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“A younger son of an earl can never have quite the same freedom as the first son. The coffers and the law generally do not allow for it.” He chuckled, but it seemed forced.

“But you know, Mrs. Hughes, for all the times we’ve beat around the bush or avoided an answer, perhaps we ought to get to know each other better. Rather than making shrewd inferences.”

She was taken aback by his words, but she would rise to the challenge. “What do you propose?”

“An outing. After my recovery from my last stint with the army, I haven’t spent quality time with my ward. I’d like her to meet some of my acquaintances around town. Do you think you and she would be up for that?”

Clara smiled. “Georgiana loves being invited to anything.”

“Good.” He smiled. “But I’ll warn you. This outing will not be for the faint of heart.”

She tried to study his now guarded eyes. “Is that so? I don’t know what you have in mind, but isn’t it your stomach that we should be worrying about?”

“Oh please.” He swiped at the air and raised his brows. “I am a soldier. I have great fortitude. I just have an aversion—and a strong physical reaction, actually—to shellfish if I consume it. I caught a whiff and a glance of it when your maid—”

“Spare me,” she said, throwing her hand out and inadvertently hitting his shoulder. She hadn’t realized they were so close. “No need to recount it.”

“Right, of course.” He swallowed and his cheeks colored. It was the second time she’d seen him blush. For a military man, he did seem to grow bashful every once in a while.

“Here we are!” Georgiana’s sing-song voice carried through the doorway. The beautiful teapot and cups and saucers perched on a silver platter.

“My goodness,” Clara said, “I don’t know which is more resplendent—this amazing teapot or your glowing face, Georgiana.”

“Oh, thank you, Mrs. Hughes. I do so love a thoughtful present like this one.” She took to pouring the brew when the butler again appeared in the doorway.

“A Lord Edling, Miss Darcy. Should I tell him you are available for callers or turn him away?”

“Oh, heavens,” Georgiana said, nearly dropping the teapot as her face colored. “Don’t turn him away.” She glanced timidly at Clara. “Could we have one more visitor?”

“Of course.”

Georgiana’s sudden actions told more than her words had earlier, and Clara suddenly wondered if she understood why she was so nervous. Perhaps he was the dance partner she’d been most interested in.

The gentleman appeared at the doorway, his blond hair was a shade darker than Georgiana’s, the cut of his jacket long and perfect just like his tall, thin frame, even if he did tug on it a few times until Georgiana invited him to sit.

Once he finally did so, he claimed the spot closest to Georgiana.

She performed introductions perfectly, and when everyone was settled again, the foursome enjoyed a pleasant tea as though this group was meant to be the original configuration all along.

“Well,” the colonel said after a few more minutes passed. “I fear I must be going. Georgiana, Mrs. Hughes said that you’d both be free for a little surprise amusement I’ve prepared for tomorrow. I could pick you up at one in the afternoon. Lord Edling, too, if you are free, you are welcome.”

“Oh, why thank you, sir,” Lord Edling said, slapping a hand on his knee. “I’d be delighted if the ladies don’t object.”

“Not at all,” Georgiana said.

Had Clara ever seen the girl smile this much? Clara knew little of Lord Edling, but there had been nothing in his manners to offend during their time together thus far.

“Shall we all meet here, then?” the colonel said, and it was agreed upon. “Enjoy your tea, Georgiana.”

“I will.”

She made to rise, but the colonel gestured for her to sit down. “Mrs. Hughes can see me out.”

Georgiana gave a shy smile and whispered her thanks. Clara shot dagger eyes to the colonel but ultimately obliged him by standing.

What was the fool doing? Did he not notice the besotted looks between these two?

Clara wondered just how soon she needed to remind Georgiana to be very deliberate in her choice of a match and, in the meantime, relish her freedom.

As soon as they were out in the corridor, she turned on him. “What are you doing?”

“They needed some time alone.”

“They most certainly did not. I am her chaperone and am not to leave her alone.”

“Ah, very good. You pass the test of conscientiousness. But no harm will come from it. I know Lord Edling, and he’s as timid as a lamb.”

Clara placed one hand on her hip. “Regardless of what he is or isn’t, her brother had very clear expectations.” With her free hand, she put one finger to the colonel’s chest. “You are putting me and your ward in a precarious position.”

To her utter surprise, he took her hand and shifted his fingers around until he held her hand, fingers weaving through hers, and then stepped closer. “I would think we were in more danger of a scandal alone in this corridor.”

His gaze bore into hers, his eyes seeming to study different aspects of her face.

She should tell him to leave and not even walk him to the door.

But suddenly, her feet felt heavy, unwilling to move.

Some unsaid feeling was drawing her to him, and that wasn’t a sensation she was used to.

Even with her husband. Before marriage, there had been respect and regard—but she hadn’t felt like this.

She found herself studying his features, too, finding his nose, his eyes—his mouth, even—quite pleasant.

He must have noticed the last place she looked because he smiled.

She took a step back, clumsily bumping into the wall. She was a free, independent woman. No man would cast a spell on her.

“You, I am sure, can see yourself out.” She cast her hand toward the front door.

His countenance analyzed hers for a second before nodding and walking away. “I’ll see you all tomorrow,” he called, tipping his hat to her.

Despite the lack of his presence, it took several long breaths before she composed herself enough to enter the parlor again.