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This discussion was about Daniel. Apparently, whatever Ben had used to coerce William into helping her was no longer enough incentive.
“How odd. Lilian seemed perfectly fine not two days ago. Nanny Gibbons barely allows her to lift a finger. She is not being overtaxed, William. Nor do I think she finds Daniel to be a burden.”
“How selfish you are to put your interests above your sister’s welfare. Not surprising, I suppose.”
Georgina really disliked William. There was such a churlish, bitter person hiding beneath his finely tailored clothes. She wondered that Lilian didn’t see it. “My sister is of great importance to me, William. I would do nothing to cause her harm. Lilianofferedto care for Daniel until I could do so myself.”
“Lilian is a kind woman. A saint. She would never turn you away because she loves you. But you’ve put her in an untenable situation which threatens her health.” He gave her a sympathetic smile, one that showed all his teeth. “I realize your choices are limited. The mistake you made, bringing that child into the world, must weigh on you. I am not without understanding for your circumstances. We are family, after all, which is why I went to great lengths to help you.”
“Daniel is not a mistake.”
A puff of frustration left him, making him look like a petulant child. “I don’t mean the designation harshly. But now that you’ve returned to New York, surely you know your chances for remarriage will diminish if a future husband knows of the child.”
It unnerved her, the way William refused to say Daniel’s name.
“I worry the child will become a burden to you in your pursuit of a suitable husband.” He reached over and lightly patted her hand. “I don’t judge you for your misstep, Georgina. You are not the first woman to find herself in such a state.”
“So I’ve been told.”
A slight frown crossed his lips. “Lilian and I shouldn’t be forced to raise the child for you, especially not when we are expecting our own. And I don’t want you to have any difficulty making a splendid match.”
“I’m sure I’ll manage.”
“But you don’t have to, Georgina. That’s why I’ve called on you today. I can relieve you of this burden so that you may go on with your life and be happy. No harm done. Your reputation, such as it is, will stay intact. Your parents need never know. I’ve taken it upon myself to make some discreet inquiries to place the child with a loving family.”
“His name isDaniel.” She forced herself to set her teacup down rather than throwing it at William’s head. “And he’s hardly a burden. It isn’t as if you see to his care yourself.”
His nostrils flared. “I had to engage a nanny.”
“Whom I compensate you for.” Georgina pressed her fingertips into the cushions of the sofa to keep from launching herself at William. “A rather large sum which more than covers her salary.”
“No amount of money,” he flung back at her, “is worth Lilian’s well-being.” He shook his head. “I didn’t come here to fight with you, Georgina. Nor was it my intent to insult you. I truly believe placing the child with a loving family is the right thing to do for us all. My only concern is for Lilian. And you, of course,” he hastened to add. “It was merely a suggestion.”
Georgina glared at her brother-in-law, trying to seek out his true motive. Certainly, it wasn’t out of concern for her. But Williamdidlove Lilian.
“I appreciate your concern, however unnecessary it is.”
She and Leo had already decided to take the ferry to Brooklyn tomorrow, a decision reached right after she awoke to the sight of his dark head notched between her thighs.
A hum ran through her despite having William sitting in her parlor. She pushed thoughts of the previous evening out of her mind.
“I understand. Perhaps once you consider my suggestion, and you are less overwrought, you’ll feel differently.”
Overwrought?
“Perhaps.”
She couldn’t wait until tomorrow. Leo was out for most of the day looking at yet another plot of land, so she would go herself. The horrible twisting in Georgia’s stomach told her that Daniel must be fetched today.Now.The very second William left her parlor. Lilian couldn’t possibly know what William suggested. She loved Daniel. Her sister would never allow him to be sent away.
“I apologize for upsetting you.” William stood, hands smoothing down an unseen wrinkle in his coat. “I truly do have your best interests at heart, Georgina.” Pulling out his pocket watch, he said, “I’ve another appointment which I fear I’m late for. Please think about what I’ve said.”
Daniel would be brought here. Her staff would be discreet. Loyal. Stella had helped raise her younger siblings. Or maybe Mrs. Gibbons would return with her.
“Good day, William.”
The front door hadn’t even shut behind William before Georgina was yelling for Stella to take a note to Ben.
