by Josie Bonham
***
Max watched Georgie leave the library. She did look tired but that guarded look he’d taken for guilt was still there. Something was troubling her. If he hadn’t been such an idiot as to doubt her he would have noticed sooner. He didn’t want her to be bothered by anything ever again. She said she wanted to take things more slowly this time. The inevitable press of engagements in Town, often keeping them apart, was a difficulty now rather than a relief.
A thought occurred to him. He walked around to the Mews and was fortunate to find Larkin sitting on a pile of sacks, sorting and cleaning the horses’ tack. He nodded as Larkin jumped up and touched his cap.
“Did you send that message to your uncle?”
“I did, my lord. I sent one of our grooms off first thing. He should be back tomorrow. I asked him to have any pair uncle thought was suitable for a lady’s phaeton and a horse for you to ride sent up straight away, on approval.”
“Well done, Larkin. Before anyone in Town tries to take you off my hands, would you like the post as our head groom at Hargreaves House? If you accept there will be a large rise in your pay.”
Larkin grinned. “Thank you, my lord. I’m happy to accept.”
“Good. Come on, we’re going to look at carriages now.”
They took a Hackney carriage to the carriage maker in Lambeth that Larkins recommended. Max walked around looking at a few completed vehicles followed by a company clerk.
“These are good quality, Larkin. I’m of a mind to order a new curricle to keep in Town.”
“If you’d be happy with a phaeton, Sir, we have one already made.” The clerk sniffed. “The purchaser changed his mind. He said it looked too much like a lady’s carriage.”
Max went to inspect it. “This is a well-balanced vehicle. Do you think it would be suitable for a lady, Larkin?”
“It would depend. She’d need to be able to handle two horses.”
Max turned to the clerk. “I want a phaeton for my wife. Would you reserve this for me until tomorrow so I can bring her to look at it?” Max pulled out a guinea.
“I’m sure that could be arranged.”
“Good. I’ll order a curricle for me as well.”
Max arrived home in better spirits. Teaching Georgie to drive a phaeton with two horses up front would take time, time spent together.
***
Max knocked the connecting door to Georgie’s bedroom. Martha let him in. Georgie was standing in the middle of the room and turned as he entered. He rocked back on his heels. She was a vision in cream muslin, embroidered with silver thread around the hem and bodice. The new gown was the work of a master. Red highlights gleamed in her chestnut brown hair under the candlelight. Heat rushed to his groin at the sight of her. With an effort of will he managed to ignore it.
“Georgie, you look wonderful.” He held out a rosewood jewellery box. “I intended to give you these for your first ball but I thought you might want to have them tonight.”
She blushed adorably and accepted the box. “Thank you, Max.” Her eyes opened wide when she opened the box and the diamond set was revealed.
It had been more than worth what had seemed an extortionate price at the time. “Would you like me to fasten the necklace for you?”
Georgie nodded. “Yes please.”
He fastened the clasp, breathing uncomfortably fast in response to her nearness. She shivered as his clumsy fingers brushed the sensitive skin of her neck. He could swear she was as affected by their close proximity as he was. He dropped a kiss on her cheek before leading her to the mirror.
“What do you think, sweetheart? I saw these when I bought the pearls for your wedding present.”
“They’re lovely. They bring out the embroidery on the dress. I don’t know how Madame’s staff worked so quickly. There’s an evening cloak to match.”
“Trust Augusta to know the best places, you look beautiful.”
“Thank you. I only hope Eliza won’t be offended that I didn’t wait for her.”
Despite the blush tinging her cheeks she was determined to stay on a business like footing it seemed. He supressed a sigh, how could he have been so foolish as to doubt her. He didn’t doubt the hurt he had caused her. It was there in her eyes, every time their glances met. It was a barrier he had to surmount but he must be patient.
***
The horses Larkin had hired to pull the town coach proved not to be the matched beasts he had been promised. It was already a quarter of an hour past nine o’ clock when they pulled up at the bottom of the steps to Cathlay House. Max felt Georgie tense by his side. He gave her hand a squeeze.
