“Oh my, yes. You did not buy that much.” Smith waited until Georgie had finished her repast. “I left out your yellow carriage gown.”
“Thank you.” That was one of the few gowns she had that was brighter than pale. “I cannot wait to have richer colors.”
“That will be much easier.” Her maid took the tea and plate.
“Do you know if Lady Littleton is awake and about?”
“Like you, she slept later. You’ll be down in good time.”
The room was already warm for which Georgie was glad. She shoved her feet in her slippers and padded behind the screen to wash in the basin. A bath would come later today. In short order, her maid had her dressed and was packing the remaining items in a satchel when she made her way to the breakfast room.
Adeline had just taken a bit of toast when Georgie joined her. “Where is Frits?”
“Up and supervising the packing. I believe he has also sent a carriage to The Lilacs.”
She said a short prayer that Gavin would be allowed to accompany them to Town. “I hope that is successful.”
“For your sake, so do I.” Adeline grinned. “You’d better eat. Frits does not like going to Town, but when he does, he’s like a horse going to the barn. He wants to do it as soon as possible.”
Georgie selected baked eggs and ham. When she took her place she pulled over a rack of toast that had just been set on the table. “I shall be as quick as possible.”
She had almost finished eating when the sound of voices came from the direction of the hall, and her heart skipped a beat. But the only person entering the room was Frits. “Turley will not be accompanying us.”
“I cannot say that I am surprised.” Although she had prayed and hoped he would be with them. And her heart ached that she would not see him today.
“I wouldn’t worry too much. My mother and the ladies will depart before noon.” He gave her a sympathetic smile. “He’ll be with you as soon as he can manage it.”
“I know.” Still it ruined the rest of her breakfast.
Frits glanced at Adeline. “I have decided I was very wise to keep you here until we were married.”
“Yes, you were.” Adeline gave him an arch look. “But your mother wasn’t a week away.”
“You have me there.” He grabbed a piece of toast from the rack in front of her. “When will you be ready to leave?”
Adeline’s head swiveled to Georgie. “Less than a half hour.”
“There you are, my love. We will be with you soon.”
“I’ll see you outside.” Frits strode out of the room.
Georgie placed her serviette on the table. “If you will excuse me, I’ll see you in the hall or out in front.”
“I’ll come with you.” Adeline caught up and linked her arm with Georgie’s. “I know you are disappointed, but the news was not unexpected. Think about it like this, soon no one will be able to keep you apart.”
That did make her feel better. “I know you’re right. I just wanted to spend time with him today.” They reached Georgie’s rooms, and she thought about Gavin’s offer to redecorate his—their town house. “Gavin has given me the freedom to renovate Turley House. Would you object if I start while I am visiting you?”
“Not at all.” Adeline laughed. “Please tell me if I can be of help.”
“I will. He said that he would be happy to visit furniture houses and other places with me, but Parliament is still in session, and I would expect him to attend meetings and votes.”
“Well, if he was like Frits, he’d be with you. But I know how much he loves politics.”
And that was one of the many things Georgie loved about Gavin. “He does, indeed. I know you do not share my passion, but I am looking forward to holding political dinners and other entertainments.”
“I do not,” Adeline agreed. “Yet, both Frits and I are very happy that our friends enjoy those types of things.”
Georgie linked her arm with her friend’s, ready to join the carriages, when Frits and Gavin dashed into the room, both trying to get their broad shoulders through the doorway at the same time. She glanced at Adeline and doubled over in laughter.
