Chapter Twenty-Two

M irella and her mother left the house and crossed the square, eager to see their family members who had come into town for today’s ship christening. Word had come just after dinner last night that Georgie, August, and little Alexandra had arrived in town, accompanied by Effie. Since they were committed to attending a rout, Mama had sent word they would like to visit this morning before they went to the London docks. It would be the first time that they had been able to see Alexandra, and she and Mama were looking forward to meeting the newest Strong.

“Of course, I understand that she is not actually a Strong,” Mama said.

“She is half-Strong,” Mirella proclaimed. “That is good enough. Besides, the other half of her comes from August, and there isn’t a kinder man on the planet than Georgie’s marquess.”

“It is convenient that August’s townhouse is directly across from ours,” Mama said. “Oh, I cannot wait to see my grandchild.”

The butler admitted them as Georgie came sailing down the stairs, looking happier than Mirella had ever seen her.

Georgie flew into Mama’s arms, embracing her tightly, and then turned to Mirella. The sisters hugged.

“You look absolutely wonderful, my dearest,” Mama told Georgie. “Motherhood obviously suits you.”

“We cannot wait to meet Alexandra,” she said. “Is she in the nursery?”

Georgie smiled. “She is. With her father. I have told August I am not certain why we even engage a nursery governess because he is with the babe so much.”

Mama smiled approvingly. “I knew he would be a good husband and father.”

Her sister led them upstairs, telling them that Effie was in the barn, helping a mare deliver her colt.

“I told her this colt better be born and Effie bathed and dressed in time for us to make it to the ceremony,” Georgie said. “She promised she would.”

“She better,” Mama said. “I have missed my baby so much.”

Mirella laughed. “Do not let Effie hear you calling her a baby, Mama. She would resent it.”

“I cannot help it,” Mama said. “It is hard for me to believe that this time next year, she will be making her come-out.”

They arrived at the nursery and saw August cradling his daughter in his arms, telling her some story.

Georgie smiled indulgently at them. “You do realize that Alexandra does not understand a word of what you are telling her.”

He grinned. “Not yet. But she will. Sooner than you think. Why, Alexandra is going to be more intelligent than both her parents combined.”

Rising from the chair, he came toward them, handing the baby to her grandmother. Mama beamed down at the little one. “Welcome to our family, sweet Alexandra,” she said softly, the babe looking up with round eyes. “And soon, you will have someone to play with. Your aunt or uncle.”

Mama chuckled. “It will seem odd, a niece being older than her aunt or uncle.”

Mama handed the babe to Mirella, and she held the precious bundle close. Alexandra cooed at her, and Mirella fell instantly in love with her niece.

They remained in the nursery a few more minutes until the nursery governess chased them out, saying it was time for the wet nurse to feed Lady Alexandra.

“Let us go to my sitting room,” Georgie said. “It is more cozy than the drawing room.”

August accompanied the three women down the stairs and said, “Since we are in town, I have a few things to attend to in my study. I will see you this afternoon at the christening of Sophie .”

He excused himself, and they went to the sitting room, where Georgie said, “Tell me everything about this Season, Mirella.” She smiled. “And do not leave a single thing out.”

“Today, you will meet Lord Bridgewater. He is my betrothed,” Mirella informed her sister.

Georgie squealed in delight, throwing her arms about Mirella and hugging her tightly. “Oh, I was not expecting that news. You have only written once and did not name any gentleman when you did. I do not blame you, though. I know just how difficult it is to steal a moment to pen a letter when you are so busy.”

“The engagement only happened yesterday,” Mama commented. “We learned of it at teatime.”

“Well, tell me about your intended. Who is he? What is he like? Where is his country seat located?” Georgie asked. “Oh, I do hope it is close to Edgefield.”

“I find it hard to know where to begin,” she protested. “I first met Lord Bridgewater when Effie and I went with Aunt Matty to Benbrook in the Lake District. During the house party last year.”

“Oh, I do recall his name being mentioned. He is... the nephew of Lord and Lady Benton?”

“He is Lady Benton’s nephew,” she confirmed. “Though they never attend the Season, the Bentons have done so this year because they knew Lord Bridgewater would be perusing the Marriage Mart for a bride.”

“Since he holds the title, does he still have his mother?” George inquired.

