Page 77 of Counting on Love

“I have been wondering,” she said, “if we ought not to depart for home in the morning. Georgiana? How would you feel if we left the Taverstons to wait upon the Earl without having to worry about entertaining us? Especially with Christmas next week…’”

“I think that might be for the best,” she answered, but the thought of leaving Reginald gave her a tight feeling in her throat.

“Is there anything I should know?” Mama peered at her closely. “Has Lord Taverston put anything into words? I know it has only been a few days, difficult days for the family, but you have spent some time with him. Has he…”

“He has not indicated that he will offer for me.” Georgiana decided that the kiss and its aftermath had canceled each other out.

Her mother’s brow furrowed with consternation. “He will, surely. But now I think it would have been better had we waited for him to return to London. It will be awkward for us to go back, with nothing having been said, and everyone at home assuming we’ve come to announce a betrothal.”

“How can anyone assume that?” Georgiana exclaimed, annoyed.

“Dear, we all expect it. You two make a very handsome couple. And you do seem to enjoy one another’s company.”

“I enjoy Lieutenant Taverston’s company,” she said with a huff, avoiding Reginald’s name. “Do you expect me to receive an offer from him as well?”

“Don’t be rude, Georgiana.” Then she softened. “And don’t be concerned. There is no need for Lord Taverston to rush. I suppose I’m just fretting because they are sending the twins home. I expect the Earl will not linger much longer. And the timing is so poor.” She grimaced. “That isn’t what I mean, of course. It’s only that Lord Taverston has so much on his mind right now. I don’t think you should worry that he isn’t interested.”

“Mama, that is the least of my worries.”

Her mother gave her an odd look. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing,” she said quickly. Then, because she didn’t want to continue giving the wrong impression about her own intentions, she said, “I’m just not certain I’d want to accept an offer if he made one.”

Mama sighed with clear irritation. “Georgiana, we’ve had this discussion, haven’t we? I’m sure Lord Taverston is not sweeping you off your feet, but if you can’t make allowances for his situation, then I don’t know what we’re going to do.”

Georgiana’s eyes stung.

Alice interceded, her hesitation to do so evidenced by the strain in her voice. “Lord Taverston has been distracted, but even so, he shows a decided preference for Georgiana’s company. I’m sure back in London…” Her words trailed off. Lord Taverston would not return to London until after his father’s death.

Mama picked up her letter and stood, shaking out her skirts.

“I’m going up to bed. I don’t think you two should remain up much longer either.” She walked to the door and then turned. “Georgiana, I’m sorry. I know you were reluctant to come here and now, I think you were correct. I shouldn’t have pushed you. I didn’t know quite how sick the Earl was.”

She waited, but Georgiana had no answer to make.

“Your father and I want you to be happy, to have a good life, and I do think Lord Taverston is the correct gentleman for you. I know—” She held up a hand to forestall any protest. “I know that you are not head over heels in love with him. But love will come.”

She took a few steps back into the room and spoke more quietly. “Sometimes a girl may feel a rather instantaneous attraction for a gentleman, or even for more than one gentleman, before she…before she understands what she is feeling. That isn’t necessarily love.” She gave Georgiana a searching look, then continued. “I was always rather relieved that you seemed so sensible. We never worried you would run off with a stableboy. Or have your head turned by an inheritance chaser. But I hope you aren’t dead set on…on a spark. Sometimes a girl needs to admire and care for a man first and then that special attraction will follow. Give it a chance.”

A sob welled up in Georgiana’s breast and she couldn’t speak without bursting into tears. She had felt the spark. How was she to explain to her mother that she felt it not for Lord Taverston, but for his younger brother? She could not marry Jasper and spend the rest of her life as a sister to the man she loved with all her soul.

How could anyone believe she and Jasper made a perfect match? Could they not sense the invisible cord drawing her and Reginald together?

But would Reginald ask for her? When the whole world believed she had already promised herself to his brother, how could he? And what would Jasper think? Or do? She feared Reginald would not, could not, alienate his brother. And she should not want that!

She had felt the love in this family. In all this horrible mess, that was one comfortable, wonderful thing she had noted. The love. The brothers rallied one another. And they adored Olivia. They were good to their mother. They were devastated by their father’s illness. These lords of Iversley shared a bond.

And here she had come to Chaumbers, landing like a cannonball in their midst. Was she to spring upon the family the devastating news that the Earl had been unfaithful to his wife throughout the whole of their marriage? And then, was she to tear apart the brothers?

“Why don’t we wait and see what tomorrow brings,” Mama said.