Georgiana was struck with an idea. “I have heard that your mother does not approve of me, Lord Fane; thus, I think our relationship should go no further.”
“My mother?” His voice was disbelieving.
“Yes. Evidently she told my great-aunt, the Countess of Matlock, that she did not think I could become the political hostess that your position requires.”
“I shall certainly have words with my mother!”
“Nonetheless, her concerns are justified.” Georgiana shrugged again.
“I do not care about having a political hostess. My mother is ambitious for me, but I prefer a far simpler life. Georgiana, please!”
She looked at him coldly, though her heart was breaking. “I have not given you leave to use my given name.”
“I apologise; you have been Georgiana in my heart for many days now.”
She turned her head and refused to speak with him for the remainder of the dance.
When they left the dance floor, he stood beside her, speechless, his eyes begging her for…something. Anything! Georgiana turned away. Elizabeth, understanding perfectly, joined her. “How nice to see you, Lord Fane,” she said, smoothly. “I hope you are enjoying your evening?”
“Alas, I am not,” he said, his voice full of emotion. He bowed to Elizabeth and Georgiana, and moved out of sight.
“Oh, Elizabeth,” Georgiana sighed, her eyes full of tears.
“I know, dearest,” Elizabeth whispered. “But do not cry now, not here.”
Mr. Dunfred all but bounded up to them. “Miss Darcy! What a wonderful surprise! May I have the next dance?”
“Of course,” Georgiana said. If her voice was a bit muffled, he did not notice.
To Elizabeth’s surprise, Lord Fane reappeared and asked Elizabeth to dance. His eyes were troubled. Elizabeth could not refuse, though she very much wished she could.
He began, “You know what I am about to ask.”
“I do,” she replied, gently. “But I cannot answer you.”
“I thought she liked me.”
Elizabeth thought she had never heard so sad a voice. “She does,” she replied.
“But what happened? Surely she cannot think that my mother has enough influence over me to dictate my choice!”
Elizabeth considered her reply carefully. “My lord, she does not think the two of you would suit, and I agree with her reasons.”
“Not suit? We suit admirably; until yesterday, I thought she felt the same!”
“Her reasons are her own.”
“I will not rest until I learn those reasons for myself.”
“You are stubborn, my lord.”
He laughed, but it was a brittle sound. “You are not the first to tell me so.”
Chapter Thirty-One
Caroline frowned as she saw Lord Russell walking toward her. She had hoped to avoid him, but he was giving her no choice.
“Ah, there you are, Miss Bingley! I had heard that you were to be here tonight, but I could not find you in the crowd.”
