Page 17 of A Duke to Restore her Memory
Sebastian sighed. He really needed to spend some time with his sister and her friend. They had only arrived last night, and he had been out all morning with Georgina.
“Tell Lady Lydia I will be along presently,” he said.
“Very good, Your Grace.” The boy bowed and left.
Sebastian turned back to Georgina, hesitating. He wanted to ask her to join them for luncheon, but he knew his sister wouldn’t approve.
Georgina had told the truth – she was walking in a strange limbo, a twilight world where no one knew how to act towards her. No one knew her position in the world.
If she were a servant or a governess, then she could not be invited to sit down and dine with a duke and ladies as an equal. It was not the done thing at all.
A feeling of regret stole over him. It was a pity. He wanted to spend more time with her. He didn’t want to leave her. It was most curious.
“I will be fine,” said Georgina, smiling at him as if she had read his mind. “Please, go and have your luncheon.”
He hesitated again, feeling a bit ashamed. “I can accompany you back to the house if you like …?”
She laughed, shaking her head. It seemed her good mood had been restored. “I want to spend some more time with the horse,” she said slowly. “For some reason, it feels good being with him. He calms me.”
He nodded. “I understand. If not for your injury, I would suggest taking him for a ride around the estate. But it is probably not a good idea in the circumstances. I would be fearful you may fall.”
“Yes, I would be fearful, too,” she said, her face twisting. “It is enough just to be with him for now.”
Sebastian nodded again. “Well, I will leave you to it, then.” He paused, looking at her intently. “I am sorry that the saddle proved to be a dead end. And that taking you to the scene of your fall did not unlock your memory fully. We will try again.”
“Thank you,” she said shyly. “For everything.”
He hesitated, nodding, then turned, striding away. Then he stopped, gazing back at her. She wasn’t looking at him. She was looking at the horse, speaking softly to it again, caressing it. She seemed lost in her own world entirely.
His heart contorted with emotion. There was something so sweet and heartwarming watching the beautiful young woman with the horse and the obvious bond between them. Reluctantly, he turned away, striding out of the stables. Georgina was quite remarkable. He just wished he knew who she truly was.
Chapter 9
A few days later, Christina sat on a bench in the beautiful gardens at Newquay Hall, mesmerized by the bees hovering around the flowers, when she was startled by the appearance of Lady Frances, the willowy, beautiful auburn-haired lady who was staying here, who suddenly emerged on the path.
The lady looked just as startled at encountering Christina, her blue eyes widening. “Oh,” she said, biting her lip. “I am so sorry. I have disturbed you …”
Hastily, Christina stood up, dropping into an awkward curtsey. “My Lady.”
“Please, do sit down,” said Lady Frances, with a warm smile. “Actually … would you mind if I join you for a moment?”
Christina tried to stifle her shock. “Of course, My Lady. I would be honoured.”
They both sat down on the bench, gazing at the flowers. There was an awkward silence. Christina didn’t know what to say at all – the lady was a complete stranger to her, and she had no idea how to address her.
It seemed presumptuous to start talking to her as if they were equals. She shouldn’t presume. And yet, the lady herself wanted to sit with her. It was a conundrum.
“I must say, you do fascinate me,” said the lady abruptly, turning to Christina. “It must be so disconcerting to lose your memory in such a sudden, violent way.” She gazed at her curiously. “How do you feel?”
“It is disconcerting,” agreed Christina, with a grimace. “I am totally adrift in the world, with no idea who I am or my place within it … and relying on the kindness of a stranger.” She took a deep, shaky breath. “His Grace has been so generous towards me. I am so grateful.”
“He is a kind gentleman,” said Lady Frances with a small smile. “I have always thought so. And he feels responsible for you. You suffered your injury falling into one of his abandoned mine shafts, did you not?”
Christina nodded. “Yes. But he did not have to open his home to me like this.” She lapsed into silence for a moment. “He is going above and beyond his duty towards me. I feel quite bad about imposing on him in this way.”
“Do not feel bad,” insisted the lady, with another kind smile. “You should take the opportunity to heal fully. You still remember nothing at all about your life or who you are?”
“Not much,” replied Christina, her heart shifting. “I had a flash of memory about falling, and I remember being at a ball in my previous life … but both memories were so brief and fleeting.” Her hands balled into fists upon her lap. “I feel as if I am seeking a key to unlock my mind, and once I do, it will all come tumbling out.”
