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I t was a beautiful morning, promising to be a glorious day.

Sunshine streamed across the deep blue sky so perfectly that not even an artist could capture its beauty on canvas.

It would be another wonderful day for the activities at the house party.

Georgina wasn’t certain she wished to attend.

The archery tournament the day before had been enlightening.

It had given her new insight into the inner workings of Lord Foxmoore’s mind.

What had he really hoped to achieve? What could he possibly have gained by her winning that tournament?

Georgina really wished she had discovered the details of his wager with Lord Kendal.

She may never know the answer to those questions, especially as she had not been declared the winner.

She was actually grateful for it. She had never enjoyed being the center of attention, a trait unlikely ever to change.

If Lord Foxmoore wanted somebody who thrived on that sort of attention, then it would be better if he found a different woman to pursue.

Georgina wasn’t certain what activities the dowager marchioness had planned for the remainder of the house party, but she hoped they were not as vigorous as the archery had been.

Given the choice she would’ve remained at the school for the day, but that had not been an option afforded to her.

The appeal of a house party did not sit well with her and never had.

The only reason she had looked forward to the gathering at all was the opportunity to become better acquainted with Lord Foxmoore.

Now even that had her questioning everything.

Was Lord Foxmoore worth her time? Should she keep her distance from him?

She probably should… but she wouldn’t. Georgina was drawn to the man, and she wanted to be near him.

Something about him gave her comfort and eased the anxiety that followed her through any social engagement.

That feeling was something she wanted to have at her side.

Something she wanted to cultivate and explore.

What if she could open herself up to more possibilities because of him? Could she have more?

“We are walking to the Easton estate awfully early today,” Melisande grumbled. “What if I would rather stay behind?”

“If you really feel that way,” Mrs. Havenwood began, “then you may certainly remain at the school. I’m certain there is something else we can find for you to do today. Perhaps Miss Abernathy can arrange a literature lesson catered to your needs.”

Melisande wrinkled her nose. “All right. I’ll go.

” She didn’t sound happy with that decision; however, it was the only one she could have made.

Georgina had a feeling that Melisande would find something to occupy herself once they arrived at Easton Abbey, and whatever that turned out to be probably would be of the naughty variety.

“Is everyone ready to depart?” Mrs. Havenwood asked. She looked around, and her girls nodded.

“Very well,” Mrs. Havenwood said. “Girls, walk with your assigned chaperone.” She met Miss Spencer’s gaze. The headmistress hadn’t liked that Miss Spencer had lost her two charges the previous day during the archery tournament—Jaclyn and Charlotte had disappeared for a short time.

“Are you ready to go to Easton Abbey?” Melisande sidled up next to her and asked.

They were all gathered in the courtyard as they waited to walk over.

She had Melisande to contend with again.

Georgina glanced over at Jaclyn and Charlotte.

They were being distant with each other.

Something had happened there, but she had not pried them for any information.

Perhaps she should have. It would have been better than listening to Melisande crow about her victory.

“What are your plans for the day?” Georgina asked. “Do you have another scheme you wish to enact?”

“I might,” she said. There was a gleam in her eyes that gave Georgina pause. “But I can’t say just yet.”

Georgina barely refrained from rolling her eyes.

She should perhaps care that Melisande had some devilish activity planned, but she could not bring herself to discover any of the details.

The girl would do whatever she pleased regardless of what Georgina thought or did.

Why bother becoming involved at all? “Sounds pleasant,” she said in an indifferent tone.

“Have fun with whatever you have planned.”

“Thank you,” Melisande said in a cheeky tone. “I believe I will.” She flounced away with a broad smile over her lovely face.

Jaclyn stepped beside her. “Is it all right if we spend the day together?” she asked. “I need a quiet day, and I don’t believe I’ll have that with Charlotte.”

Georgina frowned. “Of course…” She didn’t pry. If Jaclyn wished to speak about it, she would. “Do you know what today’s activities are?”

Jaclyn shook her head. “No. We will find out soon enough though.” She glanced at their chaperones.

