Chapter Sixteen #2
Her deduction surprised him, though he was well aware she had the capacity to synthesize information quickly. “Yes. That and, well, even when he was alive, I disappointed him greatly.”
Her brows drew together in confusion. “But your mother said your father was proud of you.”
Perhaps this hadn’t been the best place to approach the subject. He looked around and, seeing they were quite alone, continued. “As I said, my mother and I have a difference of opinion. I know…” He looked away, not quite able to bring himself to say it out loud.
Georgina squeezed his hands. “Husband, I’m your wife. You can tell me.”
She was his wife. She should know in order to better navigate his family dynamic. His sister and mother were very much aware of what had happened, and he had no doubt his sister wouldn’t keep her knowledge to herself. “To be blunt, I’m ashamed.”
She pulled her hands from his and cupped his face. “I know that feeling well and understand how difficult it can be to share such events with another. I trust you will tell me when you wish to.”
A strange feeling, as if a great rock had been lifted from his shoulders, filled him.
Just then, Mrs. Bean returned. “My lord, I do believe there are two dresses that would fit Lady Durham with a few alterations. If I may take her into the back to try them on now, I can have one ready by tomorrow and the other by the next day. That is, if they are to her liking.”
Georgina let his face go and turned at Mrs. Bean’s announcement. “That sounds lovely.” She looked back at him. “Did you wish to join us?”
He did, but it was far too small a room, and he didn’t trust what seeing his wife half undressed would do to him. “No. I don’t wish to be in the way. I shall wait here.”
“Very well.”
He rose and walked to the small sideboard with tea and sweets displayed upon it.
Since no liquor was in sight, he made do with the tea, black.
Baffled by the idea that telling Georgina might relieve some of his shame, he returned to his seat.
Did he think that because it would be sharing his burden?
But what right did he have to ask her to share such a shame?
On the other hand, hiding information was never a good idea in a marriage, as his mother had often told him and his sister.
The dowager Durham was quite proud that she and his father had shared everything.
The shop door opened and two ladies walked in. Philip rose to be polite then froze at the sight of Lady Edgerton. The woman was with another who could only be her daughter, since the resemblance was very marked.
“Oh, Lord Durham. I didn’t expect to find you at a lady’s modiste.”
As if the sight of her was not enough, her words started a simmering in the pit of his stomach. “That’s odd, Lady Edgerton, for was it not you that told my wife that you wouldn’t provide her with a trousseau, and that purchasing her gowns would be my responsibility?”
Color rose to the older woman’s cheeks. “I don’t recall saying that at all.”
“Then I suppose it is good that Georgina recalls everything and can’t keep a secret.”
The red grew darker, spreading across the woman’s chest.
“Mother, it’s of no matter. Lord Durham, it appears that you’re providing for my little sister, which is as a husband should.”
“Lady…” he let his voice trail off, since he had no idea who she was.
“This is my second-eldest daughter, Mrs. Furzeman. Daughter, this is Lord Durham.”
He gave a slight nod, pleased that his title brought Georgina higher in Society than one of her sisters.
At that moment, Mary came out to see who had arrived in the shop. “My ladies, how can I be of service?”
Lady Edgerton looked down her nose at the assistant. “We’re here to choose material for the De Viers’ ball at the end of the month. Where is Mrs. Bean?”
“She’s in the back fitting Lady Durham. I can help you, or if you would like to return in a couple of hours, I’m sure she will be finished.”
“A couple of hours?” Lady Edgerton was clearly not happy. “But I’m a longtime customer and that lady back there is my daughter.”
Mary obviously knew how to deal with an arrogant woman such as Lady Edgerton, because she lowered her head.
“I’m terribly sorry, my lady. I had hoped to wait upon you, but I see now that only Mrs. Bean will do.
I know she will not want to be rushed while taking care of your needs, which is why I suggested returning, but I’m sure she could hurriedly help you before returning to her current client. ”
Lady Edgerton puffed with importance. “Of course, I would not wish you to attend me when Mrs. Bean is here. Nor do I wish to be rushed. You tell Mrs. Bean that we will return in two hours and expect her usual level of service.”
“I will, my lady.”
With a huff, Lady Edgerton started for the door. Mrs. Furzeman, however, was aware enough to address Philip. “It was a pleasure to meet you, my lord and brother-in-law.”
