Chapter Twenty-One

August took a sip of his coffee, looking around at the gentlemen socializing at White's just before noon. He was seated with Silas and a few others as they drank their beverages and pointed out items from the newspapers to one another.

Finally, he was finding a community. A sense of belonging with a small but loyal group of men. He had thought his life over after he had lost his eye and fingers.

But not anymore.

The past month had shown him he was still the man he had been before his tragedy. No, actually a man more in tune with himself and others. He had renewed old friendships and made a few new ones in the process. He had continued to attend ton events, enjoying himself immensely, because of the time he spent with Lady Georgina Strong.

The ball given by the Duke and Duchess of Seaton would be held tonight, and August had decided he would offer for Lady Georgina at that time.

Because he loved her.

He believed she, too, loved him, though neither had voiced their feelings toward one another. He could feel it, though, in every glance. Every touch. Every stolen kiss. And it was right. She was right. Love made all the difference. He would be the husband she wanted. A loving father to their children. After having spent time around the Strongs, his gut told him that family was everything.

And he couldn't wait to start one with the woman he knew was his soulmate.

August decided he should speak with Seaton and seek the duke's permission for Lady Georgina to become his marchioness. He was having tea with the family this afternoon and decided he would pull Seaton aside and discuss the matter with him. He had no doubt the duke would allow the match for his sister.

Several times a week, he had met her in the private gardens, something they did for an hour each day at noon if they both found themselves free. They had had many wonderful conversations on all matter of topics. Lady Georgina was bright and curious, and he knew he would never become bored with her. His foolish notion of a marriage of convenience had flown out the window. August wanted a true marriage with his bride, a partner in life.

He finished his coffee and bid his companions farewell, deciding to stop at a bookshop for a few gifts to present to those at tea today. Walking a few blocks, he entered the shop and quickly found a book on India for Lady Georgina. She was continually seeking materials to inform her more about her twin's trip around the world, wanting to know what Pippa was experiencing as she called at different ports.

For the Duchess of Seaton, he decided upon a new atlas. The businesswoman had ships sailing all around the world, and August thought she would enjoy having this reference at her office.

It proved more difficult to select a book for the Dowager Duchess of Seaton. He did know she enjoyed arranging flowers, and so he spoke to a clerk, asking if they had any books on that topic. The clerk pointed him to an area, and August went down the rows of shelves, skimming titles. Finding one that looked promising, he pulled it from the shelf and opened it.

Then he heard the voices coming from a row over and recognized the sultry tones of one of the speakers. He couldn't put a name to her, but he definitely knew her from his past, when he had bedded a good number of women before he went to war.

The woman and her companion were gossiping about a couple who had been discovered kissing at a garden party two days earlier and how the gentleman had extended an offer of marriage. August supposed if the man liked the woman enough to kiss her, he should wed her, helping keep the young lady's reputation from being in tatters.

He went back to the book, flipping a few pages, disregarding the women's conversation.

Until he heard Lady Georgina's name come from the mouth of his former lover.

August stilled, holding his breath.

"It's hard to conceive Lady Georgina would attach herself to Lord Edgethorne," the sultry voice said, and both women tittered. "Though I will admit he is marvelous in bed."

"You knew him... in that way?" the other voice asked.

"We came together twice. Of course, that was before he went off to war. Oh, Edgethorne was a magnificent lover. Such a pity he looks as he does now."

"Do you think he has already bedded Lady Georgina?"

His ex-paramour laughed throatily. "I am certain of it. He must have, else why would she even have anything to do with him? Oh, the things that man can do. I suppose in the dark, she doesn't have to see those hideous scars."

"But Lady Georgina is the most beautiful woman making her come-out this Season," reasoned the other woman. "She could have her choice of any suitor."

A sniff sounded. "It is too bad she will be trapped in a marriage to a monster. She will never be the leader of Polite Society she could be if she marries Edgethorne. Why, who would even let their children be around the Edgethorne ones? The marquess would certainly frighten little ones, especially his own. I can hear their screams now. ‘No, Papa, no! Don't come closer!'"

The women laughed merrily and then moved on as August found himself unable to move. Hurt washed over him. Then anger. Then a deep sadness.

He was keeping Lady Georgina from her full potential. She could rule Polite Society with her goodness and kindness. She could wed any gentleman she chose of any rank and would still sparkle more brightly than the largest diamond.

