Page 12 of Watching the Earl

“Lady Georgina, what is it that worries you? Perhaps I can ease your mind.”

She swallowed, debating whether to be truthful or not. Since her worry dominated her mind, she chose the truth. “I fear that after we’re married, I will be left in the country alone. I know it is probably what I deserve for having such poor judgment, but know I would be terribly miserable.”

His hand tightened around hers as he turned his head to look at her. “Unlike myself, it’s not your fault that you find yourself in this situation. You were put upon by a rogue, and I refuse to blame you for that. From now on, no matter what your family might say to you, I want you to hold your head high as the future Countess of Durham. Can you do that for me?”

Overwhelmed with how much his words meant to her, she felt her throat close, and all she could do was nod.

He took his hand away from hers. “Very good. Now that we have settled that, let us see who else of our acquaintances we might come upon while enjoying this sunny day.”

“Of course.” Though she managed the words, she had a difficult time facing forward to see who else might be on Rotten Row. Whether her future husband knew it or not, his kindness had already seeped into her heart. It was going to be very difficult not to fall in love with him.

Chapter Five

“Durham. I say, Durham, weren’t you listening?”

Philip brought his attention back to Wellsley and Manning. “No.”

Manning elbowed Wellsley, who sat in a wingback chair next to him. “Don’t bother the man. He’s newly betrothed. Most likely thinking of his wedding night and what trouble it will be to have a virgin in his bed.”

The comment had Philip paying closer attention at once. “Actually, I was thinking of Lady Georgina, but not in that way at all.” Even as he said the words, it occurred to him that he’d been spared that particular awkwardness.

“Oh, that sounds far more interesting than what Lady Southridge will serve at her ball tomorrow evening. Do tell us, Durham. How did you come to ask Lady Georgina for her hand? Last I saw you, you were betting on how much rain we were going to have for the month of January.”

His friends chuckled, and Philip joined them, not sure what to say.

Manning lifted his class of madeira. “Yes, come, Durham. Tell us, why the sudden need to be married?”

That was a question Philip felt comfortable with, even while hiding the truth. “I’ve been the Earl of Durham for four years now, and I was recently reminded that I need to produce an heir or my cousin would be happy to take over the estates. To be quite honest, I dislike my cousin immensely. The boy has little to recommend him, being that he is but twelve.”

Wellsley laughed. “So you decided to marry because you’re afraid of a twelve-year-old. That’s brilliant.”

“But why Lady Georgina? No offense, but she’s a rather energetic lady, don’t you think?” Manning set his class on the table, giving Philip his full attention.

“Yes, she is, but in the best of ways. My life had become a bit boring. Even betting has lost its luster. She’s complicated, fascinating in a way. As a student of the Belinda School for Curious Ladies, she’s intelligent, her specialty being ornithology. She is also rather fond of me, which I find refreshing.”

“I imagine you would, especially after knocking Tamworth over on the pond at the Ferncrofts’. I don’t think a single woman spoke to you after that.” Wellsley grinned, clearly pleased that he was more popular.

Manning shook his head. “From what I’ve noticed while enjoying the last two Seasons, all you need do is dance with Lady Georgina and you’d become her hero. She is, as you say, rather energetic.”

That Philip didn’t even know that about his future wife had him wishing he’d spoken to her more on the way back from the park, but he’d been deep in his own thoughts. With no one about to watch them interact, it had seemed a waste of time. That had been a misjudgment. He needed to learn much more about her to convince people he wished to marry her. “I’ll have you know I haven’t danced with her yet, since I just came to Town, and we have had no opportunities to attend a ball.”

“So when did you come to know her, then, if you haven’t attended any balls? I mean, besides the Twelfth Night one.”

Lord Manning asked a legitimate question. One Philip had no way of answering. Luckily, Lord Harewood entered the room, and Philip rose. “Lord Harewood. Care to join us for a drink?” Since the man didn’t spend as much time at White’s as he used to, Philip was pleased to see him at such an opportune time.

“Lord Durham. I’m only here to collect a bet.”

Manning raised his brows. “I’m surprised anyone still bets against you.”

Lord Harewood, who was generally serious and a bit stiff, actually smiled. “It appears there are a few men who don’t know me.” He turned to Philip. “I saw that you lost a significant bet to Lord Claremont, though.”

Philip grimaced. “Myself and four others. I was positive Tamworth wouldn’t marry so soon.”

Lord Harewood shook his head, still smiling. “A word of advice: never bet on love.”

“I’ll remember that. However, I believe I did win a small bet with Lord Grafton. I shall accompany you and see if he is about.”

Wellsley lifted his class of claret. “If you see Lord Rothbury, tell him I wish to speak with him. We are to meet at a particularly sweet establishment tonight.”