He rode slowly, enjoying the day and not wanting to spend more time than necessary with Bottomley, who was already missing Town and making noises about returning. Thus far, Marc had ignored the man’s hints, and would continue to do so. Once he was in Town and then back at his estate, he’d have no further chances to meet eligible ladies.
When he finally entered the stable yard, his coachman, groom, and the other man he’d hired in Town as a guard were milling around his coach. “Is there anything wrong?”
“No, my lord,” Stratton, his coachman said. “I’m just doin’ some work on it. Don’t do us any good if a pin or somethin’ comes out when we’re travelin’.”
“How’d your meeting with the lady go?” his groom asked, with a hopeful look on his face.
That was one thing about old retainers, they wanted to know everything and didn’t hesitate to inquire. Then again, his whole household knew about his aunt’s requirements, and his inability to find a suitable lady. She had not used any discretion at all when informing him about them. Now much of his staff was as concerned about him marrying as he was. “Not as well as I hoped it would. It appears as if I shall have to find another lady.”
His groom’s and coachman’s faces had fallen at the news. “I’m sure someone will come along.” He didn’t dare raise their hopes about Lady Aurelia until he was sure of her. In a misguided attempt to calm his servants, he’d made that mistake before. Marc shouldn’t have mentioned Miss Featherton at all. “I shall be attending a garden party this afternoon at about one. If you could help ensure that Lord Bottomley’s carriage is ready, I would appreciate it.”
“Yes, my lord.” Marc’s coachman’s tone was glum.
Marc dismounted and handed his horse to the groom. “Don’t worry. It will all come right.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Confound his aunt. If only she’d kept her demands between them.
* * *
Despite attempting to like Lytton more, or at least not be outwardly unpleasant to him, Gavin had not appreciated his time with Georgie being interrupted. Not only that, but he didn’t believe for a moment that Lytton had come upon them by accident. It was almost exactly the same time as when his coach really had gone the wrong way that the man appeared today.
Fortunately, Georgie didn’t seem to be interested in him at all. After last evening, Gavin finally felt as if they were getting closer. That he was making some progress. He supposed he could have been more open with her about his family before now. He should have also told her that he could not allow himself to love his wife, but if he could, he would . . . what? Love her? He wasn’t in love. He had vowed not to be in love. Yes, he enjoyed spending time with her. It was actually more than that. He liked listening to her thoughts and hearing her laugh. He wanted to be with her all the time and share his thoughts with her. His desire to bed her was a constant physical ache. Every time he even thought of her breasts and what they’d look like he got an erection. For that matter, almost any part of her gave him the same reaction from her dark chestnut hair to her dainty feet. Not to mention the surge of irritation he experienced when he thought another gentleman might be interested in her. Perhaps it was more than mere irritation, but whatever it was, he didn’t like it.
“Do many people become lost going to Lord Bottomley’s estate?” Georgie asked.
They were almost halfway back to the house and both of them had been quieter than usual. “I don’t know. He’s rarely here. It’s not his main estate.”
“Hmm.” She became quiet again for several seconds. “Perhaps I shall suggest that Frits put up a sign. I cannot think it would be comfortable to—to know that anyone could mistake their way.”
Especially if someone such as Adeline, Georgie, or a future child could be harmed. “I think that is an excellent idea.”
A small smile tugged at her lips, but she was clearly concerned about the matter. “Perhaps you could mention it as well.”
“I’ll be happy to do so.” After that unexpected meeting, Gavin trusted that Lytton understood in no uncertain terms that Georgie was not for him. Soon Gavin would have to have the conversation with her that he’d hoped to avoid. Telling her that he could not marry for love. But he would wait until after the ball.
“It might be a good idea to put up a gate across that road,” Johnson said. “Doesn’t happen often as far as I know, but I agree with Miss Georgie. Twice is too many times. It ain’t safe.”
“A gate would be the perfect solution,” she agreed. “Thank you for the suggestion.”
“Don’t you worry none. Ain’t nothing going to happen to you when I’m around.” The groom nodded emphatically as if to make his point. “I kept their lordships from coming to harm, and they were a lot more trouble.”
At that, Georgie started to chuckle. “I imagine they were.”
Gavin found himself grinning as well. “We were adventurous.”
Johnson’s eyes widened. “Is that what ye called it?”
Georgie’s laughter became louder and deeper. “I wish I could have seen the two of you.”
“Ah, but would you have tried to join in, or were you the little girl who kept clean and sewed her samplers?”
She cast him a coy look as she and Lilly moved as if one into a gallop. “Wouldn’t you like to know,” she called back over her shoulder.
“Minx,” he shouted at her, urging his horse to catch up.
Chapter Twenty-Two
