Chapter 25 #2
“Oh dear,” Montgomery said, clicking his tongue loudly.
Elizabeth choked on a sob.
Even Mrs Gardner turned her back on the table, covering her mouth, unable to witness the rest unfold.
“You lost, my dear,” Ellis drawled. He withdrew his snuffbox from his pocket and enjoyed a pinch, as Montgomery removed both the bundle of promissory notes and Henry’s fob watch from the table.
Georgina continued to stare absently at the dice in front of her, even when Elizabeth placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.
“You have until Sunday to rectify the other matters we discussed, Miss Pace. You understand all the terms,” Ellis said.
Despite the plan she’d set in place, Georgina felt a weight crush down on her heart as Montgomery pocketed Henry’s watch. She swallowed hard.
Without further words, Ellis and Montgomery sauntered from the room.
***
The three ladies remained in an uncomfortable silence, the only sounds being the rhythmic ticking of a nearby clock and the gentle crackle of the fire. The calm of the room contrasted the speed of Georgina’s thoughts, which again clashed with the slow-motion blur of her vision.
Mrs Gardner was the first to speak. “I apologise for their behaviour, Miss Pace. I wish you had heeded me.”
Georgina finally glanced up from the table. “Hmm? Oh, yes. I believe you should rethink your choice of associates.”
This earned a slightly cynical laugh from Elizabeth, who had remained close to Georgina. “I too wonder what it will take for you to realise this, Julia. For now, Georgina, let me take you home.”
***
When they arrived at Half Moon Street, Georgina made a half-hearted effort to dissuade Elizabeth from accompanying her inside, though she had never spoken with less sincerity.
Elizabeth insisted she would personally see Georgina safely settled. They both went inside without further fuss.
In the hall, Georgina yawned. Her head had started to pound. “They drugged me. Less than they thought, but enough.”
“I could tell. Now, lead the way to your room.”
“How I have longed to hear you say that, but I fear tonight my skills may be compromised.”
Elizabeth laughed. “It does not seem to matter what befalls you; you continue to be incorrigible.”
Georgina leaned on her and smiled. She wondered how long she would feel the effects of whatever drug it was those men had used on her.
“I want to assist you to bed.” Elizabeth paused. “There is plenty of time to enjoy your room in other ways at a more suitable time.”
A sense of warmth invaded Georgina’s belly. She took Elizabeth’s hand and drew her up the staircase.
As they walked down the hall, Georgina stretched out her arm and reverently traced her fingertips along one door that they passed by. “Henry’s room,” she explained to Elizabeth.
When they were safely in Georgina’s bedchamber, Georgina removed her jacket and unfastened the remainder of the buttons of her waistcoat.
She inhaled sharply when she remembered the absence of Henry’s fob watch.
It had been a consistent part of her for so many years.
To lose it was to lose the last part of Henry she had. Her eyes filled with tears.
Elizabeth was beside her in an instant and gathered Georgina’s comparably small frame into her arms, catching her as she crumbled under the weight of her grief. Elizabeth allowed Georgina to sob and supported her in a strong embrace, giving her the strength to confront her sadness.
“They killed Henry,” Georgina choked softly.
Elizabeth cursed under her breath and rocked Georgina gently in her arms. “You poor girl.”
“I have to save Arthur.”
“Hush,” Elizabeth murmured against her hair.
“Nothing more tonight, Georgina. You must rest.” She released her and slowly removed Georgina’s raiment to her undergarments, sighing when she saw the full extent of the bruises and scratches the thug had imparted.
She pulled a nightdress from the wardrobe and slid it over her charge.
She unfastened Georgina’s hair from its ribbon and brushed it gently, before leading her to the bed.
Elizabeth pushed back the covers, and Georgina climbed in, amused at Elizabeth’s overall efficiency. They regarded each other in silence for a moment before Elizabeth leaned down and placed a soft kiss on Georgina’s lips.
Georgina’s heart beat wildly while they exchanged a few words of goodnight.
How long had it been since someone had cared for her like this?
Had she ever felt quite so safe to fall apart?
As she watched Elizabeth leave, Georgina ached to tell her everything about the night Henry died.
She wanted to confess to her that she could have prevented it, had she only changed her plans.
However, she knew Elizabeth, so perfect and kind, would never look at her in the same light again.
Surely Elizabeth could never love someone whose selfishness led to the death of her own brother.
Georgina reached for the decanter on her bedside table, then reconsidered. Instead, she snuggled down into the cool sheets, content to dream of being encircled safely in Elizabeth’s beautiful arms.