“Don’t worry. It always pays to be last to arrive when you’re the star guests.”
“I hope we aren’t.” Georgie laughed out loud. “I was hoping to stay hidden for as much of the time as possible.”
Larkin opened the door. Max jumped out and lifted Georgie down beside him. She threaded her arm through his and they climbed the stairs. Max felt his own stomach tighten. A lot was riding on the evening. Augusta must have been impressed with Georgie to throw her straight to the lions like this. The thought gave him a warm glow. Augusta’s regard was never given lightly.
A footman relieved them of their evening cloaks and the butler showed them into a drawing room lined with blue damask wallpaper.
“Lord and Lady Hargreaves.”
Max fixed his features into a smile and led Georgie forward. He glanced around the room. There was a clerical gentleman he didn’t know, two of Cathlay’s colleagues in the Lords, all with their wives, and two couples he couldn’t place. They stopped before Augusta and Cathlay. He gave Georgie’s hand a squeeze and released it before bowing low. Georgie picked up the cue from him and went into a deep curtsey.
Cathlay’s deep voice boomed out. “There’s no need to stand on ceremony here, Hargreaves.”
Augusta stepped forward to perform the introductions. Georgie’s face lit up when Augusta announced the newly promoted Bishop of Harminster. The bishop patted her hand.
“Georgina Sherborne, I didn’t recognise you when you came in but I can see it now. My word, the Marchioness of Hargreaves. Of course, your aunt was very friendly with Lady Wakeley, wasn’t she?” He drew his wife forward. “It was that committee for building the new orphanage if you remember.”
Mrs Matthews swept Georgie into an embrace. “Yes, they were good friends. It’s wonderful to see you again, Georgie, if I may still call you that.”
“Please do. Lady Wakeley can remember meeting me when I was younger but I know Lady Overton better.”
“Ah, yes. You moved near to her, didn’t you? We did miss you and your aunt when you left Canterbury. We must have an exchange of news later.”
Augusta finished the introductions and led the way into the dining room. Max admired the skilful way she manoeuvred Georgie so that she was seated between the Matthews. Georgie appeared happier than he had seen her since before Mrs Powell’s dismissal. He relaxed a little and was ready when the Countess of Haxby seated on his left, the wife of one of Cathlay’s political friends, started probing. The woman was something of a gossip, presumably why Augusta had invited her.
“It’s lovely to see you caught at last Hargreaves. We none of us had any idea you had someone in mind.” She smiled at him.
Max could see her watching him with the intensity of a barn owl watching a mouse. “Georgie’s aunt died at the beginning of summer and there was no question of her marrying then. It seemed best for her to start thinking about matrimony once she was out of mourning.” He gave the Countess his blandest smile.
“Of course. Will Lady Overton be coming to town for the season?”
Max laughed. “The Overtons are expected soon, I believe. Lady Hargreaves will be able to tell you more precisely, they were planning some serious shopping expeditions once she arrives.”
There was a general murmur of laughter from the gentlemen.
Cathlay glanced across at Augusta at the other end of t
he table. “In which case, my dear, you will not be popular with Lady Overton.”
Augusta laughed. “Dear Georgina did warn me but she only bought a few things to replenish her wardrobe today. There will be plenty of shopping left for Eliza to help her with.”
Max turned to the lady on his right who seemed a good-natured soul, if a little overawed by the company. The countess wasn’t finished with him. As soon as there was a break in their conversation she pounced.
“I understand you had a quiet wedding, Lord Hargreaves, with only two of your sisters present.”
“Lady Hargreaves is still not entirely over the sudden death of her aunt but she felt something of a burden staying with her only relatives, some distant cousins. We could have asked Lady Cathlay to take her in. However, with two sisters in the north of Scotland and two expecting additions to their families it would have been for some months.”
