Page 81

Cecile smiled. “I understand, Your Grace. If you do not mind me saying, it is high time.”

Robert snorted, shaking his head. “Go. When are you expecting the duchess to return?”

She shrugged. “Soon, I suppose. She went out with Lady Daisy to shop, but she does not like shopping very much.”

“Good.” He reached over to his drawer and extracted a bottle of lavender extract. “Put some of this in her bath. It will help her relax.”

Cecile took it with a smile and a nod. “I will not fail you, Your Grace.”

“I know you will not.”

Georgiana returned to her chambers later that afternoon to discover a steaming tub of scented water awaiting her, a gown laid out on her bed and Cecile standing by the vanity, smiling cheekily.

“What is all this?” she asked in wonder.

“Your husband has asked me to help you prepare for dinner. I think he has something special planned.”

Georgiana felt her cheeks warm up. “Oh?” she said faintly.

Cecile nodded excitedly. “Yes indeed.” She skipped a little and clapped her hands. “Come, you are late. We must hurry.”

Georgiana put a hand on her chest, where her heart was beating elatedly. “All right. What…where do you want me?”

Cecile hurried forward to assist her with removing her gown. Georgiana tried to help as much as she could but found that her hands were shaking too much to be of use.

She felt dizzy with anticipation; the prospect of sharing a special dinner with Robert was more than she had expected.

What has he prepared? What will we talk about?

She looked up and her eyes met Cecile’s in the looking glass.

“You look nervous, Your Grace.”

“I have never…” she shook her head, “this is my first time…”

“You have never…what? Been courted by a man?” Cecile asked gently.

Georgiana nodded slowly.

Cecile offered her a small, wistful smile. “Never fear. It is no different from conversing with your husband. Let him entertainyou, offer amusing anecdotes, and all you need to do is laugh. Tell him he is incorrigible.”

Georgiana laughed. “You make it sound so simple.”

“Ach.” She threw her hands in the air. “Men are simple.”

Georgiana laughed again, feeling much better. “What would I do without you, dear Cecile?”

“Oh, you would manage just fine, Your Grace.”

CHAPTER 27

“Heavens,” Georgiana stopped short as she entered the dining room, her jaw dropping as she looked around.

Rose petals were scattered across the floor, and a huge bouquet stood on the side table. The larger dining table was empty, but a much smaller round table had been positioned close to the fireplace, with just two silver and crystal place settings. The sideboard was covered with an array of aromatic dishes.

The room was lit with scented candles and a fire burned merrily in the grate.

Robert stood by one of the chairs around the smaller table and smiled at her. When her eyes landed on him, he gestured to the chair and pulled it out invitingly.