Page 32 of The Colonist’s Petition (Heirs & Heroes #2)
Twenty-Three
…Mr. Hale has now been with us for four days.
Aunt Elaine enjoys his company. He has brought back many tales, which I hesitate to share, as he was fighting as part of the regimentals in Canada.
He is not happy with the war or the Americans as he spent many months in prison and was released on exchange.
If it is any comfort he blames Napoleon for as much or more since his brother’s death was caused by a French frigate.
J ohnathan sighed as Georgiana continued to extoll Mr. Hale’s virtues.
Considering how frightened she was upon their first meeting, his cousin had more than warmed to the man.
Part of that no doubt was the fact that he brought some much-needed funds to Mrs. Hale that were inadvertently sent to Mr. Frederick upon his brother’s death.
Funds that could be spent on Timothy’s schooling.
Although Georgiana did not specify the amount of the inheritance, it eased his mind somewhat as to the future of Sir Lightwood’s sister knowing that she had other relations who might care for her.
Georgiana’s letter continued for another page.
Mr. Hale has been a great boon to us and he has commenced many of the essential repairs that are beyond our skills. When he is not talking of Canada or the war I find him extremely delightful. He says he can only stay for a fortnight much to the disappointment of all.
The letter finished with Georgiana’s signature without any endearment.
Her earlier letters showed what he thought was an increase of affection for him.
What caused the change? He had little time to dwell on it as he had been invited to another ball.
Thankfully, Miss Isabel would be there to save him from the attentions of Miss Simesson.
Even Philippa did not like her, and that was saying something as she seemed to enjoy most people’s company.
Johnathan was unclear as to what Miss Simesson had done in the past, only that it was enough to have the others warn him of her. She seemed no different than the many other daughters of untitled gentlemen he met, desperate. Fortunately, Isabel’s presence could dissuade the eager Miss Simesson.
For the second night in a row George woke from a dream to find herself in tears. She never cried. Well almost never. She cried when her mother died. That was different. This was a dream.
A wedding at the chapel on her grandfather’s estate where Phil married Michael at the end of Summer.
Like Phil’s wedding all her sisters were there, and Lord and Lady Godderidge.
Only this time it was not Michael standing near the priest, it was Johnathan.
The bride had yet to enter the room. But it was not George, because she was tied to the pew next to Jane who kept patting her hand.
Then as the bride entered, George woke so full of loss that tears fell.
Why should she care so deeply. A few conversations, a half dozen letters exchanged. Yes, he asked her if they could court, and the memory of her hand in his still warmed her.
That contemptible letter she received several days ago, penned by one who has not the fortitude of character to reveal their identity, was invading her sleep.
She would have shown it to her aunt if not for Mr. Hale’s arrival which had made any mention of Johnathan an invitation for discord. Not only was he an American, but they were corresponding in secret. No good could come of mentioning him now.
If only Jane and Alex were here to confide in. However, they knew little of her growing feelings for their American cousin, and she most certainly had not mentioned her attraction in letters to Johnathan, lest father read them.
Even laying in the darkened room George could see the words of the letter clearly in her mind.
Miss Georgiana Lightwood,
Permit me to acquaint you with intelligence lately circulated throughout the assembly rooms: that you stand foremost in Mr. Johnathan Whittaker's estimation as a future bride.
With the full blessing of your Grandfather, whom Mr. Whittaker shall one day replace.
One would suppose that a lady of sense would hasten to Town to safeguard such a promising connection from the artful designs of Miss Godderidge, whose attentions to the gentleman have not gone unnoticed.
Mr. Whittaker, as you must be sensible, is the most distinguished bachelor of our circle this Season, with his fortune and connections rendering him universally sought after.
I must confess that I cannot reconcile myself to the prospect of seeing Miss Godderidge secure such a prize. But neither, I am determined, shall you.
I advise you to maintain your residence in Yorkshire.
Yours, with perfect candor,
The future wife of an Earl
How the writer came to know of her living arrangements or of any interest Johnathan might have in her was a mystery that now invaded George’s dreams. While Isabel might know from her sisters or perhaps Grandfather mentioned his wishes for nuptials, it was unlikely that either would be generally known.
Isabel had never been much for gossip. However, she showed particular interest in Johnathan at the harvest fair, had she not?
And Isabel possessed no intelligence of George’s feelings toward her cousin due to George carefully concealing her feelings.
But to have Johnathan openly flirt with Isabel?
George punched her pillow both out of frustration and in an effort to make it more comfortable. Writing her last letter to Johnathan was more difficult. She had not counted on the voracity of the London marriage mart during the Little Season.
Johnathan’s letter was not much better as he complained of aching feet from dancing and mentioned more than a dozen women whose father’s approval he was seeking.
There were still two weeks until the end of the Little Season and the parliamentary break.
Although given the difficulty with the genealogist, Johnathan might have to stay in London.
Not that it mattered. Everyone would be together to celebrate Christmas and the New Year, except her.
Cease this George! Wallowing is not your nature. There is plenty to do in the day and Timothy and Elaine need not be the victims of your melancholy.
The lecture helped a little. In the morning she would burn the anonymous letter and end her pain.