Chapter Eight
D id I judge him wrongly again?” Georgina asked her growing menagerie a day later. Ruffian Caesar’s warm body was pressed against her leg, just as he’d been throughout her entire ordeal. He was a loyal mutt, never leaving her side in the darkness.
Crinitus Legatus was much less faithful. Georgina could hear him scratching on the other end of the room in his fruitless search for food. Or, at least, Georgina hoped it was fruitless. Although she tolerated bugs when digging through the mud, she didn’t want to share her living space with them in the dark.
Spidery sensations crawled up and down her arms as she imagined little legs running across her body. Biting her lips, she rubbed the sleeves of her gown.
“Do you think he’ll come?” Georgina buried her fingers in Ruffian Caesar’s wiry curls. “It was awfully clever of Alexander to use Crinitus Legatus to hide his message. His sonnet, though, was exceedingly awful. I suppose he wrote it as an excuse to ask for pen and paper.”
Georgina’s mouth quirked upward as she thought of the ridiculous words. Anne had insisted on reading the romantic rubbish out loud. Alexander had not shown a hint of embarrassment but had grinned good-naturedly the entire time. His parents—or rather, his father—had winced. His mother only allowed a pained expression to reach her eyes.
“I hope we together grow olden / as much as your tresses are golden.” Georgina repeated the ridiculous line into the endless shadows of her prison, hoping levity would bring some lightness. To her surprise, she did feel a mite better. A soft laugh even escaped her lips. “That rascal very well knows that my hair is brown. I wonder if he was obscuring the fact that we’d met prior or if he was trying to assure me that he is not going to force me into marriage.”
“Gah!” Georgina howled her frustration into the darkness. “I need to escape from here and find Percy!”
Ruffian Caesar shoved his cold nose into the palm of her hand and began to lovingly lick her fingertips. Crinitus Legatus, however, was startled by her shout. He emitted a frightened bock , and she could hear his wings rustling as he commenced panic-flapping. She had learned in the past night and day that this was an exceedingly common occurrence for the easily alarmed bird.
Suddenly, brightness seared Georgina’s eyes. Lifting her arm to shield them, she heard Crinitus Legatus emit terror-cries to accompany his increased panic-flapping. The cluck-cluck-baaawaccks were quickly followed by a piercing scream—Anne’s own terror-cry to be precise.
Georgina lowered her hand just in time to witness Crinitus Legatus flying straight into her sister-in-law. Anne pinwheeled backward, her hands waving frantically. Her shrieking abruptly stopped when a clump of Crinitus Legatus’s tail feathers fluttered into her mouth.
Mary, who had been meekly standing behind Anne, sprang into sudden action. She grabbed the bird with surprising dexterity and cradled the quivering white puff against a pile of silk draped over her arm.
For a moment, Anne stood in frozen disbelief. Down covered her head like a snowy wig. The feathers sticking up from her shoulders gave the appearance of wings, although her expression was far from angelic.
“How…” Anne began but then paused to spit out white fluff. “Do you.” Spit. “Know.” Spit. “Lady Calliope?” Spit. Spit.
“Lady Calliope?” Georgina repeated, still a little befuddled after the burst of light and Crinitus Legatus’s impressive feathering of Anne.
“She is.” Spit. “Downstairs.” Spit. “Calling on.” Spit. Spit. “You.” “Oh, would someone.” Spit. Spit. “Get this blasted.” Spit. “Fuzz out of my.” Spit. “Mouth.”
Georgina thought rapidly. Had Alexander informed Lady Calliope about her plight? If so, it was a good plan. Anne would never turn away someone of her rank.
“Oh, yes. We met during my debut. We’ve corresponded ever since.” The half lies tripped with surprising ease from Georgina’s mouth. Perhaps she had gleaned the talent from watching Alexander yesterday when he’d fabricated an entire chicken fashion trend.
Anne paused in wiping her silk handkerchief over her tongue. “And you didn’t tell Algernon or me about your connections? She is the sister of the Duke of Blackglen! Do you realize how hard your brother has tried to befriend His Grace?”
“You were never interested in my correspondence,” Georgina said softly.
Anne started to put her arms akimbo and then stopped. “That is because I thought you were writing to boring antiquarians, not to the half sister and daughter of a duke! Oh, never mind! We don’t have time to discuss your foolishness. Lady Calliope and Lady Charlotte are waiting.”
“Lord Heathford’s sister is here, too?” Georgina asked as more hope surged through her. It was sounding more and more as if the ladies were a petticoated rescue party.
