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Georgiana’s heartbeat sped up as she walked towards him.

“You look lovely,” he said, as his eyes swept appreciatively over her frame.

She blushed and reached up self-consciously to touch her hair. “Thank you, Your Grace,” she said shyly, before taking her seat.

He walked over to the opposite chair, sat down, and poured each of them a generous glass of wine.

He lifted his glass in a toast. “I know you must be… befuddled as to what I am about tonight. So, I would like to reassure you that all I want is to spend a cozy evening with you enjoying good food and good conversation.”

Georgiana looked around the room. “You certainly have made it very warm and inviting in here. It is both cozy and comfortable.”

“So, you like it?” he asked.

She nodded, still looking around. “I do.”

“Good.” He got to his feet. “Coming up first is the soup and bread. Chef has very kindly made your favorite soup—mushroom and chicken in a bed of cream.”

“Oh. How lovely.” He handed her a bowl of the soup as well as a small plate with a freshly baked hot cross bun and a pat of butter. “Mmm, everything looks delicious.”

Robert took his seat, smiling as he tasted his soup. He paused, letting it sit in his mouth as she looked on expectantly.

“Well? Do you like it?”

He swallowed. “I admit that I was skeptical when I heard the combination of ingredients, but it is really quite delicious.”

“Yes, when I was quite young, I had a governess who would make it for me. I am afraid I grew quite addicted to it.”

“Well, I can see why. How long did she stay with you?”

She shrugged. “A few years…but eventually, she had to leave as we could no longer afford to keep her.”

“Do you know where she is now?”

She sighed. “Unfortunately, no. I would not even know where to start looking.”

“I know from personal experience how heartbreaking it is to form an…attachment…when you are young, only to have that person snatched from you without your control.”

She paused, her spoon halfway to her mouth. “Do you mean your mother?”

“Among others.” He gave a strained smile.

She immediately cast about for a change of topic. She did not want his mood to turn sour.

“So, what made you come up with this idea?” she asked. “Is this your usual way of courting women?”

He laughed. “Well, I do like to make an effort, but I ordinarily do not go to this length.” He glanced up, giving her a hesitant look. “After last night, I did not want to leave our next encounter to chance. I thought it high time I took the reins.”

“Oh…” Georgiana was at a loss for words.

If she was being honest with herself, effort was exactly what she had wanted from Robert. She had almost given up believing she would ever get it.

He peered keenly at her. “Are you ready for the next dish?” he asked.

She nodded, putting aside her spoon. “Yes. I am. What is next?’

“Herb-roasted stuffed chicken with a savory sauce, I believe. How do you feel about that?”

“It is one of my favorite dishes. I cannot believe you knew that!”