Page 35 of Scandal’s Daughter

“I will find out,” the marquess warned, the dangerous glint in his eyes only too evident.

“You have been very kind, my lord,” she said, trying to hold on to her composure and keep her dignity intact. “But I should be getting back. I will be missed if I’m away any longer.”

He nodded and got to his feet, taking her back outside. “Would you like me to escort you home?” he asked.

“No, thank you. You have already been so very kind, and Thomas will look after me. Besides,” she added with an apologetic expression. “It probably wouldn’t be wise.”

“No, perhaps not,” he replied with a rueful grin. “But we will meet again, Miss Bomford, and I promise you this much, I will do everything in my power to make you forget there was ever another Beau Beaumont ... or ever could be.” He gave her a roguish smile and bowed, before leaving her with Thomas to walk back to Mayfair.

***

It was obviously quite clear to Céleste that something was wrong the moment she got home, but to her credit she said nothing. Instead she helped her to her room and closed the curtains, instructing Georgiana to lie down upon the bed and sending her abigail off for a cloth soaked in vinegar.

Georgiana didn’t attempt to try to explain or make excuses. She didn’t want to lie to her friend and any attempt at the truth right now would only result in tears. Though all she truly wanted was to be left alone to indulge in a really serious cry. While they waited for her abigail to return Céleste rubbed a little lavender oil onto her wrists and temples, talking silly nothings in French that Georgiana couldn’t understand but found soothing.

Once the abigail had returned, the cloth laid carefully on her forehead, and Georgiana made as comfortable as Céleste could make her, her friend took her hand and gave it a squeeze

“Don’t reply to me,” she said, giving her a sweet smile. “I don’t know what ‘as happened and you don’t need to tell me right now. But later, when you feel a little better ... if you want to talk to someone ...” She leaned down and kissed Georgiana’s cheek. “It is a new thing for me, you see, to ‘ave friends. But I promise you I am trying to be very good at it, and anything you say to me ... I will tell no one else. Not even Alex if you don’t want me to. You ‘ave my word.”

With a last reassuring pat of her hand, Céleste got up and went to the door.

“Just call if you need anything or want me to come back, Chérie.” And with that she closed the door quietly behind her.