Mrs. Carter looked unsure. “This isn’t one of your best plans.”
“I know, but it will keep Georgie safe,” Evie asserted.
Shifting her gaze towards their guest, Mrs. Carter said, “You are always welcome in our home, Miss Holbrooke.”
“Please, you must call me Georgie.”
“I would like that,” Mrs. Carter responded. “Evie did mention that you are doing some remarkable things at the orphanage.”
Georgie nodded her head. “We hired tutors to teach the girls how to read. They started today.”
“How did the girls respond?” Mrs. Carter asked.
“They were quite enthused by the prospect,” Georgie replied. “It is very encouraging.”
“How did Mrs. Hughes handle it?” Evie asked.
“Who is Mrs. Hughes?” Mrs. Carter questioned.
“She is the housekeeper at the orphanage, and she has fought me on every change I have made there,” Georgie explained.
“Doesn’t she want the girls to learn to read?” Mrs. Carter asked.
“No, she just wants the girls to complete their chores and do precisely what they are told,” Georgie said.
The butler stepped into the room and announced, “Lord Grenton has requested a moment of Miss Lloyd’s time. Are you taking callers, miss?”
“I am,” Georgie replied as she reached up and smoothed back her hair, hoping that she looked presentable for Lord Grenton.
“Give us a moment before you send in Lord Grenton,” Mrs. Carter commanded.
The butler tipped his head before he departed the drawing room.
With a twinkle in her eye, Mrs. Carter asked, “Is Lord Grenton your suitor?”
“Heavens, no!” Georgie exclaimed. “I am the headmistress at his orphanage. He is my employer, nothing more.”
“Am I to assume that Lord Grenton knows the truth about you?” Mrs. Carter asked.
With a shake of her head, Georgie said, “Only some of it. I have yet to reveal my true identity to him.”
“Then I shall not say a word,” Mrs. Carter said.
“Thank you,” Georgie replied.
“Although, I have heard that Lord Grenton is one of the most eligible bachelors,” Mrs. Carter remarked. “He would make a fine catch for any young woman.”
Georgie reached for her teacup and took a sip, hoping no one would notice the blush on her cheeks.
William followed the butler into the drawing room, his eyes searching until they landed on Miss Holbrooke. His breath hitched in his throat. He forced his natural breathing pattern to resume as he wondered why he had such a reaction to her. He had no intention of courting her, let alone act on his feelings. But here she was, affecting him in ways he hadn’t even thought was possible.
Georgie rose from her seat and addressed him. “Good evening, Lord Grenton.”
He bowed. “Good evening, Miss Lloyd.” It was not the time to reveal that he knew her real name. He would continue to play along for now.
Shifting his gaze toward Miss Ashmore, he tipped his head in acknowledgement. “Miss Ashmore.”
Miss Ashmore smiled graciously. “Lord Grenton, allow me the privilege of introducing you to my aunt, Mrs. Carter.”
