Chapter Eight

Georgie went downstairs to the breakfast room, happy to see James and Sophie present. Her brother and sister-in-law had begun altering their hours, going into their shipping offices later in the day. At first, it had been because of Sophie's nausea. Georgie had learned that when a woman carried a child, oftentimes she experienced illness in the morning for the first few months.

Sophie had turned the corner and was now starting to feel much better, but she and James had started breakfasting with the family, waiting until about ten o'clock each morning before going to the wharf.

"Good morning," Georgie called as she took her seat at the table.

Mama said, "I am so glad we have finished all the fittings for our gowns. Now, if only the Season would start."

Mirella sailed into the room. "Good morning, everyone. Thank goodness the rain has finally ceased."

The rains had been constant and heavy for the last four days. She was tired of being housebound and looked to her sister.

"Would you like to go and walk in Hyde Park this morning, Mirella, while the weather is good?"

Mirella nodded. "I would be eager to do so. You know how much I enjoy practicing the pianoforte, but even I am tired of it after being locked inside the house these past few days."

She turned to her mother. "Mama, would you like to join us and stretch your legs a bit?"

"That is a lovely idea, Georgina. I would be happy to accompany you. If we go right after breakfasting, that would be more convenient for me."

James said, "I don't believe Edgethorne has returned from the country. I sent a note around to him to see if he had come back in town. So far, it has gone unanswered. I hope he will make the start of the Season since it is upon us."

Georgie took a sip of her tea, trying not to think about the marquess. He had been gone a few weeks now, yet he still remained in her thoughts throughout each day. She was intrigued by the former army officer and wished to get to know him better. That would be impossible, however, unless he did come back into town.

"I am sure he is trying to wrap things up at Edgefield," Sophie commented. "He may not have as trusted a steward as you do, James."

"I don't know what I would do without Caleb," her brother said. "It is nice to be able to leave Shadowcrest in such good hands and not have to worry about anything there."

"I want to have the baby there," Sophie informed everyone. "I know we will stay in town through the Season, whether we are attending events or not, but I want this first babe of ours to be born on Shadowcrest lands."

"How will that work?" Georgie asked. "Will Mr. Barnes be taking care of business for you while you are in the country?"

"Yes," her sister-in-law said. "Mr. Barnes knew upon my marriage that he is to help run the company with me. That there might be long periods of time when I will not be able to come into the shipping offices. Fortunately, Kent is not so very far from London. I have spoken to Mr. Barnes, and he is willing to come to Shadowcrest every few weeks to keep me informed about things. If there is an important decision to be made, he knows I will be the one to make it, and he will visit and provide me with all the pertinent details so that I may make an informed decision."

James added, "We feel it is important that our children come to know and appreciate the country, as well as town. Especially when Sophie has a boy, he will be my heir. I want to instill in him a love for Shadowcrest from the very beginning."

Mirella asked, "Are you wanting a boy this time, James? I assume all men do because they want an heir."

Sophie chuckled. "I can answer that for my husband. He told me that he prefers a girl. I suppose it is because he has all those sisters."

"I will be happy with a boy or a girl," James insisted. "It would be nice to have a girl first, though, since we do have so many in the family. But if you bear me a son, love, I will be happy to welcome the new Marquess of Alinwood into the Strong family."

"Son or daughter," Mama said, "this babe will be wanted and loved." She smiled. "And perhaps a bit spoiled."

After breakfast, Georgie and Mirella went upstairs to put on their spencers and bonnets. They met Mama in the foyer, and she had done the same.

"It has been a good while since we have had a long walk," her mother proclaimed. "I am looking forward to an outing with the two of you."

The trio walked the short distance to Hyde Park, and Georgie inhaled deeply. "Just smell the fresh air after all that rain. It seems to have cleansed the entire city."

"London does smell awful at times," Mama admitted. "Especially when the heat comes. That is why it is so refreshing to retreat to the country."

They strolled alongside the Serpentine, with Georgie and Mirella peppering their mother with questions regarding the Season. Mama told them about the various types of social affairs which were held.

"I believe you will enjoy all the events, but the most fun will be the balls. You both are accomplished dancers, and there is nothing like wearing a pretty ballgown and dancing until the wee hours of the morning."

"Will we stay the entire length of a ball?" she asked. "I cannot see Sophie coming home at five o'clock in the morning and then having to go to Neptune Shipping."

"Sophie and I have discussed this," Mama shared. "She and James understand their presence is important, not only to themselves, but to the two of you. Yes, we will be staying for the entire ball each time. Sophie will go home to bed and most likely rise at noon. Mr. Barnes will be calling at the townhouse and bringing her papers to sign. She decided it would be better to conduct the majority of her business from the townhouse and refrain from taking time to travel to and from the docks each day."

"It would be a hard enough schedule to maintain without being with child," Mirella declared. "I cannot believe Sophie does so much, especially now that we know she carries James' babe."

They continued moving along the path next to the Serpentine, and Georgie's thoughts turned once again to Lord Edgethorne. While she believed she should be excited about her come-out and meeting all the various bachelors, all she could truly think about was the handsome and interesting marquess. She prayed he would return in time for the first ball because she wanted to reserve the supper dance for him.

