Andrew walked back to the desk, frowning. “From what little I saw, it’s going to need a lot. There aren’t even any servants.”
“I’ve already taken care of that. My solicitor is quite good, and I purchased the property for far less than I expected.”
“Still…”
Christopher uncrossed his arms and held up one hand. “I’ve been successful in my endeavors so far. If you would, allow me to continue under my own counsel.”
Andrew opened his mouth then closed it and nodded.
“Thank you. I do have one boon to ask of you.”
“What? If it’s funds, I don’t have any to spare yet.”
Forcing himself not to get angry again, Christopher took a deep breath. “No. I ask that you not tell anyone, not even Harewood, and especially not Mother.”
“I can do that. But eventually, you will have to divulge your newstatus.”
“I know, but not yet. Not until I’m successful.”
Andrew’s face split into a grin. “But I heard you are marrying into royalty.”
Christopher groaned. “Hardly. That’s not the rumor you spread, is it?”
“No. That is the imaginations of fourteen unmarried ladies.”
There was only one unmarried lady that he was concerned with, but he wasn’t about to discuss her with his brother. “That’s better than their imagining me as their future husband, so I thank you for that.”
“Come, Chris. Let us break our fast. Those ladies will be up and about soon enough, so we’d best be prepared for them.”
Christopher gave his brother a nod and followed him out of the study and into the faculty dining room. Mrs. Kingman, Sophie’s instructor, was already there and greeted them.
Fortunately, he had time to solve the dilemma of Lady Sophie. He still had a number of days at Silver Meadows and the term wouldn’t end for another seven weeks. That was when she would meet Lord Wilford. That should be plenty of time to decide on a plan of action.
*
Sophie smiled asGeorgie twirled around and around in her room, showing off a very pretty shawl that had arrived for her. Though it was highly improper that it came from a Mr. A., Sophie hated to dampen Georgie’s spirits.
Georgie suddenly stopped twirling and stumbled a bit. She grabbed on to her bedpost. “Isn’t it beautiful?”
The green shawl was well made and had tiny beads sewn into the edges. The man had an eye for what would suit Georgie, which was a bit concerning. “It is, indeed. Do you know this Mr. A.?”
Georgie waved her hand. “Of course. It’s Lord Ashfield. I haven’thad any correspondence with anyone else.”
Sophie was shocked, and couldn’t keep it from her voice. “Georgie, you haven’t. Writing to an unmarried man who hasn’t made his intentions known is beyond the pale.”
“Oh, but I did. Don’t worry. Mother knows and approves. She said it may bring the lord to the altar all the quicker.”
Sophie hoped that Lady Edgerton hadn’t said that, but it was possible. Georgie’s mother was as anxious to be rid of her daughter as Georgie was to find someone who would love her. She certainly hadn’t been loved at home. “Just be careful what you say in your letters. Remember what happened to Lady Susan when her younger sister found one of her letters?”
Georgie flounced onto her bed. “Yes, but I don’t have a younger sister, so it really doesn’t matter. Besides, I’m quite sure he’s in love with me. He’s just waiting until the start of the Season to talk to my parents.”
That didn’t make sense, but Georgie would only see what she wished to see. Sophie was determined to confide in someone about Georgie, possibly even Lady Sommerset. Though she would feel like a hypocrite after what she’d experienced with Tam. He seemed genuinely pleased to have given her so much. Did that mean he felt something for her? She’d thought them friends, but now it was different.
“Can you imagine me, Georgina Bridgeman, as Viscountess Ashfield?”
The change of subject jolted Sophie back to Georgie. “I can imagine you a duchess, as long as you’re happy.”
Georgie’s smile disappeared. “Honestly, I don’t care if he’s a vicar. I just want someone to myself.”
