Page 31 of Watching the Earl

“Rose, you must tell them about your latest victory over Lord Ashfield.” Arabella winked at Georgina.

“It was nothing.” Rose waved off the comment.

“Oh, do tell us, Rose.” Felicity moved to the edge of her chair, truly anxious to know.

“Very well. At a dinner party last week, I had the unfortunate experience of discovering Lord and Lady Ashfield were also coming. Since I was already at Lady Marsden’s home, I had little time to create an appropriate happenstance. Fortunately, the lady was kind enough to mention where Lord Ashfield would be sitting. She’s not fond of him at all for some reason, yet he was invited, so she sat him next to her husband. Then it was little effort to ensure a bit of honey was dribbled on his chair.”

Sophie stopped mid-pour. “A bit?”

Rose shrugged. “Maybe a large bit. I expected his trousers to be soaked, but it turned out even better than that.”

When Rose didn’t continue, Arabella took up the story. “It was far better. When the man tried to rise as the ladies were leaving, the chair stuck to the back of his pantaloons. He was quite mortified. He and his wife left immediately.”

Georgina expected to enjoy the prank, but instead she found herself feeling sorry for Lady Ashfield.

Felicity piped up. “Did no one connect it to you, Rose?”

“Not at all. I was at the other end of the table, so how could I possibly have anything to do with it?”

Sophie set a teacup in front of Rose. “I’m sure the staff will feel the brunt of Lady Marsden’s anger.”

“I don’t think so. She was trying very hard not to laugh.”

Not able to ignore her feelings, Georgina turned to Rose. “I don’t think you should play any more pranks on Lord Ashfield.”

“Whyever not? After what he did to you, he deserves a dunking in the Thames. Hopefully he can’t swim.”

Rose’s anger on behalf of her had Georgina feeling torn. “I agree. But in situations such as that, Lady Ashfield is also embarrassed, and she most likely doesn’t know what her husband has done.”

“Or continues to do.”

At Lady Arabella’s comment, they all looked at her.

“My brother, who is quite unattached, says that Lord Ashfield has not only kept his mistress but has continued to frequent his favorite brothel.”

Rose shook her head. “Unfortunately, that is the way of most men. At least Georgie was spared being heartbroken by such a cad.”

Georgina nodded, her heart hurting for Lady Ann, but also feeling relieved. Still, she could be entering into a similar marriage. The thought had happiness evaporating. Quickly, she stood, strode to the fireplace, and faced her friends. “What if my fate is no different?”

The silence was telling before Sophie answered. “Then we will simply put our heads together and figure out a way for it to change. Your betrothed isn’t nearly the rake Ashfield is. While I’m sure he has faults, as we all do, there is bound to be a way for you to be happy.”

“I agree.” Arabella smiled encouragingly.

“Thank you, all. I’m grateful for your help in finding me a husband so quickly. I don’t know what I would have done, and he is quite young and handsome. You are too good to me.”

“Now come back over here and tell us how the wedding planning is going.” Rose patted the chair next to her.

Georgina walked over and sat as requested. “Actually, I need some advice on that. I have a small concern.”

Felicity set her teacup on the table. “Of course. What advice do you need?”

“My parents refuse to leave Town for my wedding. I’m not sure if I should ask Lord Durham to bring me to Newnham or if I—”

“Your parents will not be at the wedding?” Rose’s angry tone had them all looking at her.

“No. Father said he can’t take those days away from his duties in Parliament and Mother is supposed to be going to a gathering at the dowager Dulac’s house regarding her hospital charity.” At the astonished look on her friends’ faces, she squeezed her skirts with her left hand.

Sophie, usually the quietest, spoke into the silence that followed. “I despise your parents.”