Mama must have read her mind because she said, "Let us talk about balls for a moment. I want to discuss a few things you should be aware of going into this first one. You will first go through the receiving line, where you will be introduced to your host and hostess. The hostess is usually the wife of the host. On rare occasions, if he is a widower, his hostess might be his sister or even his mother.

"Once we enter the ballroom, there will be time before the dancing begins to socialize with others. I will make certain that you are introduced to a good number of people, especially eligible men. After you have had a proper introduction, they may ask to sign your programme. It is very important that you only allow them to sign for one dance."

Georgie frowned. "Why is that, Mama?"

"If you dance twice in one evening with the same gentleman, tongues will wag. You would have to be most interested in a suitor in order to dance a second time with him on the same night. For these first series of balls, I would only advise that you dance once with a gentleman during a particular evening."

"Anything else, Mama?" Mirella asked eagerly.

"The supper dance is the most important one of the evening because you will spend an inordinate amount of time with your partner. You two have had dance lessons, and you know how lively many of the numbers are. Very little conversation can go on between partners during those country dances. However, the waltz is becoming the common supper dance tune, and because of the nature of this dance, it gives you a chance to speak to your partner. Your partner will lead you into supper, and you will spend that entire time with him. Most of the tables are set for six, eight, or ten guests, so you will be sitting most likely with friends of your partner or his family members."

Mama paused. "I would say reserve the supper dance for the gentlemen who truly interest you."

"That is good advice, Mama," Georgie said. "Anything else we should know?"

Her mother smiled. "I do have one more bit of advice. I would leave one dance open, preferably one after supper has been served."

"Why do that?" questioned Mirella. "I thought the point of going to a ball was dancing every number."

"You never know when a gentleman might catch your eye," their mother said. "If one does so, and he asks if you have room on your dance card—you do have a blank. And if no gentleman does ask you for that dance? It can serve as a respite for you. You might go to the retiring room. You might sit and speak with other young ladies who are not presently engaged on the dance floor. It is merely a suggestion, however, Mirella. I know how much you love to dance. You are the one in charge of your programme."

Georgie thought that a good piece of advice, and she was glad Mama had shared it with them. She had a fear of Lord Edgethorne not appearing at the beginning of a ball. If he came later, she most certainly wanted to have room on her dance card for his signature.

"We have walked long enough," her mother declared. "Let us head home. I wish to write to Allegra, Lyric, and Effie."

"I will do the same," Mirella said.

"I wrote to them only yesterday, so I will go and practice in the music room," Georgie told the pair.

They began heading back and suddenly, Mirella slipped on the slick ground. She went down hard, and a cry came from her. Both Georgie and Mama dropped to their knees, trying to right Mirella, whose face contorted in pain.

"I have injured my arm, Mama," Mirella said, tears springing to her eyes.

"Let us get you to your feet, dearest," Mama said calmly. "We will go home and summon Dr. Nickels to look at you."

Mama clasped one of Mirella's elbows to steady her, while Georgie took the other, causing her sister to flinch.

"Oh, it hurts so much," Mirella wailed, tears streaming down her cheeks.

They managed to get Mirella to her feet, and Mama asked, "Did you land on your arm? Or elbow?"

Mirella nodded. "Both. My arm is throbbing something terrible now. What if it keeps me from the Season?" she wailed.

"Do not go borrowing trouble, Mirella Strong," Mama said. "We will get you home and see soon enough what is wrong."

They walked on each side of Mirella, who cradled her left arm with her right hand, holding the injured arm close to her chest. A sinking feeling filled Georgie, but she did not say anything.

The moment the footman admitted them, Mama told him to fetch the doctor—and a surgeon—as a precaution. Her mother's words caused Mirella to wail mournfully, and her sobs could be heard throughout the house.

They gently led Mirella up the stairs to her bedchamber. When Georgie tried to help her sister from her spencer, her sister only sobbed harder.

"We must cut her spencer from her before Dr. Nickels gets here," Mama said, sending Millie for scissors.

"It is my favorite," Mirella protested.

"You can have as many spencers made up as you wish, Mirella. Now hush, sweet girl," Mama urged, helping Mirella to sit on the bed and then sitting beside her, putting her arm about her daughter. Mirella rested her head on Mama's shoulder as Georgie stood by helplessly.

She slipped from the room and went downstairs to wait for the doctor. He arrived, and she greeted him.

"Hello, Dr. Nickels. It is Mirella who has been injured. She slipped on the slick ground while we were walking near the Serpentine and hurt her arm. I think her elbow might be broken."

The physician clucked his tongue. "When your footman told me a surgeon might also be needed, I sent word for Mr. Busbice to meet me here. I have worked with him numerous times in the past. Take me to your sister, Lady Georgina."

They reached Mirella's bedchamber, and Dr. Nickels entered. Mirella burst into fresh tears at the sight of him.

"I am sorry you took such a dreadful spill, my lady, but I must examine your arm to determine a course of action."

Mirella finally removed her right hand, which had been bracing her left arm, but left the arm snuggled against her chest for support. It was a good thing they had cut away the spencer so that the physician could examine the arm without encumberment.

