Page 22 of Counting on Love

“This is absurd.”

“Well.” He leaned forward, rubbing his hands together like a good gossip should. “Last year you were finally of age, and quite the prize—as I’m sure you know, having startled a proposal even from the likes of me and Dunstun.” She frowned at the way this story was progressing. Half-truths were being combined to form complete falsehoods. He continued, “But brick that he is, Jasper, I mean, Lord Taverston, though his heart is firmly in your grip, insisted that you should not be tied to an age-old betrothal in which you’d had no say. He did not understand, you see, the depth of your devotion, giving consideration to your youth and cloistered upbringing.”

“Cloistered? Please tell me you are exaggerating for effect.”

“I’m afraid I distinctly heard the word ‘cloistered.’ Taverston insisted you have your Season. Because, you know, of course, that a girl denied a Season is forever bereft.”

“Ugh.” She put her head in her hands, unsure whether she wanted to laugh or cry.

“And the pining Lord Taverston would remain secluded in Iversley so as not to encumber you. Though I’m sure every offer you received took a year off his life. You should know your steadfast devotion brings old ladies to tears.”

“Surely no one believes this rot.”

“The pieces all fit.”

“But how does this end?”

“Happily ever after, I imagine.”

How infuriating! It had taken no more than their possessing the right lineage and dancing one dance to set tongues wagging about a betrothal. Of course, the ton would add two to two and come up with five.

The Duchess strode noiselessly into the room, startling them both.

“What fairy story are you telling, Lord Haslet?”

“Me? Just a bit of nonsense. A play I saw at a theater that I should not be discussing in polite company.”

“Honestly. We should not put up with you. I’m sorry to have been so long.”

“You should be.” Hazard bantered back. “I’ve overstayed my twenty minutes. And no one even offered me biscuits.”

“How embarrassing. And you, wasting away.”

He rose. Then bowed to each of them. “It’s been a very pleasant visit. Please extend my regrets to Miss Fogbotham.”

“You’ll call again?” Georgiana asked. She needed Hazard. Not only did he seem to understand her and sympathize, but he was the only one she trusted to tell her the truth.

“You can’t be rid of me. I’m like the sniffles in winter. Good day!”

After Hazard was out the door, Mama turned to Georgiana. “What nonsense was he spouting about Lord Taverston? Does he not know any better than to fill your head with peoples’ foolishness?”

“I asked him.”

“Even so. It was not well done of him to tell you.”

“It was driving me mad, Mama.”

“Are you any less maddened now?”

Georgiana drew in a breath, then blew it out. “It’s hard to be patient. I want to do something. But I know there isn’t anything to do.”

“Well,” Mama said, turning to the mantel and resting her arm upon it. Her expression was strangely discomposed. “I suppose there may be something.”

Georgiana raised her head expectantly.

“The letter I received was from Lady Iversley.”

She gulped. “What did she say?”