August had fooled himself. True, some gentlemen within the ton had accepted him, but there would always be that element which gossiped about him. He wanted better for Lady Georgina.

Because he loved her.

He must end things between them now. Leave London. And never come back.

Woodenly, he went to the clerk and purchased his books. He would send them with a note to the Seaton household, saying he had been called away unexpectedly on pressing business, and inform them he would not be returning for the rest of the Season. Yes, it would be best to let them all know in this way. It would keep him from having to face Lady Georgina. August knew it was cowardly, but he had no willpower when he was around her. One look at her, and he would be kissing her and asking her to be his forever. It was best to cut ties in a distancing manner. She would be hurt, but so much of the Season still remained. With him gone, he prayed she would open her heart and find someone worthy of her.

August returned home, carefully composing the note. He rang for a footman and asked that the note and packages be delivered to the Duke of Seaton's household at a quarter until four this afternoon. He almost called the footman back as desperation filled him, knowing he was ending all chances for his future happiness. But it wasn't his happiness at stake. It was Lady Georgina's, and August refused to drag her into the mud with him.

He would return to Edgefield and find some young miss in the neighborhood who would enjoy being propelled to the level of marchioness. She would be delighted at her position in Polite Society and the wealth which would accompany it. Marrying a local would allow her to remain close to her family.

As for him, he would get an heir off her as quickly as possible and retreat to Scotland. Dalmara and solitude awaited him. It would be a lonely life, but he would live on the memories of the sweet times he had spent with Lady Georgina. As all fool's dreams must end, he had been jolted awake to reality. His would be an empty life without Lady Georgina Strong in it, but August knew his actions were for the best. He was willing to sacrifice his happiness in order to give the woman he loved the chance to make a good life and good marriage for herself.

*

Excitement ran throughGeorgie as she readied herself for tea. They had not been at home today for visitors to call since the ball her brother and sister-in-law were hosting was being held this evening. It had still not kept the many bouquets from arriving, both for her and Mama.

Georgie wondered what Mama's plans might be regarding her future. She had proven to be quite popular throughout the entire Season, with numerous suitors appearing, trying to woo her. Mama was pleasant to all, but Georgie didn't think her mother had formed an attachment with any of them.

She had wanted that for Mama. Her mother had been forced to wed the Duke of Seaton all those many years ago, and while she would say her children were the light of her life, it was time Mama enjoyed a life—and love—of her own.

James and Pippa had both wed for love, and Georgie knew now she would do the same. Over the last month, when Lord Edgethorne had seemed to let down the walls he had hidden behind, their relationship had grown in strength. It was based upon a firm friendship, and yet she also understood the physical aspects to be explored were something they both wished to do sooner rather than later. In fact, Georgie had arrived at the conclusion that Lord Edgethorne would offer for her this evening on the night of the ball held in her honor.

She thought he might go to James first, though, seeking permission. Because of that, Georgie went to her brother's study a quarter-hour before tea was to begin. She knocked at the door and heard him call, "Come," entering and then closing the door behind her.

"Is it teatime already?" James asked. "I had told Powell to come and fetch me."

"No, you still have a quarter-hour, but I was hoping I might steal a portion of it."

James set down his quill and leaned back in his chair, pillowing his hands behind his head. "I always have time for my sisters," he told her with a smile. "What is on your mind, Georgie?"

"You know I have been seeking a love match, and I believe I have found one, James."

He lowered his arms, sitting forward in his chair. "And might it be the Marquess of Edgethorne who has claimed your heart, Sister?"

Georgie nodded. "I love him, James. I think I may have from the first time I set eyes upon him."

Her brother looked at her, his expression serious. "You have always seen the man beneath the scars, Georgie, unlike many others in the ton. While I enjoy Edgethorne's company a great deal, I want to make certain you know what you are getting into."

She frowned. "What do you mean?"

James hesitated a moment and then said, "There will always be that portion of Polite Society which will gossip about him, Georgie. And that means you would be included in that gossip if you become his marchioness."

"You yourself have been the victim of gossip, as has Sophie," she reminded him gently. "You are a duke, James, and you wed a woman who is not only a businesswoman, but she runs a shipping empire. Sophie does the job of ten men, and yet she still is a gracious hostess and loving wife to you. Do you—or Sophie—care about any gossip?"

A slow smile spread across her brother's face. "Not one whit," he admitted. "We love one another. Even if all of Polite Society turned their backs on us, we would always have each other. That is all that matters."

