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A tic appeared in Ben’s cheek, the only sign her mother’s barb had struck. He nodded to both her and her mother before whispering, “You’re on your own, George. I forgot my armor tonight. Didn’t think I’d need it for the opera. I’ll retrieve you later.”
Dammit.
Scaring Ben off was punishment for Georgina causing Piers to disappear. She should have known a sincere apology to her mother wouldn’t have been enough. Mother never behaved in such a mercenary manner toward Lilian. Shecooedover Georgina’s sister, never once launching a verbal assault.
“There are dozens of suitable gentlemen who would vie for your attention if you would only allow them to do so.” A thin, smug smile crossed Mother’s lips as she watched Ben flee into the crowd. “Don’t youwantto remarry?”
“Not really. I find I quite like being a widow.”
“Certainly, it isn’t because no gentleman can replace Lord Masterson.” The sarcasm in her mother’s voice grated against Georgina’s skin.
“Certainly not.” The very idea of having to return to a life like the one where she had been tied to her late husband made her stomach hurt.
“Then what is it? You have your pick of eligible gentlemen. Fletcher has expressed quite a bit of interest in you. You’d make a wonderful politician’s wife.”
Fletcher wasn’t Leo.Noneof them were. They were all deficient in some way. But Georgina could hardly explain that to her mother.
“Father already has his politician, or at least he will. Isn’t that the plan for William? Lilian will make a much better wife for a future senator than I.”
For Daniel’s sake, Georgina must remarry, but she wasn’t ready. Not yet.
Her mother made a sound in her throat.
“You’ve made yourself clear, Mother.” Remarriage had been a constant topic of conversation between them since Georgina had returned. “But not Warren Woodstock. His fingers are overlong.” Georgina gave a shudder. “Like the legs of a giant spider.”
“Georgina.” Mother shook her head, clearly exasperated, but a laugh escaped her lips. “You would be far happier if you were more like your sister.”
Lilian was the good daughter. Perfect. She’d found William, whom Father had instantly approved of, and fallen in love.
Georgina, on the other hand, delighted in imperfection. She’d been caught kissing Tommy Richards when she was fourteen. Flirting with one of the grooms who kept her father’s stables. George had been the groom’s name, a sure sign to fifteen-year-old Georgina that they were meant to be together. She dressed to draw attention because it made Georgina feel powerful. She hadn’t been thinking about the effects to her reputation. Then she’d been forced to wed Masterson.
Mother was right. Georgina’s lifewouldbe easier if she were more like Lilian.
But Masterson ultimately led me to Leo,her heart whispered.And gave me Daniel.
Ben reappeared at her side with two glasses of champagne.
“Here you are, George.” Ben handed one of the glasses filled with sparkling liquid to her. “Try not to be alarmed, but it appears Woodstock, despite your lack of encouragement and evident disregard for him, is making his way over to you.
“Oh, dear.”
“It’s a shame.” Georgina felt Ben’s fingers at the back of her head, tugging at her hair. “You’ve lost one of your clever little combs. Or maybe two.” He stooped down, handing them to her with an innocent look.
“Oh, goodness.” Georgina took a mouthful of champagne. “I should take care of this immediately.”
“You are the most difficult girl,” her mother intoned with resignation. “I am only trying to ensure your future happiness. So your father,” she said under her breath, “does not.”
Georgina hurried away from Ben and her mother, heading in the opposite direction from that of the approaching Mr. Woodstock. The layout of Mother’s opera house was simple once you got past the grand staircase. The less expensive seats were situated down this hall next to the area where less wealthy guests would enjoy their refreshments during intermission. Upstairs were the luxurious boxes and seats for the more socially affluent. Mother had built this opera house for them, not the masses who would crowd below to enjoy a play or musicale.
Staff bustled about, trays laden with glasses of champagne. The party must be costing her father a fortune. A small price to keep Mother happy while he spent his time in Baltimore. Georgina neatly sidestepped a tray on her way across the marble floor, her heels clicking as she hurried along.
The work of numerous architects and designers, the Rutherford opera house was elegant, richly decorated, and slightly chilly, exactly like the woman who’d championed it.
The Rutherford.
Georgina shook her head as she passed a portrait of her mother hanging on the wall. The building was more statement than structure. Cordelia Rutherford would not be ignored or pushed aside because she’d marriednewmoney. While many of her contemporaries were determined to be pedigreed but less affluent, Cordelia was not. So what if her father-in-law had been a barely literate barge owner.Shewas descended from one of the finest Dutch families in New York. How dare anyone turn their nose up at her?
The Rutherford was Mother’s revenge, so to speak.
