“Do you not?” He gave her a considering glance. “That’s amazing.”
Before she could demure, Lord St. Albans came back into the room looking much better than he had when he’d left and very much on his dignity. “Miss Blomefield’s maid said she would be down shortly.” He held up a finger that had a plaster on it, and focused on their hosts. “Before you send your guests to visit the geese, I would suggest you train them not to attack.”
“A very good idea, my lord. I do not know why that was not taken care of before.” Mary’s face flushed, but Georgie did not think it was from embarrassment as her voice shook with what sounded like suppressed laughter.
While the rest of the table stifled their laughter, Littleton caught Gavin’s eye. His friend must have realized that Gavin and Georgie had been accidentally left alone. Damn the man, Littleton was going to subject him to “a talk.” It was not as if he and Georgie had planned to be in the attic alone. If St. Albans had had the sense to listen to Miss Blomefield and look for another painting—it wasn’t possible they were meant to find the same one—they would have been with them. Now that Gavin thought about it, finding the maid had been extremely fortunate. Had the maid left because she was supposed to find the other couple? Somehow, he’d find time to ask St. Albans exactly what had happened, but in a way as to not arouse suspicion. As to Georgie, he had promised he would not compromise her, and if anything happened to cause anyone to think she had been compromised, he would stand by her decision.
Miss Blomefield finally arrived and the Turners and Fitzwalters shooed everyone out to the hall. Fortunately, Fritz had the forethought to call for his coach. Gavin had no idea how far the town was, but he knew Adeline might not be up to the walk back here before going home. Or were they going home? No, they must be. None of them had brought evening kit.
They had reached the hall when Frits said, “I’d like to speak with you.”
Then Gavin heard Georgie say, “I think we should all go outside. I gather we are taking the carriage.”
Frits inclined his head. “Very well. We’ll let the others get sorted.”
The four of them continued out the front door, down the steps, and off to the side of the drive where they could not be overheard.
Littleton’s mouth flattened in a good imitation of a displeased father. “From what just occurred, I assume that another couple was to have been in the attic with you. Exactly how long were you alone?”
Georgie crossed her arms under her breasts, plumping them and making Gavin want to groan.
“Not long at all.” She went on to explain how they’d found the maid and that she had led them to the attic. “She was present while we asked questions. After that, we found the trunk in just a few minutes, gathered the items, and left.”
He nodded his concurrence with what she’d said. “It occurred to me after I saw St. Albans that the maid had probably been waiting for us and went to search for St. Albans and Miss Blomefield.”
“Who were fighting real geese.” Adeline leaned against her husband and started to laugh. “I—I haven’t heard anything that funny in a long time.”
“It was humorous.” Georgie began to chuckle.
He glanced at Littleton and shook his head. “We’d better not start. With four of us we’ll never stop.”
Other conveyances drew up in front of the house and the guests began climbing in. Gavin held his arm out to Georgie, who was wiping her eyes. “We had better go. Have you ever been to this town?”
“I have not.” Her voice still shook a bit. “But it is the one where both the Turners and the Fitzwalters married.”
She went on to relate the story of the ladies wishing to marry on the same day if not in the same ceremony, and Lord Fitzwalter refusing to have a wedding at St. George’s, and Mr. Fitzwalter saving the day by remembering about the church in Croseton, a town owned by both families.
“I daresay it holds fond memories for both of them,” Georgie concluded.
“I imagine it does.” Where would she like to have their ceremony? But Gavin was getting ahead of himself. First he had to convince her to marry him.
They reached their coach and he handed Georgie up then climbed in. “Knowing some of the history makes me more interested in seeing the town.”
“Speaking of history,” Georgie said. “I had no idea you sang so well.”
“Do not forget my Frits,” Adeline added. “He has an excellent voice.” She gave her husband a hard look. “One I have never heard before.”
Littleton flushed slightly and scratched his ear. “I haven’t had much of an opportunity. I do plan to sing to our daughter.”
“Or our son.”
This was a continuing theme between them. “I don’t think either of you care which it is.”
“Nor do I.” Georgie’s dark-blue eyes were sparkling with merriment. “I think they just like debating the sex of the baby.”
“If only there were a way to know.” Adeline rubbed her growing stomach.
“Visit a gypsy at a fair,” Gavin suggested. “Other than that, I don’t think there will ever be a way to know.”
“It is just so frustrating having to wait.” She pouted for a second then smiled again. “I shall simply pray for a healthy baby.”
One of Littleton’s hands had formed a fist and the knuckles were turning white. “The only thing I want is a safe delivery for you and our child.”
Gavin resisted the urge to glance at Georgie. He did not love her and never would, but the thought of her dying in childbirth caused a sharp pain in his chest. He would do everything in his power to stop that from happening. Better yet, he absolutely would not allow it to occur. How he didn’t know. He just knew that her not being a part of his life forever was not an option.
Chapter Eighteen
Marc clinched his jaw as Miss Featherton left with the Littletons and Turley. At this rate, Marc was never going to have a chance with her. Not only that, but he was certain that Littleton and his wife were helping Turley. Marc had planned to visit the area where he’d seen Miss Featherton riding, but the gypsy hunt had put paid to that idea. At least for today. Well, there was always tomorrow. Then again, Lady Aurelia was proving to be a very pleasant companion. Still, he felt as if he had to make a final push in the direction of Miss Featherton.
He surveyed the rest of the guests as they assembled in front of the house. Standing on the top step, Lady Turner called out names and footmen escorted ladies and gentlemen to the various conveyances waiting to take them into the market town.
She looked over at Lady Aurelia then glanced at him. “Lord Lytton, you and Lady Aurelia will ride with my husband and me.”
He didn’t even have to paste a polite smile on his face as he strolled over to Lady Aurelia. Thus far, he’d been happy to spend time with her. “It would be my pleasure.”
Lady Turner went back to her list.
And Lady Aurelia’s smile was genuine. “I am glad we shall be riding together. I had a great deal of fun with you during the gypsy hunt.”
He didn’t understand her. “But we didn’t win.”
“Winning is not everything.” She raised one dark blond brow. “Sometimes playing the game is enough.”