She nodded empathically. "And that is all that matters to me, as well, dear brother. I love Lord Edgethorne, and I believe he returns my affection. I have a suspicion that he may offer for me tonight, knowing what a special night it is for our family. He is, in many ways, a conventional man, and I suspect he will come to you to ask for your permission for us to wed."

James beamed at her. "I will not give him my permission, but rather, my blessing. Edgethorne is the best of men, and he if makes you happy, Georgie, then I will do all I can to support this match."

She rose and went to him, embracing him. "Thank you, James. That means the world to me. I am so glad you have come home to us after being gone for so long, and I know you and Edgethorne will become the best of friends."

"Let's not leave Seth out of things. Once he and Pippa return to England, I am sure Seth will be happy to welcome Edgethorne into our growing family."

"Pippa told me to follow my heart, and that is what I have done, James. My heart led me to Lord Edgethorne. Oh, I am so happy!"

"Then you will only be happier when we make the announcement. If he offers for you at tonight's ball before supper, let me know. I will announce the news to our guests at that time."

"I suppose we should go up to tea," she told him, a glow within warming her. "Lord Edgethorne might already be here."

A knock sounded, and Powell entered, bearing a few packages and a note.

"These arrived just now, Your Grace. They come from Lord Edgethorne," the butler said.

Powell handed the letter to James, along with two of the three parcels wrapped in brown paper. The third he handed to Georgie.

"Thank you, Powell," she said, looking down and seeing her name written across the front in Lord Edgethorne's familiar writing. Looking to James, she said, "I believe it is a book."

Her brother said, "These feel like books, as well. They are for Sophie and your mother. Shall we take them up to tea and then read this note from the marquess?"

"Of course," she said, linking her arm through his.

They made their way to the drawing room, where the others were gathered. A maid rolled in the teacart, and Mama nodded to Sophie, who began to pour out for them.

As they sat, her brother said, "These came from Lord Edgethorne."

He distributed the packages, and Georgie said, "Shall we open them one at a time and see what Edgethorne has sent us?"

"I will go first," Mama volunteered, tearing the brown paper, and lifting the book from it. "Oh, my. It is a book on flower arranging. How very thoughtful of the marquess to select a book regarding a topic I thoroughly enjoy."

"I will go next," Sophie said, opening her rather large gift, and then squealing in delight. "It is a new atlas! Oh, this will be a wonderful reference for my office. Ours is outdated, and I have had to rely on reports from my sea captains. This will come in ever so handy. I cannot wait to thank Lord Edgethorne for his thoughtfulness."

Sophie set aside the atlas. "You go, Georgie. Let us see what the marquess has gifted to you."

She tore open the package. Her eyes widened as she smiled. Holding the book up, she said, "It is a book about India. You know I have been reading about the various places Pippa and Seth are seeing, but I have yet to read anything regarding India."

Hugging the book tightly to her, she suddenly realized Lord Edgethorne should have been here by now. That he should have brought these gifts in person. He also had not appeared in the gardens at noon today. An uneasiness filled her, and she turned to James.

"Lord Edgethorne sent a note along with his gifts. Perhaps he knows we are all busy with preparation for tonight's ball, and that is why he decided to miss tea with us this afternoon."

"Open the note, James," Georgie commanded tonelessly, worry consuming her.

Her brother broke the seal and unfolded the letter. He skimmed it, a frown creasing his brow.

"What does Lord Edgethorne say?" Mama prodded James.

Her brother folded the note and said, "He sends his regrets for missing tea this afternoon." James paused and turned to Georgie. "He also writes that he has been called away on unexpected business."

"Did he say what kind of business?" asked Sophie.

James looked grim. "No, but he does reveal that he will be gone for the remainder of the Season."

The words were like a knife to Georgie's heart. All her hopes—all her dreams—seemed to crumble in an instant. Lord Edgethorne did not love her, and he hadn't the courage to tell her to her face. He had led her on, making her believe they had a future together. That future, which she had once thought so bright, immediately turned bleak.

Knowing the color had drained from her face, Georgie stood, clutching her book to her breasts. "If you will excuse me, I am in no mood for tea."

Head held high, she crossed the drawing room, knowing the eyes of the others were upon her and that they had questions which she had no answers for.

Georgie made it to her bedchamber, the one she had shared with her beloved twin for so many years. She closed the door and locked it, flinging herself onto the bed, weeping for a life with a man which would never occur.