“Someone who followed my dictates.”
“You mean someone that you could control.”
Lord Grenton leaned closer. “If you had only listened to me, you wouldn’t find yourself in this position.”
“My position is less than ideal, but it matters not,” Georgie said. “I will survive this, and I will come out stronger because of it.”
Lord Grenton hesitated before asking, “What will you do now?”
“I don’t know, but it isn’t your concern.” Georgie took a step back and tried to pretend that she wasn’t angry or hurt by this maddening lord. “I will inform the girls of your decision and depart tomorrow.”
Reaching into his pocket, Lord Grenton pulled out a few pounds and extended them towards her. “This should help you until you secure your next position.”
Georgie put her hand up. “No, thank you,” she said firmly. “I will be just fine without your assistance.”
“Just take the money.”
“I do not require or want it, my lord.”
“But it would make me feel better knowing you weren’t destitute.”
Georgie could hear the concern in his voice, and her posture softened slightly. “I can assure you that I am not destitute,” she said. “You know very little about me and my circumstances.”
Lord Grenton lowered his hand to his side. “That is a true statement. You haven’t seemed inclined to be very forthcoming.”
“Why should I trust you when you have only tried to control me?”
“I am trying to protect you,” he replied. “You are a lady who is living in the rookeries. That is a harsh place to live, much less survive.”
“I don’t need a protector.”
“I think you do.”
Georgie didn’t take offense at his words because she knew he believed them. “I do believe, deep down, that you are a good man, but I refuse to be controlled. Not anymore. I want to be in control of my own destiny.”
“But you are a woman.”
“Thank you for noticing.”
Lord Grenton ignored her attempt at humor and continued. “Your prospects are limited.”
“That may be true, but I am not under anyone’s rule,” Georgie said, “and that is a wonderful feeling.”
Lady Hawthorne stepped into the doorway and glanced between them. “Is everything all right?”
Georgie turned towards her. “I’m afraid I have developed a headache. I think it might be best if I depart for the evening.”
“That is most unfortunate,” Lady Hawthorne said, a frown appearing on her lips. “I will see to the coach being brought out front.”
As Lady Hawthorne walked away, Lord Grenton said, “It will ease my conscience if you accept the money.”
“I don’t want your money.”
“Then what do you want?”
Georgie softened her tone a little. “Nothing that you can give me.”
“It has been my experience that people always want something from me.”
