Chapter Twenty-Six

T hey left the terrace without finishing dinner. Georgiana, Alice, and Mama retired to the ladies’ parlor.

“Although I hate to abandon the Taverstons, it would be the height of ill manners for us to stay,” Mama fretted. “Georgiana, I worry it will be awkward for you back in London, unless, well, I wouldn’t be surprised if Lord Taverston speaks to you before we go.”

Georgiana thought she would be surprised. But she said only, “Mama, maybe I should go to Marbury for a few weeks. I’ll come to London for Alice’s ball but stay out of view until then.”

Mama pursed her lips. “Maybe. That might be better, but I can’t think right now. We’ll see.”

If she had not planned three steps ahead, this was bad.

Mama went to speak with Peters about sending a messenger to London to have the Duke’s carriage brought back. They would leave as soon as feasible the following day.

The lamps were too low for needlework or reading, but Georgiana and Alice did not bother to light more. They were too saddened, too worried, to converse. They simply sat, lost in their own thoughts, waiting for word. An hour or more passed before Olivia came to speak with them. She looked pale and tired and very, very young.

Georgiana and Alice both jumped from their chairs and rushed to embrace her, offering condolences. Olivia let them hug her but then stepped back. She seemed to be trying hard not to cry again.

“Your mother spoke with mine. I understand you’re leaving in the morning. You’re to use the Earl’s carriage as that will be more convenient.” She sniffled. “I’m so sorry you must go, but it’s for the best. I-I hope you will write to me.”

They both assured her they would, telling her how much they would miss her, and how they hoped to see her again soon. Georgiana’s heart hurt for her, but it seemed their sincere words were distressing her more.

“I hope so too,” Olivia said. “But I won’t be in London this year.” Then she squared her shoulders. “I’m to make my brothers’ excuses. Jasper has retired to—oh, he has so many people he must write to. Poor Jasper. I think this is the hardest for him. Reg is riding out with Adam to bring back Mr. Brindle and Dr. Haraldsen. Crispin is sitting with Mother. And I have been commanded to go to bed.” She sniffled again. “They have all taken it upon themselves to coddle me.”

Alice said, “It’s very good of you to let them.”

Olivia gave a faint laugh. “Yes, well, it is all they will let me do.” She took another step back. “Good night. I hope I will see you in the morning before you go.”

When they were alone again, Georgiana said, “I suppose we may as well go to bed also. We’ll have a long day of travel tomorrow, and Mama will want to leave as early as we can.”

“Should you not wait to see if Jasper comes to speak with you?”

“I doubt he will.”

“Or Reginald?”

Georgiana shook her head. “I’m sure he won’t.”

*

In the morning, the Taverston siblings came down early to send off the Duchess, Georgiana, and Alice. Lady Iversley had retired to begin her mourning and they would not disturb her. It was a dour parting. Exhausted and grieving, the Taverstons were rigidly polite, but only Olivia appeared sorry to see them go. Jasper was distracted, Crispin quietly mournful, and Reginald kept his reddened eyes fixed on the ground. Georgina’s heart broke for him, and she wished she could comfort him. But she did not, of course. Instead, she made her goodbyes and turned to the carriage.

Once settled in the coach, Mama turned to Georgiana. “In your father’s last letter, he wrote that there is a good deal of rumor circling and a bit of what he calls ‘good-natured wagering’ amongst the gentlemen of the ton as to whether you have accepted Lord Taverston or sent him to join the ranks of ‘The Disappointed.’” Mama looked appalled. “I don’t know why people must be so vulgar.”

“Oh, Mama.” Georgiana could actually feel the blood draining from her face. “What should I do?”

“He says that as he has not received a letter or request for an audience, he can only assume Lord Taverston has the good sense and breeding not to rush his courtship while the Earl lies dying.” Mama gave her a sympathetic look. “Which is my impression exactly. But I’ve decided the best course may be for you to spend a few weeks at Marbury, rather than to return to London and brazen it out.”

Well, that was something anyway. Relief swept over her. “Yes, I’d rather go to Marbury.”

“I’ve told the driver we will go there first. We’ll spend a day or two, then Alice and I will return to London for the Christmas festivities. Alice, dear,” she turned to face her, “I’m afraid you may find yourself besieged by the curious.”

“They will find me entirely ignorant of the matter,” Alice said. She squeezed Georgiana’s hand. “I’m sure it will be sorted out.”

