But today, Mr. Robeson was positively a-tremble! The Earl stared at him from under bushy eyebrows and asked, “Are you quite well, Mr. Robeson?”
“I am, your lordship, but –“
“But?”
“No, nothing. I apologise, my lord.”
The Earl extended his hat and umbrella to Mr. Robeson, who stared at the items blankly for a moment before recollecting himself and taking them.
Well, this was mysterious behaviour indeed, the Earl thought. He went upstairs to his room where his valet was waiting for him. Nothing seemed out of order here; Robeson must be having digestive problems. It had happened before. He breathed a sigh of relief when his cravat was untied from around his throat, and then heard a peremptory knock on the door that led to the sitting room he shared with his wife.
“Come in, Elaine!” he called.
His wife entered. “You may go, Alfred.”
The valet began to protest that he had not finished helping his lordship change clothing, but the Earl interrupted. “I think my wife can help me, Alfred.”
Once they were alone, the earl said, “Something has happened, has it? Robeson was all but shaking at the front door.”
“Georgiana is here.”
“Georgiana? Georgiana Darcy?”
The Countess looked at him irritably. “Edward, do we know another Georgiana?”
“I suppose not, but – well, I cannot believe it. Where did she come from?”
“Evidently she ran away from her husband. Except that he is not her husband, because he is already married.”
“Good God, can it get any worse?” her husband expostulated.
“Indeed, it can and it has. Georgiana is pregnant.”
“Oh, my God.” The Earl’s knees buckled and he sat down heavily on a chair. “What will we tell people?”
“I have no idea; we have much to discuss. But first, let us hear Georgiana’s tale.”
“Where is she now?”
“Sleeping, after Sally washed eight layers of dirt off her and we fed her what might well have been the first full meal she has had in many weeks.”
“The poor child!”
“Just seeing her tore my heart open, Edward. I know the Matlock family has much at stake in this matter, but we must protect her.”
“Of course; she is our sister’s child. Have you sent a message to Richard and to Darcy?”
“Not yet. I thought to speak with her first and find out what must be done to protect her.”
“Other than Robeson, who knows she is here?”
“Sally, of course, but also Agnes.”
The Earl made a sour face.
The Countess nodded in agreement, saying, “I know, but Agnes happened upon us when Georgiana found me upstairs. I warned Agnes – I threatened her, actually – and Sally will reinforce the threat. I hope we have some time to manage the situation.”
Just then, there was a knock on the Earl’s door and Sally’s voice said, quietly, “She is awake, my lady.”
