“As you wish. Meet me at one o’clock tomorrow and we shall depart from my house on Green Street.”
“Very well. Thank you for the invitation.” Rising, Marc smirked to himself. He’d heard a rumor that Turley was no longer interested in Miss Featherton. If he was here in Town and not at Littlewood with her, the rumor was most likely true. That would give Marc an opportunity to court the lady. After all, an earl was better than a viscount.
* * *
Gavin plied the knocker of Littleton House and was admitted by the new butler. “Good morning, my lord.”
“Good morning, Crothers. Is her ladyship in?”
“She is.” He took Gavin’s hat and cane. “If you will follow me?”
Nothing had been resolved the previous evening mostly due to his rejecting every piece of advice Lady Littleton had given to him. But after a long, sleepless night, he now knew there was nothing to do but follow at least one of her suggestions. What did they say about pride going before a fall? He’d fallen lower than he’d ever been and could not even figure out how it had happened.
She rose when he was announced. “Gavin, I was not certain I would see you again.”
He took a breath. “I have been giving what you said last evening a great deal of thought. May I escort you to Littlewood?”
The corner of her lips twitched as if she was stifling a smile. “You may indeed. I shall leave within the hour.”
“I thought as much and had my staff ready my traveling carriage. It will follow behind yours if that suits you.”
“Yes. It will give us an opportunity to discuss more ideas as to how you should approach Miss Featherton.”
He knew exactly how he wanted to greet Georgie. Take her into his arms and kiss her senseless until she agreed to marry him. “I had planned to ride.”
“Of course you did.” Lady Littleton gave an exasperated sigh. “What young man does not?”
Gavin felt guilty but not guilty enough to ride in the coach. “I shall be back before an hour is up.”
Lady Littleton shook her head. “I shall see you then.”
Now that that was accomplished, Gavin only hoped Adeline Littleton did not refuse to allow him to stay at Littlewood.
* * *
Lucinda Featherton opened the note their butler Habersham handed to her. “We have been invited to join Cristabel at her home near Littlewood.”
Constance leaned forward the slightest bit. “Has she come up with a plan? God knowswehave not been successful.”
“She has convinced Lord Turley to travel with her.” Lucinda was not sure how she felt about that. “She must be certain that he has feelings for Georgie beyond what he believes he does.”
“I think we ought to accept her offer,” Constance said slowly. “One must remember that she considers Turley to be a son, and one never knows when Georgie will require our assistance.”
“Of course we must go.” Lucinda could not get over the sensation that there was more to all of this than met the eye. “I shall write to her accepting her offer and give the order that we will depart in the morning.”
Her friend leaned over and patted her hand. “Do not worry. We have successively arranged Meg’s, and Kit’s and Mary’s marriages. We shall do the same for Georgie.”
“I know.” Lucinda placed her hand over her friend’s. “I just have that feeling in my neck. The one I used to get when Meg was in danger.”
“In that case, the sooner we arrive the better. Tell Cristabel we shall be there before noon.”
“I am so glad you understand.” Lucinda went to the writing table. “I shall feel much better when we are there.” She picked up her quill and pulled out a piece of paper. “Should we inform Georgie we will be close?”
“Yes, do write to her.”
Lucinda penned a short missive to Georgie.
My dearest Georgie,
