Page 22 of Georgiana
“Ah, Your Grace, you are a sight for sore eyes.” Lady Dalrymple held out both her hands, which Max took possession of and bowed over them giving a light squeeze before dropping them. He’d known her all his life and loved her like a family member. As always, she blushed slightly at the safe, yet flirtatious move. “You look perplexed, my boy. Are you not enjoying yourself?”
“I am, but sadly I must take my leave.”
“So soon? The clock has yet to strike midnight and the night is still young. Many young lady’s hearts will break when your handsome face no longer graces my ballroom. I know my cousin Miss Elizabeth Elliot was hoping for an introduction. She and her father, Sir Walter, arrived only this afternoon from Bath.”
“Urgent business calls me away. The introduction to Miss Elliot will have to wait for another time.” He executed a polite bow. “Thank you for a lovely evening.”
“I’ll forgive you this time, young Adborough, and only because I adore your mother.”
He smiled. “You have excellent taste in friends, Lady Dalrymple. I bid adieu.”
The next few minutes were spent checking the various nook and crannies his mother liked to occupy at these types of gatherings, finally locating her in a retiring salon. Quickly, he related all that he knew and requested she pass the information along to their friends. He regretted not saying his own proper good-byes, but Mr. Mason was not one to send word if the situation wasn’t calamitous in nature. He donned his cloak and stepped into the inky night, wishing once more he was back in the ballroom with Georgiana on his arm.
~~~~~
Georgiana pulled a brush through her hair and stared at the mirror without seeing her reflection. All her thoughts were consumed with her dance with Max, followed by her dance with the Marquis and subsequent conversation. Sadly, the empty slot on her dance card, the one she’d saved for a handsome Duke had been filled by her cousin, Ash.
The Marquis’ observation of how Max’s vest matched her dress sent a secret thrill though her body. It hadn’t been her imagination. Her heart sped up at the thought and a light blush danced across her cheeks. If the Marquis noticed, had anyone else? And if true, why wouldn’t Max declare himself and at least propose a courtship.
She put down the brush and blew out a soft breath. It was so frustrating to be a female, always waiting for the man to take the lead, or make a move. If she were more forward, she would have declared herself three years ago.
Anna, her lady’s maid, bustled into the room. She picked up Georgiana’s ball gown and gave it a slight shake. “Not too wrinkled, Miss Darcy. Did you have a nice time? You came home so much earlier than I expected.”
“I did have a lovely time,” Georgiana said with a slight smile, not willing to confide that after Max left the ball all things previously beautiful lost its lustre. When Lizzy mentioned she was feeling tired, Georgiana readily agreed to leave. “I don’t think I’ll be able to sleep a wink tonight.”
“Would you like a nice cup of hot milk?”
“That would be just the thing.”
“Right then,” Anna draped the ball gown over her shoulder and opened the bedroom door. “I’ll put this away first, and then pop on down to the kitchen.”
“Thank you, Anna.”
Anna closed the door and Georgiana went into the small sitting room attached to her bed chamber. The fire was low, but the room was comfortable enough she didn’t require a robe over her nightgown. She sat in one of the wingback chairs and picked up the letter she’d received from Mary Bennet that afternoon. She’d been so busy getting ready for the ball she’d had no time to read the chatty letter. Anna would be at least a half hour before she returned, so this was as good a time as any to catch up on news from Longbourn.
Lizzy has written that she and Jane are both in Town along with Kitty, and you all had a most successful curtsy before her Majesty. I am so relieved Papa didn’t make me join you, even though Mama pouted a bit when I stayed firm in my decision. I have no intention of ever marrying, and even if I did, when would I be in the midst of high society? No. I think I shall be a most favored aunt who spoils her nieces and nephews most atrociously.
Mama seems tired of late. I think all this excitement has finally worn her down. Granted, she’s more involved with the tenants now that Lizzy and Jane are no longer here, and she’s quite busy in the still room making soaps and candles with Hill. I dearly miss Kitty’s lavender sachets. Little did we realize how much each sister contributed to the running of Longbourn. The hallways and rooms of our humble abode seem quite empty these days.
When not busy in the garden, or helping Mama write down our expenditures in her journal, I spend my time reading and have begun learning the new music which you so graciously sent last month. Mozart is my latest favorite composer. I marvel at his talent.
How I miss playing duets with you, dear Georgiana and look forward to this fall when my Aunt and Uncle Gardiner take me with them on their annual pilgrimage to Derbyshire. Even my young cousins shall attend this year. Prepare for epic sea battles with my nephews on the lake so fortuitously situated near the house and delightfully elegant tea parties with my nieces. That is, unless you do something outrageous, like fall in love and marry−
An unfamiliar cracking noise outside had Georgiana lay the letter down. She crossed to the window and drew back the curtain, hoping an animal had not become trapped on the balcony.
Although the moon partially illuminated the yard, she saw nothing, but then there was movement in the tree which loomed over the balcony. About to scream, she caught her breath when a large tabby cat landed on the balcony, spotted her through the glass door and arched its back and hissed.
“You frightened me, mangy old cat,” she said with a shaky laugh. “No more bits of chicken and ham if this is how you thank me.”
The cat turned its back and padded to the edge of the balcony, nimbly leaped back onto the tree and melted into the darkness. Georgiana dropped the sheer curtain which hung over the door and moved to her bedroom. She slid beneath the covers of her bed and a large yawn stretched through her as she waited for Anna to return.
~~~~~
The letter from Max’s steward painted a grim picture. One of his tenants claimed a neighbor killed his prize cow. From there, they’d proceeded to fisticuffs with death threats being bandied about. Max knew both men and for the life of him couldn’t understand how things had escalated to such outlandish proportions.
He made the decision to leave immediately and cover as much ground as he could without falling asleep in the saddle. He and his men would take a few hours to rest at one of the many posting inns dotted on London Road and be in Yorkshire by early evening the next day. The ancient grandfather clock struck half hour after one as he and his outriders cantered through the quiet streets of London on their way to Adborough Hall.
~~~~~
