Page 31 of Ironvine

Hugh’s grin deepened, and they both tilted their heads at each other. At her side, John let out a scoff and Thomas laid a hand on her shoulder.

Charles cleared his throat. “Mr. Holyfloke, Thomas, shall we proceed to specifics and complete the settlement of engagement of the Earl and Miss Townsend?” He cast his golden eyes on Georgina, and she felt a chill scrape over her flesh. Charles was most businesslike in his role on his brother’s behalf. “I assure you, you will be quite pleased with our terms to unite our families.”

“I shall tell you exactly how I feel, Mr. Montclare. Have no doubt.” John stood up. “We shall go to my study.”

Without a glance, Charles followed John and Thomas out of the room toward his commission being completed. She knew he did not wholly approve of this scheme, but he was acting on his brother’s behalf to settle the particulars of their engagement.

“Darling, Georgina,” Hugh took her hand and kissed it once again. His warm lips lingered over her flesh as his other hand stroked her arm. “How I look forward to our wedding day. I am most impatient for you to be mine.”

Her insides tightened. Was it nerves at his eagle-like glare? “I, too, am impatient, Hugh.”

He bowed to her once more and left her to join Thomas, John, and Charles, his even, steady steps sounding down the hallway as her pulse pounded in her ears. Hopefully, all the Montclares’ terms would be agreeable to her brother and John, and any of their terms on her behalf would be agreeable to the Montclares. Over the years her brother-in-law had taken on the role of advisor in their family on a range of issues. John was certainly much more discriminating and shrewd than the younger Thomas.

She was alone while the four men dissected and reconstructed the anatomy of her future. Decided how much would go here from there for this and that. She would now be under Hugh’s protection, be his responsibility.

Her stomach curled, and she went to the window, opened it wider, and sucked in fresh air. This day had finally come, but it had not come the way she’d always hoped, the way she was sure it would.

The day of her engagement she had piled high with dreams and designs, but it didn’t feel like she’d always imagined it would like a sugary bonbon’s sweetness bursting then melting in her mouth. No, it was not a match born of esteem and affection. Her hand had been forced, and by some confluence of the stars, her mission had crossed with Hugh’s.

Her spine straightened. She was pleased and proud that, ultimately, it had been her choice. There would be no Sir Reginald. And although she and Hugh barely knew one another, he was closer to her age, charming and witty, amiable and good-natured, and very handsome. He was Charles’s brother, and she liked Charles very much, didn’t she? Which was good since she imagined they’d probably all be living together at the same house.

Living together?

The memory of Charles’s searing kiss stung through her, and she bit her lip hard to stop it. She had to wipe that memory from her brain, from her lips, her tongue, her body…oh damn, damn, damn.

Georgina let out a heavy breath. It was up to her now to make of this marriage to Hugh what she would. She was an adult, no longer a girl. A woman engaged to be married, and to an earl. She would be the lady of a great house.

“He is here?” Philippa swept into the room.

“He is,” Georgina replied. “They are discussing terms.”

“Are they? Well, I—”

The door flung open, and John entered with Thomas, Charles, and a grinning Hugh behind him.

Philippa bowed her head. “My lord. Mr. Montclare.”

“Madame.”

“Mrs. Holyfloke,” said Charles.

“It is all arranged,” John announced, his arms crossed, his features sullen. He’d been bested, and he resented it, no matter the advantageous gain. “The wedding shall be in a week’s time.”

“A week?” said Philippa.

“We’ve obtained a special license,” said Charles, adjusting the leather folder in his hands.

“You see, my father wanted me to be married by my thirtieth birthday,” said Hugh. “And my birthday is in a week’s time. Fantastic, eh, my love? What a celebration we shall have.” He took Georgina’s hand in his and squeezed her fingers. Philippa’s gaze shot to the motion.

“Yes, very good news,” said Georgina.

“Shall we celebrate with a drink?” said Philippa gesturing at the servant.

Georgina went to Charles. “I thank you, Mr. Montclare, for all your efforts on my behalf,” she said. “You have done much to see this through.”

“And now it is completed.” Something like a frown settled on his face.

“And suddenly, you and I shall be family in a week’s time.”

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