Page 53 of Scandal’s Daughter

“What?” he asked, obviously bewildered by the look in her eyes.

“I was just thinking ... how very kind you are.”

He actually looked embarrassed for a moment before he gave a snort of derision.

“Not kind,” he replied, sounding almost gruff. “I just hate to see those carrion crows picking over the bones of people who can’t defend themselves. It makes me sick.”

He strode to the door and muttered his intention of getting water for her.

By the time he got back the woman was beginning to stir.

She was very plain, her thin face all angles and her dark hair scraped severely from her head in an unbecoming style. A small pair of spectacles sat on her nose and Georgiana watched as Beau removed these and sat her up, supporting her with one strong arm behind her back.

“Here,” he said, his voice gentle. “Sip some water. It will make you feel better.”

The woman did as she was bid, though she was clearly disorientated, and it took a moment before her eyes opened properly and she was able to focus.

She blinked and Georgiana was startled by the widest pair of dark brown eyes she’d ever seen. They were too big in her gaunt face, and they widened further as they focused on Beau.

“Lord Beaumont!” she said, gasping, her face one of utter astonishment and appalled embarrassment.

“Don’t look so alarmed. Miss Bomford is here. It’s quite alright. I’m afraid you had something of a turn. Is there anything we can do for you, Miss ...”?

“Sparrow,” she said, her voice barely audible. “Millicent Sparrow.”

Georgiana thought she had never heard a more appropriate name for this little scrap of a woman. The poor thing shook her head and looked up at Beau as though he was some angel sent to save her.

“You’ve already been so kind. I can never thank you enough.”

“Think nothing of it,” he replied, his smile warm and reassuring. “Miss Bomford, would you be so good as to see Miss Sparrow safely home tonight?”

“Oh yes!” Georgiana replied, smiling. “Of course, I will.”

“How very kind you are,” Miss Sparrow murmured, still gazing at Beau, and Georgiana found she couldn’t fault her for it.

“Yes,” Georgiana echoed, staring at Beau herself with new eyes. “Yes, he is, isn’t he?”