A knock sounded on the door, and the butler entered holding a silver salver. “My lady, a message came for Miss Featherton.”
Georgie held out her hand. “I wonder who it’s from.”
“It is franked by Lord Exeter, miss.”
“Thank you.” She popped the seal, shook out Dorie’s letter, and perused it. Georgie’s heart beat so hard she thought it would fly out of her chest. Her hand shook as she handed it to Adeline. He must care. “Turley is searching for me.”
“I told you he would.” Adeline took the letter. “He probably went by your house shortly after you left.”
The dowager cleared her throat. “I have no wish to intrude, but I have known Gavin Turley all his life. His mother and I were the best of friends. Perhaps I might be able to be of assistance with whatever it is that has happened.”
Georgie supposed anything was worth a try. Still, she was reluctant to bare her heart to a lady, however kind, she did not know well. She glanced at her friend, who nodded. “I am not sure anyone can help. He proposed, and when I asked him if he loved me he was silent.”
The dowager’s brows drew together as if she was thinking about what Georgie had said.
Adeline handed the letter back to Georgie. “Well, I think heisin love with her, but cannot admit it or does not know what love is. Look how long it took Exeter and Dorie to realize that they were in love with each other.”
“You make an excellent point, my dear.” The dowager tied off her thread. “Another one completed.” She placed the cover on top of the others they had finished. “Now you must excuse me. I have the vicar’s mother joining me for tea.”
“I did not know she was visiting,” Adeline said. “We must have them to dinner.”
“Yes, indeed.” The dowager gave Adeline a peck on her cheek. “Be sure to invite the eldest daughter as well. She is making her come out in the spring and needs to be out locally if she is to gain some experience.”
“I’ll do that.”
The older lady turned and smiled. “Georgie, I shall give the matter some thought. I’m sure there is a solution.”
“Thank you, my lady.” Although, what the dowager could do Georgie had no idea. Lord Turley might be looking for her, but despite what her friend thought and what she wished, that did not mean he had suddenly fallen in love with her. And that put them in the exact same place as before.
“It is my pleasure.” The dowager patted Georgie’s cheek. “All things work out as they should in the end.”
That is what her grandmother always said. She prayed it was true. The lady left via the open terrace doors and skirted around the side of the house.
“Where is the dower house?” Georgie asked.
“It is in the opposite direction about a half a mile away.” Adeline grinned. “My grandmother-in-law resides there. Mama-in-law lives in a house Frits’s father bought for her in the event he predeceased his mother.”
“That showed excellent forethought.” As much as they liked each other, Georgie could not imagine her mother and grandmother living in the same house. Then again, her grandmother had solved the problem by purchasing a house with the duchess.
“I have come to understand how thoughtful Littleton men are.” A soft smile grew on Adeline’s face.
One by one Georgie’s friends were finding love and marriage. She had even received a letter from Augusta announcing her marriage to Lord Phineas. If only Georgie hadn’t fallen in love with a gentleman who did not return her feelings. She sighed. Then again, her sister Meg had been betrothed twice before finding true love with the Marquis of Hawksworth, and her brother Kit had been on the Town for so long that their father had finally made him promise to find a lady and wed before he’d fallen in love with Lady Mary Tolliver. Perhaps that was what Georgie would have to go through as well.
“She is right.” Adeline leaned over and placed her hand over Georgie’s. “It will all work out.”
“I know.” Now if only she could make herself believe it.
There was a knock at the door and the Littleton butler bowed. “My lady, Lady Turner and Mrs. Fitzwalter have come to see you. I put them in the blue parlor and told them I would ascertain if you were receiving.”
“Yes, I shall see them shortly,” Adeline said. “Have you already arranged tea and biscuits?”
“Yes, my lady.”
As the butler left, Adeline glanced at Georgie. “You do remember that Miss Tice married Mr. Fitzwalter and Miss Martindale wed Lord Turner, do you not?”
“I do, but why are they not in Town for the Season?” Just about everyone was, and Lord Turner was active in the Lords.
Adeline’s lips formed a thin line of disapproval. “As to that, I am not the only lady expecting a blessed event. Once old Lord Fitzwalter discovered her condition, he refused to fund a Season for her and her husband. He insists the air is better for her here.”