“I best get back for now. We will talk more when we arrive at Easton Abbey.” She strolled over and stood next to Charlotte.

They were to walk over with their assigned chaperones.

Once there, depending upon the activity planned, they might break away into different groups depending on what everyone wished to do.

Which meant, at least for the moment, she would walk over with Melisande.

Hopefully the day’s planned engagements meant they could separate and she could put some distance between herself and Melisande.

She didn’t wish to spend any time with her if she had plans that would only lead to trouble.

They all went to their prospective chaperones and prepared to depart.

Once they were all where they belonged, Mrs. Havenwood nodded at them to begin the trek to Easton Abbey.

Georgina remained silent for the entire walk.

She didn’t have anything to say and even if she did, it would only encourage Melisande in some fashion.

It was best to keep her own counsel. Once there, they were greeted by one of the servants organizing the events of the day.

“Welcome,” the footman said. “Those that wish to join the hunt can follow Andersen here over to the stables to select a horse.” He gestured toward a stable hand waiting for them.

“Everyone else can go inside. There are parlor games set up for everyone to play this morning. A meal will be served after.”

Charlotte demanded to go on the hunt and that had caught Melisande’s interest as well. Once Charlotte gained permission to join the hunt, Melisande turned to their chaperone. “I want to go on the hunt too.”

Miss Abernathy glanced at Melisande and sighed. “You may go, but the same rules apply. After the hunt you must locate me immediately and join us for the meal.”

“I will,” Melisande promised and went to join the party heading to the stables.

Jaclyn walked over to join her. “So I hear we are to play parlor games.”

“I suppose we are.” Georgina grinned. “Many of the ladies are likely to be there to play. I suspect the gentlemen have all joined the hunt.”

They started the walk toward the house. Jaclyn didn’t speak and neither did Georgina.

They were comfortable in their silence. Once they arrived at the manor, they went inside to join in the parlor games.

There were already several ladies waiting to play.

Georgina hoped their games would prove entertaining and wouldn’t enhance her anxiety.

“Welcome, everyone,” the dowager marchioness greeted them. “Those of you who have joined us for parlor games, we are glad you’re here. If you wish to participate, I will explain what we are going to do.”

Jaclyn leaned over and whispered, “What do you think she has planned?”

“I couldn’t possibly begin to guess,” Georgina replied. “Is it terrible I hope it isn’t a large group activity?”

“Not at all,” Jaclyn replied. “I don’t want a lot of company myself. Perhaps we should have stayed at Havenwood. A literature lesson might be more appealing.”

“Or needlepoint?” Georgina offered, then laughed.

“Or that,” Jaclyn agreed. Her smile widened on her face. “I’m glad I’m here with you either way.”

Georgina couldn’t agree more. She liked both Jaclyn and Charlotte.

They were both great roommates to have for her time at Havenwood.

She couldn’t have asked for two better girls to share her room with.

The room became quiet as Lady Easton prepared to give them directions on the intended parlor games.

“We are going to have a scavenger hunt,” Lady Easton told them. “We will break up into pairs. There will be a prize for the winner. There will be a couple of prizes actually.” She smiled. “The first three pairs to finish will win something that will be announced later.”

“If we don’t know what we’re to win, what is our incentive?” Jaclyn said in a hushed whisper. “Why should I care?”

Georgina shrugged. “The pleasure of knowing you’re the best?”

“I suppose…” Jaclyn conceded.

“Once you’re broken up into pairs,” Lady Easton began, “one of you will retrieve your first clue. Once you solve your last clue, everyone will come back here.”

“That doesn’t sound terrible…” Jaclyn said.

“We have a few gentlemen that have agreed to remain behind from the hunt to participate.” Lady Easton beamed.

“They will pair off with some of the ladies in this quest. We will draw straws to determine who they will pair off with. The straws have been made so they each have a matching pair. Once you draw your straw, find its twin and you have found your partner. Everyone, come forward.”

Jaclyn sucked in a breath when the Duke of Amberwood strolled in with the Earl of Foxmoore at his side. Why the blazes had those two remained behind? Georgina frowned. Should she hope to be paired with the earl or not?

*