Page 15 of Ironvine

Liar.Sour rose in her throat at her sister’s theatrics.

Casting her a hard glance, Mother lifted her chin and elegantly bowed to Sir Reginald.

Sour filled her throat at her mother’s brittle formal cordiality.

John introduced Sir Reginald to one of his friends, and they turned away from the ladies, and Georgina let out a breath. Philippa offered her a fresh drink. “You seemed to enjoy the dance.”

She gulped at the wine, a flame down her throat. “I did not.”

ChapterFive

Georgina

Georgina foundher brother at the entrance to the gaming room. She had to know his role in all this.

“Thomas, did you know of their plans for me?”

He shifted his weight. “They only told me last night.”

“Sir Reginald is not my choice, nor could he ever be.”

“Our mother and sister are of the mind that no man will want you if you wait any longer, especially having rejected two suitors already. And that would most certainly be a waste—a girl of your accomplishments and worth.”

“My worth indeed.”

“Isn’t it nice that he is not a stranger to you? And Mother is most pleased that you’ll all be living in Devonshire together.”

“Mother is planning on moving to Devonshire? She will leave Fairthorn?”

“She wishes to be close to her new grandchild and welcome yours soon enough. I have been considering marrying for some time now, and perhaps it will be best to have Fairthorn to myself when I do.”

Her heart twisted. Fairthorn had been the only home she’d ever known. It was the estate of Philippa and Thomas’s father, who had died young. Their mother had married a second time to Georgina’s father, who had owned a very fine house in town, which her mother had promptly sold after his death.

“Oh. I see,” she said. “But you’ve never approved of Matthew for me, have you? Even though he’s your friend.”

Thomas let out a huff of air. “I know you’ve always had a soft spot for him, Georgie, but you know he’s a terrible flirt. But there is more to it than that. Matthew’s family’s circumstances have changed drastically. He now needs to marry for money, and all he has to offer is his handsome face and talent at cards.”

“And he does not offer opportunity like Sir Reginald?”

“You have a sizable fortune, Georgina. Although Matthew is my friend, in his current state, I would not trust him with my beloved younger sister. He is only interested in saving himself, and I doubt he has been humbled by this experience.”

That was why Matthew had suddenly wanted to kiss her the other night.

“And frankly, Montclare is another kind of pirate,” continued Thomas. “Charles is only ever interested in one thing from a female. One thing only. He is cunning, and most importantly Charles has nothing to lose, which makes him all the more dangerous. He would ruin you on a whim, ruin all of us. You need protection from such vultures. Sir Reginald is a mature gentleman, a father, a successful investor, and a respected politician. He does not see you as a passing entertainment nor as a full purse to pluck bare.”

“He does not appeal to me as a husband should. I cannot—”

“Appeal?” Thomas crossed his arms.

“Brother, I am quite sure that if you were to be pressed to marry the female version of Sir Reginald, you would balk.”

“Oh, Georgie, what do you know of the world other than gaiety? Think of it—your marriage will secure the happiness of all your family. Is that not wonderful? Is that not gratifying? We have this one chance, and we must make it count.”

She blinked. “Do you stand to gain from this union to Sir Reginald, just as our sister and her husband would?”

“I cannot deny it would be most favourable to my new investments with John, and naturally, there is the considerable political influence Sir Reginald yields. He’s quite a figure in Parliament, don’t you know? Such a lasting alliance with him would be highly favourable.”

“Dear God,” she murmured, her fingers curling into the silk of her dress.

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