“That is an excellent question. One to which I do not have an answer.” He took his own seat. “In fact, I don’t even remember what she was wearing.”
Georgie waited until Frits was seated. “Do you remember anything else about the dark-haired lady?”
“No.” He shook his head. “I only remember thinking that she stood out amid all the fair hair.”
“I can ask my steward to search for the information and send it to us,” Gavin offered.
“No. Thank you. I would much rather find it myself.” She placed her serviette on her lap. “A mystery to solve.”
“Other than becoming engaged”—Frits held up a glass of champagne that she suddenly realized was being served to the rest of them—“what else happened today? Adeline said you wished to speak to me about it.” He raised a brow. “I have already been informed about the possibility of a dead man.”
Georgie exchanged a glance with her friend. They had agreed that Gavin should tell Frits.
“Three men, including the one who might be dead, attempted to abduct Georgie. They were driving Lytton’s coach, and acted on his orders.”
“Adeline and I do not understand it.” Georgie took a sip of champagne. “We are both positive that he is interested in Lady Aurelia.”
Frits shrugged. “Let’s see how he reacts this evening. For now, I want to wish the both of you happy. I can’t tell you how pleased I am that you are finally together.” He gave Gavin a smug grin. “I understand you finally realized what the rest of us have known for a while.”
“You were right. One can’t tell one’s heart what to do.” Gavin raised her hand and kissed her knuckles. “I have learned a great deal about myself today, and about my betrothed. She is a lady of forethought.”
Many gentlemen might have been upset about her stipulation or ignored her. She knew they existed and was happy that Gavin wasn’t one of them. “I intend to be married to you for a very long time.”
He raised his glass to her. “And I plan not to do anything to disappoint you in that regard.”
She held his light-blue eyes. “I am glad we are in agreement. I’m certain there will be other things about which we will disagree.”
“But not that.” His voice was firm, and she heard how far he was willing to go to keep his first promise to her. It boded well for their future.
* * *
That evening when Georgie, Gavin, and their friends entered the Turners’ house for the ball, Lord Lytton was speaking to Lady Aurelia. Gavin was certain that the man would be worried or, at the very least surprised to see Georgie, but all he did was smile and wish them a good evening.
Once past the couple, Georgie’s fine dark brows drew together. “That is very strange.”
“I have to agree.” Surely Lytton had not expected to see her. “He’s either an excellent actor or something is going on about which he is not aware.” Gavin took Georgie to where her grandmother and the duchess were sitting with Lady Turner. Everyone had turned out for the ball, even the mothers who had not been seen all week. “Can you remember exactly what the blackguards said about Lytton?”
Georgie’s lips pressed together, and she slowly shook her head. “Only that this would make his lordship happy.”
“A strange way to put it.” Gavin drew her a bit closer to him. No one was going to touch her tonight with the sole exception of himself.
“Now that I think about it, I agree.” She gazed up at him, and he wanted to kiss her and declare their betrothal so that there would be no doubt that she belonged to him. “I believe we should have our little conversation with him sooner rather than later.”
“We’ll wait until Littleton and Adeline join us, then we’ll decide how best to go about it.”
Georgie glanced around. “Where have they got to?”
“Speaking with his mother.” Well, it made sense her ladyship would be present when her friends were here. “When Lady Turner and Mrs. Fitzwalter said everyone was attending this evening, I have to admit I thought it was an exaggeration.”
Georgie cast her eyes to the ceiling. “They would not be ladies worth their salt if they had a good chance of getting the Duchess of Bridgewater to attend their ball and did not make a push.”
“I’ve never thought of it in quite that way.” Although Gavin should have. “It will raise their credit with the ton.”
“Indeed it will. In fact, it would not surprise me if the next time they were in Town they are invited to more select entertainments.”
He didn’t need to ask how word would get around. Polite Society was a hotbed of gossip. It wouldn’t take a day for the news to be all around Town. “I take it that we will invite them to our entertainments.”
“Naturally.” Georgie smiled at one of the other guests ambling by. “Despite what occurred last Season, I have come to know both ladies and there is really no harm in them.”
He was about to object that there would have been a great deal of harm done if the ladies’ former plan to entrap his friend had come to fruition. At this point, he supposed all was well that ended well. Littleton was not holding a grudge.
Georgie tightened her hand on his arm. “Here they come.”
Littleton and his wife were slowly making their way along the side of the surprisingly crowded room and had just reached them. “It took you long enough.”
“Unlike other people”—he gave Gavin a pointed look—“we have been married long enough that we can take a modicum of time to greet other guests.”
Next to her husband, Adeline closed her eyes and shook her head. “We asked Lord Lytton and Lady Aurelia to join us. When they do one of you will ask to have a private word with his lordship, and the rest of us will follow.”
“That is a very good idea.” Georgie gave their friends an approving look. “We had expected a reaction from the gentleman when he saw me, but there was nothing.”
“Yes. We thought it was odd.” Adeline glanced to the side. “They will be here shortly. Hmm. Did you notice the way he is looking at Lady Aurelia?”
Gavin looked at the pair, but they had been stopped by the lady’s brother. “Not particularly.”
“One thing at a time,” Georgie said in a voice tinged with humor. “We can play at matchmaking after we resolve the current issue.”
“Lady Littleton, Miss Featherton.” Lytton bowed. “This ball appears to be quite well attended.”
“Indeed it does.” Georgie dropped a slight curtsey. “Lady Aurelia, are you enjoying yourself?”
“I am.” The lady curtsied as well. “I have been looking forward to this evening.”
“Before the dancing starts”—Gavin focused on Lytton— “there was a matter I wished to discuss with you. Do you mind if we repair to the library?”
Lytton looked at Lady Aurelia. “If you do not mind, my lady?”
“Not at all.” She raised one brow. “In my experience gentlemen always have a need to repair to one room or the other for a brief conversation.”
“I assure you, my lady, this will be indeed short.” Gavin gathered Littleton with his gaze and the three men headed toward the other side of the room.