Max glanced at Georgie and smiled. She lowered her eyes demurely but not before he saw a spark of comprehension in them. Good girl, he was lucky to have such a quick-witted wife. Now the Ton would all be watching to see if Georgie produced an eight month baby. He felt heat rise in his cheeks at the thought, unwittingly reinforcing the impression he was trying to give of an impatient bridegroom.
“I see how it was. I had thought dear Lord and Lady Cathlay spent Christmas at their estates in Berkshire.” The countess studied Augusta who carried on chatting to Mr Matthews, appearing unconscious of being the subject of conjecture.
“They did. Lady Hargreaves conceived the idea of marrying on her birthday on Christmas Eve. I’m afraid the weather was against us and our messenger didn’t get through to them. With all the preparations in hand we decided to carry on with the wedding.”
Max shrugged his shoulders and raised his eyebrows at the countess, a challenge in his eyes. She had the grace to blush and changed the subject. He was glad when the meal ended and Augusta invited the ladies to leave the men to their port. He gave Georgie an encouraging smile before she followed Augusta out of the room. Would the countess have the nerve to try questioning Georgie? He could trust Augusta to intervene if she did.
The Earl of Haxby addressed a remark to him. He struggled to focus his attention on him with his mind on Georgie.
“What was that, my lord? I’m afraid I was wool-gathering.”
Haxby slapped him on the back. “Who can blame you with such a lovely young wife to think about?” The man looked distinctly uncomfortable. “I was just saying not to mind my wife. She’s an incurable romantic no matter how much I tell her it’s unfashionable.”
“Indeed.” Max gave him a tight smile and inclined his head. If he hadn’t been trying to hide something, he would have been angry at her impertinence. His jaw set. He was angry anyway. Haxby eyed him warily.
Cathlay caught his eye. “We were wondering if you intended to take your seat in the House now you’re comfortably settled, Hargreaves.”
“That’s something I hadn’t thought about.” Max grinned at his brother-in-law.
There was a rustle of laughter around the table.
“I must discuss it with my wife but perhaps I will. We live in strange times.”
This had the desired effect and the conversation turned away from his affairs to a general discussion on politics. When Cathlay suggested it was time to re-join the ladies he joined step with Max and let the others precede them. He nodded at his library and Max followed him in, shutting the door quietly behind him.
“You did well to keep your temper there, Max. The Countess of Haxby is the worst sort of gossip but her husband is a decent sort. I think we shall brush through this unscathed.” He gave Max a hard look. “Which is just as well as there are important measures afoot and I want to be there to help them along.”
“I’m sorry.” Max hung his head. “I see now that it would indeed have been better to place Georgie with you. I was being selfish. I knew Augusta would want to wait until everyone could be there.”
“No harm done. A long engagement would have been uncomfortable for you, although Augusta is very upset at missing the wedding. Never mind, she’s impressed, delighted even, with Georgina.”
Max smiled his gratitude. Cathlay could be tough but he was fair. “I suspect Georgie will want me to take my seat in the House. She has very strong moral values.”
The muscles at the back of his neck tightened. How could he have been so blind as to doubt her honesty?
“Excellent. Why don’t we go and consult her now? It would be useful to have you with us quickly.”
Max agreed. He followed him out, grinning to himself. It would consolidate his personal position in society and Cathlay, the wily old fox, had finally persuaded him to take up his seat after years of trying.
He scanned the drawing room and relaxed when he saw Georgie chatting happily to Mrs Matthews. Augusta had the countess hemmed in at the other side of the room. Cathlay sat down beside Georgie and Max stood on her other side.
“My dear, I have persuaded your husband to join us in the House of Lords. He has agreed as long as the idea has your blessing.”
Georgie’s head dipped momentarily. From where Max was standing, he was sure she was hiding a grin. They needed the Cathlay’s support but everything had its price.
“He most definitely has my blessing, Your Grace. There is much that needs to be done.”
One of the political wives sitting nearby turned towards them. “Dear Lady Hargreaves, I should be delighted to invite you to my political salons if you’re interested.”
