“I might be, but I do think you need to give people the benefit of the doubt.”
William leaned over and opened the window, allowing fresh air to circulate in the coach. “I gave you the benefit of the doubt, and look where it got me? I’m on my way to Gretna Green to be married.” He tried to soften his words with a sardonic smile.
Georgie laughed, as he’d hoped she would. “And I am grateful for that.”
“I do have friends, though,” William said. “I became friends with Lords Hawthorne, Haddington, Hugh, and Graylocke when I was at Eton. We have remained close ever since.”
“I am acquainted with Lord Hawthorne and Lord Haddington, but I have yet to be introduced to Lord Hugh or Lord Graylocke.”
“We shall have to rectify that soon enough.”
“I haven’t seen any of my friends since I went into mourning for my father.”
“I am sorry to hear that.”
Georgie waved her hand dismissively in front of her. “It is the plight of women of our station. We must mourn our loved ones for the appropriate length of time,” she said. “Even though it wasn’t under the best circumstances, I did enjoy working at the orphanage as headmistress.”
“You won’t be able to hold that position once we are married.”
“I know, but can I assist in finding my replacement?”
“I wouldn’t have it any other way,” William replied. “I must say, it won’t be easy to replace you.”
“We will find another lady, just as your mother intended.”
“I am not just talking about that. You brought new life to the orphanage when you became its headmistress.”
Georgie gave him a grateful look. “You are being awfully complimentary this morning.”
“I only speak the truth.”
The coach hit a rut and Georgie reached out to steady herself. “I see that the roads are in fine condition,” she mocked.
“I told the driver to take the fastest route to Gretna Green,” William shared. “It would appear that we are on a less-traveled road.”
“Do you think we will meet highwaymen?”
“I hope not,” he said.
“We were robbed by some when I was little,” Georgie shared, excitement tinging her voice. “We were traveling to our country house, and our coach was stopped by two masked men.”
William arched an eyebrow. “Weren’t you scared?”
“I am not sure why, but I wasn’t,” Georgie replied. “My father turned over his coin purse without incident, and the men disappeared into the woodlands that lined the road.”
“Did they rob him at gunpoint?”
“I never saw a pistol, but my mother had ushered me behind her skirts.”
“You were most fortunate that no one was injured.”
Georgie bobbed her head. “We were, but it was an experience I will never forget.” A small yawn escaped her lips, and she brought her hand up to cover her mouth. “I apologize, but I didn’t sleep much last night.”
“Neither did I,” William admitted. “Why don’t you close your eyes, and I will wake you up when we let the horses rest?”
“I don’t dare sleep in front of you.”
“Do not be embarrassed. We are soon to be married.”
