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G eorgina followed behind Jaclyn as they walked to the abbey.

With Charlotte’s elopement, everything had changed.

They were once again permitted to attend the events of the house party.

The tone of the gathering had shifted with the marquess’s marriage, now transformed into a celebration.

The guests felt honored to be part of such an affair and would surely boast to their friends about witnessing the marquess’s scandalous elopement.

The marriage had been a surprise that would sweep through the ton with a shock neither the marquess nor Charlotte could have intended.

Georgina supposed that no one could plan when they would fall in love.

She wondered what that was like—how did one truly know if they were in love?

She had feelings for Lord Foxmoore, but was that love?

She needed to make sense of it all and determine what her feelings truly meant.

“What do you think they have planned for today?” Jaclyn asked.

Georgina shrugged. “We missed everything yesterday, so I suppose it will be a surprise,” she replied, her lips twitching as she fought a smile. “Much like Charlotte’s marriage.”

Jaclyn laughed. “Fortunate, indeed, that she decided to elope. Otherwise, she’d be on her way back to her father’s estate for a very undesirable marriage.”

“This is true,” Georgina agreed. “Whatever is planned for today, I’m glad we can partake in it.”

They walked in silence for the remainder of the journey to Easton Abbey. Upon arrival, they took in the festive scene laid out before them: a mini carnival with booths, games, and various animals for the guests to visit.

“Oh, my…” Jaclyn said, surveying the lively scene. “I never would have imagined this.”

“Nor would I,” Georgina replied, struggling to find the right words. “This is…”

“Astounding,” Jaclyn finished for her.

“Yes,” Georgina said, rubbing her hands together in excitement. “Where shall we begin?”

Jaclyn’s gaze narrowed as she frowned. Georgina followed her line of sight and sighed. The Duke of Amberwood was standing by a booth not far from them, with Lord Foxmoore at his side, both inspecting the wares.

“Let me guess,” Georgina began, “you’d like to start anywhere the duke is not?” She understood Jaclyn’s need to keep her distance, though she herself longed to approach Lord Foxmoore. However, she wouldn’t abandon her friend. She could always find the earl later.

“You don’t mind?” Jaclyn asked.

“Not at all,” Georgina assured her. “Let’s explore that tent over there.” She pointed to a large, colorful tent on the other side of the carnival. “It looks as though it might be entertaining.”

“Then let’s go see what lies within,” Jaclyn said with a grin.

They couldn’t quite tell what activities awaited them in the tent, but a small crowd had gathered outside, listening as a man called out, “Come inside and meet Destiny! She will tell you your future and reveal your fate!”

Georgina halted. “Did he say there’s someone who can tell us our fortune?”

“I believe he did…” Jaclyn replied, frowning. “It’s all in good fun, I suppose. I think we should go inside.”

They followed a few other guests into the tent and found themselves gazing at its center. Rather than a fortune-teller, they saw a small pen holding a tiny pig, rolling about on the dirt floor and squealing.

“Step right up, everyone!” the man announced. “Meet Destiny!”

“Destiny must be the pig,” Jaclyn said, sounding amused.

“I believe you may be correct,” Georgina replied. “But how is a pig supposed to tell us anything about our future?”

Jaclyn shrugged. “I wouldn’t presume to know.”

“Destiny here is a pig of great prognostication!” the man continued. “For a halfpenny, you may ask her one question. As you might expect, Destiny cannot speak, so please keep your questions to yes-or-no answers. One squeal means yes; two squeals mean no.”

“Well…” Georgina frowned. “That answers our question, I suppose. Do you want to ask Destiny a question?”

“I’m not so sure I need any answers regarding my future,” Jaclyn said, meeting her gaze. “Do you wish to ask her something?”

Georgina slowly shook her head. “Not particularly. Shall we stay and watch for a while?”

“There isn’t much else to do.” Jaclyn sighed. “Let’s see if Destiny truly has any prophetic talents.”

A guest approached the man and handed him a halfpenny. “What is your question?” the man asked.

The lady smiled and looked at Destiny. “Is the man I’m meant to marry at this house party?”

The man lifted the pig and held her close. “Answer the lady’s question, Destiny. She wishes to know if her future husband is here.” The pig let out a single squeal.

“Oh, how marvelous!” the lady said, clasping her hands with delight. “I had so hoped it was true.”

Georgina rolled her eyes and leaned toward Jaclyn. “Can that woman truly be so gullible?” As if a pig could tell her such a thing.