"Yes, there is swelling and tenderness, both in the forearm and elbow area. Can you bend your arm, Lady Mirella?" Dr. Nickels asked.

She tried to do so and then shook her head furiously. "No. The pain is too great to do so."

"The good news is that it is not a compound fracture," the doctor told them. "That is when a break has occurred and the bone protrudes from the skin."

All three women shuddered hearing his words.

"From what I can see," he continued, as he ran his fingers along Mirella's arm and to the elbow, "there is one break int the forearm and a separate one in the elbow itself. A surgeon will need to set the bones in order for them to heal properly."

A knock sounded at the door, and a footman entered. "Mr. Busbice is here, Your Grace."

"Ah, come in, Busbice," Dr. Nickels urged. "You are in wonderful hands with Mr. Busbice, Lady Mirella. We have worked together on many occasions, and he is simply the best at what he does. Under his care, you will be fit as a fiddle in no time."

Dr. Nickels stepped aside, saying, "I leave things in your hands, Mr. Busbice. If you would like, Your Grace, I can leave a sleeping draught for Lady Mirella. It would help her get through today and tonight, when the pain will be the greatest."

"I would appreciate that, Doctor," Mama said.

Mama sat on the bed again, holding Mirella's right hand as Mr. Busbice examined her left arm. Georgie could see the gentleness the surgeon used in his examination.

"There are two breaks. Here. And here," he indicated. "We have three ways to set bones, Your Grace. I can use a splint or a wooden cast. Or I can wrap it in plaster."

"Which would you recommend, Mr. Busbice?" Mama asked, her worry evident.

"If it were only the forearm, we could do any of the three. Because it is also the elbow, I think plaster is the way to go. It will form a hard, protective shell and keep the limb immobile while the bones mend. I believe it will promote faster healing."

"Then do it," Mama urged.

Mr. Busbice looked at Mirella. "Once I encase your arm in the plaster, my lady, you will wear a sling. It and the plaster will keep your arm bent and close to your body. You are going to be feeling very protective of the limb. You might have fears something else will happen to it again, which is only natural. The sling will serve its purpose."

Mirella bit her lip. "How long will I have to wear it, Mr. Busbice?"

"Again, the elbow is a more serious fracture than that in the forearm, and it will prolong the time it will take for you to heal completely. I would say anywhere from eight to ten weeks."

"That long?" Mirella burst into tears.

Mr. Busbice looked taken aback until Mama explained, "My daughter was to make her come-out in three days' time. That will be impossible now."

"Lady Mirella could certainly attend the social activities," the surgeon encouraged. "She could talk with others. But there would be absolutely no dancing. She will be off-balance as it is. I would not risk dancing if it were my daughter."

"What is the good of a come-out if you cannot dance?" Mirella asked defiantly. "No, Mama, I am not going to make my come-out this year and sit on the sidelines the entire time. All of you have told me this is a time in my life I am to enjoy. Believe me, I am not going to enjoy wearing this restrictive plaster or having to tote my arm about in a sling. I plan to go home to Shadowcrest and do my healing there. I will make my come-out next Season."

The surgeon nodded. "That is a wise plan, my lady. A quieter life and the fresh country air will promote healing. You should see the village doctor once you return, and then he will be able to discuss your course of treatment and monitor when the plaster should be removed."

"Thank you, Mr. Busbice," Mama said. "Should we give her the sleeping draught now?"

"Soon. She is in a good deal of pain. You see how the swelling is. Let me prepare the plaster. Lady Mirella may drink the concoction before I put the plaster in place. By the time I finish, she will be very sleepy. I must go to your kitchens in order to prepare the plaster. I will be back shortly, Your Grace."

Mirella cried quietly as they helped her out of her gown and into a night rail.

Georgie herself unpinned her sister's hair and brushed it out, plaiting it into two braids.

"Just think how everyone will fuss over you at Shadowcrest," she told her sister. "Why, they will want to play with your hair all day long. They can figure out all kinds of styles for you to wear during your come-out next year."

Her eyes swimming with tears, Mirella looked at Georgie. "I am so sorry I have ruined things. We were supposed to do this together, especially since you didn't have Pippa with you."

"You haven't ruined anything. In fact, it will allow me to go through the Season in its entirety, and then I will be able to share all about it with you and the others. Why, I may simply kick up my heels and have nothing but fun this Season and put off looking for a husband until next year when you do return."

"You don't have to do that for me, Georgie," Mirella said. "Please, have fun—but do not wait on me."

"You know I have said I will follow my heart. I will merely see where it leads me this year."

She kissed Mirella's brow as Mr. Busbice returned. Mirella drank the sleeping draft, complaining of how bitter it was. Mama held Mirella's hand, and Georgie sat at her sister's feet during the entire process. Once the plaster had dried, they helped Mirella into bed.

"Don't go," Mirella said to Georgie, and she sat on the bed holding her sister's hand until she fell asleep.

She could not believe what had happened. A Season when five of them were to make their come-outs had now dwindled to her.

And Georgie was anxious about going through it alone.