Page 19 of Watching the Earl

“We are simply stunned, given his behavior.” Lady Granberry lifted her wine glass toward her brother.

Georgina felt the need to defend Philip. “I promise you both that his behavior with me has been beyond reproach. In fact, he has been very careful to assure that I’m well entertained and my reputation remains sterling. He is truly a gentleman.”

Lady Granberry’s eyebrows rose almost to her high hairline, but Lady Durham’s eyes appeared to water.

“No need to defend me, my lady. I’m not harmed by words.”

Georgina had to swallow a sigh as Philip looked at her. He really did seem to care.

His mother sighed. “I’m only sorry that your parents could not attend this evening. I have not seen them since last year. I do hope they are pleased with the match.”

Georgina opened her mouth to reassure her, but Philip spoke first.

“Indeed they are, Mother. In fact, they were willing to procure a special license so we could wed earlier, but I wished Lady Georgina to have the time she needed to prepare for her new life as my wife.”

“My parents are anxious to have the last of their children married.” At Lady Durham’s surprised look, Georgina hastened to clarify. “As you can imagine, it is quite an arduous task to find the perfect spouse for each of eight children.” She smiled, hoping her words were not taken negatively.

Lady Durham’s brow furrowed. “We are quite proud to have you join our family and welcome you with open arms. If you ever need an introduction, a place for tea, or would like advice, I will always be pleased to be someone you can talk to.”

Lady Georgina looked at Philip, who stared at his mother with no expression whatsoever. She turned back to Lady Durham. “Thank you so very much. I have no doubt I will call upon you. I’m most grateful.”

Lord Granberry, who had refrained from joining the conversation over dessert regarding Philip’s positive and negative traits, waved to the footman. “Ladies, if you don’t mind, now that my brother-in-law is about to marry, I do believe we have a few things to discuss.”

Georgina stiffened, not a little afraid of being alone with her future relatives without Philip nearby. As if he sensed her unease, he laid his hand upon hers beneath the table, which immediately calmed her nerves.

“You go ahead. I’m sure they will regale you with more stories of my awkward childhood.”

Lady Granberry rose. “Or we could tell her all about your years at Oxford and the scrapes you got into then.”

“I’m quite sure you will tell her whatever you wish to. My only hope is that you remember if you scare her away, I will have to settle for someone far less agreeable.”

Philip squeezed her hand on her lap before letting go and rising.

She gave him a thankful smile as she left the room to allow the men their drinks. She loved this time in the evening when with her friends, but tonight was completely different. She had to be sure not tell Lady Durham and Lady Granberry the truth. It would be hard, especially with Philip’s mother, who seemed like the kind of parent she’d always wished for.

As the other ladies took their seats, she strode to the window, wishing she could pace across the room instead. The large townhome of Lord and Lady Granberry was quite luxurious, much nicer than what her own family rented. The parlor was done in a pretty shade of blue that reminded her of the Eurasian jay.

“Lady Georgina, please come join us.”

At Lady Durham’s request, she walked to where two settees and five chairs were arranged. Taking a chair next to Lady Durham, she adjusted her dress. When she finally looked up, they were both watching her. Wanting to feel comfortable, but unsure how, she blurted the first thing to come to mind: “My friends call me Georgie. You’re welcome to if you like. I mean, if you wish to. I mean, since we will be family. But if you prefer not to, I understand. It does sound rather boyish, as Lord Durham pointed out.”

His sister’s smile was like that of a cat that caught a mouse. Since the woman had a large mouth anyway, it made her appear quite mischievous. “Then I’d enjoy calling you Georgie, especially if my brother likes it not. You may call me Berry. That’s what my husband calls me. You see, I remind him of a raspberry.” Her cheeks turned just that color as she said it.

“Thank you, Berry.”

“I, too, shall call you Georgie, as I think it is an adorable name. And you can call me Mother,” Lady Durham added.

Georgina sucked in her breath as a pain sliced through her heart even as gratefulness filled her eyes with unshed tears. “Thank you. I’d be honored.”

Lady Durham waved away the honor as she looked at her daughter. “This one here will tell you that having me for a mother isn’t always comfortable.”

“Mother, we are not going to bore Georgie with the mistakes of my youth. That is what Philip is for.”

At that moment, the footman came in and set down a tea service before Berry, then exited.

“Yes, but it’s hardly fair if he’s not in the room to defend himself.”

Georgina agreed with Philip’s mother. “From what you said at dinner, it doesn’t sound as if Lord Durham did anything my brothers didn’t do when they were young.”