“He does. I have not been formally introduced to her, however. I am certain that will occur at tonight’s musicale. I do not know when we are going to announce our betrothal to Polite Society.”

“Why not do so at your ball?” Georgie said. “Surely, James and Sophie are holding one in your honor. They did for me during my come-out last Season.”

“Sophie and Mama have made plans for one,” she said. “But I had been a bit reluctant.”

“Why?” Georgie pressed.

“Lord Bridgewater and I have had a bit of a rocky road leading up to our engagement,” Mirella explained.

“Then I must hear all those details before I meet him,” her sister proclaimed.

“Do not hold anything you hear against the marquess,” Mama cautioned. “Lord Bridgewater is a good man, and it is apparent that he loves your sister very much.”

“Now, I am truly intrigued,” Georgie said. “Start at the beginning.

Mirella explained how she had been drawn to Byron during their meeting at Grasmere and how they had kissed during that time. She did not look at Mama, a bit embarrassed talking about such personal matters with her mother present.

“The Season began, and I was eager to know more about him,” she shared. “Then he told me that he was to be betrothed to one of his neighbors and that we could no longer share an acquaintance.”

“Was this betrothal arranged by his parents?” Georgie asked. “Before his father passed and he claimed his title?”

She chuckled. “It is far more complicated than that.”

Mirella detailed the situation, punctuated by her sister’s frequent reactions and comments. Finally, she brought her tale to a conclusion with yesterday’s offer of marriage.

“So, you see, Georgie, Lord Bridgewater believed he was doing the right thing by offering for Miss Bowles.”

“It is fortunate that he decided to give both this Miss Bowles and himself the freedom to pursue their separate happiness with others.”

“You will not hold any of this against him? Judge him harshly when you meet him?” she asked.

“Do you love him?” Georgie asked pointedly.

“With all my heart.”

“And he loves her,” Mama chimed in. “Lord Bridgewater was quite vocal about his feelings toward Mirella at tea yesterday.”

“Then I am satisfied,” her sister said. “I simply want you to be loved and adored, my little sister. It sounds as if you are.”

Georgie embraced her again, and Mirella felt relief, having crossed that hurdle.

They spent the next hour talking about nothing but Alexandra and what the babe had been doing. Georgie shared what a good father August was and how the birthing experience had brought them even closer together as a couple.

“I am so happy to hear that, Georgie,” Mama said. “I know Pippa is happy from the few letters which have made their way back to England. It is only fitting that you, too, have found happiness with your husband. Will Alexandra be attending today’s christening?”

Georgie laughed. “I doubt it. August does not want to stay in town long at all, Mama. The moment we drew near, he talked about how foul the London air is and how he worried about his daughter breathing it in. No, we are destined to leave for Edgefield tomorrow morning. Effie will be going with us. We will remain in the country until next Season.”

“Do not forget the house party I am holding for the family at the end of this Season,” Mama reminded. “Pippa, Seth, and little Adam will be home by then. I wanted us to all come to Shadowcrest and spend time together for at least a week.”

“It will be exciting to introduce Alexandra to Adam and George. Will George be coming to the christening today?”

Mirella laughed. “James carts George about everywhere. This is too important a day for James and Sophie for George not to be present. Even if he does nap through the entire event.”

Mama rose. “Mirella and I will take our leave now. You need to get some rest before this afternoon’s ceremony. I know how difficult it is birthing a child, and you did so just a month ago.”

“I quite forgot to ask how your health is, Mama,” Georgie said contritely. “Do you even feel up to holding this house party? I know the burden of its planning will rest with you since Sophie has no interest in these types of affairs. You will be giving birth in September, shortly after the house party ends.”

“To have all my ducklings and their spouses and children under one roof means the world to me, Georgina,” Mama replied. “Do not worry about me. I have done this many times.”

“What, Mama? Hold house parties—or give birth?” teased Mirella.

“Both,” Mama said smartly, and they all burst into laughter.

She and Mama returned to the Seaton townhouse, and Mirella went to the music room to practice. After she put in a good two hours, she went up to her bedchamber. She was still debating between two different gowns and finally chose one of pale yellow. The maid dressed Mirella’s hair, and she went downstairs, finding Byron waiting in the foyer.

“I did not know you were here,” she apologized.

“I only just arrived.”

