Page 15 of The Season for Loving
“Nonsense,” her ladyship rapped out. “Given your unusual family history, it’s impossible for you to be embarrassed by this type of discussion.”
Lady Reese had a point. She often did—more often than he’d care to admit. “Fair enough,” he said.
“It’s very kind of you to take an interest, ma’am,” Georgie said. “But my brother and Mrs. Clotworthy mean well. I would hate to upset them by appearing ungrateful.”
“Of course they mean well, but that doesn’t mean theyknowwell. You must learn to stand up for yourself, even if it means challenging your loved ones.”
“Like you encourage your daughters to challenge you, Lady Reese?” Fergus asked.
“Naturally. I’ve always encouraged my girls to be independent thinkers.”
That was a plumper, but he let it pass. In Georgie’s case, the old girl had a point.
Fortunately, Georgie didn’t seem to be embarrassed by the frank discussion. “Thank you, my lady. I quite think I agree with you.”
“Of course you do,” Lady Reese said. “Fergus, there’s a young lady I’d like you to meet. Miss Rogers. Her mother is a friend of mine, and she expressly asked me to introduce you to Selena, who is a charming girl. Miss Gage can sit with Mrs. Clotworthy or take a stroll around the room with Evelyn.”
Not bloody likely.
Fergus shook his head. “Unfortunately, ma’am, I just promised Miss Gage that I would takeherfor a stroll around the room. You’ll have to make my excuses to Mrs. Rogers and her daughter.”
“But—”
Fergus turned his back on Lady Reese and extended his hand to Georgie. “Are you ready, Miss Gage? I do believe the quartet is tuning up as well. Perhaps we can head over and have a listen.”
Her eyes sparkled at him, and she had the most charming dimple on the right side of her lush mouth. Oddly, he seemed to be noticing more things about her every day. He was tempted to pull out his pocket notebook and begin a list of all the things he liked about her.
It would be a long list.
Georgie took his hand. “Thank you, Mr. Haddon. It would be very refreshing to stroll.”
Fergus settled her slim hand on his arm, then gave Lady Reese a little nod. “Excuse us, madam.”
Her ladyship’s nose twitched, but she didn’t say anything.
“That was masterful of you,” Georgie said once they were out of range.
Fergus glanced over his shoulder. The viscountess stood in the same place, regarding them with a speculative look. “Thank you for going along with my ruse. The idea of meeting the persistent Miss Rogers made me feel faint with horror.”
She laughed. “I was happy to be of service, sir.”
They continued toward the head of the spacious, high-ceiling room, where the quartet played a sprightly tune to amuse spa-goers drinking their afternoon tea. Georgie nodded to several of the locals, exchanging smiles and the occasional word. She seemed to know at least half the people in the room. And by the tone of the greetings returned to her, it appeared that she was well liked by everyone.
And why not? She was a splendid girl. The only puzzle in his mind was why some enterprising fellow hadn’t snapped her up long ago. Yes, she’d been ill, but she was now in the bloom of health. Georgie was pretty, smart, and kind. And stood to come into a tidy fortune. She should have a trail of suitors a mile long.
As they turned the corner, he glanced back at their party. Mrs. Clotworthy chattered away with Eliza and Evelyn. Though Lady Reese had taken a seat next to her daughter, her attention was squarely focused on Fergus and Georgie.
Georgie was obviously aware of it too. She shot him a puzzled frown. “Do you mind if I ask you a question, sir?”
“I’m not sure I can adequately explain how that woman’s mind works.”
She chuckled. “Oh, dear. Am I that obvious?”
“You aren’t the one being obvious,” he said dryly. “But feel free to ask.”
“It’s just that her interest in your welfare is almost like a mother’s. In fact, she fusses over you a great deal more than she does over her daughter.”
“Good God,” he exclaimed. “Lady Reese as my mother. What a ghastly thought.”
