Page 47 of The Heir and Spare
“I shall only think the best things about you no matter what you tell me. I give my word.” He laughed and then whispered, “I think even better of you knowing you did such a thing.”
“I like that.”
“Why are you pleased?”
“I think I would most enjoy a relationship with someone who could know me fully, completely, and love me.” She almost bit the words back in, but they were said and there was nothing further to be done, so she kept talking. “And, of course, know that I’m not perfect. I do silly things, annoying things, unwise things I’m certain, though I can’t think of anything particular at the moment.”
He reached for her hand and laced their fingers together. “I am certain you are not often unwise.”
He was quiet a moment and then he said, “I wish I was a better brother.”
“I am certain you are almost always the best brother in the world.”
“Fitz.” He sighed. “Georgiana.” He breathed deeply, trying to express what he hadn’t even really realized about himself until that moment. “If I did less for them, they would be better.”
She nodded. “They are quite remarkable, you know.”
“I do. I think I’m realizing that more about Fitz. I was quite surprised at his choice to stay in at dinner. But then I realized he was not being negligent. It wasn’t himself he was putting first.” He cleared his throat. “It was you.”
She nodded against him.
“Is there… Do you…?” He sighed.
“No.” She squeezed his hand. “There is no understanding between us. There is only simply a dinner invitation.”
He leaned his head back in relief. “All the same, he is quite impressed.”
“He does not know me at all.”
“Oh, but I’m certain he does. You are quite impressive upon first meeting.”
She shook her head. “Do you want to know what I overheard him say when he first saw me?”
He groaned. “I’m not certain I do.”
“Perhaps I’ll have him tell you when we are all together next.” She lifted their hands. “Fitz is not even remotely enamored with me.”
Arthur held her closer again, running his thumb over the back of her glove. “I am dreading the time when you will be lifted from my arms, but at the same time, I’m becoming concerned. They should be back by now. We need to get you warm and call the doctor. With any luck, he is already at the house.”
“I hope all is well up there.”
A cold, wet something nudged her arm. She yelped. “What is that?” She twisted, ignoring the sharp pains that shot through her. A soft head with a cold, wet nose rested in her lap. “Well, hello there.”
“Is this a dog?”
“I’m almost certain.”
He held up the lamp. “Yes. A very mangy-looking dog.”
“Oh, don’t insult him so. We are partners in this pit. He’s perfectly adorable.”
“Yes, adorable.” He pet the pup’s head. “So it was for you we ended up here?”
“I think so.”
The dog whimpered.
“Oh, don’t you worry. We’re with Mr. Darcy. Everything is going to be just fine.”
