Chapter Five
“Durham. I say, Durham, weren’t you listening?”
Philip brought his attention back to Wellsley and Manning. “No.”
Manning elbowed Wellsley, who sat in a wingback chair next to him. “Don’t bother the man. He’s newly betrothed. Most likely thinking of his wedding night and what trouble it will be to have a virgin in his bed.”
The comment had Philip paying closer attention at once. “Actually, I was thinking of Lady Georgina, but not in that way at all.” Even as he said the words, it occurred to him that he’d been spared that particular awkwardness.
“Oh, that sounds far more interesting than what Lady Southridge will serve at her ball tomorrow evening. Do tell us, Durham. How did you come to ask Lady Georgina for her hand? Last I saw you, you were betting on how much rain we were going to have for the month of January.”
His friends chuckled, and Philip joined them, not sure what to say.
Manning lifted his class of madeira. “Yes, come, Durham. Tell us, why the sudden need to be married?”
That was a question Philip felt comfortable with, even while hiding the truth.
“I’ve been the Earl of Durham for four years now, and I was recently reminded that I need to produce an heir or my cousin would be happy to take over the estates.
To be quite honest, I dislike my cousin immensely.
The boy has little to recommend him, being that he is but twelve. ”
Wellsley laughed. “So you decided to marry because you’re afraid of a twelve-year-old. That’s brilliant.”
“But why Lady Georgina? No offense, but she’s a rather energetic lady, don’t you think?” Manning set his class on the table, giving Philip his full attention.
“Yes, she is, but in the best of ways. My life had become a bit boring. Even betting has lost its luster. She’s complicated, fascinating in a way.
As a student of the Belinda School for Curious Ladies, she’s intelligent, her specialty being ornithology.
She is also rather fond of me, which I find refreshing. ”
“I imagine you would, especially after knocking Tamworth over on the pond at the Ferncrofts’. I don’t think a single woman spoke to you after that.” Wellsley grinned, clearly pleased that he was more popular.
Manning shook his head. “From what I’ve noticed while enjoying the last two Seasons, all you need do is dance with Lady Georgina and you’d become her hero. She is, as you say, rather energetic.”
That Philip didn’t even know that about his future wife had him wishing he’d spoken to her more on the way back from the park, but he’d been deep in his own thoughts.
With no one about to watch them interact, it had seemed a waste of time.
That had been a misjudgment. He needed to learn much more about her to convince people he wished to marry her.
“I’ll have you know I haven’t danced with her yet, since I just came to Town, and we have had no opportunities to attend a ball. ”
“So when did you come to know her, then, if you haven’t attended any balls? I mean, besides the Twelfth Night one.”
Lord Manning asked a legitimate question.
One Philip had no way of answering. Luckily, Lord Harewood entered the room, and Philip rose.
“Lord Harewood. Care to join us for a drink?” Since the man didn’t spend as much time at White’s as he used to, Philip was pleased to see him at such an opportune time.
“Lord Durham. I’m only here to collect a bet.”
Manning raised his brows. “I’m surprised anyone still bets against you.”
Lord Harewood, who was generally serious and a bit stiff, actually smiled. “It appears there are a few men who don’t know me.” He turned to Philip. “I saw that you lost a significant bet to Lord Claremont, though.”
Philip grimaced. “Myself and four others. I was positive Tamworth wouldn’t marry so soon.”
Lord Harewood shook his head, still smiling. “A word of advice: never bet on love.”
“I’ll remember that. However, I believe I did win a small bet with Lord Grafton. I shall accompany you and see if he is about.”
Wellsley lifted his class of claret. “If you see Lord Rothbury, tell him I wish to speak with him. We are to meet at a particularly sweet establishment tonight.”
“I will.” Leaving his friends, Philip walked with Lord Harewood toward the main gaming room, where the club kept the betting book.
Lord Harewood stopped him halfway there. “I understand felicitations are to be given.”
Surprised, Philip nodded, forcing a smile. “Indeed they are. The Lady Georgina has agreed to be my bride.”
“If I may, I’d like to offer you a bit of advice.”
“I’m happy to listen to whatever you have to say. As a married man, I’m sure you know more than I.”
