Page 28 of A Single Obsession

“However, Georgie knows I’m not fond of the opera, and I’m certain she will release me from the engagement.” Eliza turned to her sister. “You don’t mind if I go to Astley’s with Beau instead, do you?”

He held his breath as he waited for Georgiana to answer.

“Of course not.”

Beau could breathe again, and he beamed at Eliza in gratitude. “I’ll call for you a little after six. I’m so pleased you can come.”

And relieved.

How fortunate Eliza hated the opera as much as he did. She had saved him from another scold from his mother.

Chapter 12

Eliza sat in the drawing room after dinner the next day, waiting for Beau to call for her. She watched the clock as the hands edged their way toward the appointed time, twiddling her fingers in nervous anticipation.

“Stop fidgeting,” Georgiana said. “You’re only going to Astley’s. I still can’t believe you would rather watch a children’s entertainment than come to the opera.”

“It is not a children’s entertainment,” snapped Eliza. “And I cannot see why my preference should surprise you. It might not be as sophisticated, but I’ve heard the performers are well worth watching.”

“You always preferred horses to humans.”

“Who said I was talking about the horses?” Eliza said with a wicked smile, her eyes twinkling. “I believe some of the riders are decidedly good-looking.”

“Elizabeth Merry!” Georgiana exclaimed, turning a deep shade of pink. She picked up a cushion and catapulted it across the room at her sister.

Eliza laughed and threw the cushion back. “Glad to know I can still make you blush, Lady Castleford, even if you are an old married woman. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather come to Astley’s with me?”

“Quite sure. I have no need of other good-looking men. I am perfectly satisfied with my own.”

The door opened, and a footman entered carrying a silver salver. He came up to Eliza and bowed.

She picked up the note, which was addressed to her in scrawly, almost illegible, handwriting. Although she had never seen it, she guessed it was Beau’s hand, and she bit her lip as she broke open the seal.

It only took her a moment to digest the contents. Her disappointment must have shown.

“Has he cried off?” Georgiana asked.

Eliza shook her head. “No. He warns me he’s had to enlarge his party to include his sister Frances and, worse still, Harriet Whitlow.”

“I never thought Frances would condescend to visit Astley’s.”

“I’m sure she would go anywhere that suited her purpose. It is clear she wants Beau to marry her sister-in-law and is doing everything she can to throw Harriet in his way. I’m certain Frances will feel at home at Astley’s. After all, her manners are only fit for the stables.”

“Don’t you dare say that to Frances’s face,” Georgiana said. “We would never hear the end of it from our aunt.”

“You said yourself she’s vulgar—and she is.”

“I hope she doesn’t ruin your evening. It’s not too late to change your mind and come with us to the opera instead.”

Eliza stuck out her tongue in response.

“There’s no need to be rude. I get the message, but I can’t help wishing for your sake that Beau could learn to say no.”

“I expect he did it to please Lady Harting,” said Eliza, bristling in his defence.

“You mean he was too scared to refuse.”

Eliza closed her eyes, trying to calm her growing frustration. It disappointed her that Georgie had such a low opinion of Beau. He would stand up to his mother when he needed to. After all, he had not allowed her to force him into marrying Georgie last year. Not that Castleford would have let him.