Page 92 of Counting on Love

Chapter Twenty-Six

They left the terrace without finishing dinner. Georgiana, Alice, and Mama retired to the ladies’ parlor.

“Although I hate to abandon the Taverstons, it would be the height of ill manners for us to stay,” Mama fretted. “Georgiana, I worry it will be awkward for you back in London, unless, well, I wouldn’t be surprised if Lord Taverston speaks to you before we go.”

Georgiana thought she would be surprised. But she said only, “Mama, maybe I should go to Marbury for a few weeks. I’ll come to London for Alice’s ball but stay out of view until then.”

Mama pursed her lips. “Maybe. That might be better, but I can’t think right now. We’ll see.”

If she had not planned three steps ahead, this was bad.

Mama went to speak with Peters about sending a messenger to London to have the Duke’s carriage brought back. They would leave as soon as feasible the following day.

The lamps were too low for needlework or reading, but Georgiana and Alice did not bother to light more. They were too saddened, too worried, to converse. They simply sat, lost in their own thoughts, waiting for word. An hour or more passed before Olivia came to speak with them. She looked pale and tired and very, very young.

Georgiana and Alice both jumped from their chairs and rushed to embrace her, offering condolences. Olivia let them hug her but then stepped back. She seemed to be trying hard not to cry again.

“Your mother spoke with mine. I understand you’re leaving in the morning. You’re to use the Earl’s carriage as that will be more convenient.” She sniffled. “I’m so sorry you must go, but it’s for the best. I-I hope you will write to me.”

They both assured her they would, telling her how much they would miss her, and how they hoped to see her again soon. Georgiana’s heart hurt for her, but it seemed their sincere words were distressing her more.

“I hope so too,” Olivia said. “But I won’t be in London this year.” Then she squared her shoulders. “I’m to make my brothers’ excuses. Jasper has retired to—oh, he has so many people he must write to. Poor Jasper. I think this is the hardest for him. Reg is riding out with Adam to bring back Mr. Brindle and Dr. Haraldsen. Crispin is sitting with Mother. And I have been commanded to go to bed.” She sniffled again. “They have all taken it upon themselves to coddle me.”

Alice said, “It’s very good of you to let them.”

Olivia gave a faint laugh. “Yes, well, it is all they will let me do.” She took another step back. “Good night. I hope I will see you in the morning before you go.”

When they were alone again, Georgiana said, “I suppose we may as well go to bed also. We’ll have a long day of travel tomorrow, and Mama will want to leave as early as we can.”

“Should you not wait to see if Jasper comes to speak with you?”

“I doubt he will.”

“Or Reginald?”

Georgiana shook her head. “I’m sure he won’t.”

*

In the morning, the Taverston siblings came down early to send off the Duchess, Georgiana, and Alice. Lady Iversley had retired to begin her mourning and they would not disturb her. It was a dour parting. Exhausted and grieving, the Taverstons were rigidly polite, but only Olivia appeared sorry to see them go. Jasper was distracted, Crispin quietly mournful, and Reginald kept his reddened eyes fixed on the ground. Georgina’s heart broke for him, and she wished she could comfort him. But she did not, of course. Instead, she made her goodbyes and turned to the carriage.

Once settled in the coach, Mama turned to Georgiana. “In your father’s last letter, he wrote that there is a good deal of rumor circling and a bit of what he calls ‘good-natured wagering’ amongst the gentlemen of the ton as to whether you have accepted Lord Taverston or sent him to join the ranks of ‘The Disappointed.’” Mama looked appalled. “I don’t know why people must be so vulgar.”

“Oh, Mama.” Georgiana could actually feel the blood draining from her face. “What should I do?”

“He says that as he has not received a letter or request for an audience, he can only assume Lord Taverston has the good sense and breeding not to rush his courtship while the Earl lies dying.” Mama gave her a sympathetic look. “Which is my impression exactly. But I’ve decided the best course may be for you to spend a few weeks at Marbury, rather than to return to London and brazen it out.”

Well, that was something anyway. Relief swept over her. “Yes, I’d rather go to Marbury.”

“I’ve told the driver we will go there first. We’ll spend a day or two, then Alice and I will return to London for the Christmas festivities. Alice, dear,” she turned to face her, “I’m afraid you may find yourself besieged by the curious.”

“They will find me entirely ignorant of the matter,” Alice said. She squeezed Georgiana’s hand. “I’m sure it will be sorted out.”

*

The Earl’s funeral, held in the ancient church in Iversley, was small by design, and attended only by villagers, family, and a few of the Earl’s closest friends. Lord Billings came. Viscount Haslet came. The Duke and Duchess of Hovington did not, but their association with the Earl of Iversley had been a tenuous one until recently, and had they come, it would have caused more talk.

Christmas came and went without notice.