“I daresay,” he drawled, “that one has something to do with the other.”
This time Georgie’s cheeks turned a deep shade of pink. Gavin wondered if he and Georgie would feel comfortable enough to engage in this type of banter when they married, or if it was reserved for people who fell in love. Once again she was gazing out the window as if she was studiously avoiding looking at him. Or perhaps, she was attempting to ignore their friends’ conversation. He considered saying something but decided to let well enough alone. So far they had been getting on well. He did not wish to go backward.
They passed the gateposts to the Turner estate. “Here we are.”
Gavin hoped he’d have luck convincing Turner to talk his wife into putting Georgie in his group or with him if they were in pairs. Gavin had seen games done both ways. Acting as couples would be the best for him. He had been on his best behavior this Season and last Season. That had, apparently, caused Georgie to doubt him. It was time to show her how he felt.
Chapter Sixteen
As the tall and intricately carved walnut case clock began to chime the hour, Mary Turner and Amanda Fitzwalter gathered their guests in the hall.
“I’ll wager that clock wasn’t made here,” Turley whispered to Georgie.
His breath was like a soft warm breeze caressing her cheek, and she had to stifle the urge to step closer to him. The timepiece was covered with depictions of creatures both mundane and fantastical. Flanking the clock face on each side stood a man and a woman garbed in practically nothing. “I certainly have never seen anything like it.”
“Now,” Mary said smiling. “From your questions this morning, I take it that no one knows what a gypsy hunt is. It isnothunting for gypsies I assure you.” Next to her, Turley let go of the breath he’d apparently been holding. “It is a searching game that our families played. I have the list of teams and the instructions. Each team will search for different objects. After I read out the names please find your partner, and Mrs. Fitzwalter will hand you your tasks.”
She read the first few names then announced, “Miss Featherton and Lord Turley. Lady Aurelia and Lord Lytton . . .” When Mary had finished, she stepped back as people glanced around for their partner.
“How fortunate that we do not have to search for someone.” Turley’s voice was low and clearly meant just for her.
“Fortunate indeed.” Georgie must remember to thank her friend for successfully pleading her case. She made the mistake of looking up at him at the same time he glanced down at her. His light blue eyes twinkled with something close to merriment, but not quite that. Satisfaction? He must have hoped they would be together as well. After all, he had made it clear that he still wished to wed her.
“Lord Turley.” Amanda’s impatient voice caused them both to look at her. “Here is your task. Good luck. The first person to complete all the requirements wins the game.”
He took the folded and sealed paper. “What, may I ask, is the final prize?”
“That, my lord, depends upon who wins.” She turned away and went to the next pair.
A line formed between his brows. “I never knew she was so devious.”
“Yes, you did.” Georgie took his arm and strolled away from the rest of the group. “Do you not remember that she plotted to trap Frits into marriage last Season?”
“You’re right. I had forgotten.” He glanced back at the lady who was now with her husband. “Thankfully, he managed to drag Fitzwalter to a ball to meet her.”
“Only after Frits promised him Gertrude.” At first Georgie couldn’t believe he had given a heifer away, but he was determined to marry Adeline.
“That actually worked out to his benefit.” And to Gertrude’s. She was expecting her first calf.
“Yes. It did.” Georgie took the paper from his hand and cracked the seal. “Let us see what we have.”
I am made of chalk and the egg white of a goose. Gold surrounds me.
“What the dev—deuce does that mean?” Frowning, Turley took the bit of foolscap and read it out loud. “Chalk and egg white of a goose? They must keep geese here.” He handed her back the clue. “I’ll have your bonnet and cloak fetched.”
She tightened her grip on his arm, stopping him from leaving. “I believe we should visit the portrait gallery first.”
“Why there?” He appeared so adorably confused she wanted to kiss him.
“I shall explain.” She started leading him in the direction of the gallery. “Chalk and egg white are elements of paint. I cannot imagine either of the ladies wanting us to search out all the paintings in the house. Therefore, the portrait gallery is where the painting is most likely to be located.”
“Goose eggs are used in paint?” He sounded incredulous, but kept pace with her.
“Not necessarily goose eggs. Egg whites in general.” Georgie steered him up two flights of the main staircase and toward the right corridor. “It would not surprise me to see a painting with a goose in it.”
“I can’t imagine a lady would pose with geese,” he scoffed.
“We shall see.” She used her most superior tone. The one her mother used when she knew she was right.