“Yes.” Anne’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “How did you know that Lord Heathford’s sister was Lady Charlotte? You rarely pay attention to the aristocracy. Your social blunders gave me numerous headaches during your debut.”
Georgina thought quickly, wishing her sister-in-law wasn’t so observant when it came to matters of the peerage. “Well, Lord Heathford mentioned it yesterday, but his mother shushed him. I believe Lady Charlotte was recently involved in the Viscount Hawley scandal.”
“Oh,” Anne said, her shoulders relaxing. “I suppose he did. I debated about allowing Lady Charlotte to enter my home, as I am not certain how Society will judge her involvement in the unmasking of a murderer. But I could hardly deny Lady Calliope entrance, and Lady Charlotte is a relation of your intended.”
“Are they requesting to see me?” Georgina asked, desperate to escape her makeshift cell.
“Unfortunately,” Anne said, beckoning Mary forward, who was still clutching Crinitus Legatus against what Georgina now recognized as one of her own more elegant gowns. “Mary is here to dress you. I expect you downstairs in ten minutes. I will be present the entire time, so do not even think of engaging in any nonsense. Also, bring that wretched bird with you. They have hens.”
“What do you think of the weather that we’ve been having?” Lady Charlotte asked Anne as she lifted her teacup from its bluebell-patterned saucer.
“It is so dreadfully hot,” Anne moaned, plunking down her own drink. “The sun is beastly when you step outside. I have been staying indoors to avoid the worst of its effects.”
Lady Charlotte made some sympathetic clucking sounds, which caused the hen in her lap to perk up its head. The one perched on Lady Calliope even bocked . Crinitus Legatus, being the haughty gentleman that he was, ignored the entire affair and did not even twitch his pouf.
Seeing the ridiculous birds snuggled in the ladies’ silk gowns, Georgina was absolutely certain that Alexander had arranged for the women to come to her rescue. Only the irrepressible lord could have sent them with poultry in hand. Each time Georgina felt a hint of panic, she merely glanced at one of the beaky faces, and a warm reassurance washed over her.
“I personally enjoy taking a turn outside when it becomes stuffy, but I can understand wanting to avoid the worst of the midday rays,” Lady Charlotte murmured in her soothing voice.
Anne formed a perfect pout of horror. “Oh, I could never step even a foot into the afternoon heat! I would simply melt.”
“That is a shame.” Lady Calliope dramatically clasped her hands over her bosom.
Anne glanced at her suspiciously. “Why would you say that?”
“I was about to suggest that we adjourn to your garden. When Lady Charlotte and I disembarked from the carriage, I noticed that you have such lovely plantings,” Lady Calliope answered.
“Yes!” Lady Charlotte said. “And I spotted those charming benches under the shade trees!”
“Miss Harrington, what do you think about partaking in a little fresh air?” Lady Calliope asked. “If I recall from our debutante days, you delight in nature. Is my memory correct?”
“Perfectly,” Georgina answered quickly before Anne had a chance to speak.
“That settles it. The three of us will sit outside.” Lady Calliope rose to her feet. She turned to Anne and unceremoniously deposited a hen on her lap. “Please watch Precious for me. She is a dainty sort and cannot tolerate a scorching day. I am sure you will take good care of her.”
“But—but—” Anne began to splutter. “I—I could join you.”
“Please don’t fash yourself,” Lady Charlotte assured Anne in a kind voice as she, too, placed her fowl on Georgina’s sister-in-law’s lap. “We would not want you to suffer the sun.”
“You look exceedingly fashionable with two birds!” Lady Calliope exclaimed, clasping her hands together as she loomed over Anne. Before the countess could hand one of the feathered creatures back, Lady Calliope spun away and headed toward the open doorway.
Lady Charlotte offered her arm companionably to Georgina. Tucking Crinitus Legatus into one elbow, Georgina stood and accepted Lady Charlotte’s gesture. Although she trusted that Anne would not harm the pets of the two esteemed ladies, she was not certain that her sister-in-law wouldn’t take out her frustrations on the poor rooster.
Quickly, Georgina led her two visitors through the house. When they reached the sanctity of the garden, Lady Charlotte and Lady Calliope turned toward her. No longer did their eyes shine with mirth as they studied her with palpable concern.
“My twin sent us,” Lady Charlotte whispered as she drew Georgina behind a copse of trees.
“He was worried that you were being mistreated by your brother,” Lady Calliope answered. “If Alexander was wrong, we do apologize for any intrusion.”
“He—he was not incorrect,” Georgina said, suddenly embarrassed to admit that she’d been locked up in the dark for days. Although she knew others had suffered greater ordeals, there had been something deeply degrading about being kept in pitch blackness and released only for command performances.