*

The Earl’s funeral, held in the ancient church in Iversley, was small by design, and attended only by villagers, family, and a few of the Earl’s closest friends. Lord Billings came. Viscount Haslet came. The Duke and Duchess of Hovington did not, but their association with the Earl of Iversley had been a tenuous one until recently, and had they come, it would have caused more talk.

Christmas came and went without notice.

Reginald went about in a haze of grief. He supported his mother and his siblings with whatever they needed, but he was unable to think. He did not look at the Greek manuscript. He didn’t touch the account books. In fact, he avoided the library altogether. He didn’t want to think. Or feel. He needed to be numb for a good long time until the pain could be dealt with.

Jasper disappeared into the role of Earl. He had no choice; Reginald understood that. There were things that had to be done. He also understood that Jasper used busyness as a distraction the way Reginald was using inertia.

Crispin chose the opposite path, attacking grief and disappointment headlong as though throwing his battalion into the breach. Before Father was even cold, Crispin had spoken to Mother about Tibury. It wasn’t how Reginald would have done it or Jasper, but Crispin did not procrastinate.

Crispin told them afterward that she was aware. She did not want to discuss it but seemed relieved that they knew about their brother since it was a secret that was bound to come out. And it was, after all, none of the poor boy’s fault. She gave him permission to tell Olivia, after the funeral, because it would not be fair for her to be the only one who did not know.

The day after Father died, Crispin rode to Ipswich. When he returned, he repeated that their brother, Giles Tibury, was a good man. Giles would not come to the funeral out of consideration for Lady Iversley. Nor would he attend the reading of the will. But he would pay a call in a month or so. He said he did not expect them to open their arms to him, and, in fact, he did not wish to be openly acknowledged as he had a father, who, though long deceased, he had no wish to disavow. Nor did he wish to be known as the old earl’s by-blow. Even so, he would like to know his brothers and sister.

Crispin, Jasper, and Reginald discussed this once, and then they did not discuss it again.

The reading of the will took place on the last day of the year, a fact that felt as if it should hold some significance, but of course, did not. It was solemn and sad. There were only two surprises. A month ago, Reginald would have been shocked if there had been any. Now, he was relieved there were only two.

The first was that the will included no mention of the livings. Father had not had the chance to make the change. Reginald thought it fortunate that Jasper had been in the room during Tibury’s visit, or it would appear that the lords of Iversley had simply discounted the Earl’s wishes.

The second surprise was that Father had repurchased the family’s lakeside cottage in Binnings and restored it to Crispin’s inheritance. This was an unentailed property where the family had spent many summer months swimming, fishing, hunting, and picnicking. It had been deeded to Crispin upon his majority just as the great-aunts’ townhouse in Bath had been deeded to Reginald upon his.

When Crispin had announced he would join the army, Father had said no. Crispin’s health was far too tenuous. He refused to purchase a commission for him. The ensuing argument had seemed to Reginald to be cataclysmic. Crispin left home. After three days, word came from Father’s banker that Crispin had sold the Binnings cottage and bought his own commission. Crispin returned to Chaumbers to pack his bags and politely take his leave. He never spoke of the argument; he went off to war as though it never happened.

Yet Father had repurchased the cottage and re-deeded it to Crispin. Apparently, Father was the one with regrets.

After the reading of the will, the brothers gathered in the Earl’s study. Reginald had another surprise.

“That chair is new.” The design was similar, but it was brown rather than black and the arms squarish rather than round.

Jasper shrugged. “I ordered it when you asked me to. It took a while to arrive from London. The old one is in the library. Haven’t you noticed?”

“I haven’t been in the library.”

Jasper narrowed his eyes, then shrugged again. “Crispin? Did you know about Binnings?”

“No.” Crispin coughed as if to clear his throat. “No, Father never said anything to me. Perhaps he was afraid I would refuse it. Which, if you are wondering, Jasp, I most certainly won’t.”

They were quiet for a moment. Then Jasper poured two glasses of sherry and handed one to Reginald.

“The deuce,” Crispin said. “One glass won’t kill me. Pour another. I’ll drink to the Earl.”

They stood, glasses raised, and drank to their father. Then Crispin set his glass down.

“I have to get back to my regiment. I’ve already extended my leave once and my lieutenant colonel wants to lay eyes on Adam to ensure I haven’t misplaced him.”

“Haven’t what? Misplaced your valet?” Jasper looked blank.