Georgie didn’t hesitate. “I would be delighted. I’ve been chatting with Mrs Matthews about which charities I would like to support.”
Max exchanged glances with a beaming Augusta. He put a hand on Georgie’s shoulder. “I’m glad you want to follow in the tradition of charitable works started by my mother. When you make your choices, I would be grateful if you would give a thought to the local charities she was involved with.”
The conversation turned to other subjects and Georgie seemed to be perfectly comfortable with so many older people. Hadn’t she said her aunt and uncle were a lot older than her parents? It was probably something she was used to, but he was pleased to see she wasn’t overawed by such illustrious company. Max was wondering whether they could decently leave when the Countess of Haxby tried another attack.
“I was at a dinner with a friend of Lady Selina Lovell the other day.” The Countess gave a false sounding laugh. “Such lurid tales she was telling me. I understand you had to dismiss your housekeeper.”
Two spots of colour invaded Georgie’s cheeks and Max held his breath.
Georgie raised both eyebrows at the countess. “We did indeed. I’m afraid we didn’t suit. I wasn’t happy with the way she bullied the maids. I won’t have it in my household.”
Mrs Matthews jumped in before the countess could reply. “You sound so like your aunt, Georgina. She was always championing the welfare of servants.”
“What a refreshing attitude, Lady Hargreaves,” the Earl of Haxby said.
Augusta smiled sweetly at the Haxby’s. “Your dinner companion couldn’t have been a close friend of my Aunt Selina, Lady Haxby. She is, of course, the Countess of Welford now. I believe they have retired to the country for a while. Northumberland wasn’t it, Max?”
“So Bertie told me.”
Lady Haxby sat back, open mouthed. “That must have been a surprise for you all.”
“Those who know her well could tell you it was only a matter of timing.” Augusta gave her another sickly-sweet smile.
Lady Haxby looked as if she was gathering herself for another line of attack. Lord Haxby put a hand under his wife’s elbow.
“This has been a lovely evening but we have an early start in the morning. I think it’s time we left.” He bustled his wife out.
Lady Wendover, one of Augusta’s friends, laughed once they had closed the door. “Trust Maria Haxby to try to stir things up. You’ve sent her away with some fresh news t
hough, Augusta.”
Augusta smiled. “We were as surprised as anyone else but I wasn’t going to let Maria know that.”
“Very wise. I’m sure it wasn’t Selina’s intention but she has helped you out by getting married. The Ton will be agog.” Lady Wendover looked around the room. “I take it the rest of us are happy to quash any nonsense we hear about the Marquess and Marchioness of Hargreaves?”
There were murmurs of agreement. The party broke up soon after leaving them with the Cathlays and the Wendovers. Lady Wendover turned to Max.
“I’m pleased to see you with such a lovely wife, Hargreaves, no matter what the manner of finding her.” She smiled at Max. “Trust us to see off any gossip.”
Chapter Twenty Seven
Georgie collapsed onto the seat of their coach. Max didn’t look to be in any better case. He mopped his brow as he took the seat next to her.
“You were brilliant, Georgie. I think we are in the clear with Augusta’s help.”
She leant back against the squabs and closed her eyes. “I like Augusta. She’s absolutely furious with you by the way.”
She heard Max sigh into the darkness as their carriage moved off. “I knew she would be and I realise now I’ve been extraordinarily selfish. I was so pleased at the thought of avoiding gossip by having a quick wedding but it’s backfired on both of us.”
He took her hand and she couldn’t stop a shiver running through her at his touch. She might still be angry but her body craved him more than ever. She moved until she could feel the warmth of him pressed up against her side. He dropped a kiss on her forehead.
“Georgie,” his voice was deeper even than usual, a sensual rumble, “at the risk of sounding as if I’m only after your body, do you think we could resume relations?”
“That depends.” Augusta had said to be firmer with him and keep him guessing. Georgie giggled. Not that she would have meant in this sort of situation.
Max shifted in his seat. “On what?”
She leant against him and whispered in his ear. “On what you intend to do to me.”