To her relief, the women did not press for details. Lady Charlotte merely grabbed Georgina’s free hand. “Would you like to stay with Lady Calliope’s family? I would offer myself, but I am afraid that your brother and sister-in-law would not allow you to stay in the household of a mere physician.”
“But they won’t be able to deny the invitation of a daughter and sister to a duke,” Lady Calliope said with a confident smile. “Alexander told me that your half brother is keen on impressing mine. He wouldn’t want to risk getting in my bad graces. Everyone knows Blackglen dotes on me and my siblings. We’re considered his only soft spot.”
“Are your parents willing to host me? And they won’t mind if I leave unchaperoned to look for Percy?” Georgina asked, surprised by Lady Calliope’s generosity. Her father’s household was one of the wealthiest in England—second only to the king, according to some whispers. Would they want to potentially invite scandal into their home? Georgina had no intention of giving up her search for her cousin, especially after the investigation had been delayed for days.
Lady Calliope merely waved her fingers. “Of course, to both. We have scads of room. My siblings and I are always inviting guests who come and go of their own accord. Mother jokes that she loses track of who are her children and who are their friends. You will be very welcome as will your adorable rooster.”
“I have a dog too,” Georgina said.
“We’re absolutely mad about canines.” Lady Calliope looped her arm around Georgina’s shoulders. “And don’t fret about your sister-in-law. Charlotte and I will handle her.”
Georgina allowed herself a small smile as she recalled the women dumping the hens on a nearly tongue-tied Anne. Yes, they were very effective at taking advantage of Anne’s need to impress higher-ranking members of society. Alexander had been wise to send them.
“There’s no need to linger. Let’s go inside and get this settled.” Lady Charlotte gave Georgina’s arm a kind, sisterly pat. “I promise we’ll be quick. You’ll soon be on your way and free to seek your cousin’s whereabouts.”
Lady Charlotte was true to her word. In less than a quarter of an hour, Georgina had been bundled into Lady Calliope’s family coach along with a wide-eyed Mary, a befuddled Ruffian Caesar, and a clueless Crinitus Legatus. Within twenty minutes, the vehicle pulled up to a massive Mayfield mansion. A stream of servants immediately appeared as they efficiently dealt with Georgina’s meager belongings. Mary disappeared with the staff and the two hens, leaving Georgina holding Ruffian Caesar in one arm and Crinitus Legatus in the other.
“Alexander wished for me to let you know that he’s waiting for you in one of our drawing rooms,” Lady Calliope whispered in Georgina’s ear as they along with Lady Charlotte ascended the main steps. “He understands if you do not desire to meet him and wanted it to be abundantly clear that you have no obligations. But there are things he would like to explain, if you are willing, and he wants to give you an update on his inquiries into your cousin’s disappearance. I’m afraid, though, that none of us have learned much of anything.”
“I—I would like to see him, Lady Calliope,” Georgina admitted, not just to her companions but to herself.
“Oh my, there is no need to be so formal, especially now that you will be my guest for the foreseeable future. Just call me Calliope.”
“Please use my Christian name as well,” Alexander’s sister added. “May we address you as Georgina?”
Georgina had never had close female friends before, and after everything that had transpired, she was beginning to trust that these two were most assuredly not after her helmet. Tears pricked her eyes as she bobbed her head in assent. Welling up was apparently becoming a regular occurrence. Although she had never considered herself to be an emotional sort, the last few days had driven her feelings to the surface.
Before Georgina had a chance to collect herself, Calliope opened a pocket door to reveal a richly appointed drawing room. But Georgina barely noticed the bold, bird-covered wallpaper and intricately molded ceiling. Her focus was entirely on the man clamoring to his feet. Even with his uneven gait, Alexander moved swiftly toward her. Worry marred his usual handsome, devil-may-care mien.
Georgina’s already rioting emotions billowed. Since her father’s death, no one had rushed toward her with concern. They hadn’t run their eyes frantically over her, checking for injuries. They certainly did not begin to reach for her and then stop uncertainly. Yet Alexander did all those things.
Through the years, Georgina had become inured to being disregarded, but she’d never had the opportunity to develop a defense to being fussed over. Alexander’s honest reaction caused something to break loose inside her.
“Are you hurt in any manner?” Alexander asked, his voice a shade deeper than Georgina recalled it being.
“No,” Georgina said truthfully. Her half brother and sister-in-law hadn’t touched her body, and she didn’t want to talk about herself right now. She needed to know what was happening in the search for her cousin. “But what have you learned about Percy? Calliope mentioned that you’ve been looking for him, and I deeply appreciate that.”
