A door suddenly banged open, sounding as if enough force was used to crash it into the wall. The book tumbled from Georgiana’s hands.
At that same moment, she heard the front door flung open. Certainly, a footman was not causing all that racket.
She hurried to the window and saw Lord Langley charging out of the house. He flew down the stairs, grabbed the reins of his horse from a wary-looking groom, and leapt upon him.
In a moment, he was off down the street at a gallop.
Goodness, where could he have gone in such a hurry?
She had no more time to speculate, as Lady Mendleton came in and said, “Was that Jasper banging out of the house like that?”
“Indeed, it was,” Georgiana said.
“I always tell him, a footman or Perry will get the door for him, but when he wants to be off, he’s off.”
Georgiana supposed so, but she had not before observed this rather frantic mode of departure.
“So tell me, dear,” Lady Mendleton said, settling herself next to Georgiana on the sofa, “are you enjoying your time here?”
“Oh, very much,” Georgiana said.
“I’m so glad of it. Now, I did wonder about something. Lady Heathway mentioned that poor Lady Annabelle had been in the retiring room crying last evening.”
Georgiana only nodded, though she thought it not very kind of Lady Heathway to share whatever she had seen. And so quickly too! She must have told Lady Mendleton before they’d even departed Lady Featherstone’s house.
“She did mention that you escorted the poor lady out,” Lady Mendleton said. “I presume you were comforting her over some matter?”
“Yes, indeed I was,” Georgiana said, very much hoping she would not be asked the details.
“What was the dear girl so upset by?” Lady Mendleton asked, twisting her skirt in her hands.
“I would not wish to deny you anything,” Georgiana said. “Of course I would not, you have been so generous in every conceivable way. But I do not think it is my tale to tell. Perhaps you might ask Lady Annabelle directly?”
“I am not certain I could,” Lady Mendleton said. “I admire her, of course, but I would not want to press her on something that might make her uncomfortable.”
Georgiana nodded. “You are right, it probably would put her ill at ease. I will just say that Lady Annabelle was overcome by something said to her, but in the end it will all turn out right, I am sure of it. When it does, the matter will come to light both publicly and happily.”
“I see,” Lady Mendleton said, smiling and smoothing her skirt. “The course of love never does run smooth, does it? But then, Jasper always does get there in the end.”
Though Georgiana thought she was suitably ambiguous, Lady Mendleton seemed to read a good deal into it. A good deal not at all in the right direction.
Georgiana was well aware that she carried a rather vague smile on her face. Somehow, Lady Mendleton had concluded that…what? That Jasper had said something definite to Lady Annabelle and the delicate lady had been overcome? But that it would all come out right, meaning Lady Annabelle looked favorably upon what was said?
Georgiana should not have said anything about the matter becoming public. Or happily. Of course, she had been thinking of the eventual banns read regarding Lady Annabelle and Mr. Pottsgrove. But Lady Mendleton had removed the unnamed Mr. Pottsgrove from the equation and inserted her son.
Once again, she felt the guilt of loving Lord Langley. As she looked upon dear Lady Mendleton’s unsuspecting smile…how could she do it? But then, how could she not do it?
If only Lady Mendleton did not have her heart set on Lady Annabelle! If she had only carried the idea that her son must marry well, she might be brought round to accept a less lofty match. But she was so set on Lady Annabelle very specifically!
But then, Lord Langley must be well aware of his mother’s proclivities. If he were to ask her the momentous question, would he not have already laid the groundwork with his mother and father? Certainly he would.
Goodness, she had been such a ninny to imagine this situation rested on her shoulders. Of course it did not, it was up to Lord Langley to manage. She supposed he would manage very well, for what could he not achieve if he wished to?
“You seem very distracted, my dear,” Lady Mendleton said, bringing Georgiana’s thoughts back to the drawing room.
“Do I?” Georgiana asked. “I do not mean to. I was just thinking of how pleasant the park was this morning.”
“I cannot quite picture it,” Lady Mendleton said. “I suppose there was not a soul to be seen?”
