Page 32 of Ironvine

“Georgina…”

“Yes?”

He leaned in closer to her. “I have done whatever was in my hand for your comfort.”

“I am most grateful. I am sure the arrangements are most generous.”

“I’ve seen to it.” A muscle at his jawline flexed. “Every detail.”

She held his troubled gaze. “I thank you.”

“Do not thank me. Anything but that.” His strained voice set off an ache inside her.

“This was the only way, Charles. And I am grateful for it.”

From across the room, her sister and brother stared at them.

Georgina smiled at Charles as if they were having an idle conversation about the weather. “They were convinced you would not come today,” she kept her voice low. “If you had not come, they were prepared to pack me off before midday, and then I would be at their mercies, of which there are none to speak of as they are all quite angry with me. My mother refuses to speak to me.”

“I am most sorry to hear that.”

“I know this is the best of all possible solutions. And how wonderful that I will be in Gloucestershire again close to our friends.” Her throat burned. “Close to you.”

His eyes shot to her. Burning eyes. Her breath cut.

Why had she said that? In that way?

“I realise a man such as yourself has not given much thought to what a lady suffers in the marriage process—”

“On the contrary, I assure you I have.” The lines of his face tightened.

“I am quite sure Hugh and I will make a comfortable go of it as husband and wife. And then when you marry, we shall all be good friends, shan’t we?”

A noise rumbled in his chest. He did not reply.

A servant entered the room and bent to speak to Philippa, a silver tray in his hand. She waved him on. He crossed the room and came to a halt before Hugh. “My lord, an urgent message for you.” He lifted the tray. A small folded paper lay on it with a T melted into the wax seal. Hugh picked it up and opened it.

So urgent that the messenger found him here?

His brow creased, and his lips drew in a firm line, as he read. Folding the note, he tracked toward them.

“Charles, we must leave. Urgent business.”

Charles’s shoulders stiffened. “Very well.”

Hugh handed the note to Charles as he took Georgina’s hand, squeezing it for a moment. The master of distraction. “Forgive me, my love. So many responsibilities. We shall be taking our leave, but I trust you shall be busy preparing for our wedding.”

“Yes, yes.”

“You will make a resplendent bride.”

“Come, brother,” Charles bit out, sliding the note into his pocket as Hugh bid farewell to her sister and brother-in-law.

“Miss Georgina—” Charles bowed his head. “Always remember, if you ever need any assistance, anything at all, I will always be there for you.”

Her heart thudded in her chest. Somehow she knew deep in her soul that this was no ordinary pledge. “I shall remember.” She swallowed hard. “Charles, has something happened?”

“I must be off.”

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