Page 17 of Watching the Earl

“Then I will confess that I also told someone.”

Georgina looked at Rose in surprise. “You did? You never reveal anything you don’t wish to.”

“True. I’ve been spending so much time with Arabella that I wished her to know. In fact, she’s the one who suggested we look at Lord Durham because he’s always gambling. So she has, in fact, been helpful. I wrote to Sophie and let her know, since her husband is good friends with Lord Durham. You will forgive me, won’t you?”

“Of course I will. I do like Lady Arabella, and I trust your judgment of her character. Now, if only I can continue to keep my ruination to myself, all will be well.”

“We will help you.” Ellie smiled fondly. “We all will.”

Georgina smiled widely at her two friends, delighted that she had them. “I never realized how truly life changing it would be going to the Belinda School for Curious Ladies. I’m so happy my mother was tired of having me at home.”

At that moment, the two gentlemen joined them. Lord Ferncroft, Ellie’s husband, took the chair next to hers, while Lord Durham sat next to Georgina. She felt herself blushing.

Rose spoke immediately. “Did you gentleman solve all of Parliament’s current problems, or did you discuss the price of sugar today?”

Lord Ferncroft shook his head. “Neither. We were discussing the advantages of being a married man. Of course, I’m rather biased.” He reached over and laid his hand over Ellie’s on the table.

Lord Durham also replied to Rose. “Yes. Lord Ferncroft’s insights have me wishing the next fortnight speeds by, so that I might join such a hallowed group.” He moved his gaze to Georgina and smiled warmly.

Her heart raced at his kind look, and she sought something clever to say. “Mute swans have known that all along. They mate for life.”

She looked about the table as silence followed her statement. Now why had she said that? Her mother had told her not to talk about birds.

“I didn’t know that. I have a feeling I’m going to learn a lot from you once we’re married.”

She faced Lord Durham, grateful for his kind response. “I don’t know so much, but what I do know, I’m happy to share.” She smiled, counting herself lucky for the hundredth time that he wished to marry her.

“Speaking of marriage, did you hear that Lady Patience and Lord Janner eloped over Christmastide?” As Rose filled them in on the latest news, Georgina listened and watched. Though Rose was not yet married, she comported herself better than any of them. Georgina tried to memorize all her friend’s mannerisms, but doubt filled her. Could she truly be a countess in just two more weeks?

“Madame, mademoiselles, monsieurs, your delights.” Monsieur Armand stepped back and allowed his workers to place the treats before each of them.

Georgina sighed. “I have so missed your marzipan, monsieur.”

“Mademoiselle, I truly hope that you will visit us more often, then.”

She started to nod before remembering that a lot would depend upon her future husband. “It is my greatest wish.”

“And you, Monsieur Durham—you must tell me what you think of my newest flavor ice cream.”

Her betrothed took a spoonful and thoughtfully moved the cold treat around in his mouth. “It is a spice, of that I’m sure.” He took another bite and cocked his head. “Yes, a spice in mulled wine and maybe in apple butter?”

“Mon Dieu, you are correct. But what spice?”

Georgina watched the interplay between Monsieur Armand and Lord Durham. It was obvious that this was not the first time the confectioner had served her betrothed a dessert without telling him what it was. She found herself hoping he would succeed in the puzzle, barely holding back an offer to help, which she was fairly sure would not be welcome.

Now everyone at the table watched as Lord Durham took a third bite. “It’s not cinnamon, as you have made that before, but something close. Hah! It’s clove.”

Monsieur Armand clapped his hands together. “You’re truly an epicurean genius, monsieur. Well done.”

Lord Durham smiled, and Georgina felt proud of him, though she’d done nothing to warrant feeling so. “That was truly remarkable.”

He gave a shrug. “An unusual if worthless talent.”

“I don’t think it worthless at all. I’m most impressed.”

“As am I.” Lord Ferncroft nodded. “Not only for your ability to identify the new flavor, but for your bravery in allowing Monsieur Armand to serve you whatever he chooses.”

As everyone at the table laughed, including Monsieur Armand, Georgina barely kept from hugging her betrothed. Hug was what they did as classmates when something wonderful or terrible occurred, and she wished to hug her betrothed more than she wished to eat her sweet, which was unique in and of itself. But she made herself refrain. He was not her husband yet, and she didn’t wish to embarrass him, something she could easily do.