Page 14 of A Duke to Restore her Memory
Sebastian stopped walking, his heart seizing, as he saw the trail of a pale blue gown vanishing along a path in the garden. He knew it was Georgina. He had spotted her from his chamber window this morning and admired her in the pale blue gown, thinking how much the colour suited her.
She is the reason you decided to go for a walk in the gardens. Do not deny it. You are hoping you will run into her.
He rubbed his neck ruefully before continuing, knowing it was true. She had been on his mind even more than usual today because he had seen her leaning out of her bedroom window last night when he had been walking this very path in the middle of the night.
For some reason, he hadn’t been able to sleep at all and had impulsively decided to take a midnight ramble through the grounds, thinking it would calm his mind. When he had seen Georgina, her eyes closed and her golden hair loose and streaming behind her in the wind, his heart had shifted in his chest, filling with a sensation he had never experienced in his life.
He quickened his step, turning down the path, and his heart almost stopped again.
There she was, at the end of the path, framed by an arbor of climbing red roses, as red as rubies, contrasting vividly with the gold of her hair and the blue of her gown. She looked like an angel from a Botticelli painting.
He had never seen anything more beautiful in his life.
Their eyes met and locked, and he felt a frisson down his spine. Slowly, before he even realized he was doing it, he started walking towards her. She didn’t move. She looked as if she were frozen to the spot.
“Georgina,” he said, clearing his throat. His voice was hoarse and cracking. “I thought it was you.”
She swept into a curtsey, the blue gown spilling around her like paint onto the ground, before slowly rising, staring him straight in the eye again.
“Your Grace,” she said, her voice high and melodious, flowing like honey. Her eyes were impossibly green – as green as his lawns on a clear, bright day, and seemed to peer into the very depths of his soul. “You are walking very early this morning. I do not usually see you out this early.”
He raised his eyebrows. “It seems I was drawn out this morning.” He hesitated. “I was drawn out last night, as well. The middle of the night. I think I saw you leaning out your bedroom window.”
She blushed fiercely. “It is true. Her voice faltered. “I … I had a most vivid dream, and I was having a hard time shaking it from my mind. I thought the night air might help me.”
He gazed at her curiously. “You can tell me about it if you like. Shall we walk together?”
She hesitated. His heart almost stopped again as he waited for her to decide. Eventually, she nodded her head, smiling at him shyly.
“I would like that very much, Your Grace,” she said.
He nodded, feeling inordinately pleased. He was on the verge of asking her if he could take her arm, then decided against it. They started walking, taking the path that veered to the right and led towards the lake at the bottom of the estate.
“What was your dream?” he asked eventually, turning to her, admiring the purity of her profile. “Why were you having a hard time shaking it?”
Georgina sighed heavily. “I was arguing with a man,” she replied slowly. “He was … very angry with me. But I did not know why.”
“You feel that this man is part of your life?” He held his breath as he waited for her reply. “You feel that he is someone you know and that the dream really happened?”
She shrugged helplessly. “I hardly know,” she replied in a breathless voice. “It just seemed so real! And the anger was almost visceral – I could see, feel, and hear it. It was enshrouding me like a cloud.” She hesitated. “I raked my mind, tried so hard to recall the man, but there was nothing – as always.”
She hung her head, looking so dejected that he had to resist the impulse to reach out and take her hand to offer comfort.
“You know what Dr Watson advised,” he said. “He told you not to try to force it at all. The memories will come when they are ready.” He paused. “And it sounds to me as if that dream was a memory surfacing. You must see it as a good sign and not place too much expectation on it.”
“You are very kind,” she said in a halting voice, her eyes sliding to his face. “But I feel under immense pressure to get my memory back.” She exhaled slowly. “I cannot stay here taking advantage of your hospitality forever, Your Grace. If the memory of my previous life is fated never to return, then I shall be forced to move on and start my life anew … wherever that may be.”
He gazed at her steadily, feeling acutely how vulnerable she felt, how adrift in the world, without anchor or harbour. Unconsciously, he took a step closer to her. Her eyes widened as she gazed up at him.
“I am sorry you feel that way,” he said gently. “You do not need to feel such pressure, Georgina. You may stay at Newquay as long as you need … do not feel as if you are being pressured to regain your memory and move on. That is very far from the case.”