He took her hands in his and brushed a soft kiss against her cheek, causing those lovely tingles to ripple through her.

“Did you and Mrs. Andrews get to visit with your sisters this morning?”

“Only Georgie because Effie was assisting a mare who was giving birth. Effie should be at the christening this afternoon, however. And the best part was we got to meet Alexandra. Oh, Byron, she is a miniature Georgie, with blond fuzz and a sweet smile. August is so protective and loving toward her.”

“I look forward to meeting her, as well as Lord and Lady Edgethorne. Will they be at tonight’s event?”

“No. It is surprising how motherhood has changed Georgie. She has no interest in going to a social affair this evening. In fact, they are returning to the country tomorrow morning.”

Mirella told Byron how August did not want his daughter breathing in the dirty London air, which had him roaring in laughter.

“At least I will be able to meet them this afternoon,” he said. “We must also think about our wedding, Mirella. We have not discussed those details yet. Since it is your come-out, I assumed you will wish to finish out the Season.”

“I have not even thought of it,” she admitted. “I have been basking in the thought of you loving me.” She hesitated. “I really do not think I can wait that long, Byron.”

He slipped his arms about her and kissed her enthusiastically, despite the presence of the footman on duty by the door.

Breaking the kiss, he said, “You would make me the happiest of men if we were to wed sooner. Of course, I know you want your family to be present at the ceremony.”

She frowned. “Mama is going to hold a house party at the end of August once the Season is done. She wants the whole family to gather since Pippa will be home from her honeymoon by then, and Lyric and Allegra will have given birth to their babies, as well. I suppose that would be the ideal time to wed because they all would be at Shadowcrest.”

“Do not wait, Mirella,” her mother said firmly.

Turning, she saw Mama had joined them. “How much did you overhear, Mama?”

“Only that the two of you are eager to start your lives together, and yet you are torn because you want your family at the wedding.”

Mama took Mirella’s hands in hers. “Lord Bridgewater is to be your family now, my dearest. You will always be a Strong and have the love of your brother, sisters, and cousins, but your loyalties must always lie with him. He is your priority. If it were me and I were so in love with this handsome marquess?” Mama teased. “Why, I would get a special license and wed as soon as possible. Our family can always celebrate your marriage in August when we all come together at Shadowcrest.”

Tears welled in her eyes. “You do not mind, Mama?”

“I want what is best for you and Lord Bridgewater, Mirella. The two of you need to discuss the matter, but I believe I have already offered a perfect solution. Wed now and allow the family to celebrate the two of you later.”

Mama released Mirella’s hands, and she turned to Byron. “What do you want?” she asked.

He took her hands and squeezed them. “I want you. You are—and always will be—the most important thing in my life. I will say that I wish for Aunt Flora and Uncle Hugh to be present at the ceremony, whether we hold it here in town or at Shadowcrest.”

Mirella bit her lip, unsure what to do. “All Strongs wed in the Shadowcrest chapel,” she told him. “It would be impossible for Allegra and Lyric to come to the wedding, no matter where we hold it. They are both too far along to travel any distance by coach.”

Her gaze met his. “I would still like to marry at Shadowcrest, but I wish to do so as soon as possible. Would you mind traveling to Kent for the wedding? It is not far, and we can always return here for the rest of the Season.”

“We can do whatever you wish, my love,” Byron said, his gaze adoring.

Mama clucked her tongue. “I think a Shadowcrest wedding would be lovely, but now that the two of you have found one another, do you really wish to continue with the Season? The Season will always be there, but I believe a honeymoon would be in order instead.”

Her heart told her that her mother was right, and Mirella said, “I have gotten from the Season exactly what I wanted. A husband who will love and cherish me always. Mama is right, Byron. We should go to Shadowcrest and wed in the chapel and then go on our honeymoon. I would be happy to spend it at Bridgefield, getting to know the estate and your people.”

He brought her hands to his lips, tenderly kissing her fingers. “That sounds perfect.” Her fiancé looked to Mama. “How soon might a wedding take place in Kent?”

“How about a week from today, my lord?” Mama responded with a smile. “That will give you time to purchase the special license and for the rest of us to return to Shadowcrest and make the necessary preparations.”

Mirella looked at the man she loved in wonder. This time next week, she would be the Marchioness of Bridgewater.