Page 52 of Counting on Love

“Yes, sir.”

Jeffrey waved his thanks to Reginald and followed the maid from the room.

Reginald stuffed the loose paper into the ledger and closed it. He took a drink of coffee and stood.

“I shouldn’t work here. I’ll take this back to the library.”

“I didn’t mean to drive you away. You haven’t finished your breakfast.”

“It doesn’t matter. I’ve had four rolls.” He tucked the book under his arm. “I believe Jasper is giving a house tour later. If you’ll excuse me until then.” He bowed slightly and went to the door, where he paused and turned. “I meant it when I said you could borrow any of the books that you might fancy to read. And if…” he hesitated. “If there is anything you’d like to discuss, from the books, I mean, if you should tire of charades and cards…”

“Thank you. But…” She shook her head. She had already gone beyond the bounds of what was proper. Reginald might have been entertained by her odd little talent in the moment, but upon reflection, he would surely find her ridiculous—as Mother had warned. After all, what use was there in a lady who did sums in her head? Ladies were supposed to have ornamental skills before marriage: painting or playing the pianoforte or arranging flowers. After marriage, they needed only to know how to run a household—and, of course, give their husbands sons. Georgiana sighed.

“No, you’re right,” Reginald said, reddening as though he had as much cause to be as embarrassed by his offer as she had for inspiring it. And then he turned and walked away.

*

Reginald had never been jealous of Jasper. People might have found that hard to believe, but it was true. He had been annoyed by him, sometimes resentful, but never jealous. They were too different. Jasper had never had anything that Reginald truly wanted.

But Crispin was right, even if he had been joking. Georgiana was too good for Jasper. He saw her as a perfect potential countess, one who was beautiful to boot, and he’d looked no further. The truth was, if Jasper had witnessed Georgiana’s parlor trick, he wouldn’t have been pleased. It wasn’t that he would see it as a fault per se, but Jasper would not want a wife smarter than he was. After all, Jasper could barely put up with a younger brother who was smarter. Hence the constant ribbing.

And Georgiana…Lud. In ten seconds, she’d caught mistakes it had taken him ten minutes to make.

He strode into the library, into his niche, and set the ledger on his desk. Crispin had been busy: Father’s chair was tucked back behind it. He wondered absently what Crispin had put in its place.

The devil. Georgiana was not only better at arithmetic; she had better sense. Pushing him away. What had he been thinking, asking her to discuss Newton with him? That he had something of more value to offer her than Jasper did? The better course was to avoid her. He had nothing to offer. He could offer nothing.

Besides, Jasper had seen her first.