Page 19 of Haunted

“Lady Hera,” Francesca murmured, curtseying also to George’s first true friend, who was eying her with rather sharpcuriosity. Nevertheless, she smiled and shook hands as though they too were old friends. “And Sir Arthur is here, too!”

“George, how delightful!” Hera said, going to him at once. “I didn’t see you, standing there so quietly.”

The duchess caught Francesca’s gaze and, shockingly, closed one eye. “I’ve come to rush you away, my dear! Bring your lovely little boy and come with us to London for a fortnight. After which, Hera wishes to bear you off to Lincolnshire. I might come too, if Cuttyngham is willing. A fresh start, I think?”

The vicar’s wife’s jaw seemed about to hit the floor. She had publicly and frequently insulted the friend of a duchess. Mrs. Paston began to look smug.

“Perhaps you have an announcement, George?” Lady Hera said clearly.

“Actually, I do. Mrs. Hazel has agreed to be my wife.” George smiled directly into Francesca’s eyes, and she smiled back with all the love and all the laughter surging inside her.

“Youseehim,” Lady Hera said in surprise. “You really do see him for what he is.”

“I love him for what he is,” Francesca said proudly, and the happiness in George’s face dazzled like the sun in winter.

The End