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They stepped into his study and Lionel walked over to the tray sitting on a small table and picked up the decanter of brandy. He poured Robert a substantial amount, holding the glass out to him.

“Hair of the dog,” he said in commiseration.

Robert nodded his thanks as he took the glass and downed its contents in one gulp. The queasiness he was feeling faded somewhat, and he lowered himself into an overstuffed armchair with a grateful sigh.

Lionel sat across from him and crossed his legs, examining him keenly. “What is the matter, old friend? You are not usually one to indulge so heavily.”

Robert flicked a glance at him and looked away. “What say we eat first before I bare my soul?”

Lionel nodded. “Very well.”

He reached for the bell and rang it, summoning the butler.

They sat in silence as the door opened and a trio of servants walked in bearing trays laden high with food. The aromatic roast was steaming gently, the crusty bread was warm, and the vegetables were cold and crisp.

Robert’s stomach rumbled and he remembered he had not eaten since the previous evening. He had barely tasted his dinner—he had primarily imbibed—and he had also skipped breakfast, not wanting to sit by himself at the table again.

Once the food was served and they had eaten, the two men sat back sipping brandy-laced tea and commenting on the blue skies and sunshine.

“Shall we venture out for a walk?” Lionel asked as a scream startled them both.

“Should you not check on that?” Robert asked.

Lionel shook his head. “Absolutely not. My sisters are being their loud and tiresome selves. I cannot wait until they return to the country.”

Robert grinned. “Then I will gladly take you up on that stroll. All this sitting and brooding is becoming something of a bore.”

They stood up and collected their walking canes and hats before leaving the house. The sun was indeed pleasant against Robert’sback, and the Mayfair foot traffic was scarce enough to make walking a pleasant pastime rather than a game of dodging puddles, horse manure, and other pedestrians.

“Tell me,” Lionel said.

Robert took a deep breath and began to tell Lionel about his troubles.

Georgiana hailed a passing footman. “Where is my husband?”

“He went out, Your Grace.” The footman gave a bow and hurried past her.

Georgiana sighed as she stood in the corridor. She had worked up her determination, ready to confront the issues between them, and now her pent-up energy had nowhere to go.

She grumbled and put her hands on her hips. “Now what should I do?”

She shook her head, thinking that both Cecile’s and Selina’s advice had ultimately been useless. She decided to collect her cloak and go to her parents’ house for a visit. She needed a reminder that there were more serious things going on in the world than her little problems.

She ordered a carriage with a coachman and a tiger. Going back home was always difficult for her, and she felt the need for extra protection. She had not returned since her wedding, and she was unsure why she was going now, but Robert’s words kept echoing in her mind.

Do you think your parents were able to get such a substantial sum for you because you are pleasant-looking?

She had been presented with a fait-accompli when it came to her marriage. Her parents had come home and announced that she was betrothed.

“What do you mean, I am betrothed? The Season has barely started!” she exclaimed.

“Yes well, consider yourself fortunate that you will not have to display yourself like a sack of goods at the marriage mart. You have successfully caught yourself a duke without lifting a finger.”

“A duke?” she gasped in disbelief.

“Yes, is that not wonderful? No, no need to thank us. There is much to do to prepare for your wedding.”

Thereafter, everything had been a whirlwind of fittings, primping, and assembling her trousseau. She had barely had a moment to think. The steward had assured her that all theaccounts were back in the black and that sufficient capital remained to relaunch the family’s income-generating projects.