“That was wise, my lord.”
William lifted his brow at the use of his title. “I thought we agreed we would call each other by our given names.”
“No, you decided that. I have yet to decide if I wish to be that familiar.”
“We are on our way to Gretna Green to be married, and sharing a coach unchaperoned,” he said. “I can assure you that we are past formalities.”
“You are right. I am just rather nervous.”
“About our marriage?”
She nodded slowly. “I just wish my mother was here to see my wedding.”
“I feel the same,” he said. “Although, I know my mother would have loved you. You have taken what she held dear and tended to it with care.”
“It is easy to love those girls.”
William shifted in his seat as he asked, “Do you think your mother would have approved of me?”
“Not at first,” Georgie said, “but you would have grown on her, just as you did to me.”
“Was that a compliment?”
“Perhaps.”
William grinned. “You are terrible at giving compliments.”
“I am not,” Georgie defended.
“Allow me to give you a compliment,” William said, leaning forward in his seat. “Your beauty radiates from the depths of your soul and envelops everything you see through your eyes.”
Georgie gave a noncommittal half-shrug. “That was slightly better than mine.”
“It was much better,” William bantered.
Georgie grew silent. “Did you mean it, though?”
“My compliment?”
She nodded.
“I meant every word,” William said. “I have never met someone as beautiful as you are, Georgie. You must know that.”
He watched as a blush crept up her cheeks, something he knew he would never grow tired of.
William leaned back in his seat. “I should warn you that it could take up to three days to get to Gretna Green,” he said. “It depends on the road conditions.”
“Are we traveling at night?” Georgie asked.
“I would prefer it, as it would be faster, but it depends on whether the driver believes it is safe or not,” William replied. “I did, however, tell our driver to get as far from London as possible before we stop to rest the horses.
Georgie glanced out the window. “I must admit that I will feel some relief once we are out of Town.”
“By the time your brother realizes you are gone, we will be too far ahead of him. He will never be able to catch up.”
“I am happy to hear that.”
“Will you tell me about yourself?” William asked. He had a sudden desire to learn everything he could about his betrothed. No detail would be too small.
