“You mean marzipan? That’s not cold, so I needn’t worry. You are feeling better, right?” Georgie’s brow lowered in worry.
“Yes, I’m truly much better. Rose took very good care of me.”
“Do you ever wonder what it will be like when we marry and no longer have our classmates to depend upon?”
She froze, her spoon halfway to her mouth. Surely Rose hadn’t said anything to Georgie. She was very sweet, kind, and of a happy disposition, but she couldn’t keep a secret. Even if she discovered whatwas for dinner in an hour, she had to tell someone.
Sophie set the spoon back in the bowl. “Why do you ask?”
Georgie shrugged. “I was just thinking that when I marry Lord Ashfield, he’ll take me to his home, and I may not see you or Rose or any of our classmates again. We haven’t seen Elsbeth in months, and she’s on the property here. And don’t forget, we were only able to see Dory and Lissa because Ellie invited us all to her ball.”
“Don’t be silly. Of course you will see us. You will still go to Town for the Season and most of us will be there. Don’t forget Elsbeth is due to have her baby, so you may not see her at the start of the Season.”
Georgie immediately brightened. “You’re right. I’ve been so focused on finding a husband, I hadn’t thought what it would be like after marrying. I knew I would miss you all so much, but forgot we will be in Town for the Season.”
Sophie swallowed another bite of ice cream. “Tell me, do you love Lord Ashfield?”
“Oh no, not yet. But I know I will.” Georgie cocked her head. “If anyone can love me, I know I will love them.”
“Many people love you. All your friends love you, as does the duchess.”
“I know, and I’m so grateful and love you all. That’s how I know I will love Lord Ashfield if he loves me. Here, I feel accepted. It’s so much better being here at school instead of home. I would stay here all year, except that the Season is when I get to dance and search for a husband. Then again, I probably won’t have to do that this Season.”
Sophie took another bite of her tart yet sweet treat. She truly hoped Lord Ashfield did love Georgie. She deserved to be loved, to be someone’s whole world.
Georgie’s round eyes sparkled with excitement. “He sent me another letter. He said he holds me in the highest esteem. No one has ever said that to me.”
“Well, it’s time someone did. I’m very pleased for you.”
Georgie bounced out of her chair, never one to sit still for long. “Thank you. I can’t believe I truly have a suitor, and he’s one Mother thoroughly approves of. I hope you can find a suitor, too. You deserve one. You’re so much more patient than I.”
“I just wish to enjoy each day for what it can bring.”
“And today it brought you good health. That’s why I came in.” Georgie moved toward her and gave her a hug. “I’m so glad you’re well. I was so worried.”
The last was said in a whisper, as if Georgie had been afraid Sophie would die. She felt her eyes tear up at the sentiment. “Thank you, my friend.”
Georgie stood back and grinned. “Now I must go. I’m writing about the blue tits and promised Mrs. Evans I would have it done for tomorrow. But I’ll be back before dinner to make sure you’re not bored.”
Before Sophie could reply, Georgie flitted out the door. To have such exuberance must be tiring. In fact, it might be time to rest, especially if both Rose and Georgie were coming back. Sophie also expected Lady Sommerset, Lady Felicity, and Lady Arabella to visit before dinner.
She finished her ice cream in silence, happy she could still enjoy such a pleasure thanks to Tam’s rescuing her. Georgie was right—it was wonderful to have so many people to love and who loved her back. And soon, she’d have her very own person to love with all of her heart.
Chapter Nineteen
Three days later
Christopher paced bythe windows in Lord Dowling’s study, wishing the man would arrive. It had taken too many days to sell the house in Town. But Mr. Morton had once again proven his worth and sold it for more than Christopher expected. Now all he had to do was feel confident in his ability to support Sophie, which he was.
“Ah, Lord Tamworth. We’ve been expecting you.”
At the sound of the gruff voice, Christopher turned to find Lord Dowling approaching. The man was large in his girth and rather short, but he was impeccably dressed, his long sideburns as well as a bushy mustache liberally sprinkled with white trimmed smartly. “Lord Dowling, thank you for receiving me. I didn’t realize I was expected.”
The man gestured toward a circle of wingback chairs, and Christopher followed him.
“My wife received a letter from our daughter asking me to grant her hand in marriage. In fact, my wife is even now visiting our daughter, allowing us to discuss this frankly.”
Christopher froze. If Sophie had written her mother, she must be very concerned. “She did? I didn’t know Lady Sophie had done so. I have not spoken to her since she accepted my suit—if you approve, of course.”
