Page 57 of Georgiana
All Max heard in response was a low grumble from the Colonel.
“When you’ve lived a completely honest and virtuous life, then and only then can you sit in judgement of another. Cast not the first stone, brother.”
Max couldn’t stop the smile that lifted the corner of his lip at Ash’s defence of his character, but what made him almost laugh was Richard’s response, which resonated through the closing door.
“Have you been reading your Bible?”
Chapter Seventeen
“Jane, I am so glad you’ve come.”
Georgiana rushed toward her sister-in-law and gave her a hard hug. The past few hours had been fraught with tension, starting with Lizzy’s fall, sending her into premature labor and ending with the knowledge that her husband could very well be stalking the halls, waiting for her to exit her sister’s suite of rooms.
“Fortunately, we had decided to come early in case of bad roads and were already packed to leave on the morrow. Although it’s only thirty miles, I don’t travel well when I need to make frequent stops.”
“How are you faring?”
Jane and Charles were expecting their second child early in the new year.
“Other than the fact I can no longer see my toes and rely on my maid for matching shoes, I am hale and hearty.” She shrugged off her shawl and accepted a work apron from Anna. “Is Lizzy in the other room?”
“Yes. The midwife and physician are with her.”
Jane started toward the connecting door before she paused and faced Georgiana, taking her hands in hers.
“How haveyoubeen faring? This is a new and terrifying experience, I’m sure.” Jane’s soothing voice acted like a balm on her soul.
“I’m holding up remarkable well, seeing as I am not the one trying to bring a babe into the world.” She gave Jane’s fingers a squeeze before releasing them. “Thank you for asking.”
“You are stronger than you know.” Her blue eyes caught and held Georgiana’s. “When you finally have a conversation with him, try to remember he is a man who made a mistake. I cannot believe the Duke, who has such a caring heart, would behave in such a manner without good cause. Not that you gave him good cause,” she quickly added at Georgiana’s gasp. “I meant in the manner thathebelieved he had good cause.”
“I heard your sister once said to you that she could forgive my brother’s pride if he hadn’t injured hers.”
“Yes, she did.” Jane laughed softly at the memory.
“Max didn’t just injure my pride. He believed me capable of a most heinous deceit. He tore out my heart.”
“Oh, Georgiana.” Jane gathered her into another tight hug. “Men in love do the most ridiculous things. And he does love you. Of that I have no doubt. Before you and the Duke married, he could not keep his gaze off you. Trust me when I say that you arehisheart and I’m sure he regrets his past actions.” She released Georgiana and stepped back. “I must attend Lizzy, but know that you are in my prayers.”
“I’m sorry for keeping you from your sister.”
“Do not apologize. I’m sure Lizzy will not mind I spared you a few minutes. You know she would say the same thing.”
A short, hard laugh erupted from Georgiana.
“I don’t think my sister-by-love is as kind as you. She would expect me to make him grovel.”
“That is where you are wrong.” Jane shook her head slowly. “Lizzy has decided opinions to be sure, but when it comes to the heart, she’s as much a romantic as me. Even when she was livid with Fitzwilliam, she always despaired over his inherent goodness. She didn’t want to reconcile the dichotomy of his character, yet we are all glad that she did.”
“You’ve given me much to think on, but all of this is conjecture until I actually speak with his Grace.”
“I would have that conversation sooner rather than later.” Jane moved toward the door and paused, her fingers on the door handle. “As evidenced by today’s emergency, none of us know what tomorrow holds.”
She pushed down on the handle and entered the room.
“Jane, you are here!”
~~~~~
