Page 48 of Watching the Earl

“For allowing me to spend money on a few changes. I promise to be frugal. Would it also be possible to have a few new gowns? Mother said she wouldn’t buy me anything new for my trousseau, but I feel like I should have something different, as a married woman, than what I have.” She lifted the skirt of her white evening dress with pink ribbons.

Philip scowled. “Your family didn’t buy you a new wardrobe for your wedding? Why? They could certainly afford it.”

As much as she didn’t wish to say, it just wasn’t possible for her. “Mother wasn’t happy that you wanted to wait the full three weeks. She wanted to be rid of me sooner, so she refused to buy me any new clothes.” His frown deepened, so she hastened to reassure him, “I can wait, of course. I’m quite happy with—”

“As soon as we arrive in London, we will seek out Mrs. Charlotte Bean, a modiste on Oxford Street. She is the best, and I want my wife dressed by the best.”

Her heart skipped a beat. “I will do as you wish. As I said, I don’t need much.”

“You shall have an entire new wardrobe. To use a bird metaphor, I wish your arrival in Town to be like that of the phoenix newly risen from the ashes of your old life.”

“Phoenix? Oh, that’s an even better animal association than what my friends gave me. They will be very impressed when I tell them what animal you chose.”

He gave her a crooked grin. “Because you can’t keep it a secret?”

She blushed. “Yes. Maybe Mrs. Bean will have something almost completed so the first time I see my friends, I can surprise them. I think I will choose a turquoise if she has that color.”

“I know Mrs. Bean keeps partially made dresses for just such a need, but possibly not in that color. I know she will do her best for you.”

Georgina cocked her head. “And you know she will because… No. Never mind. I shouldn’t pry.” She didn’t wish to know how many mistresses he’d dressed in the past.

He looked confused at first, then shook his head. “I know about Mrs. Bean through a bet I made once. It was one I lost. But that doesn’t take away from the fact the woman is a magician with a needle.”

Relieved, she smiled. “I understand better why you gambled in the past. I admit to being both excited and very nervous about our bet today. It was an odd sensation. I hope we can bet again.”

“If you wish, we can bet every day. I know now not to bet with you when it comes to memorizing anything. You must have done very well in math and history.”

“I was not the best student in those classes because they didn’t keep my attention like the flora and fauna class. However, with my specialized studies of birds, I found my memory to be quite helpful. Did you know there are over three hundred species of birds in England alone? Though not all breed here.”

“And you know them all?”

“I do. But I won’t bore you with them. I did that once at a dinner party. The next morning, I didn’t receive a single caller. I’ve mostly learned to curb my enthusiasm over my favorite subject while at entertainments. It’s just that I get so excited when talking about birds. Speaking of them, when I spoke to Mr. Beeson today, I told him to only procure two pairs of doves. They can breed here and their first babies can be our residents. That way, they are all family.”

He blinked for a moment as if not sure what she meant. “And having family is important to you? Even after growing up with seven sisters and brothers who…”

She appreciated that he didn’t finish the sentence, but she wasn’t afraid to tell the truth. “Who wished I’d never been born and considered me a bother? I know my family life has not been perfect, but it makes me want to have a family. I would treasure every child.”

His gaze searched hers. “You’re a very unique woman.”

“Most people say odd or strange, so thank you.”

He laid his hand on hers, which rested atop her napkin on the table. “I mean unique as in special, not odd. There is so much about you I didn’t know.”

Her heart started to beat a little faster. “There is much about you that I don’t know still. It will be very enjoyable to learn more.”

His gaze dipped to her lips, and she sucked in her breath. Memories of how he’d made her feel the night before started filling her head and making her warm. If she had her fan she’d use it, but she’d left it in her bedroom.

She leaned closer. “Will you visit me tonight?”

A slow smile curved his lips. “Nothing could keep me from you.”

His words sent tingles of excitement through her. He wanted her. He wasn’t making do with her. He wasn’t simply accepting her. He wanted her. To be wanted was all she’d ever dreamed of.

She leaned in more, lowering her voice to a whisper. “Will you take me tonight?”

His nostrils flared, his gaze intent on her lips before he nodded.

Unable to resist, she brushed her lips to his.