Page 16 of Ironvine

Her brother let out a sigh. “I am considering my future.”

Investments. Influence.

“This is the real reason we came to London this week? To make a show to the ton? So we would all be seen together, so I would not be able to reject him?”

“And you almost ruined it all last night with Montclare, which only made me realize that this is a sound decision. Tomorrow it will be officially settled, and then you shall return to Philippa and John’s with Mother to make arrangements for the wedding. Won’t that be lovely?”

Her heart thudded in her chest. “I shall not return to Fairthorn?”

“One day soon, you shall visit with your husband. When I return to Fairthorn in a few days, I shall send all your and mother’s belongings on to Devonshire.”

“Fairthorn is the only home I’ve ever known.”

“You will soon have your own home with your husband, Georgina, and you will make of it what you wish. There are some improvements I would like to make to my house before I marry, and now will certainly be a perfect time to do it.”

They’d never separatedyoursandminebefore. Not really. Her chest squeezed. “Why is suddenly everything changing so completely?”

“Because it must, my love. You must. It is time.”

Georgina had never heard her brother speak this way. She was stranded in a foreign land where she understood not the language nor the currency. She was alone, deserted.

“I must dash, Georgie. I have to find my partner for the next dance. It’s Miss Alice who we met the day before. Such a sweet girl. I’m rather taken with her.”

“Are you? You’d better hurry, for I believe you’ll find her with your dear friend Mr. Penry. She may have forgotten all about you by now.”

Thomas only scowled at her and took off into the crowd to find his Miss Alice.

Cheering rose up in the dark and smoky gaming room. Well-dressed gentlemen and finely gilded ladies sat at tables playing card games, hoping and strategising for luck to go their way, for triumphs large and small.

Games and triumphs of all kinds were to be had here tonight.

An opportunity had arisen, and all her family desired to partake. Her future, simply a coin tossed on the table to make the winnings fatter. A card turned over and met with lustful glee. Her life a game played by others for their entertainment, for their particular gains.

No.Her life was not a game.

ChapterSix

Georgina

Georgina had takenleave of her brother and sister on the excuse that she saw friends she wished to greet. Amanda, an acquaintance from Gloucestershire, and several of her friends spoke excitedly by the punch bowl.

“So handsome, it’s almost sinful,” Amanda remarked.

“Yes, sinful,” purred Henrietta.

“Sinfully divine,” giggled Charlotte.

Georgina took a glass of punch. “Who are you discussing so that I too may adore this awe-inspiring divinity?”

“Oh! Have you not heard?” they said.

“Obviously, I have not.”

“The Earl of Ryvves is here in high form as he has been at every event this season.”

“The Earl of Ryvves?” Georgina sipped on her punch, its sweet pleasantness spreading through her veins. “You mean Hugh Montclare?”

“The one and only,” said Charlotte.

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