Page 62 of Ironvine

“You’ll soon find out. You’ll soon find out a great many things.” Justine laughed softly. “Are you anxious about the wedding night?”

Earlier, Georgina had explained how the engagement had come about to Justine over cups of hot chocolate and biscuits. But, not entirely everything. One day she would tell her, but now she wanted to only focus on the present.

Georgina only smiled in reply.

Justine bit into a small sugar biscuit. “I realise you are very well aware of how things…work.”

“Yes, I am. I was always eager to learn, and my sister was quite willing to inform.”

“If I may add one thing.”

Georgina set her tea cup on the table. “Please do.”

“This is your time. Your experience. You must wipe all those stories from your head and embrace what you and Charles have to share. It’s a unique bond that the two of you shall create. Its result is a closeness that grows and grows between you, a closeness that you build together. That will make you strong.”

“I’ve never thought of it like that. I always thought of it simply as…a temporal pleasure.”

“It is that, of course, yes.” Justine put her empty tea cup on the table. “Frankly, it can be many things. I have found it to be a unique form of expression and feeling and trust between a man and a woman. I know you’ve always been eager to experience it.”

Georgina only let out a laugh.

“I am sure your husband will be generous and good to you and that you will be delightfully surprised withal.”

Oh, he is, and I already am.

“I’m sure I will be,” said Georgina.

“That was a lovely break, but we haven’t a moment longer to waste. Shall we go to my dressing room and try on shoes? Luckily we are the same size, you and I.”

As they climbed the great staircase, Georgina took in the magnificent paintings of Brandon’s ancestors along the coffered wood walls. “Oh my…”

“What is it?”

“This is Brandon’s mother, Lady Caroline? They have the same sea green eyes, don’t they? As does your daughter.”

“They do, yes. She is beautiful, isn’t she? And so very happy.”

Georgina’s gaze was riveted on the pearl, diamond, and ruby necklace Lady Caroline wore. She’d seen that piece somewhere before. She was sure of it. And recently too. But where? On whom?

“You are quite sure your mother and brother will not attend the wedding?” Justine’s voice interrupted her haze. “I did hear that they have returned from London.”

“Oh, have they?” Her insides sank. “I shall certainly write and invite them. I do hope they’ve brought my things on from town. I shall have to go to Fairthorn and gather my belongings from there shortly. I especially look forward to having all my painting tools at my disposal once again. I’ve been without them all this time whilst I was in Devonshire.”

They continued up the staircase. “Tell me you’re still sketching, still painting. You did not mention it in your letters to me,” said Justine.

“I did sketch and draw at my sister’s, but painting, no. My sister and her husband disapproved, and they didn’t allow me any patch of space in their grand home to work. Philippa frowned upon the mess. Just like our mother.”

“You’ve missed it.”

“Beyond anything.”

“Oh, I’d quite forgotten—we must decide on the menu for your wedding breakfast. Cook gave me a list of ideas earlier for us to review.” Justine took out a folded paper from a pocket.

“Speaking of a menu, as I’m going to be the lady of Ryvves now, you must educate me on all things in running a house.”

“My love, you know all this.”

“But everything has happened so quickly, and I haven’t had a chance to give it a thought. I want to make sure I do well. And you, having been married to the Lord of Wolfsgate for the past two years have much experience to share.”

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