Page 34 of The Season for Loving
“Goodness. How…how dramatic,” Eliza said.
Georgie looked at Fergus, her features soft with sympathy. “I imagine you were embarrassed to tell me. You didn’t have to be, you know. I would have understood. Idounderstand.”
“What a sensible young woman,” Lady Reese commented.
Fergus sighed. “It’s not exactly something one bandies about in casual conversation. Hello, I’m Fergus Haddon, and you should know that my mother tried to murder my cousin and his wife. Oh, and by the way, will you marry me?”
Georgie squeezed his fingers. “You truly do want to marry me?”
He smiled. “Lass, of course I do. You’re the best thing that’s ever happened to me, and I’m madly in love with you.”
When she choked out a laugh, he winced. “Very poor choice of words,” he said. “But you know what I mean.”
“I do,” she said, “and I feel exactly the same way.”
All the women let out romantic, happy sighs. Bertie, however, shook his head in disgust. “You’re all demented.”
“I don’t mean to point fingers, Mr. Gage,” said Lady Reese, “but perhaps we could refrain from employing such terms in the present circumstances.”
“I suppose you’re right,” he said. “That was rather clumsy of me.”
Eliza went to her husband and slipped an arm around his waist. “You must admit that Fergus is wonderfully protective of your sister.”
“He is, but I don’t need protecting,” said Georgie.
“Certainly not,” Fergus said. “You’re perfectly capable of taking care of yourself.”
Her smile lit up every corner of his heart. “Do you really mean that?”
“Of course I do.” He hesitated for a moment. “I, however, apparently need you to protect me.”
“What do you mean?” Georgie asked with a puzzled smile.
“I need you to protect me from my own stupidity,” he explained.
“Fergus, you are no more stupid than the average male,” Lady Reese said. “And less so than most,” she added, directing a stern look at her host.
“Well, I like that,” Bertie said indignantly. “I’m just trying to protect my little sister.”
“I know, Bertie,” Georgie said, “and I love you for it. But you can’t wrap me up in cotton batting forever. I need to make my own decisions, and even take some risks now and again. It’s time for me to grow up.”
Bertie stared at his sister, obviously struggling with strong emotions. “Yes, of course you do. It just took me a while to get there.” He looked at Fergus and extended a hand. “Welcome to the family, old boy.”
Fergus got up and shook his hand. “Thank you. Rest assured I will do everything in my power to make Georgie happy.”
“See that you do,” Bertie said. “Or I’ll—” His wife poked him in the ribs. “Er, I’ll have to give you a stern talking to.”
Georgie stood and gave her brother a quick, fierce hug. Then she flung her arms around Fergus and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll try to be the best wife in the world. Even if I am a Sassenach.”
“And I’ll try to be the best husband a lass could wish for.”
It was a promise Fergus intended to keep—for a lifetime.