Alexander studied her face. For a moment, Georgina thought he’d press her about the last four days. To her surprise, he instead promptly answered her question. “I’ve discovered very little. Our mutual friends know nothing about Percy’s whereabouts. I did stop by Elysian Fields, but the patrons who were there hadn’t been present when Percy brought in the helmet. I was planning to pop by the coffeehouse again today when the establishment is at its busiest.”
“I want to go with you,” Georgina said immediately. Now that she was liberated, she wasn’t about to sit in a comfortable house and fret while Alexander searched.
A cautious smile spread across his face. “I was hoping you’d trust me enough to accompany me again.”
An odd emotion jangled inside Georgina, and she realized that she’d begun to put her faith in Alexander once more. And that uneasy acknowledgment made her next words a tad more brusque than she’d intended. “Well, you did engineer my rescue in a way that ensured I wouldn’t be forced to marry you. I no longer believe you were scheming to wed me.”
Alexander’s expression turned worried again. “What did happen after I left that day?”
“I…” Georgina faltered as she glanced nervously in Charlotte’s and Calliope’s direction. Both women were so strong. What would they think of Georgina’s weakness?
“Would you like Calliope and me to leave?” Charlotte asked quietly.
“My servants do not even know Alexander is here. Even if they did, they would not utter a peep. My siblings and I are constantly causing trouble that never leaves this household,” Calliope promised.
Georgina nodded her head. Logically, Alexander was a man she should be running from, but instinct told her that he might be the very one to run toward.
After Charlotte and Calliope departed, neither Georgina nor Alexander spoke. He waited patiently, his gaze still scanning her for any hidden wounds.
“Algernon and Anne really did not harm me, but they were not pleased that I was going about London unchaperoned,” Georgina finally said. She paused and glanced toward the carpet as a shame she could not stop filled her. “They… they locked me in my bedchamber. When Anne discovered me creating a ladder from sheets, I was placed in a windowless room in the servants’ quarters.”
Alexander swore softly but vehemently. “Was it to force you to marry me?”
Georgina sucked in her breath and found her old courage. She lifted her chin and nodded. “Yes. They are both very keen for this match, but I do not know why.”
Alexander stepped forward and lightly gripped her shoulder. “I knew nothing of our planned betrothal until yesterday. My parents wished to finagle me into meeting you. I have rejected all their other attempts at matchmaking. Please know I would never coerce any woman into marriage.”
“As I said, it is obvious in how you planned my rescue,” Georgina said, shakily. “I never would have cast myself in the role of a fair maiden needing saving, but apparently I did. Thank you for not abandoning me, especially after I constantly misjudged you.”
Alexander dropped his hand. “If you were tying sheets together, you were hardly a damsel in distress. It’s not your fault that our country’s laws give guardianship of free-thinking adult women to their male relations. Algernon should not have this much power over you. A few months ago, Charlotte was in a similar predicament.”
“But she saved herself,” Georgina pointed out, yet Alexander’s words soothed some of the rawness inside her. He was right. She had not been a placid victim. Given time, she would have tried to escape again. She would not have simply accepted her fate.
“My sister also had help from Matthew and everyone you met at the Black Sheep. And you will ultimately rescue yourself, too. You just needed assistance in leaving your bastard of a brother’s abode. But I have faith that you’ll figure out how to wriggle your way out of his control entirely.”
Georgina knew physical strength would not help her wrest the reins of her life away from her brother. Only cleverness and a healthy dose of luck would manage that. But her mind kept returning to the moment when the footman’s arms had closed around her and dragged her from the window. She’d been so helpless then—an utter pawn at Algernon’s and Anne’s mercy.
“Teach me to fight.” The words flew from Georgina’s mouth before she could stop them. But after she spoke, a satisfaction swept through her. Why should she swallow back the request? Didn’t she have the right to defend herself? Perhaps fisticuffs did not fit with her original notion of being a scholar, but even her father had taken fencing lessons.
Alexander did not appear nonplussed by her demand. Instead, one of his wide grins spread across his face. “Do you wish to start straightaway while we’re waiting to leave for Elysian Fields? If your cousin really has been abducted, it will be good for you to know how to defend yourself.”
Once again Georgina viscerally felt that iron grip around her middle. “Let’s begin now.”
She wondered for a moment if Alexander sensed her panic, for his hazel eyes turned a softer golden-brown hue. He did not question her, though. Instead, his ever-present smile grew warmer.
“In that case, I’d say it is the perfect time to make use of the best feature of Estbrook House.” Alexander winked.