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“Itisquite typical. Why, oftentimes they do not even bother to ask you directly,” she snarked.

He paused mid-chew, coughed, and shot her an irritated glance. “Some men do thecustomary thingand discuss a marriage with the lady’s parents.”

“Mmmph!” Georgiana dug into her porridge angrily, while Daisy looked from one to the other in puzzled alarm.

“Thomas said we should go to Gretna Green because Papa would not agree to his suit. That was why he did not ask beforehand.”

Georgiana ignored her, still glaring at Robert. “Well, at least he had the courtesy totalkto his desired bride.”

Robert rolled his eyes. “You were free to say no if you were not interested in the marriage.”

“Was I?” Georgiana blurted angrily before pursing her lips and looking away.

Robert frowned. “What is that supposed to mean?”

“Nothing. It means nothing,” Georgiana replied before turning to Daisy. “If you would like to attend some society events while you are staying with me, I would be more than happy to accompany you.”

Daisy’s eyes lit up. “Truly? That would be lovely.”

“Duchess,” Robert said testily, “explain yourself.”

She ignored him as Daisy quickly rose from her chair. “Err, on second thought, I think I will go back to bed. I am still quite tired.”

Robert also rose, bowing to her. “Very well. The butler will have someone bring the rest of your breakfast to you.”

Daisy nodded awkwardly before leaving as quickly as she could.

“Now see what you did.” Georgiana said, “You scared her off.”

“Me?” he pointed to himself in disbelief, “I am not the one who is behaving as snappish as a barracuda first thing in the morning.”

Just as she opened her mouth to retort, the housekeeper hurried into the room, looking flustered.

She curtsied absentmindedly before approaching Georgiana. “Ma’am, I am afraid I have some bad news. The footman did not get anypuits d’amour. Thepâtissieris closed.”

Georgiana’s shoulders dropped and she whined disappointedly.

“I was so looking forward to them,” she mumbled.

The housekeeper’s head dropped. “I am very sorry, Your Grace.”

Georgiana nodded in dismissal. “Very well.” She waved the housekeeper away, still pouting.

With a big sigh, she picked up her spoon and finished her porridge in silence. She could feel Robert’s eyes on her but ignored him. Once she was through, she got to her feet.

“Well, have a good day. I hope you conclude your business as fast as possible. I am leaving.”

“Where are you going?” Robert asked sharply.

“I would not wish to burden you with that information, Your Grace. I am certain you already have a lot on your mind.” She gave him a small wave before sauntering out of the room.

She felt quite pleased with herself. The one thing she could control was what information she chose to impart.

She collected her hat, cloak, and umbrella and left. Selina’s house was not far. She could walk there without suffering too much in the inclement weather. She had never felt the need to speak to her friend with such acuteness.

Maybe things will be clearer if I discuss my troubles with her.

Robert tried to absorb himself in the news to bury his irritation at Georgiana, but he barely registered the words on the page. It did not help that it was a gossip rag, containing an article about how the second son of the Duke of Cambridge had run off with a lady’s maid to get married at Gretna Green.