“Yes, I’m in charge of him. Didn’t I explain? I thought I did.”

Reginald knew Crispin thought no such thing. “What have you been hiding from us?”

“Not from you. From Mother.” Crispin grinned, then rolled his eyes at their irritated expressions. “Oh, come now. Alice guessed. Surely you did, too.”

Neither Reginald nor Jasper spoke. They refused to be baited.

“He’s on parole. Idiotic, really. He is no more Boney’s man than I am. But we caught him in a hovel tending to wounded crapauds. If I hadn’t taken charge of him, they were going to shoot him for a spy.”

Jasper muttered, “Here I thought your secret was that you’d finally, finally , hired yourself a personal physician.”

“No.” Crispin’s grin turned to a grimace. “I don’t need a physician.”

“Adam fits the bill, though,” Reginald pointed out. He’d been thinking pretty much the same, but of course, one could not put the question to Crispin.

“He is intellectually curious. I’m letting him experiment upon me. Now, remove your noses from my business.”

They spent a moment absorbing the news that they had spent the last month in the company of a French prisoner of war.

“When are you going?” Jasper asked at last, settling back into his new chair, which had a creak rather than a squeak.

“Tomorrow.”

“Tomorrow!” Jasper and Reginald both cried out.

“A little warning, Crisp,” Jasper sputtered.

“I am giving warning,” Crispin said. “It’s not as though I’m heading out now .”

Jasper shook his head, annoyed. “Yes, but I have to return to London at the end of the week. Parliament is open and I have to take my seat in the Lords. And there are…calls I have to pay.”

“That leaves you, Reg, watching over Mother and Olivia,” Crispin said, giving him a light punch on the shoulder. “If Giles hasn’t come to visit in the next couple of weeks, will you ride over to Ipswich?”

Jasper grumbled, “You’ve already extended a hand to him. If he wants to know us, it’s his turn.”

Ignoring Jasper, Reginald said, “Yes. I’ll go.”

Crispin sat down. “Good man.” He snickered a little. “Will you hint to him that Framingham will also be available sometime in the next few years?”

“Framingham is Reg’s,” Jasper said firmly. He drummed his fingers on his desk, looking as if he wished he had papers to shuffle.

“Reg?” Crispin said.

Reginald groaned. Crispin was making him think. Feel. He didn’t want to have this conversation. Or any conversation.

“It’s what Father wanted,” he said.

“Bosh.” Crispin leaned forward, pressing his hands into his knees. “It was his suggestion . He also suggested that I not go into the army but waste away in my bed.”

“Reg has to do something,” Jasper said. “He’s suited to the church—”

“Stop talking in your ‘earl’ voice,” Crispin mocked. “Reg, speak up. I am not fighting your battles for you.”

“What battles?” Jasper sounded offended.

“I don’t want Framingham,” Reginald said, scowling at them both.

“You don’t?” Jasper turned up his hands. “Well, the devil. I don’t care. But what will you do? You can keep your allowance, naturally, it’s just I don’t see you idle.”

“I don’t need an allowance. I’ve been offered a fellowship with Bastion. It isn’t much, but it’s enough. The work will take several years.”

Jasper stared at him as though he’d just sprouted horns.

Reginald continued stiffly, “I don’t know why we need to discuss this now. Framingham has a rector.”

“I’m just getting the ball rolling,” Crispin said. “Is there anything else we should be discussing before I go?”

“No.” Reginald made to stand.

“Ah. No?” Crispin said. Then he stood up, took Reginald by the shoulders, and pushed him back into the seat. It was idiotic, but if Reginald resisted, they would end up scuffling which would be even more childish. Crispin turned to Jasper. “What calls? What calls do you need to pay in London? Please tell me you need to see Vanessa.”

Jasper’s jaw set stubbornly. “Vanessa will not see me if I crawl to her on my hands and knees over broken glass. She asked one thing of me—that I tell her first when I decided I would court my countess.”

“And you didn’t?” Crispin’s face fell. “Jasp—”

“She learned it from ton gossip. Damn it. It all happened too quickly. I know that’s no excuse. I know it. I couldn’t… But you’re right. I’m not going to do as Father did. God. It’s for the best. It’s for the best.”

“So you mean to pay a call on Georgiana?”

“I owe her that.”

“She’s already told you no.”

“Can you blame her?” Jasper exclaimed. “Good God! I still don’t understand why she was in the midst of that imbroglio. But I’ll be honest with her. I’ll tell her I did have a mistress but don’t anymore. And that there are no children. If there had been, don’t you think I would have married her? The hell with the ton?”

