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Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Robert rise hastily to his feet. He offered her an elegant bow and hastened to pull out her chair.

Georgiana sat down without making eye contact. She still felt somewhat embarrassed by their earlier discussion in Hyde Park. She had not meant to be so forthright with him or expose herself as much as she had. She was a little annoyed with herselfandhim because of it.

“Good morning,” he said as he took his seat.

She nodded curtly in his direction.

“Morning,” she immediately turned to the butler. “May I have some porridge, please?”

He bowed. “Of course, Your Grace,” he said before leaving for the kitchen to fetch it for her.

She glanced around the room, wondering where Daisy might be. The clink of silver on cutlery caused her to turn back to Robert, who was looking at her intently. Georgiana stretched her lips into an awkward parody of a smile.

“Will you be returning to Emberford today?” she asked blandly.

It was the only thing she really wanted to know.

“No, I will not. Now that I am in town I might as well complete some pending business.”

She nodded slowly, swallowing hard. “And how long will that take you?” she asked.

“Good morning!” Daisy breezed into the room, interrupting their conversation.

Robert hastened to his feet again, bowing elegantly to Daisy.

“Good morning, Lady Daisy.”

Georgiana flicked a smile at her sister, frustrated at her timing.

“Good morning, Your Grace, sister. Sorry I am late. I overslept. The rain was quite soothing, and I was tired after that long journey yesterday.”

“That’s quite all right, my lady,” Robert said. “You could have asked for breakfast to be brought to you if you wished. No need to stand on formality.”

Daisy smiled. “Oh… That is… kind of you, Your Grace. At home, Mama and Papa always insist we eat together.”

“Is that so? Well…I suppose that is customary in a traditional family setup.”

“Oh, I would not know. I have barely been to anyone else’s home. Papa and Mama do not like that.”

Georgiana frowned, bothered by Daisy’s candor. She did not want Robert to think her family was strange.

“Ah, of course, they are protective.” He grinned, “And that made you rebellious, did it?”

Daisy’s brow furrowed in puzzlement. “Rebellious? Me? Oh no. I would never behave in such a fashion.” She pointed with her fork. “Georgie’s the brave one.”

“Really?” Robert’s grin widened. “What would you call running off to Gretna Green?”

Daisy’s frown deepened. “Well…that was Thomas’ idea. I did not really want to but…he…convinced me.” Her voice dropped to a whisper on the last three words, making Georgiana peer at her with concern.

“Did he force you?” she asked.

“Oh no!” Daisy agitatedly shook her head. “Nothing like that. He has a way with words.” She gave a low, nervous laugh. “Because he said he loved me so much.”

Robert nodded sagely. “Ah yes, of course. Quite typical of a man, eh? When they want you, they let nothing stand in their way.”

He speared a piece of kipper with his fork and put it in his mouth.

Georgiana turned her frown on him, suspecting that he was mocking her sister.