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Emma returned his smile, still trying to come to terms with all that had just transpired. She marveled at the turn of events, wondering if she was truly going to marry the man she had fallen in love with.

CHAPTER 30

“So?” Olivia jumped to her feet the moment George walked into the drawing room of Firman House after leaving Emma.

“So what?” George asked, though he had a feeling he knew where her curiosity was headed.

Jane held an equally curious glint in her eyes. “One of the footmen told the butler that the coachman informed him that you were going to the Dewsbury residence,” she responded. “We want to know what happened,” she added.

“Did you see Emma?” Olivia asked, just as impatient.

“One question at a time, ladies. I am but one man,” George chuckled lightly.

“He is laughing, Aunt Jane. So, I take it there is good news,” Olivia said, her eyes never leaving George’s face.

“I am indeed marrying Emma,” he finally announced.

Twin squeals of excitement erupted from the women. “Oh, I have never heard better news,” Jane exclaimed, hugging her niece in ecstasy.

George watched the women celebrate; their joy abundant. As he stood there, the enormity of everything finally dawned on him. He was to marry Emma, the woman who had captured him in ways he was still grappling to fathom.

“Fetch the finest wine we have,” Jane instructed a footman. “We must toast to this splendid news.” Her face aglow, and George smiled. “You have made us all very happy, George. Emma is a remarkable young lady, and you are fortunate to have won her heart.”

“I am the fortunate one, indeed,” George replied, unsure he had won Emma’s heart. She was in a state—due to the scandal—where her judgment was compromised. “Emma is everything I could have hoped for and more.”

Jane’s smile softened. “You must promise to cherish her always.”

“I give you my word,” George said solemnly.

Yes, this marriage was the result of a scandal, but George knew that he cared deeply for Emma and would do anything for her. Yet he found himself questioning his ability to protect her fromsociety’s judgment. She was everything a man could ever dream of in a woman. He did not deserve her.

Suddenly feeling weighed down, he turned, leaving the celebrating duo, and made his way to Alexander’s study. As George oversaw most of the Firman estate affairs, he made more use of the room than its actual owner.

Shortly after he had settled into some ledgers and steward reports, a brief knock came on the door before Jane walked in.

“Are you done celebrating already?” he quipped, attempting a light tone.

“Not when the man of the occasion suddenly left the party,” she returned, taking a seat opposite the great oak desk.

George sighed, leaning back in his chair. “I needed a moment to collect my thoughts.”

Jane studied him, her eyes soft with understanding. “It is a great deal to take in, I imagine.” She sat in studious silence for a moment, her gaze searching before she finally asked, “What is on your mind, Seymour?” Whenever Jane called him by his title, he knew she was serious.

“I am a happy groom,” George returned lightly, attempting to deflect the question.

“For a happy groom, you seemed quite withdrawn after making the announcement in the drawing room,” she said.

“Aunt Jane?—”

“I know you, George, and I know something is bothering you. So do not lie to me.”

George fell pensive, his facade crumbling before her perceptive gaze. Finally, he gave in. “What if I cannot protect her from society’s scorn and judgment, Aunt Jane?” he said.

“You underestimate yourself,” Jane replied, offering him an encouraging smile.

“You sound like Alex,” George smiled wanly.

“Well, he must have gotten it from somewhere, now, do you not think?” she quipped. He chuckled in spite of himself.