“Of course she does,” Gavin grumbled.
Georgie held back a chuckle. “We are coming straightaway.”
“Why do I have the feeling that I will not be able to be alone with you again until our wedding night?” She had never heard him sound more morose.
She tucked her hand in the crook of his arm. “Never fear. I am positive that we will find a way. After all, we are now betrothed and will not be closely chaperoned.”
“Thank God for that.” Gavin had never been so happy. It was amazing how good being in love felt as opposed to being determined that he wasn’t in love. If only it hadn’t taken almost losing her. “That means that I can have all your dances now.”
Her lilting laughter cheered him even more. “Yes, it does.”
By the time they returned to the ballroom, the duchess, Lady Featherton, and Lady Littleton were in close conversation with Lady Turner and Mrs. Fitzwalter. Next to the ladies, Littleton hailed Gavin and Georgie and they strolled toward the group.
“They’re going to have it all arranged by the time we reach them.” Not that he expected anything less.
“They are indeed,” Georgie agreed. “I will be lucky if I am allowed to have anything to do with the arranging of our wedding breakfast.”
He recalled that his sister was happy to let his aunt and her future mother-in-law take care of the details. But if Georgie wanted to have the responsibility, he’d do everything in his power to make it happen. “Do you want to be in charge of it?”
She glanced at him, her bottom lip pulled between small white teeth. “Not really. But I must do something other than shop for clothing. After all, I already know exactly what I want in the way of gowns.”
He knew one way he could get her alone before the wedding. “You could redecorate my—our town house.”
“Hmm.” She gave him a considering look. “Now that is an excellent idea. Would I have free rein?”
“Absolutely.” He could already see her in his bed in the middle of the afternoon. “I will even accompany you anywhere you wish to go to look at furniture or fabrics, or anything else you might require. Naturally, you will have all the accounts sent to me.”
She gave him a wide grin. “You either trust me a great deal or you like to live dangerously.”
They had just about reached her grandmother and the others, but he stopped. “I trust you with my life. What are a few rugs and wall coverings compared to that?”
“Nothing at all.” Their eyes met, and Georgie reached up and placed her hand on his cheek. It was all he could do not to drag her into his arms and kiss her. “We had better join my grandmother and the duchess.”
“I suppose you are right.” While the ladies were talking, he’d try to convince Littleton to allow him to stay at Littlewood tonight.
Their two hostesses nodded at whatever Lady Featherton and the duchess were saying. A table covered with bottles of champagne was next to them. Then the two older ladies inclined their heads and stepped back. Just a few feet away, Montagu stood next to his sister and Lytton smiling like a cat who’d got into the cream. Gavin had been just as happy for his sister when she’d wed, but only because she had wanted Harrington so much, and the marriage kept his father from making a horrible choice of husband for her.
“I wonder why Montagu is so pleased,” Gavin said more to himself than Georgie.
“From what I have seen, Lady Aurelia has nothing better to do than try to guide her brother’s life.” Georgie’s eyes sparkled with mirth. “She is the elder by thirty minutes and never lets him forget it.”
That brought out a chuckle. “I would have thought that being twins they’d be close.”
She raised one shoulder, shrugging lightly. “Oh, I think they are, but there is always some family rivalry, especially as he was born the male and the heir.”
“I used to like to tease my sister.” Although, she had not found it as much fun as he had. He’d always wished they’d had a larger family. “I would like to have more than two children.”
“I shall do my best, but I draw the limit at five.” Georgie’s voice was so low that only he could hear her. He’d have to remember to ask her the reason.
“Ladies.” He bowed. “Thank you for allowing us to announce our betrothal at your ball.”
“My lord.” Lady Turner was smiling so widely he was surprised she could speak. “You could not have chosen a better place. We are absolutely delighted!”
“It is our pleasure.” Mrs. Fitzwalter’s smile matched her friend’s.
The dance had stopped and Lord Turner clapped his hands. “Ladies and gentlemen, we have two announcements to make.”
“This really is going to be an exhibition,” Lytton mumbled.
