Page 69 of Georgiana
“Don’t bother seeing me there, Hutchins. I know the way.”
“Very well, your Grace. I shall return in but a moment.”
Hutchins disappeared through a discreet door and Max made his way to the blue salon. He halted in the doorway when he discovered not only Darcy there, but also Ash and the Colonel.
“Adborough,” Darcy acknowledged him.
He couldn’t be sure, but the dour man from Derbyshire had begun to soften in his attitude, as well as his cousin, Ash. Richard, crusty old soldier that he was, refused to give in, although his muttered threats of running his through with his sword had dwindled to an occasional utterance.
All in all, things looked up for him and Georgiana.
“Gentlemen,” he replied back and joined them near a grouping of chairs.
“Why are you here?”
“I’ve come to see Georgiana.”
“You are well past receiving hours, Adborough,” Richard grumbled.
“None of that, if you please, cousin.” All of them swiveled their attention to the entrance. Georgiana, stunning in a deep blue gown, moved gracefully toward them. She stopped by his side and faced her brother and cousins. “Maxwell is family.” She slanted her gaze upward to him and asked, “You received my letter?”
“I did−” He shot a look at the three men watching them. “May we have some privacy?”
“I’m not moving.” Ash countered with a broad smile.
“Come with me.” Georgiana slid her arm around his and they moved to the far side of the room. When she would have removed her arm from his, he captured her hand and brought it to his lips. A loud harrumphing cough from the other side of the room made him smile against her fingers. “Ignore them,” she whispered. “This is between you and me.”
“Did you mean what you wrote?”
“Most assuredly.”
His whole body quivered and he could wait no longer. He brushed his mouth softly over hers, relishing in the way she offered her lips for more.
“I love you, Georgiana.”
She melted in his arms. “And I love you,” she sighed.
His mouth captured hers and he deepened the kiss. He loved her. He’d walk to Hades and back to have her in his life. He didn’t care that they were standing not ten feet from her brother and cousins….
Oh, dear God, they were kissing in front of her brother and cousins!
Still cupping the sides of her face, he drew back and gazed down at her. Eyes closed, full lips slightly open, she was beautiful. Slowly, her eyes drifted open and he knew exactly when the same realization came to her. A rosy pink heated her cheeks and she grinned.
He cut a glance to the other side of the room. Darcy, Richard and Ash still stood at the door. Darcy and Richard glowered and Ash, well Ash watched the two of them with unbridled amusement.
“Gentlemen. I believe my wife and I would like some privacy.”
“We need at least two weeks. I will let you know when you may come to Kerr house.”
Max gave a start and stared down at Georgiana.
“What?” she asked, her eyes wide with unconvincing innocence. “Would you rather live here?”
“Not bloody likely.”
Max dropped his hands and turned smartly toward the trio. “Three weeks, minimum,” he almost growled.
“Come on.” Ash pushed off from the chair he’d been leaning against. “Our work is done here.”
