“I take it Turley has not kissed you at all.”
She could not keep from sounding as disgusted as she felt. “He has not even acted like he wanted to. Well, only once, but I might be wrong about that.”
“Ergo, you wish to give him a chance,” Adeline concluded.
Georgie bit down on her lip. “I thought that if he did not kiss me, even when I gave him an opportunity, then I should forget about finding a way that he could fall in love with me.”
“If only we could ask Frits’s advice,” Adeline mused. “But I am afraid that would put him in a difficult situation and not only because of his duty to you. He and Turley have been the best of friends for most of their lives. He might feel as if he was somehow betraying Turley.”
Georgie had not even thought about asking Frits. He of all people would be able to tell her what to do. Still, her friend had a point. “I suppose you’re right.”
Adeline’s stomach growled again. “I am famished.”
“You will ask about—”
“Yes.” She opened the door. “But now I must eat.”
Chuckling to herself, Georgie followed her friend into the breakfast room. As she filled her plate, she thought about what Adeline had said about approaching Frits. It would be a last resort, but Georgie might just do it.
* * *
The next day dawned with a chill in the air reminding Gavin that it was getting later in the month. And every time he’d thought about marrying Georgie, he had imagined her at his home during Christmas. It had been so many years since the house had been filled with love and warmth. He might even invite his sister and her family to join them. It would be fun to have children running around. Mayhap, Georgie would be pregnant by then. He threw back the covers. If he wanted his wishes to come true, he had to get busy.
“My lord.” His valet entered the room carrying a letter. “This came for you after you had retired.”
“Thank you.” He took the missive and opened it and read it twice.
Gypsy hunt? Why the devil would they want to hunt gypsies? Granted, many people didn’t like the Romany, but that was no reason to hunt them. And why would the ladies be involved? They barely went fox hunting. He’d better go in the event they actually planned to hunt gypsies and put a stop to such foolishness.
Gavin refolded the note his valet had given him. There would be no time to go riding with Georgie this morning. Unless, of course, Adeline had decided not to attend the entertainment.
He went behind the screen to wash and shave. What possessed Lady Turner and Mrs. Fitzwalter to hold any entertainment so early in the morning? Or at all? He shook his head. He had no control over what his hostesses did. What he might have some influence over was being paired with Georgie. Provided it was an actual game. That would be the only good thing about playing silly games. After all, considering the intellect of the two ladies in charge, how hard could it be? They would not play to win, which would give him more time with her. And the more time he spent with her the better his chances at convincing her to marry him. The question was should he leave early and attempt to persuade the ladies that they should allow him and Georgie to be a team or write to them. Surely this was a team sport? No, writing was probably not a good idea. He didn’t want his desire to fall into anyone else’s hand. Not because he would be embarrassed, but she might. As soon as he was dressed and had a morsel to eat, he’d go over early to Littlewood and attempt to convince Frits to arrive at the Turners’ house beforetime. That would give Gavin an opportunity to speak with Turner and have him speak with his wife about putting Gavin and Georgie on the same team. Although, he hoped that the teams turned out to be coupled. After all, it was not that large of a party. In fact, he had better write a missive for Littleton now and have it delivered so that he received it the first thing this morning.
Gavin went to the cherry desk that held not only space for writing, but a bookshelf as well, and pulled out a piece of foolscap that had already been cut.
My dear Littleton,
I wish to depart early for the Turners’ house if possible.
Yr. friend,
G.T.
After sanding the letter and sealing it, he called for his valet. “Please have this delivered to Littlewood. Littleton must have it before breakfast.”
“As you wish, my lord.”
Perhaps this gypsy hunt would not be so bad after all. As long as they weren’t hunting real gypsies. His home was just far enough north that the Romany would have left by now. Were they still in this area?
It was early, but no one would care when he arrived at Littlewood. “Ardley.”
“My lord?” He appeared from the dressing room carrying Gavin’s clothing.
“Please have a carriage ready to take me to Littlewood.” He reached over and grabbed his shirt.
“You do know it is only shortly after seven o’clock?”
“Thank you. I am aware of the time. It is better that I be there as soon as possible.”
“As you wish. Would you like a cup of tea?”
“Please and some toast. Breakfast won’t be ready there until eight.” It only took a half hour to drive to Turner’s during the day.
The valet left the room, and Gavin donned everything but his cravat and jacket. Several minutes later, Ardley returned with a pot of tea and several pieces of toast. That should keep him until breakfast. By the time Gavin was fully dressed and downstairs, the coach was waiting.
“Good morning, my lord.” The coachman doffed his hat.
“Good morning to you. I hope I didn’t get you up.” Not expecting an answer, he climbed into the carriage.
When he arrived at Littlewood, he didn’t bother to knock, but strode through to the breakfast room where the food was just being set out.
“My lord,” Creswell said. “I shall inform his lordship you have arrived.”
“I’ll wait in his study.” That was the place where Gavin was least likely to be overheard making his request.
“That is for the best,” the butler said cryptically.
While Littleton was fetched, Gavin made his way down the corridor to the study. He’d always liked the contrast of the light oak paneling with the darker brown leather chairs and sofa.
He’d no sooner lowered himself into a chair when his friend entered. “Good morning. I was about to send for a coach. What is this all about?”
It was still not quite eight o’clock. “Are you departing early then?”
“We are.” Frits remained standing as if he was in a hurry. “Adeline wishes to speak with either Lady Turner or Mrs. Fitzwalter before the event begins.”
Gavin rose. “I wished to speak with Turner before the event, as well. I’m hoping he can arrange for me to be on the same team as Miss Featherton.”
“Ah. I wonder if... Never mind. Come and break your fast. At least we will not have to gulp down our food, but we cannot tarry.”
Despite what his friend had said, Gavin was surprised to find both the ladies already at the breakfast table when they reached the breakfast room.
Georgie’s gown had long sleeves and a higher bodice than usual. That must be due to the weather. Still, she was lovely. “Good morning.”