“I imagine it does.” Where would she like to have their ceremony? But Gavin was getting ahead of himself. First he had to convince her to marry him.
They reached their coach and he handed Georgie up then climbed in. “Knowing some of the history makes me more interested in seeing the town.”
“Speaking of history,” Georgie said. “I had no idea you sang so well.”
“Do not forget my Frits,” Adeline added. “He has an excellent voice.” She gave her husband a hard look. “One I have never heard before.”
Littleton flushed slightly and scratched his ear. “I haven’t had much of an opportunity. I do plan to sing to our daughter.”
“Or our son.”
This was a continuing theme between them. “I don’t think either of you care which it is.”
“Nor do I.” Georgie’s dark-blue eyes were sparkling with merriment. “I think they just like debating the sex of the baby.”
“If only therewerea way to know.” Adeline rubbed her growing stomach.
“Visit a gypsy at a fair,” Gavin suggested. “Other than that, I don’t think there will ever be a way to know.”
“It is just so frustrating having to wait.” She pouted for a second then smiled again. “I shall simply pray for a healthy baby.”
One of Littleton’s hands had formed a fist and the knuckles were turning white. “The only thing I want is a safe delivery for you and our child.”
Gavin resisted the urge to glance at Georgie. He did not love her and never would, but the thought of her dying in childbirth caused a sharp pain in his chest. He would do everything in his power to stop that from happening. Better yet, he absolutely would not allow it to occur. How he didn’t know. He just knew that her not being a part of his life forever was not an option.
Chapter Eighteen
Marc clinched his jaw as Miss Featherton left with the Littletons and Turley. At this rate, Marc was never going to have a chance with her. Not only that, but he was certain that Littleton and his wife were helping Turley. Marc had planned to visit the area where he’d seen Miss Featherton riding, but the gypsy hunt had put paid to that idea. At least for today. Well, there was always tomorrow. Then again, Lady Aurelia was proving to be a very pleasant companion. Still, he felt as if he had to make a final push in the direction of Miss Featherton.
He surveyed the rest of the guests as they assembled in front of the house. Standing on the top step, Lady Turner called out names and footmen escorted ladies and gentlemen to the various conveyances waiting to take them into the market town.
She looked over at Lady Aurelia then glanced at him. “Lord Lytton, you and Lady Aurelia will ride with my husband and me.”
He didn’t even have to paste a polite smile on his face as he strolled over to Lady Aurelia. Thus far, he’d been happy to spend time with her. “It would be my pleasure.”
Lady Turner went back to her list.
And Lady Aurelia’s smile was genuine. “I am glad we shall be riding together. I had a great deal of fun with you during the gypsy hunt.”
He didn’t understand her. “But we didn’t win.”
“Winning is not everything.” She raised one dark blond brow. “Sometimes playing the game is enough.”
To him winning had always been what mattered because his aunt cared so much. Or he thought she did. Then again, he had never been able to please her. Even when he had backed out of a pending betrothal with a lady on his aunt’s orders because of the death of her father, she still had not been happy with him for long. But soon he’d be free. Once he married, he wouldn’t have to care about what his aunt thought anymore.
“My lord?” Lady Aurelia’s eyes captured his gaze when he glanced up.
“I am sorry. I was remembering something else. You might be correct that winning is not everything. I must give it further thought.”
The corners of her lips twitched, but instead of responding she placed her hand on his arm. “Shall we find our carriage?”
They approached one of the footmen and were escorted to the coach at the front of the line. “It’s this one, my lord.”
Turley handed the servant a coin. “Thank you.”
The steps were already down, so he handed Lady Aurelia into the carriage and waited for Lord and Lady Turner to arrive. Even under these circumstances, it would not help him at all to be caught in a closed coach with a lady.
She sat on the forward-facing bench next to the door. “Have you spent much time in this area?”
