Page 3 of Gentlemen Prefer Heiresses
Unnoticed, she slipped away to join her sister in the front parlor. Rexton was there, gazing on Tillie as though she were a marvel he absolutely could not get enough of.
“Ah, there you are,” Gina said brightly—probably too brightly in retrospect. “I was searching for you in the library.”
Not at all true, but she wasn’t going to leave him with the impression she might have eavesdropped.
“I was on the terrace,” he said.
“I wouldn’t have thought to look there.”
Tillie narrowed her eyes as though she suspected Gina of lying.
“Shouldn’t you take your leave now?” Gina asked quickly, hoping to avoid an inquisition.
With a soft smile, Tillie walked over and hugged her. “Thank you for everything, dear sister.”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“Rex and I wouldn’t be together if not for you.”
Pleasure warmed her face. “I’m just glad you finally moved beyond your past. I should let people know you’re about to leave.”
“You’re to stay here while we’re away,” Tillie said.
With Rexton’s parents, the Duke and Duchess of Greystone. “I don’t really see that it’s necessary I stay the entire time.” Although she had brought a trunk with some of her belongings.
“You’re a single woman. It wouldn’t do for you to be at Landsdowne Court alone.”
Gina had long resided at her sister’s grand and lovely residence. “I wouldn’t be alone. The servants are there.”
“This is the best way to protect your reputation.”
Which was crucial if she was to have any hope at all of snagging a proper gentleman.
“Besides, no one says no to my mother,” Rexton said.
“It seems like a lot of bother.”
“Please? So I don’t worry,” Tillie pleaded.
Gina rolled her eyes. “All right. I want you to enjoy your wedding trip without fretting about me.”
“I’ll still have some unease, just not as much. You’re my little sister.”
“You’ll be well looked after here,” Rex said.
Like a dull girl. An exciting girl would look after herself.Gina shook off the morose thoughts. She was not going to allow Lord Andrew Mabry to dwell in her mind.
Tillie hugged her again. “We’ll be back next week.”
Gina squeezed her tightly. “I know.” They’d gone over the plans a thousand times. Seven nights at Kingsbrook Park; then she and Tillie would move into Rexton’s home, while Landsdowne Court sat unused. It seemed a waste. “Don’t worry about me. I’ll be fine.”
A few minutes later, along with all the other guests, she was tossing rose petals at Tillie and Rexton as they clambered into his waiting coach. Swallowing hard, fighting back the tears, she watched as they drove off.
People began wandering inside, but she seemed unable to move from the spot. Tillie had always been the one constant in her life.
“Here.”
Glancing down, she looked at the pristine white handkerchief Lord Andrew was holding out to her. Only then did she become aware of the tears rolling along her cheeks. But she was not about to take any assistance from him. She sniffed, realizing too late how unbecoming that sounded. Nor did she want him to see her swiping at her tears.
