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I’m to be trotted out like a prize mare. Or a sow.
Making her way down to the foyer after kissing Daniel once more, Georgina’s steps faltered as she caught sight of William at the bottom of the stairs. While she and her brother-in-law kept their mutual dislike for each other well-hidden from Lilian, there was no reason to be in each other’s company more than necessary. William was a lawyer, his specialty contracts, legal writs, wills, property, and the like. Perfect for her father, who always needed to find a loophole or a way out of a contract he’d since found not to his liking. William also had the advantage of being related to the Beekmans, one of the city’s older, monied families, which was probably why Father had looked so favorably on his courtship of Lilian. He was handsome enough, Georgina supposed, with his sandy hair, pale blue eyes, and athletic build. More importantly, William adored Lilian.
“Georgina, you’ll have to hurry to make the last ferry.” He nodded at her, white teeth flashing a brief, polite smile. “Unless you’re staying?”
“No, though whatever your cook is making smells marvelous. I promised my mother I would attend her grand party tonight.”
Part of her wanted to ask William exactly what Ben had used to get him to agree to take in Daniel. She couldn’t imagine it was anything nefarious. William’s reputation was impeccable. He was highly respected. Well-liked. So much so, he was already being groomed for political office. First, alderman, she thought. Then with her father’s backing, possibly mayor one day.
A maid hurried forward with Georgina’s cloak, and William placed the wool over her shoulders.
“Lilian—”
“Is sound asleep in the parlor,” William said, “embroidery perched on her lap. Your visit wore her out, I’m afraid. I’ll tell her you got off all right. I hate to wake her.”
“No, please don’t. Let her sleep.” Lilian was often very tired. But Georgina had been as well when she’d carried Daniel.
“The air has grown brisk. I smell snow in the air,” he said.
“Let’s hope your nose is wrong.” She tugged on her gloves, pulling the cloak’s hood over her head. “How is it you and Lilian aren’t forced into attendance this evening, yet I must go?”
Georgina’s father was out of town on business yet again. Mother was livid he wouldn’t be present for her big evening.
“Lilian’s condition is a fine excuse to not enjoy the opera. Your mother wants nothing to happen to her first grandchild.”
Georgina paused as she secured her cloak. William didn’t mean anything by it. Her mother didn’tknowDaniel was her grandson. To Georgina’s knowledge, she’d never even seen him.
“I’m sure you’ll enjoy the event, though.” A hint of whiskey scented his breath. “I’ll have Warner see you safely to the ferry. Enjoy the opera.”
“I shall certainly try.” She slipped out the door to see Warner, one of Lilian’s staff, waiting patiently by the carriage. She turned to wave back at her brother-in-law, but he had already closed the door behind her.
