Page 39

It would be an excellent excuse to remain in London, and I have not made any other commitments.

“Very well,” he agreed. “I will meet with your father, but I make you no promises.”

Count Jakob gave a bow. “None expected. If we cannot convince you on merit alone,” he clapped his hands and then raised them in the air, “no hard feelings.”

“As they say the proof of pudding is in the eating,” Robert said.

“Indeed,” Count Jakob nodded sagely. “Meanwhile, let us break bread together. I heard somewhere that you had gotten married. Is this true?”

CHAPTER 14

“Welcome back,” Cecile said as Georgiana closed the door to her chambers with a sigh.

Georgiana jumped slightly as she turned to see Cecile getting to her feet and placing the sewing she had been doing on the small stool beside her chair.

Georgiana’s hand flew to her chest, and she expelled a loud gasp. She leaned her back against the door to support her weak knees.

“Cecile! You scared me.”

“I apologize, ma’am. I did not mean to do that.”

Georgiana straightened up, dropping her hand. “It is fine. It is my own fault for expecting the room to be empty.”

Her lady’s maid walked towards Georgiana, her brow furrowed with concern. “Are you all right, Your Grace?”

Georgiana’s shoulders dropped as she gave up. She really did need to speak with someone who could give her some insight into how men worked. She felt she would go mad if she remained in limbo any longer.

“Actually, Cecile, I am not.”

Cecile’s frown deepened. “What is ze matter?” she asked with concern.

With a sigh, Georgiana moved to the bed and sat down. She patted the space next to her. “Come. Sit.”

Cecile did as she was told, her eyes never leaving Georgiana’s, the frown on her forehead as apparent as ever. “Tell me.”

“You know that I had to rush out of town on some urgent business.”

Cecile nodded. “Yes, Lady Daisy ran off with that randy man.”

Georgiana’s eyes widened. “How did you know?”

“Ach!” she waved a hand airily, “you know how servants talk.”

Georgiana blinked a few times. “Oh no… so has it become common knowledge?”

Cecile shook her head. “No, not really.”

Georgiana put that aside with a sigh, deciding to brood about it later. “Well, His Grace also went searching for her.”

“Ah, oh! That is why you returned together.” Cecile nodded sagely.

“Er…yes. Well, that is not the issue.”

“What is, madam?”

“It is…well, you know how His Grace and I have been living, don’t you?”

“Separately, yes,” Cecile nodded.