“Which I believe is a mistake,” Evie said. “You need to be able to protect yourself.”
“That is why I have you,” Lady Hawthorne responded with a smile.
Evie turned back to Georgie and remarked, “You could use more practice with your muff pistol.”
Georgie let out a groan. “We have already spent hours doing so.”
“Yet you are a terrible shot.”
“I am trying, but you are putting the target too far away.”
Evie tsked. “You need to shoot your attacker before they are upon you,” she said. “Also, I recommend you sleep with your pistol under your pillow at night.”
“Why would I do that?” What an uncomfortable, hazardous idea!
“You never know what dangers are lurking around you,” Evie counseled. “It is best to be prepared.”
Wilson stepped out into the small square courtyard with a tray in his hand. “Mrs. Peters baked fresh biscuits and thought you might care for them.”
“Thank you, Wilson,” Georgie said. “Please tell Mrs. Peters that it was most considerate of her to think of us.”
Wilson placed the tray down on the table and went back inside without saying another word.
Lady Hawthorne reached for a biscuit, then asked, “Have you adjusted well to the orphanage?”
“I have, but I do find sleeping on a straw mattress to be deucedly uncomfortable,” Georgie replied.
“It is better than sleeping on the floor,” Evie remarked.
“That it is,” Georgie agreed. “But I do miss my feather mattress.”
Lady Hawthorne gave her an understanding smile. “You will only be here for a few months,” she said. “Once you gain your inheritance, you can sleep on a feather mattress again.”
“You are right,” Georgie agreed. “Furthermore, this experience has opened my eyes to realize how truly blessed I am. It makes me want to do more to help these girls.”
“I find that to be admirable, and I want to help, as well,” Lady Hawthorne said. “Join us for dinner this evening, and we will continue this discussion.”
Georgie glanced down at her black gown. “I have nothing to wear.”
“What you are wearing is just fine,” Lady Hawthorne remarked. “I shall send a coach for you.”
“That is most generous of you.”
“Oh, and Lord Grenton will be joining us, as well,” Lady Hawthorne said with a wave of her hand. “I do hope that won’t be an issue.”
Georgie forced a smile to her lips. “That sounds wonderful.”
Evie leaned closer to her and whispered, “Liar.”
Lady Hawthorne either didn’t hear her sister or chose to ignore her. “I have tarried long enough,” she said. “I should depart before my husband comes looking for me.”
“You could join us at the market,” Evie suggested.
“I think not,” Lady Hawthorne said before she headed towards the door.
Evie walked over to the tray and picked up a biscuit. “Shall we depart for the market?” she asked. “I brought a coach, so we won’t have to walk to the square with all of your gowns.”
Georgie was only too happy to abandon wall climbing, but before she could reply, Lord Grenton stepped into the courtyard. He was dressed in a green jacket, ivory waistcoat, and buff trousers. He had the same gruff look on his face that she was accustomed to, but something about his eyes had changed. They appeared sad, withdrawn.