Not willing to outright lie, he simply nodded as his station allowed him, before the woman followed her mother out.
Mary turned around and gave him a cheeky smile. “Don’t worry. It will only be an hour. I simply wanted Mrs. Bean to have all the time she needed to help your sweet wife.”
Then with that, the assistant disappeared through the doorway.
Surprised, he remained standing. There was a certain amount of satisfaction in being able to confront Lady Edgerton and have the modiste’s assistant also inconvenience her.
Returning to the sideboard, he took a small plate and added two macarons and a rout cake before resuming his seat.
He probably shouldn’t antagonize the Edgertons, considering they knew why he’d married Georgina, but to reveal it would also hurt their reputation, so he was confident no ill would come of his confrontation.
Besides, the lady had obviously known he told the truth about what she’d said, or she wouldn’t have turned so red.
He’d just finished the last macaron, having eaten the rout cake first, when Georgina strode out from the back. He rose. “You’ve finished already?”
“I have. Mrs. Bean is truly a wonder. I’d have never chosen the first dress, but after donning it, I do believe I fell in love. It will arrive this evening. I’d like to wear it to the dinner tonight.”
He’d forgotten that had already been scheduled, along with a picnic in Hyde Park, a recital, and a visit to a private aviary on the weekend. “I’m anxious to see you in it.”
She cocked her head. “I think you’d rather see me out of it.”
He laughed, more than pleased at how much she enjoyed that side of their marriage. “Indeed.”
“Now I must visit the milliners to purchase matching hats, and I need to restock my perfume. That is, if that’s acceptable?”
He offered her his arm. “That is quite acceptable. And wasn’t there a book you wished to purchase?” He opened the door for her and they strode out onto the sidewalk.
“Yes. I can’t believe you remembered. I’d very much like to buy the second volume of Natural History of Carolina, Florida, and the Bahama Islands. It took me a month to save my pin money for the first volume. Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. In fact, I wish to purchase a book, so it will save me a trip.”
“You do? What book?”
“I won’t know until I see it.” At her bright smile, he knew he’d assuaged any nervousness regarding her needs.
“I thought I heard other customers in the shop, but none were there when I came out. I hope I didn’t inconvenience anyone.”
“It was just your mother and sister, a Mrs. Furzeman.”
Georgina stopped, forcing him to stop as well. “My mother? Did she wonder why I was there?”
“Actually, she wondered why I was there, so I informed her that since she left me to provide your wardrobe, she shouldn’t be surprised.”
“You didn’t.”
“Indeed I did.” He patted her hand. “Don’t worry. She planned to return in a couple hours. Something about the De Viers’ ball at the end of the month.” He hoped his change in topic would ease Georgina’s mind. He didn’t want her upset over her mother.
“Oh yes, I accepted that invitation on our behalf. You did promise me two dances.”
He started them forward again as she relaxed. “I did, and I look forward to them. I understand this ball is rather special.”
As he hoped, his wife went on to explain what he already knew about the De Viers’ ball, which was held outside.
The rest of the afternoon was spent shopping, with a brief stop for tea and biscuits. By the time they arrived back at the townhouse, his wife, rather than being in need of rest, seemed to be more anxious to add to her day. He handed his hat to Haines.
“I’m going to talk to Mrs. Newman about the back courtyard. I believe a few more plants would invite more birds to nest.”
Not surprised that she had another task on her mind, now that he knew better, he gave his approval. “I agree, but since we don’t own the house yet, we should wait until I’m sure I can procure it.”
Her eyes widened. “Oh, I had completely forgotten this is rented. It’s such a comfortable place, and I like the décor. If we did own it, I wouldn’t change a thing.”
“Then I shall make my offer difficult to refuse.” He offered his arm to escort her upstairs to change.
As they came to her room, she turned to him. “You did say I could redecorate my room at Crestfield. Did you wish to have yours decorated too?”
He almost nodded before remembering that he’d given orders to have the lord’s chambers readied for him. Did he wish those changed?
“I don’t have to. I only ask to be helpful.”
“I…I don’t know.” He opened her bedroom door. “I will think upon it.” With that, he left her and walked to his own door. He hadn’t even a chance to ring for Gibson when his dressing room door opened and Georgina stepped in, their rooms connected by the dressing rooms.
“I have a question for you, if you have a moment.”
“Of course, please.” He gestured to the wingback chair before the cold fireplace.