“It was my pleasure, my lord.” Ardley bowed. “I hope Miss Featherton likes it.”
“I’m sure she will.” Now to go tell her grandmother and the other ladies that they were betrothed before they could interrogate him about this afternoon.
When Gavin entered the drawing room the ladies were already there. “I have what I hope you will think is good news. Georgie has agreed to marry me.”
“Excellent, my boy.” The duchess nodded approvingly.
“I agree.” Lady Featherton’s bright blue eyes sparkled with delight.
“I could not be happier for the two of you.” Lady Littleton embraced him and patted his cheek. “Have you set a date yet?”
“Not an exact one. She is thinking in about two weeks. I plan to speak to her about it this evening. Naturally, her parents must have time to return to Town.”
“Come have a glass of claret.” Lady Littleton went to a sideboard and poured a glass.
“You may sit next to me and tell me how it all came about.” Lady Featherton patted the seat next to hers on the sofa.
He debated how much to tell them, and decided that he could omit everything after her acceptance. When he finished he said, “I shall have a word with Lytton and inform him he must leave the country.”
Brows furrowed, the ladies exchanged glances.
“We shall attend the festivities this evening,” the duchess said cryptically. He knew from bits of conversation he’d overheard that they had visited the dowager Lady Turner, but the ladies had never attended one of the entertainments.
“An excellent idea,” Lady Featherton chimed in.
“Naturally, we must change. However, we shall see you there.” The clock struck six and the butler knocked on the open door. “Lord Littleton’s coach has arrived for you, my lord.”
Gavin tossed off his wine. “If you ladies will excuse me, I must away.”
“Of course. We all wish you happy.” Lady Littleton bussed his cheek.
Chapter Twenty-Eight
As Gavin climbed into the carriage, he wondered why the devil the ladies had decided to attend the ball when he could be spending more time alone with Georgie. Before he could work out a reasonable answer, he’d arrived at Littlewood. When he strolled into the drawing room Georgie turned from the window, and he caught his breath. God she was divine. The neckline of the snowy white ball gown was cut low enough to show the soft swells of her breasts. Yet now that he knew how they looked and tasted he wished she’d covered them up a bit more.
The bodice of the gown sparkled as she moved toward him, and he could see the pale-pink embroidery had small glass beads scattered throughout. “You take my breath away.” Upon reaching him, she began to curtsey, but he captured her hand and stopped her. “I love you.”
Her smile lit her eyes, and he wished he had sapphires instead of rubies. “I love you too.”
If only he could drag her to one of the follies. When Gavin drew Georgie to him he remembered he was holding the sack. “I brought something for you.”
She gazed into his eyes showing him how much she loved him. “I think I already have everything I want.”
A light chuckle came from the direction of the door, causing him to release her and hold out the pouch. “These are for you.”
Georgie’s brow puckered in confusion as she took the satchel. “Thank you.”
“Drat. I’m doing this all wrong.” He took the bag back, and drew out the ring. “This has not been worn for many years. I hope it fits you, if not, we’ll have it changed.” As he took her right hand, her lips formed a perfect “O.” “I hope you like it.”
“I love it. Put it on me.”
Gavin couldn’t believe his fingers were shaking as he slid the ring on her finger. It was a little tight going over her knuckle. “Do you wish to have it enlarged?”
“Not at all.” Georgie wrapped her hand around his. “It is not uncomfortable, and it will not fall off.” The ring had one large square-cut ruby in the center flanked by diamonds. “It is perfect.”
“There is something else.” She released his fingers. He stuck his hand into the pouch again and a delicate necklace of rubies and diamonds appeared. “Will you wear it this evening?”
“It is perfect. Yes, I will wear it.” She smiled and turned her back to him. “Unclasp my pearls first.”
