Page 74 of Waiting for Love

He could not fault her. In some circles, he would be considered a good catch. She saw a slender chance to marry up and tried to seize it. It was not that he found the thought of scullery maids distasteful. It was that tawdry phrase: marrying up.

The Taverstons were all still abed, but Benjamin rose and went to find Peters in case there was anything needing attention. Before the ball ended, Jasper had ordered all the champagne that could be found in the cellars to be brought up. A dozen bottles were given to the musicians. Another dozen dispensed to the servants. The rest watered the guests, the floral arrangements, the furniture, the floor. Peters would have to hire a crew to clean the place. Assuming he could find anyone willing to work. The whole city would be foxed before teatime.

He wandered into the morning room, hoping for coffee. He was not actually surprised to find the buffet held an assortment of breads, pastries, sliced fruits, coffee, and tea. He was surprised to find Georgiana, eating heartily. She was casually attired in a flowing yellow morning dress that wrapped across the front. Her hair was loose. When he entered the room, she covered her mouth with her napkin and gulped. She appeared more embarrassed by her table manners than by being caught in dishabille.

“You are up early!” she said.

“As are you.”

“Yes, but I went to bed before supper. Apparently, I missed everything. Reg grumbled this morning when I climbed out of bed and tried blocking the light by pulling the covers over his head. I’ve never seen him that…”

“Green about the gills?”

“Is that what it’s called?” She smiled. “At first, I thought he was ill. But he said the war was over. Please tell me it’s true.”

“It is true.”

Georgiana beamed at him. “Please, Benjamin.” She gestured to the buffet. “Will you join me?”

He poured himself coffee, took a few biscuits, and sat beside her.

“I am absolutely furious at myself for going to bed.” She sipped her tea. “I’m not entirely sure I’m not dreaming.”

“I imagine everyone in England is feeling the same.”

“I hope Crispin sells his commission and comes home.”

“Do you think he will?” Benjamin asked. The army suited him. But the Taverstons would pressure him to return to civilian life now.

“I don’t know.” Her expression darkened. “What would he do?” Then she changed the topic. “Olivia was quite a success, was she not?”

“So I hear.”

“Oh, it was marvelous. Reg had said not to worry, but one couldn’t help…well, some people are just awful. And every matron in town had hopes for their daughters with Jasper. His choosing Vanessa put their backs up.”

“Was anyone rude to her?”

“Not that I heard.” She set down her teacup and put a slice of pear in her mouth. She looked pensive as she chewed and swallowed. “It would be bad ton for someone to be pleasant to her at Olivia’s ball but then turn around and cut her at the next event. If they meant to do so, they should have refused our invitation. But some people have no manners. It takes a lot of courage for Vanessa to do what she’s doing.”

“She is nothing if not brave.”

Georgiana smiled again. “I positively adore her.”

“Vanessa? I do, too,” Olivia announced, entering the morning room, more put together than Georgiana. She wore a pale-blue-striped day dress. Her hair was pulled back in a simple knot. She looked like herself, especially when she scooped two pastries and a boiled egg onto her plate and dropped into a chair. “Have you seen the ballroom? It’s a shambles.” She grinned crazily. “I am so happy I could burst.”

He remembered the feel of her in his arms, just a few short hours ago. His fingertips had skimmed the back of her neck before drifting down her shoulders to pull her close. Close enough to mold her body to his. He felt the smooth thin fabric of her ballgown and the warmth of her beneath. Everything had happened so fast. All at once.

“Wait until you see the parlor,” Georgiana said, a mischievous gleam in her eyes.

“The parlor?”

“The florists must have been working round the clock.”

“What do you mean?” Olivia asked.

“Go look. Peters has been taking deliveries all morning. Bouquets for Lady Olivia.”

Olivia flushed, then waved a hand dismissively. “I suppose I have Boney to thank.”