She looked doubtful, biting her lip, but nodded. “You are very kind. Hopefully, I will not need to intrude on your generosity for very much longer.” She paused. “We should not dwell on it. How are things with your mines? Are you still under pressure to sell?”
Sebastian hesitated. He really shouldn’t be discussing the family business with her – Lydia had reminded him that Georgina was a complete stranger to them, no matter how sincere and warm she appeared to be.
But at that moment, he was well and truly under her spell, and he couldn’t believe that she would ever betray his confidence or use whatever he might tell her against him.
His mind turned to the Earl of Cheltenham’s surprise visit and how the odious man wanted to buy all his mines on top of Hester’s threats.
The worst of it was that if things didn’t improve soon, he might be forced to consider selling. And the thought of that made him so distressed he could barely function … so he was trying very hard not to think of it all.
“There is a lot of pressure,” he admitted, his face twisting. He paused. “I need to go over my ledgers with a fine toothcomb and see if there are any discrepancies and unnecessary expenses …”
“I could help you,” she said quickly. “I am good with numbers … and have worked with business ledgers before.”
He gaped at her, stunned. She gasped, her hand flying to her mouth, looking as shocked as him at what had just emerged from her mouth.
“Really?” He stared at her. “How do you know?”
“It just popped into my head,” she said, shaking her head incredulously. “I had a clear notion that I have worked with ledgers before … and that I know what to do with them.” She stared at him, her eyes widening. “It is uncanny. Do you think it is true?”
He shrugged, not knowing what to make of the odd statement. “We could find out,” he replied, his heart skipping a beat. “You could look at my business ledgers and see if you know what they are about. We would discover the truth fairly quickly – they would look like hieroglyphics to anyone unfamiliar with them.”
“You would be willing to do that for me?” She stared at him. “Truly?”
Slowly, he nodded his head, unable to believe himself that he was offering it. “Truly. It might help unlock memories of your life, Georgina … and besides, you might be able to help me tidy them up a little, as well.” He shrugged. “It could be a win-win situation.”
“Alright,” she said hesitantly. “I would be willing to do it … it might be a key to unlock my memory as you say, and I would greatly enjoy helping you if I can.” She paused. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
He smiled at her. “It appears that you might be well educated, Georgina,” he said, his curiosity piqued. Who exactly was she? “Have you had any other flashes of memory or strange, vivid dreams that might indicate your past?”
Slowly, she nodded. “Yes, I have. Ever since that dream, I have had flashes of memory that flicker briefly and then fade entirely. They seem unconnected.” She paused. “I have seen a long hallway with a vivid tapestry on the wall depicting a battle from mediaeval times. Some beautiful gowns. And the face of a woman – a kind woman, who I trust implicitly – who is wearing a maid’s white cap. Nothing else.”
“Well, it is a start,” he said, his smile widening. “It is very promising indeed.” He hesitated. “Perhaps I should throw a grand ball to see if anyone recognizes you …even though I do not think you are from this district now. What do you think?”
“Are you trying to get rid of me?” she joked, her face twisting.
“Not at all,” he said, his heart skipping a beat. “I just dislike seeing you suffer so much, and I feel responsible for your suffering.” His voice lowered. “I feel as if I owe you the world because of it, Georgina.”
Their eyes met and held. The flame between them flared to life again.
Suddenly, there was the sound of a frothy woman’s giggle coming from behind the hedge, followed by the low laugh of a man. They both jumped. Sebastian put a finger to his lips to indicate she shouldn’t speak, gesturing for her to follow him.
They walked on tiptoes towards the sounds. Sebastian smiled slowly. It was Lady Frances Lewis and his friend Lord Ealing whispering together. He watched in surprise as Daniel took Frances’ face between his hands, slowly leaning forward and kissing her.
“Well, well, well,” he whispered, shaking his head incredulously. “Wonders will never cease.” He paused. “My sister is going to be very disappointed. She had earmarked Lady Frances for me.”
Georgina giggled. “Oh, dear. It looks as if the lady’s heart belongs somewhere else entirely.”
They turned to each other, still laughing. His heart turned over in his chest. He realized he really wanted to kiss her – just like Daniel was kissing Frances.
Awkwardly, he turned away, his heart thumping harder still. He must be very careful indeed. How was he going to manage this fierce attraction towards her? He had tried staying away from her and failed miserably. What was going to happen?