“I don’t know,” Crispin said, sneering. “You’ve never in your life said ‘the hell with the ton.’”

Jasper glared at him.

Reginald wished to God he were elsewhere, but he inserted himself into their quarrel since it was what he did when they got like this. “And if she says no again?”

Jasper refocused on him, then shrugged. “Then I start looking elsewhere.”

“So, your heart won’t be broken,” Crispin said. Reginald knew he was pushing the point home, but Jasper was clearly unaware there even was a point.

“I’ll be miffed.” Jasper tossed off the response as though it were of no consequence, then added, “I can’t see that she’ll say no. I don’t think she has anything against me, really. And we were heading in the right direction until that last ugly scene.”

Crispin caught back a laugh. “Can you truly be so overconfident? And so blasé? Is it enough for you that she has nothing against you?”

“You know what I meant. And it’s not overconfidence. We’re well-matched. She must see that. Why would she refuse?”

The room fell silent. Reginald felt Crispin’s eyes boring into him, but he couldn’t bring himself to speak. He couldn’t see Georgiana accepting Jasper, but neither could he see himself challenging Jasper for her.

If he couldn’t even do that, he didn’t deserve her. Yet before he could say anything, Crispin spoke up in an exasperated tone. “Maybe she’s in love with someone else.”

Jasper’s confusion was almost comical. But he thought it through quickly and dismissed the idea. “Why, then, would she have come here in the first place? She knew why she’d been invited. And, moreover, who could it possibly be? She’s had offers from half the ton and turned them down. I grant she might be infatuated with someone ineligible, and the Duchess brought her here against her inclination. But she was not sullen, not behaving as though she had no wish to be courted.”

“She slapped you,” Crispin reminded him.

“I should not have tried kissing her.”

Crispin fixed his gaze on Reginald, waiting. Reginald gulped and lowered his chin, trying to think what to say. But the devil. Georgiana could just as easily refuse him . And then Jasper would be furious that he’d backed away for no purpose.

“Right then,” Crispin said, annoyed. “Don’t go to London. Olivia says Georgiana has gone to Marbury.”

“Marbury!” Jasper sniffed. “Of all the…I can’t go to Marbury. Not for a fortnight at least. I have too much to do in London. She’ll have to wait.”

At that, Crispin laughed outright. “With bated breath, I’m sure. A fortnight? Aren’t you worried someone will beat you to the punch?”

“Not unless you plan to ride to Marbury before you rejoin your regiment,” Jasper joked weakly.

Reginald could take no more. “I will.”

“What?” Jasper said, turning his head.

“I will ride out to Marbury. I—you can’t marry her, Jasper. She isn’t merely a ‘perfect countess.’ She’s Georgiana . And I’m in love with her.” Now it seemed he could not shut up.

“But—” Jasper looked startled. Or confused. “Crispin!” He finally complained. “Is this where you have been pushing this conversation? To get Reg to confess?” He gave his youngest brother a condescending, gentle reproof. “Reg, that’s all right. I’m not surprised you should have fallen for her. She’s very beautiful. And, she sings.”

“Christ,” Crispin muttered. Jasper ignored him.

“Yes, well, but Reg,” he went on in a voice as earnest and kind as if he were explaining something to Olivia, “the ton expects her to marry me. If you are determined to ask her, I certainly am not going to make her choose between us. But you should consider—”

“Oh, for God’s sake,” Crispin said. “Reginald, tell him he’s an arse.”

“I kissed her. She didn’t slap me .” It felt shamefully satisfying to throw that in Jasper’s face. Of course, he immediately regretted it. Especially when Crispin hooted with laughter.

But Jasper didn’t grow angry. The confusion faded from his face. And then he looked relieved. Simply relieved.

“Well, Reg,” he said, getting up from behind his desk. “You should have told me. This is wonderful, really. I am not an idiot. I’ve had enough girls throwing themselves at me to recognize when one is not. I feared it would be a chilly marriage. But I couldn’t not propose. I felt some sense of obligation to do the right thing.” He laughed. “This will cast the ton into a frenzy. Do you suppose there will be rumors that I called you out?”

“No one who knows us thinks you that brave,” Crispin scoffed.

“Well,” Jasper said, looking from one to the other. He really looked shockingly relieved. “To hell with the ton.”