Chapter 37
At ten o’clock that evening, Georgina found herself seated at the Marchioness of Ravenscroft’s opulent dining table, enjoying a fine repast with her young hostess.
Prudence sat at the head of the elongated table, her petite figure glittering in an emerald-green gown with silver overlay.
She wore a large, shimmering necklace that drew the eyes to her neatly defined chest and matching drop earrings that dangled down the narrow column of her neck.
Her red curls were gathered high atop her head, exposing her shoulders to their fullest advantage.
She watched Georgina over the top of the glass, her eyes kindling. “How came you to leave Cornwall in such a rush?”
Well, this was inevitable, Georgina thought with exasperation. She set her glass down.
“Prudence …”
“How wry.” Prudence scooped the last of her baked custard onto her spoon. “You are rather difficult to predict. One cannot tell if you favour prudence or shy away from it.” She quirked a brow.
“One must yield to what is right,” Georgina replied, choosing her words carefully.
Once Prudence finished her dessert, an attendant cleared away the final covers and replenished Georgina’s glass of Burgundy.
Receiving a meaningful nod from Lady Ravenscroft, the attendant withdrew, closing the door softly behind her and leaving them alone.
“You mentioned this morning that you hope to have children?”
Prudence gave a little pout. “We have not yet conceived, sadly.”
“Your marriage only took place a few months ago. I am sure there is plenty of time.”
“Alfred is everything that is sweet, but he lacks spontaneity and excitement. Something I crave.” Under the table, Prudence extended her foot and rubbed it up Georgina’s calf.
Georgina leaned back in her chair and took another sip of her wine. She made no move to reciprocate.
“You are much changed since Cornwall, Georgina.”
“Perhaps I experience more scruples in London.”
“What a bounder. We both know your reputation speaks for itself.”
Georgina twirled the stem of her glass between her fingers. -Prudence’s attempt at teasing her fell flat. “Yes, but one can change,” she murmured. “We are all capable of redemption.” As the words tumbled from her, it was as if a vice unclamped from around her heart.
Elizabeth may have given up on her when she learned the terrible truth of her past, but Georgina was not the same person she’d been eight years ago.
Even Prudence saw it—she was not even the same as she was in Cornwall months back.
The tiny muscle at the bridge of her nose stung, and she clenched her teeth, repressing what was either a sob or a scream. The sudden sensation surprised her.
Meanwhile, Georgina’s earnest words had elicited a giggle from Prudence, who reached across the table and covered Georgina’s hand with hers.
“Well, I have not changed, and now that I am married, you need not have any qualms about my reputation. You may be as naughty as you please. Whilst Alfred would like me to remain discreet, he does not expect me to deny myself pleasure.”
“You have reached an understanding?” Georgina asked absently. She found herself wanting to leave.
“A most satisfactory one. Alfred does not mind what I do. In fact, I think he rather likes knowing I engage in mischief behind his back.”
“An ideal husband for you, it would seem.”
Prudence stood up and pushed her chair back. It creaked along the floorboards.
Georgina grimaced at the high-pitched scraping noise. She swallowed and drew her hand up to her cravat to loosen it. She felt breathless—and not in a pleasing way.
Prudence loomed over her.
“S-someone might come in.” Georgina hardly recognised her own timidity.
“I have very discreet staff,” Prudence breathed, leaning over Georgina’s chair. She attempted to massage her shoulders. “No one will appear again tonight without me summoning them.”
“Ah. Excellent,” Georgina managed.
“Your shoulders are so tight.” Prudence’s small hands rubbed the rigid muscles in Georgina’s neck with difficulty. “You can remove your jacket if you like.”
“I am cold,” Georgina rushed to say.
What was wrong with her? Prudence was a beautiful woman and would surely help her forget her difficulties.
Prudence leaned forward, so that her bosom pushed against the back of Georgina’s head, and whispered beside her ear, “I would like to warm you, George.”
Prudence slid her hands down the front of Georgina’s jacket and cupped one firm breast in each hand.
A visceral wave of nausea washed over her, catching her off guard. Georgina wished she had never agreed to come. She stood up and moved away from Prudence and the dining table.
“Do you wish to go upstairs?”
“No!” Georgina turned to face her. “I … I would prefer to remain down here.”
Prudence cast a nebulous eye at the dining table. “If you wish . . .”
“I am opening a home for children,” Georgina blurted out.
Prudence’s mouth dropped open.
“A safe and warm establishment for orphaned children of all ages to be housed, looked after, educated and connected to parents seeking to build and extend their families.”
It made sense. Georgina did not know how it had not occurred to her before.
“That is … surprising,” Prudence said politely. “I did not think such matters would be important to you.”
Georgina smiled, feeling the weight lifted from her chest. “But they are. In fact, I must attend to that right now.”
“What?” Prudence blinked.
Georgina leaned towards her and planted a kiss on her cheek. “Sorry, Prue. I must go. Thank you for dinner.”
***
Back in her library, Georgina sat at her desk.
She opened the drawer for some parchment and noticed the letter from Elizabeth tucked neatly on top.
This caused a needle prick to her heart, quick and sharp.
She may have lost her chance with Elizabeth—whoever Elizabeth was—but this did not need to stop her from being the person Elizabeth hoped her to be.
The person she now wanted to be. Georgina had changed for the better, and that was worth something.
Despite the acrimony that tarnished their brief relationship, Elizabeth had transformed her.
Whether or not she liked it, Georgina now heeded her conscience and took a genuine interest in others beyond her immediate family and friends.
Her decision to commission a home for children, while spontaneous, now developed momentum in her mind.
Georgina withdrew the paper from her desk and commenced writing notes regarding how the project would be planned, funded and implemented.
Children like Joshua could access a stable and comfortable home, education and nourishing food, together with caregivers to provide them with warmth and affection.
She wished for Elizabeth’s knowledge on how to set up trusts.
No, she could not ask her. Perhaps Sarah could prove useful in raising funds for such a venture.
She would need to inspire a board of leaders to drive the project and ensure its success.
Once she had captured her initial thoughts, she finally took herself to bed, satisfied that it made some sense, at least. As her head hit the pillow, she wondered briefly where Elizabeth was, who she was with, and whether she would approve of her plan.