Page 122

The other women gasped.

“Yes! It was quite the scandal. Everyone has shunned him.”

“I am surprised he did not return home,” another woman said.

“Well…I heard tell he did not leave of his own volition; that it might be even more dangerous for him here than it is in Paris.”

“His mother must be devastated.”

“It cannot be easy for her.”

“Poor thing.”

“He always was a bit of a troublemaker,” the first woman ventured.

“Yes. Always getting into something, even as a lad.”

“I suppose he will find his way out somehow.”

“One would hope so, if only for the sake of his mother.”

The sound of a bell ringing drew Georgiana’s attention away from the women and towards the dais where Robert, Lionel, Daisy, and their parents were standing.

“Ladies and gentlemen,” he said. “Today we have gathered together to celebrate the engagement of my good friend, Lord Lionel Stanmore—” he gestured to the man to loud applause. “—and my sister-in-law, Lady Daisy Milton.”

There was equally loud applause for her.

“It is indeed a happy day, and one which my wife and I are only too happy to host.” He indicated to Georgiana, still in her seat, and everyone applauded obligingly.

“I shall leave the floor in the capable hands of Lionel, as each of them give their speeches.”

He stepped down from the dais and Lionel promptly took his place.

“I would like to start with a word of thanks to all of you for coming all the way to Emberford to celebrate with us. We are grateful for your support. Next, I would like to thank Lord and Lady Milton for accepting my suit. Your daughter is very precious to me, and I intend to nurture and protect her for the rest of my days.”

His speech was met with thunderous applause, and Daisy blushed becomingly at guests’ hearty response.

“I also wish to salute your sister Georgiana, to whom you credit the majority of your upbringing. There are no words that can encompass our gratitude to you for the exemplary job you have done.”

Georgiana ducked her head in embarrassment as the room exploded in applause.

“I know you expect no thanks for what you would consider to be your duty. But we would like to show our appreciation all the same.”

The clapping went on for so long that Georgiana thought her burning face might melt from the heat. To her relief, Lionel moved on to speak about his hopes for their future.

Selina squeezed her hand and smiled when Georgiana looked her way.

“You deserve all the accolades,” she whispered.

Georgiana only shook her head and smiled.

Once the speeches were done it was time to open the dance floor. Lionel and Daisy glided onto the floor, their eyes only for each other as the orchestra played a waltz.

Robert marveled at the look on his friend’s face. He had never seen Lionel look that way at anyone.

He smiled and nodded, able to relate to his friend’s feelings. His eyes scanned the room looking for Georgiana. She was still sitting where he had placed her, deep in conversation with Selina. He immediately began to make his way towards her.

He held out his hand as she looked up at him. “Will you honor me with this dance, Your Grace?”