“You’d be surprised at what people are willing to believe,” a man’s voice interjected.

She turned to see Lord Foxmoore standing beside them, his handsome face a welcome sight for her. Georgina had hoped to spend some time with him but hadn’t expected it to happen so soon. “Lord Foxmoore,” she said with a grin. “You don’t believe that Destiny has the power of prophecy?”

“I’m rather doubtful,” he replied. “It’s far more likely her owner has found a way to prompt her squeals. Hardly something anyone should take seriously.”

“But how could he control the pig’s squealing?” Jaclyn asked, her brow furrowed.

“There are several methods,” Lord Foxmoore replied. “He could be subtly pulling her tail or perhaps prodding her with something sharp.” He frowned. “Either way, it’s likely something Destiny finds quite uncomfortable.”

“How dreadful!” Georgina exclaimed. “That poor pig.” She stared at the animal and frowned. If she were able to take Destiny home, she would. But she resided at Havenwood Academy, and did not have any place to keep her. They really could do nothing to save the pig.

“There isn’t much we can do for her,” he said, glancing back at Destiny. “She’s his property, to be treated as he pleases. Though, I suppose she has a longer life expectancy than most pigs. She’s unlikely to end up as someone’s meal.”

“What a horrid thought,” Jaclyn said, looking at him with distaste.

“It’s not so horrid when you’re enjoying your supper,” he replied with a sigh. “But perhaps this is not a topic for young ladies. Allow me to escort you both out of the tent. This is no place for you.”

Georgina wanted to go with him but didn’t move immediately, instead glancing at Jaclyn. If her friend wished to stay, then so would she. “Shall we see what else this carnival has to offer?”

“I suppose…” Jaclyn glanced at the pig, her face showing that she clearly wished she could somehow rescue poor Destiny. Turning to Lord Foxmoore, she asked, “What would you suggest we do instead?”

“There’s a basket toss a few stalls over,” he replied. “You could toss a ball into one of the baskets and, if successful, win a prize. Does that interest you?”

Georgina waited for Jaclyn’s answer. Though she longed to be alone with Lord Foxmoore, she would not abandon her friend. “What do you think?” she asked Jaclyn.

“I suppose that could be enjoyable,” Jaclyn said, glancing around as though checking for someone’s presence. Georgina suspected she was ensuring the duke wasn’t nearby.

“Then allow me the privilege of escorting you.” Lord Foxmoore offered his arms to the ladies. They each took one, and he led them out of the tent and over to the basket toss stall.

The booth was indeed set with several baskets at varying heights and distances. The farther or higher the basket, the more points it awarded. Once enough points were scored, one could claim a prize, with the most impressive prizes reserved for the highest scores.

“Shall we play?” Georgina asked Jaclyn. She wanted her friend to say yes. Because if she did then they would remain at the booth longer, and in doing so, Lord Foxmoore would also remain.

Jaclyn wrinkled her nose. “I don’t believe I have the skill to score any points,” she admitted. Turning to Lord Foxmoore, she asked, “What about you? Do you think you could win?”

“Perhaps,” he said with a hint of modesty.

“Don’t believe him,” a voice chimed in from behind. It was the Duke of Amberwood. “He’s terrible at this game.”

Jaclyn inhaled sharply, and Georgina sighed.

Of course, the duke would appear just now.

As one of Lord Foxmoore’s closest friends, it was only natural.

But this was precisely what Jaclyn had been trying to avoid.

Georgina wasn’t certain if she should step in to help her friend or let events unfold.

After all, she finally had Lord Foxmoore by her side, and she couldn’t deny her excitement.

It made her feel a bit guilty, perhaps, but also undeniably thrilled.

That must make her the worst sort of friend…

*

Adrian held back a groan. He had hoped Amberwood would keep his distance and allow him to have some time with Georgina.

But no, he could not stay away, could he?

He had to stroll over and insert himself into their conversation.

Perhaps he could use this to his advantage.

If Amberwood distracted Jaclyn, he could sneak away with Georgina.

That would make things infinitely more appealing, and he might even be able to steal another kiss.

“Do you believe you’re more skilled than I?” He lifted a brow. “Then by all means. Show us how it should be done,” he taunted Amberwood.

“You are attempting to goad me into playing this primitive game,” the duke said. He glared at Adrian as he considered what he should do next. “I will not allow you to spur me into acting recklessly.”