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“Perhaps he had some business in town.”

“Perhaps he did. But he would have probably said as much before driving off.”

“Well… I noticed a bit of tension between the two of you during the drive home. I thought perhaps it was my fault, but now I am wondering if it is in fact something else entirely.”

Georgiana sighed. “Daisy, I am going to tell you something and I do not want you to take it as a rebuke. What goes on between a man and his wife is nobody’s business but theirs.”

Daisy blanched, her eyes dropping down to her plate, cheeks filling with color. “Of course. I am sorry. I did not mean to pry. I only had your happiness in mind.”

Georgiana silently berated herself at her sharp words, knowing that she had made Daisy feel ashamed for intruding. With a resigned sigh, she turned her attention to her food.

The clink of cutlery on the plates grew very loud in the silence of the dining room. Once she had eaten her dinner, Georgiana politely refused the offer of dessert, excused herself, and rose from her chair to leave the dining room. Daisy opted to stay and eat her chocolate cake.

Georgiana paused at the door to look back at her sister. “You should stay here for a while. I have already sent a letter to Father and Mother informing them that you are staying with me. Did anyone from the ton see you during your… trip?”

Daisy shook her head. “No.”

“Good. If there are any inquiries, we shall simply say that you came for a visit and felt somewhat ill, so you extended your visit by several days.”

Daisy looked up at her. “Please do tell, who informed you that I had left? No one was told about our plans.”

“Cousin Jonah saw you in the company of Lord Newston. Lucky for you, I had called on our parents that day and met up with himbefore he could get to Father. When he told me what was going on, I offered to bring you back before anyone took notice. I made him swear not to tell a soul until we returned. I shall see him tomorrow and ensure that he has indeed kept his word.”

Daisy shook her head in embarrassment, putting down her fork and looking up at Georgiana. “I have made a mess of things, have I not?” she said miserably.

Georgiana pressed her lips together. “No use crying over spilled milk. You said that you and Thomas kept separate beds, did you not?”

“Yes, of course! We both wanted to wait for the wedding night.”

Georgiana nodded skeptically but said nothing further on the subject. “Well, all right then. All is well that ends well. Now if you will excuse me, I am quite weary and would like to retire for the evening.”

Daisy smiled. “You must have been worried sick. I am so sorry for doing that to you, Georgie. Good night.” She blew Georgiana a kiss.

Georgiana laughed softly, shaking her head.

She had always loved her sister’s spirit and determination. It was mostly harmless and usually quite entertaining.

“Good night,” she said, closing the door behind her.

Georgiana continued smiling all the way to her bed chambers.

Two hours later, Georgiana was still tossing and turning. Her body was restless, and her throat was scratchy and dry.

Cecile had neglected to fill the water carafe at her bedside. With an irritated huff, she threw off her bedcovers, donned her robe and slippers, and padded across the room and down the long stone corridor to fetch it herself.

She was not self-conscious about entering the kitchens; the servants were quite used to her frequent comings and goings.

She paused as she reached the landing, noticing light filtering through the bottom of the library door. She frowned, wondering whether Daisy had decided to return to her reading. She hesitated between ignoring the light and going on her way, or investigating the situation.

Her curiosity got the better of her and she walked with soundless steps towards the library doors.

She let out a breath, clutching her empty carafe tightly in hand, and opened the door. With a sharp intake of breath at the sight before her, she asked, “What are you doing here?”

Robert whipped around to look at her, his eyes shining in the firelight.

On the table before him lay a small stack of papers and a candle. She frowned and stepped closer to where he was seated.

He arched his eyebrow at her. “The last time I checked, this is my house.”