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Georgiana’s eyes narrowed further. “There is nothing wrong with Daisy’s common sense. Just because she has an expectation that a gentleman will act like a gentleman, does not mean she lacks common sense. Unless you are saying that no gentleman is honorable and worthy of trust.”

He rolled his eyes. “That is not at all what I meant. And in fact, I meant it as a compliment toyou.”

“And do you think I should take compliments at the expense of my sister?”

He huffed, expelling a breath loudly. “Certainly not. I have clearly offended you, and so I apologize.”

She favored him with a sidelong glare. “Your apology seems quite insincere.”

“Well, I do mean it, Duchess. Nevertheless, we have a more pressing issue to deal with at present. So, shall we focus on finding your sister?”

Georgiana whirled around and stormed off towards the carriage. She had had quite enough of everything and was ready to return home. As soon as she found Daisy, she intended to return to London without stopping.

Robert ambled towards her, seemingly unmoved by her annoyance.

He hopped inside the carriage, snapped the reins, and began their trip to Gretna Green.

CHAPTER 7

“Duchess,” Georgiana turned sharply and saw Robert leaning into the doorway of a small chapel, his voice low and urgent as he gestured for her to come closer.

She had raced to the church as soon as they had arrived in Gretna Green, her heart pounding, praying desperately that they were not too late.

She ran inside and came to a halt, her gaze darting around.

The chapel was empty.

Oh, God. It is over, she is already?—

Suppressing her panic, Georgiana searched for a clergyman to ask if a marriage had already taken place that day, but the chapel was silent and empty. Her frustration mounted and she stormed outside to where Robert was waiting.

“What is it?” she demanded, irritably brushing an errant curl from her face.

“I spoke with the groom at the stables,” Robert replied calmly, his eyes glinting with an unreadable expression. “He saw a couple resembling our fugitives heading toward the grove to be wed. Apparently, they were… eager.”

Georgiana’s breath caught. “The grove?”

Robert nodded, the ghost of a smirk on his lips. “Shall we, then?”

“Lead the way.” She set her jaw, determination hardening her features.

“Daisy!” Georgiana broke into a sprint, her skirts billowing as she dashed toward the couple.

Her sister turned towards her in alarm, her bouquet of wildflowers slipping from her fingers.

Robert stopped a few paces back, watching the scene unfold.

The grove looked like something straight out of a dream—a fantasy no doubt conjured by a hopelessly romantic young woman desperate to escape the bounds of convention.

Georgiana’s sister Daisy had always been prone to such whimsy, and it seemed she had finally found someone willing to indulge her.

Lord Newston’s irritation was unmistakable, his jaw tight with barely contained impatience. As he looked at Daisy, Robert saw a flicker in Daisy’s eyes—was it relief? Or was he merely hoping it was?

As Georgiana approached, Newston started to protest, his voice cold and dismissive. “This is highly inappropriate. We are in the middle of?—”

“Daisy,” Georgiana cut him off, clutching her sister’s hands in hers, her voice soft yet firm. “Is this really what you want? A rushed ceremony, hidden away like some shameful secret?”

Daisy glanced uncertainly at Newston, her confidence wavering.