offended. Perhaps when we go to town, you could select another. I am certain the jeweller has more to choose from.”
“The gift is wonderful. You selected well.” He meant to continue without her, but she followed, hastening to step in front of him.
“You have been distant since you opened it. Pray, speak to me, and tell me what is amiss.”
While she spoke, he had paused in front of his bedchamber. When she followed him inside, Jennings, his valet, startled and hied through the dressing room door.
“Naught is amiss.”
“I do not believe you.” She propped her hands on her hips.
“Do you often pursue a gentleman into his bedchamber to ask questions?”
Her complexion paled when she glanced around them. “I only want to know why my gift seemed to disturb your equanimity.”
“Because I am certain you witnessed my watch coming free of the chain yesterday. You did, did you not?” He held his breath.
“I did.”
“So you heard me swear.”
She covered her face for but a moment before she shook her head. “I had not meant to. I refreshed myself and returned to the hall. Upon informing the butler of my intention to wander, he told me where to find the library. I was searching the shelves when you said what you did—the door to the study was ajar. I knew you did not want me to hear your voice, but I had not done so on purpose. Besides, I see naught amiss with it. Your tone is not so dissimilar from when I first met you.”
“Pray, stop.” He gripped his hands into fists then released them while he stared at the floor. “I am attempting not to be as maudlin, though I do sometimes ride or remain in my chambers should I feel unfit for company. I had not wanted you…” His hands fell to his sides. He desired no one to hear his voice as it was now. His brother, Jane, and Jennings, his valet, were the only ones to whom he still spoke aloud.
Cool palms cradled his cheeks and lifted his head. “Do you not see? I care not if you are deaf, or if your voice has altered. The man in here,” she placed one hand upon his chest, “is who we all care about—who I thought of much longer than I should have when I first made his acquaintance. Do you remember? You spoke to me at Jane’s wedding and made an effort to put me at ease. I was anything but comfortable at the time. You are also the man who was kind enough to indulge me when I told you of Ramsgate and kissed me when I requested it of you.”
“’Twas no hardship; I assure you.”
She tilted her head while her mouth curved on the ends. She had such a gentle way about her as she wrapped her arms around him and pulled him close. He hesitated no more than a moment before his hands slipped around her back. His face buried into her neck, and he breathed her in as he accepted the embrace, inhaling the scent of lilacs in a summer meadow. He could lose himself in that scent, in her, if he let down his reserve.
He could not say how long they remained in that attitude, but at the press of her hands to his shoulders, he released her.
“I should retire.” She made to depart, but he placed a hand on her shoulder to stop her.
“Wait. I shall ensure no one is about.” After peering through the door and confirming that the passage was empty, he saw her out. A few steps from the room, she smiled back at him over her shoulder. “Good night.”