Page 6 of Watching the Earl

“I am. And when he arrives, you must allow me to speak. You are to remain quiet. We already know you have poor judgment. I don’t want you to make a worse impression than you already have. There are a number of ladies he could choose from to acquire the dowry he needs, so we have no guarantee.”

The reminder that she was being married for her money might have upset someone else, but she didn’t mind. At least if she were married, there was a chance that after they learned more about each other, the man would at least come to like her.

She sat and arranged her skirts to look her best. Her mother refused to tell her who her father had corresponded with. All she knew was that the Duke of Northwick, who owned the Belinda School for Curious Ladies, had approved of the match. She rearranged her pale pink skirts once again, wishing her mother hadn’t insisted on that exact color.

“Georgina, stop fidgeting! No wonder no one has asked for your hand. How can they when you’re always moving?”

She shot up, unable to stay seated. “I just need to look outside. There are some lovely blue tits in the bush near the fence.” She forced herself to stroll toward the window, though she wanted to run, not just there but outside.

“And whatever you do, don’t speak about birds. No gentleman cares about birds. They are nasty creatures that leave messes all over the streets and walkways.”

She didn’t answer, as there was nothing she could say that would be considered acceptable. Instead, she quickly searched the bush for the blue tits she’d seen earlier, but the couple was absent, so she let her gaze wander to the street, which was close to Mayfair, but not within its boundaries. Her mother blamed her for that, too. Evidently, her parents had considered not joining the Season because of her, and since they had delayed, they were late to rent a townhouse.

A coach approached and her heart raced, sure it had to be her suitor. It didn’t matter that the marriage would be to help the lord, whoever he may be, climb out of debt. She would still think of him as a suitor. As the coach came closer, she held her breath, not letting it out until it passed by. Disappointed, she was about to turn back when another coach coming from the opposite direction headed her way.

Again, she held her breath as it drew closer, and when it stopped right in front of the townhouse, she couldn’t quite seem to breathe again. She recognized the crest from Ellie’s Twelfth Night event. She didn’t know whose it was, but if he attended Ellie’s party, he had to be a most eligible lord. Finally, she breathed again as the footman opened the coach door and the man stepped out.

As he looked up at the townhouse, she recognized his face. Her belly tightened as she gazed upon the Earl of Durham. She was quite shocked that such an eligible peer would have anything to do with her, never mind need her dowry. She remained frozen at the window as he strode down the short walkway before their butler opened the door.

She spun around and ran to the empty settee, arranging her skirts once again.

“Georgina, what have I told you about running? It is highly improper for a lady—”

“My lady. Lord Durham has come to call upon Lady Georgina.”

Her mother quickly refocused. “Well, send him in, of course.”

Georgina expected her mother to issue another warning, but as they stood to welcome him, he was already at the archway of the parlor.

She barely kept back a sigh. Lord Durham was tall, well built, and had light brown hair, the color of the body of a kestrel, a bird of prey she quite admired. He also had pale blue eyes that made him seem almost unearthly.

He strode forward and addressed her mother. “Lady Edgerton, it is a pleasure to see you again.” He faced Georgina then, his attention solely on her. “Lady Georgina, it is an honor to be in your company once more.”

She’d swear he could see into her soul the way he gazed at her. “My lord, the honor is mine.”

Before he could respond, her mother spoke. “Yes, it is. Please my lord, I have ordered tea.”

Georgina felt heat fill her cheeks, so she quickly sat.

Lord Durham had the choice of sitting on the chair next to her mother, the chair next to the settee, or on the settee next to Georgina, so when he chose the settee, her heartbeat practically doubled in time, though her classmate Lady Rose would tell her that was impossible.

“Thank you, Lady Edgerton. I appreciate the kindness. I’m very pleased that you’re willing to allow me to court Lady Georgina. I just wish to know if she is amenable to it as well.” Lord Durham turned his attention to her. “My lady, I know the circumstances we find ourselves in are most unusual. However, I would not think to pursue marriage with you if it’s not to your liking.”

“Of course it’s to her liking. She has no say in the matter.”

At her mother’s harsh response, Georgina cringed.

Lord Durham turned to Lady Edgerton, his gaze now far less kind. “I appreciate your position, Lady Edgerton. But I will not marry your daughter unless she is willing. You do understand, I’m sure.”

Her mother’s intake of breath was almost as loud as Georgina’s own. She’d never heard anyone speak to Lady Edgerton in quite that way.

Lord Durham returned his gaze to her and smiled encouragingly. “My lady, are you willing to be my wife and fulfill all the duties therein as my countess?”

She felt tears gathering in her eyes at his kindness. “Yes, my lord. I would willingly be your wife and do my best to make you proud.”

“Then if you are in agreement, after I speak to your father, we shall have the banns read. In the next three weeks, we can become better acquainted so you’re very comfortable come our wedding day, and no one will think our marriage anything but a natural occurrence upon a close relationship.”

Her throat closed at how caring he was, so she nodded, unable to express her gratefulness.