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“And now you do not know what will happen next?” Selina asked.

Georgiana nodded. “I wish it were that simple. This marriage… it has been confusing from the beginning. I feel as if the duke just makes decisions arbitrarily, without even speaking with me. He leaves me out here, blowing in the wind, simply cast adrift with no information, left to navigate on my own like an outcast.”

Selina frowned. “Can you not speak with him? I hate to even imagine going through that. I urge you to confront the duke and tell him clearly how you feel. How else will you ever trust him?”

Georgiana sighed deeply. “That is indeed the question.”

“Good morning, ladies.”

They both jumped and turned to see Robert on a gray horse, standing behind them on the path.

Georgiana’s jaw dropped. “What are you doing here?” she asked.

“Well, I fancied a ride this morning. Your sister told me you had the same idea, so I thought I would join you.”

Her brow furrowed. “I do not think so. We have ridden quite enough this morning. Selina and I are tired. I think we will take a sedate walk from here.”

She swung herself off the horse. Selina hastened to join her.

“That is fine. A walk is probably better for all of us. I imagine you must also be quite tired from last night’s activities,” Robert grinned as he too swung off his horse.

Georgiana huffed in frustration as Robert approached. He took hold of her reins, as well as Selina’s, and gestured for them to start walking.

“Oh!” she said with a start before beginning to walk.

Selina took her arm with a smile, and they ambled along self-consciously, Robert following behind.

Georgiana wracked her brain for something innocuous to discuss. It was not easy to pivot from her handwringing conversation with Selina to something cheerful and suitable for a walk in the park.

It was Selina who saved them. “Quite tired, you said?” She asked Robert, “What was the occasion?”

Robert laughed. “No occasion, merely a late supper and good conversation accompanied by one too many drinks.”

“How lovely. If you do not mind my saying so, it does my heart glad to see you and Georgiana experiencing a rapprochement. Long may it continue.”

He looked abashed, shrugging one shoulder. “If I have anything to say about it, we certainly will.”

Selina nodded approvingly. “Good.”

She paused, her mouth half open as she caught sight of a group of women who were also taking in the morning air. Georgiana recognized some of them.

Three daughters of the prominent Windermere family and their two dearest friends. Georgiana had seen them at many balls, butthey had never condescended to speak to her. Even as the wife of a duke, she was still considered to be beneath them.

Georgiana did not blame them. In their eyes, she had come out of nowhere and stolen one of the most prized catches in the marriage mart. If she was in their position she might also be resentful.

The ladies caught sight of them and to Georgiana’s surprise, they approached…smiling.

What is happening?

She froze, not knowing what to do as they drew near.

“Your Grace!” the oldest sister with the strawberry blonde hair exclaimed. “What a surprise to see you here. You are not often to be found in the city.”

She brushed past Georgiana without so much as a glance, wiggling her fingers at Robert so he could kiss them.

Robert executed an elegant bow towards her and her sisters, ignoring the proffered hand. “Lady Susan, Lady Caroline, Lady Victoria, how lovely to see you. It has been a long time.”

Lady Susan took back her hand, looking a bit miffed. “Yes, I do believe the last time was a year ago when you came to dine with us at Heron Hall,” she said stiffly.