Gavin gave himself a shake and held his arm out to Georgie, and she gave him a light smile. It wasn’t what he wanted, but somehow he would make this work.
On the way to the entertainment, the four of them chatted about the change in the landscape as summer turned to autumn, and winter. Georgie asked about other dishes from the different ancestors that they enjoyed. It turned out that many of them were considered peasant food, but were enjoyed as part of a larger meal.
Addressing Littleton, Georgie said, “I find it very interesting that many of your ancestors married ladies from other countries.”
“They weren’t from that far away,” he responded. “Dutch, French, and German. We don’t have anyone as exotic as Spanish or Portuguese.”
She widened her eyes for a moment. “I do not think we have anyone other than English.”
“I don’t think we do either,” Gavin replied.
“I can tell you that we are Saxon through and through.” Adeline frowned. “There might be a Norman in there somewhere, but I doubt it.”
His title was so old no one in his family had considered it for years, but . . . “You and I are probably in the same position.”
“It would not surprise me at all,” Georgie said, “to discover that you can both trace your lines back to Harold, and whatever Norman married into the line.”
“I have no doubt you are right.” He wanted to take her hand and raise it to his lips, but he did not yet have the right.
“Here we are,” Adeline pointed out. “I cannot remember the journey over here going by so quickly.”
Littleton chuckled. “But the trip home is always fast.”
She punched him in the arm, and he clasped his hand around her fist and kissed it. “It is not my fault that by evening I am tired. Blame your son.”
“I think as contrary as that babe is, it will be a daughter.” Before she could make a retort he laughed and kissed her.
Gavin was glad they had arrived. He didn’t know how much more he could take of a couple in love. When the coach came to a stop, he hopped out, and held his hand out for Georgie. Still, he would like to have moments with her that their friends did. Just because he could not love her didn’t mean he couldn’t desire her, and be her friend, and be happy and playful when she was carrying their children. Of course he could. He wasn’t a cold man. He simply needed to maintain control over his emotions and not fall in love. The only problem was that he was beginning to doubt what that meant.
She placed her hand in his as if it belonged there. To him. “Do you have any idea of what is scheduled?”
“Not at all. I do know the gardens and wood are large and planned out. I am only surprised they do not have a maze.”
That was the one thing they didn’t need. One either quickly found the key to a maze or got lost. “Do not suggest it. I have no doubt Lady Turner would be happy to have one designed and planted.”
Georgie smiled suddenly and it took his breath away. “I have no doubt you are correct.”
They were ushered into the hall and back to a morning room before they were announced.
After they greeted the Turners and the Fitzwalters, and were handed glasses of champagne, they were bid to explore as they pleased.
“You will find tables filled with delicacies all over the gardens,” Lady Turner assured them.
And indeed she was correct. He and Georgie strolled through the various areas of the formal gardens that appeared to date to at least Queen Elizabeth’s time and at every turn there were tables set with cakes, biscuits, fresh and dried fruits, nuts, cheeses, and everything else one could want, even forced strawberries.
“I must admit I am impressed,” he said, taking a small handful of nuts.
“I am as well.” Georgie plucked a biscuit from a platter. “I like how there is something different on each table.”
She bit into the confection and closed her eyes. “Lemon, but unlike one I have ever had before. It is spicy.”
“You will have to ask for recipes.” He guided her toward the wood.
“I do not think I will be successful. Adeline asked for the recipe for a seed cake from Amanda Fitzwalter, and she had been sworn to secrecy by her mother.”
“Shall we take samples home and ask if the Littleton cook can work out what is in them?”
She chuckled as she finished the biscuit. “That is actually an inspired idea.”
