Page 93 of Lessons for Marquesses
Caroline’s hand moved to her rosebud mouth. “Oh, I knew this would upset you.”
Georgiana gazed between Caroline, Rupert, and Charlotte and somehow ended on Oliver who shook his head at his sister’s back.
“Dear,” Charlotte began, “there was no proper room for Lady Tufton. Mrs. Thistle thought it best?—”
Rupert stomped a foot. “She did not!”
Charlotte ignored him. “Lady Tufton is to lodge in your room during her stay, and knowing your hospitable nature, you undoubtedly would have offered it, given the opportunity.”
Everyone gawked over their wine.
It wasn’t enough that her aunt had been correct on Mr. Wolf breaking her heart. Now she was to be banished from her room, relegated to the nursery while Caroline presided next door to Mr. Wolf, in her room.
She swallowed the speck of pride left in her soul. “Please do not fret, Caroline. I will gladly forfeit my room for your comfort. In fact, my aunt is correct. I wish I could have been afforded the opportunity to place you there myself.”
Caroline’s narrow shoulders dipped in relief. “Dear Poppy, you are a most gracious host.”
“Thank you, Cousin. I only do what any otherhostwould do.” She nodded to the room, lingering too long on Mr. Wolf. “If you will excuse me.”
She kissed Julian’s cheek and drew him from the room. “Six hours, not seven. And we retrieve Kitty tomorrow morning. I’ll expect you to chaperon me and be civil regardless of whatever occurred between you two. If Caroline comes, I might kill her.”
“Your race with Wolf is tomorrow.”
“I need Kitty,” Georgiana said.
“And I’m the only one who has placed all my quid on you.”
Georgiana looked back at Mr. Wolf who now, since killing her heart, had no qualms with meeting her gaze. “Then two days after. Her father will not allow her to come on Sunday. I’ll send a note to Kitty to be ready.”
Rupert hounded Georgiana to her room. “I don’t like this one bit, miss. You’re the mistress here, not that highty-tighty lady with her diddies laid out like they’re on a shopkeeper’s shelf.”
“Thank you, Rupert. I’m sure the men feel the same.”
“The Misters St. Clair do.”
“I should hope so, being her brothers.” She turned about at her door. “If someone could bring water for a bath, it would be most appreciated.”
Rupert’s face turned purple under his faint white shadow. “You cannot stay in the nursery!”
“I can pretend I’m a child again, without a care.”
This did nothing for Rupert’s spleen. “Throw her out upon ’er ear.”
“You know, Rupert, I think there is something to learn here.”
“You got a rum strumpet takin’ over yer home? She’s married to a viscount and’s got four children, I hear.”
“And lonely, obviously. No, there is something to be gained. This is Caroline’s ball. Not mine. If it does not satisfy, regaleall those who matter, it is her fault. Not mine. Do you follow?”
“Lord Acomb’s hired a regiment of servants to assist.”
“And that is perfect. They can assist withourplans.” Minion’s talent was racing like the wind. Wolf’s was brutal honesty. Kitty’s was scheming most deliciously. She bent over Rupert’s stooped form. “After Miss Babbington arrives, we shall plot our strategy. Ourretaliation.”
“Aye, I like it.”
“Good.” Georgiana opened her door and turned back. “And Rupert, ensure an eye is kept on Mr. Wolf and Lady Tufton. I have money on them.”
If she won the wager, she would be richer for her heartache.