“My advice isn’t about marriage. From what little I know, how you should navigate it all depends on whom you choose for a wife. Since you have chosen a wife, and in particular Lady Georgina, you should know that there are a number of us who are in support of her.”
Not a little confused, Philip shook his head. “I don’t believe I understand what you mean.”
Lord Harewood looked behind them, then farther down the open area toward the gaming room.
When he spoke, his voice was much lower.
“The lady in question is a dear friend of my wife, Lord Tamworth’s wife, and Lord Ferncroft’s wife, which means, as husbands, we are also friends of hers.
Naturally, we are all well aware of the circumstances of your betrothal.
We can be of great support to you as you navigate this journey.
But also, be cautious how you tread, as we have her best interests at heart. ”
Though couched in vague terms, the message was clear.
Philip could depend upon the three lords, but any misstep on his part meant they would be quick to come to Georgina’s aid.
“I assure you, Lord Harewood, that I plan to keep all circumstances hidden from others, and my objective is to make her content.”
Lord Harewood stared at him as if trying to decide what to believe.
“In addition, you will be pleased to know I have given up all gambling, though I would appreciate it if you didn’t make that known. I now must think of my future wife—and hopefully future heir.”
“That is good to hear. I will, of course, keep such knowledge to myself. I will reassure my own wife that you have only good intentions toward her friend.”
“Yes, please do. I know that Lady Georgina misses her friends and may come to call, which I’m sure will also reassure Lady Harewood.”
“It will indeed. Now, let us see to our bets, shall we?”
Philip nodded as a feeling of relief flitted through him.
Having others he could count on was reassuring, even if it could be an inconvenience.
As far as he could see moving forward, having the men as allies could be very helpful.
In fact, he could see that bringing Lady Georgina to call on Lady Harewood might be very revealing and help him get to know her better without asking her myriad questions like a Bow Street Runner.
As they entered the main gaming room, Lord Harewood was called over to a table, so Philip scanned the area for Lord Grafton.
The man was not about, so Philip left the room.
Deciding that it was best to leave the club altogether before Manning and Wellsley asked more questions, he headed for the doors.
He’d just donned his greatcoat when a man with blond hair walked in. The man turned toward him as he was helped with his coat. “Lord Durham. I didn’t know you were in Town.”
Philip recognized Lord Ashfield immediately. “I just arrived a few days ago. Have you been here long?”
“Not but a sennight. I married earlier in the year and had other duties to attend to.”
“Congratulations on your new state.”
“Yes, well, it’s something we all must do, is it not?”
That wasn’t exactly a rousing endorsement of marriage. “Indeed we do. It’s something I plan to achieve by the end of the month.”
Lord Ashfield handed his gloves to the servant.
“I imagine your mother hounded you much like mine. It is particularly hard to resist such pleas when one has lost one’s father and is the head of the family.
An heir is paramount, after all. I wish you much success on your endeavor.
Now I need to find Rothbury to consult with him on an important matter. ”
“Of course. I was just leaving.” Philip’s last words were said to Lord Ashfield’s back, as the man had already started for the gaming room. It was just as well. Philip had never cared for the man. Ashfield had gone to Cambridge and rarely mixed with the more enjoyable crowd from Oxford.
Philip set his hat upon his head and headed down the street, the coolness of the day having given way to the warmth of the sun, but he could see clouds in the distance.
He’d planned to return to his rooms at the Albany, but Ashfield had reminded him that he needed to see his mother.
He had not yet informed her of his betrothal, and he needed to do so before his aunt heard the news.
Since his mother always stayed with her sister when in Town, and said sister was a terrible gossip, she might have already broken the news.
He walked briskly toward Mayfair. He hadn’t seen his mother since the beginning of the year.
Their relationship since his father died had changed greatly.
After what he’d done she should hate him, yet she didn’t blame him and continually worried about him.
Part of him wondered how she could even talk to him after the death of his father.
If he had his druthers, he would avoid her always.
Her caring just made him hate himself all the more.
But out of respect for her, it was his duty to inform her.
She would be horrified if she heard about Lady Georgina from anyone else.
Did she know the lady? It might be a mutually comfortable topic to discuss, especially if she could shed any light on his future wife.
Now that he thought on it, his news might provide her with a small amount of contentment.