Page 75 of Miss Wylde and the Wynd

Damian tugged on her elbow and drew Georgie aside. “It is widely believed that the author is none other than Lady Caroline Lamb and that this novel is an account of her affair with Byron, though fictionalized. Some believe she wrote and published it for revenge.”

Oh, if that were true, Glenarvon certainly sounded more interesting than Pride and Prejudice or Emma.

“Here, let me take those,” Damian said as he lifted the books from her hands.

“What are you doing? Is there a different book that you would like to recommend?”

“No. These will suffice,” he answered walking to the clerk.

“One. I am purchasing one book.” She could not spend her precious funds on three novels! She would not be so irresponsible. “Why do I need more than one book?”

“I would like to purchase these for my wife,” Damian said to the clerk.

“No. I only wanted one book.”

He turned and arched an auburn brow. “Are you arguing with me Georgie?” His blue eyes twinkled with mischief.

She wanted to, but as she had already disagreed once, to do so again, would be a second argument and she refused to give him the satisfaction of five incidences before the day was out. Instead, she forced a pleasant smile. “No, of course not and thank you.”

However, nothing was said about tomorrow and by then she may be filled with enough irritation to blister his ears for an hour and take much pleasure from it.

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Damian chuckled and lifted the parcel of books after the clerk had wrapped and tied a string about them. This was going to be a delightful day indeed if he was able to stop Georgie from arguing with him.

Had they been in London, where he could have met anyone that he knew, Damian would not have purchased macaroons or books for Georgie because it was not proper and before the day was out, gossip would have spread to every household in Mayfair.

However, they weren’t in London, but Liverpool, and other than Chisholm, nobody knew him. It was all rather quite liberating.

“Why do I need more than one book?” she asked quietly as they exited the shop.

“It could take six weeks to sail from Greenock to your home, depending on weather. These will keep you entertained, and each time you open the pages, you will think of me.” He grinned

“I do not think it likely that I will forget you, Damian.” She chuckled.

Nor would he ever forget her. At the very least, these days would be a fond memory that he took with him into his dotage.

He also knew that her funds were scarce because he had seen them and would be surprised if there was enough for her to book passage back to Italy for her and her sister. He also just enjoyed buying her things.

Maybe it was because she would appreciate them. In the past, when buying baubles for his mistresses, which cost far more than three books, it had been expected and anticipated, because mistresses were rewarded. This was different because Georgie asked nothing of him and he wanted to see her happy. Though he had no doubt that she would be quite aggravated with him before the day was complete because he could do as he pleased, purchase for her what he thought she should have and she would be forced to accept those gifts but only because she was stubborn enough not to argue with him and was determined to win challenge he’d presented.

Oh, this day was going to be enjoyable indeed.

“Where shall we visit next?” he asked.

“As there is nothing that I need, we can simply walk,” she suggested. “Unless you wish to purchase something for yourself.”

“I do not, but I have noticed that you lack one item.”

“I lack nothing, Damian, but thank you,” she offered sweetly. Maybe she thought a softened tone would not be viewed as an argument.

“I disagree,” he returned.

Georgie opened her mouth to speak but paused and smiled, though it did not reach her eyes. “Pray tell, what do you think I need?”

Oh, he was going to enjoy this day very, very much. “I will let you know when it is found.”

“If that is what you wish, Damian.” Her tone was so sugary sweet that it made his tooth ache. It was likely killing her to take on the role of a submissive miss who had been told her entire life that decisions are best left to men and that she should not tax her brain.