Page 7 of A Reckless Wager
“I’m also aware of this competition between Lady Osborne and Lady Sewell and how they finagled an invitation from Aunt Clara, saying she needed extra chaperones. I want to know the two people Lady Osborne is trying to match. Could it be you and Blackstone?”
“I can’t confirm it. Not yet.” Her insides tingled. She left her papa’s study and climbed the curved staircase, making her way down the long hall to her rooms. The guests were due to arrive anytime now. However, she felt unsettled and sought her bed.
Aunt Clara had finally given her the list of eligible young people attending. And she found it on her nightstand. Knowing her as she did, she took careful pains in coming up with just the right attendees. She saw Lady Osborne’s hand in it as well. Fortunately for Georgiana, the four young ladies attending were not the Season’s most sought-after. Yes, they were pretty and from top-water families, but like her they were wallflowers. She knew Lady Sarah Templeton, Lady Grace Radcliff, Miss Penelope White and Miss Emma Montgomery well.
The list of gentlemen was some of the Season’s most sought-after. Viscount Blackstone, Mr. Percy Bedford, Earl of Hartley, Mr. Gerald Stanton, and Earl Sinclair were topping this Season’s list of most eligible bachelors amongst the ton. How on earth had Aunt Clara managed such a feat? All the other mamas must be green with envy.
Visions of smoky brown eyes swirled in mind as her breathing evened out, her body relaxed, and she drifted off to sleep.
“Milady,” Mary, her personal maid, entered the room. “The guests are arriving and making their way to their accommodations. Afternoon tea will be served in half an hour. Perhaps you would like to wear the pretty apricot day dress with the light green flowers. It looks lovely with your eyes.”
Georgiana stretched out on the bed, placed her hands on her abdomen, and smiled. The guests had arrived. He had arrived. Strange how one’s stomach could pulse with excitement.
Not long after she was dressed, her hair redone after the pins had fallen out while she napped; she descended the stairs. Awareness prickled her skin. She didn’t need to look behind her to know Blackstone would be there. Her body instinctively knew him. Her breathing sped up and her insides fluttered, causing her to nearly miss a step. Her hand tightened on the railing, and she concentrated on taking one step at a time lest she embarrass herself. Or worse, fell down the stairs and broke her neck.
Once she placed her feet on flat surface, he met up with her and offered his arm. “May I escort you into the drawing room, Lady Georgiana?”
“Why, thank you.” Without hesitation, she placed her hand on his forearm and smiled at him. Huge mistake. His full lips were turned up into a smile, his brown eyes sparkled, and his hair, per usual, appeared slightly mussed. He was a man made for a lady’s dreams. His clothing was impeccable. While he dressed in the latest fashion the colors were subdued, which suited him. She almost laughed when she thought of him wearing peacock blue or salmon. Not colors Georgiana liked to see on gentlemen.
They entered the drawing room set up for afternoon tea. They appeared to be the last attendees to arrive. Oh dear, should she have come early and greeted the guests along with Aunt Clara and her papa? They would have sent someone to get her if she was expected to do so.
“My friends Bedford, Hartley, and I arrived together from Bath. Have you been introduced?”
The viscount’s voice pulled her out of her worrying. “Yes. I believe I have at some point during this Season.”
“That’s good,” he replied.
And then she realized her arm was still on his. Pulling it away, she said with heated cheeks, “I believe my aunt needs me.” She curtsied and hurried off to the settee where Aunt Clara sat with two other elderly ladies, each sipping tea and nibbling biscuits.
“Good afternoon, Aunt Clara. Lady Osborne, Lady Sewell. So nice you both could join us.”
Lady Osborne looked over her china cup, her eyes hyper-inquisitive for someone so advanced in age. Exactly how old was she? “How nice that Viscount Blackstone escorted you into the drawing room. He is quite handsome, is he not?”
Before she could answer, Lady Sewell chimed in, “There are many handsome gentlemen in attendance. Perhaps the Duke of Amberville has attracted Lady Georgiana’s affections. He has, after all, been a close family friend for many years and is in need of a wife.”
“Absolutely not, Cousin. Blackstone is the man for our Georgiana,” rebuffed Lady Osborne.
Our Georgiana.
Aunt Clara glanced at Georgiana and smiled knowingly. Had her papa told her of his hopes of marrying her to Amberville? Not one gentleman had shown interest in her in the months since the Season began. Now there were two? However, she couldn’t truthfully say both gentlemen were, in fact, interested in her. Except it was a lie. Deep down inside her heart, she knew Blackstone was interested. One didn’t wager a bet over a kiss if they were not. Please let the answer be Blackstone.
She had nothing but familiar affection for Amberville. If she had no prospects by the end of the Season, she would have to consider her father’s proposal. Until then, she hoped her heart would win out. That Blackstone’s heart had become entangled with hers, and that he would ask for her hand.
“Do you play chess, Georgiana?” Lady Osborne asked. “I hear the viscount is always in the mood for a game. Perhaps you could invite him to play.”
“Now, Pansy,” Lady Sewell interrupted. “She must wait for the viscount to invite her, which is the proper way of things.”
Perhaps Georgiana would visit with the other ladies her age and leave the cousins to argue and talk with her aunt.
“Please excuse me, ladies,” she said as she stood. “I believe I will welcome the other guests to our home. Do enjoy your tea and biscuits.” Blackstone intercepted her as she walked towards Misses Penelope White and Emma Montgomery.
“It’s a lovely afternoon to stroll through the gardens. I was hoping to impose on you to show them to me.”
Only knowing he needed to spend time with Georgiana, Philip blurted out the first thing that came to mind. Not that he didn’t enjoy a stroll through beautiful gardens, but it was the only suggestion he could think of that would perhaps give them some privacy. Privacy, which he knew was a terrible idea. Privacy with a debutante led to fast nuptials. Would that be so bad? Who was he? Had he lost his mind?
“That would be lovely.”
For several heartbeats, he thought she would refuse. Many emotions crossed her features. Fortunately for him, she chose the one he hoped for.
