Page 49 of The Colonist’s Petition (Heirs & Heroes #2)
Thirty-Eight
A ll the best made plans went awry. George stared into the library’s dying fire.
More people than chairs occupied Gunter's. Most of the gentlemen they passed that afternoon barely stopped short of giving Johnathan the cut direct as he mumbled their greetings. She heard the word Dartmoor more than once in whispers. She’d tried to read about it as today’s papers would likely contain more information than yesterday’s, but the papers were not in the breakfast room.
Jane, being an excellent chaperone in public, had not left Johnathan alone with George long enough to even ask if he had spoken with Grandfather. And if all of that was not enough, they returned home to find Father calling.
Of course he was in a heated discussion with grandfather that centered around the advancing petition.
Needless to say that when Father looked out the window to see Johnathan returning with both Jane and George, Father’s cup of anger reached the boiling point and overflowed, spilling onto everyone in the household.
No one was in high spirits when they departed for Lady Millburn’s annual musical. Father had not been invited, so at least the evening was spared any further time in his dour company.
Johnathan did not come either. Too late, George discovered his lack of invitation.
To her delight Elaine was there with her husband.
Lord Banbridge kept his promise, her aunt’s wardrobe was exquisite, so different from the woolen dress her aunt wore the day George knocked on the door of Lightwood Manor.
George made it through the evening with all of her thoughts elsewhere. With every gentleman she looked at, she found herself wondering what skills beyond the ability to write his title on a document or write out a cheque did any of these men have?
They all attended Oxford or Cambridge, so they were well read. A good preparation for Parliament if she understood correctly, but little else unless they intended to go into the Church. There were a few in attendance in uniform coats, but if there was no war, could they provide?
Against all these men, Johnathan’s ability to farm at least meant his family was unlikely to starve wherever they lived.
When they returned home, Jane pled a headache and went to bed. Knowing her sister would need complete silence and darkness. George chose to wait until Jane slept to retreat to her room.
Grandfather entered. “Am I disturbing you? I thought you would all have gone to bed.”
“No, I was only pondering.”
“May I pour you a glass of sherry? I came down for a nip of brandy.”
“No, I drank too much raffia at the musical. What has you awake at this hour? I thought you did not accompany us because you were tired.”
“Truthfully, my hearing is not what it once was and music is particularly unenjoyable.” Grandfather poured his glass and sat in the chair opposite George.
“Your hearing? You never said anything about not hearing.”
“Conversations are not very difficult for me yet. Now tell me, what has you awake and sitting alone?”
“Jane has a headache.”
“You could take one of the other rooms.”
“Thank you, no. I missed my twin too much when I was in Yorkshire. The thought that someday we will permanently not share a room haunts me.”
“Do you not wish to marry? Judging by the number of franked letters in my name, I thought you had some sort of understanding with young Whittaker.”
“We do wish to marry, but the thought of leaving my sister alone hurts. Jane says she is reconciled to our separation, although she wishes Sir Galahad came to Town.”
“That would cause Felton a right fit would it not?” Grandfather sipped his drink. “What is worse, he may have the last laugh when all this earl business is over.”
“How? I thought the information from the solicitor meant that the petition was proceeding.”
“I received a message from the genealogist. He wishes to meet on Monday.”
George rubbed the side of her head where her own headache was forming. “I thought Johnathan’s genealogy was clear.”
“You have spoken about the petition?”
“Yes.”
“Of course. It will affect your life as much as his, if I am not mistaken. In time, you will fill the role of countess as well as your grandmother did.”
Obviously Johnathan had not yet spoken with grandfather. She must speak carefully to not betray that confidence.
“You approve of us marrying, then? Father is quite against it.”
“I would not have suggested Gretna Green, if I felt otherwise. Although I do see the issues with that course. I have yet to find a way to shield Jane from your father’s wrath.”
“The only way is to get Father to agree to my marriage or wait for another four years.” Both options were unsatisfactory. She could wait. But if Johnathan returned to America, would he ever send for her? Would she go? Yes.
Grandfather finished his drink. “I wish I had an answer for you. If I find one, I shall let you know.”
“I will do the same.”
Grandfather left, leaving George alone to her quandary.