Page 79 of Watching the Earl

Philip rubbed the back of his neck, trying to ignore the fiery ball that seemed to be growing his stomach. It seemed as if she no longer wanted to see him. Nor should she. He’d been selfish once again. A man who could not learn from his mistakes was a fool, ever fated to repeat them. He’d been so concerned about his family’s reputation that he’d struck out at the one person who mattered more to him than his reputation.

As the thought solidified, his heart confirmed it. She was more important than anything else in his life.

Did that mean she no longer loved him?

In that very second, a pain sliced through his chest, doubling him over.

“Durham!”

He took shallow breaths as he waited for the pain to subside to a dull thud. He forced himself to straighten somewhat. “Tell me your ideas about my wife’s whereabouts. Quick.”

“Very well. I don’t think she’d stay with any of the Curious Ladies, since she knows that’s where you’d look first.”

At the sense Harewood made, Philip found his breathing calming and tried to ignore the fear in his heart. “I agree.”

“Would she go back to her parents?”

“No, she’d never return to them. They never wanted her and wouldn’t take her in. She was anxious to wed to escape them.”

Harewood sniffed as if he expected no less of the Edgertons. “Where else could she go?”

Philip felt his mind take over. “There are only two places I can think of—Lord and Lady Northwick’s, since they are a safe haven for her, or possibly, maybe, my mother’s.”

Harewood shook his head. “The duke and duchess are in the country for one of the Curious Ladies who is with child.”

“Then she must be with my mother!” Philip rose quickly. “I will go to her forthwith.”

Harewood set his hand on Philip’s shoulder. “No, not yet. First, you will need a strategy. I suggest a good night’s rest and a plan.”

Philip almost grumbled that of course Harewood would think that, but a part of him recognized the wisdom of the man’s words. “I understand. I shall do as you suggest.” He started for the closed doors of the library.

“And Durham?”

He stopped to look back at Harewood, his hand on the door handle. “Yes?”

“Whatever you did, if she loves you, she’ll forgive you. Trust me on this.” The man actually smiled.

Philip nodded then continued out to his waiting coach. He would have felt more reassured by Harewood’s final words if he were absolutely sure Georgina loved him, but her love had been based on a man who’d married her to save his family’s home and reputation, not on one who had married her to castigate himself.

He groaned again. All Georgina had ever wished for was to be wanted. But not to be someone’s torture. Of all the people undeserving of such hurt, his wife deserved it the least, and he was the last who should have served it to her. He would give everything up just to have her love again.

He stilled as an idea started to form.

Chapter Twenty-One

Georgina took a sip of her hot cocoa, wishing it had cinnamon, but grateful for it nonetheless. After a sleepless night, she’d finally fallen asleep at the first signs of a lightening sky. Her sleep didn’t last long, but she missed the morning birdsong she loved so much. Then again, she currently found herself with little enthusiasm for anything, even her birds. She snorted quietly, sure none of her friends or even her family would believe she’d no energy to do anything.

It was as if she’d been thrown from the Cliffs of Dover and landed among the rocks below, her spirit broken and battered. All her life she’d yearned for someone to value her, and just when she’d found that person, he’d proven to be no better, maybe even worse, than all those who wished her to go away. Therefore, she’d go and make everyone else happy. Maybe without dreams and yearnings, she could find some peace among her feathered friends.

“Good morning, Georgie. It truly is lovely to have your company while I break my fast. Lord Granberry won’t rise until noon.”

She managed a small smile for Berry. “Thank you again for taking me in last evening. I didn’t wish to impose upon your mother at her sister’s at such a late hour.” Not that she would have gone there, quite certain that there was where Philip would search for her. She just couldn’t face him, sure her heartbreak would double.

Berry waved away the sentiment as she approached the sideboard. “No need for gratefulness. We’re sisters now. Family.”

Georgina looked down at her hands in her lap. “Not for long.”

Berry spun around so fast that the toast she’d set on her plate flew off. “What do you mean? Please tell me you’re not ill.”