Unfortunately, he could not turn his mind away from Miss Adams completely.
Chapter 10
Red
Georgina was fresh off her dance with Norham when she was touched on the elbow.
A young woman was looking at her, brow furrowed, and there were things about her that Georgina recognized but she could not put her finger on. “Miss Adams?”
“Yes,” Georgina said, before she could stop herself. She was confused by the recognition, and by Norham’s behavior, and realized too late what she had done. Her eyes widened as the woman nodded decisively.
“I thought it might be you, though I could not say for certain.” The woman was dressed as Georgina might before she had been given the clothes Catherine had offered. “Your uncle is looking for you.”
Georgina’s blood ran cold, and she swallowed thickly. “Oh?”
“Your siblings, are they with you?”
“No,” Georgina said, just as quickly. “We were separated.” She would not explain why, not here. “Why is my uncle looking for me?”
It was the woman’s turn to look confused, and Georgina suspected she was a relative of Red—or one that Peter had not told her about. “He feared you had been kidnapped or taken from the road on your way back from visiting in the country.”
It was a plausible explanation, though it struck Georgina as the same one given when Peter had been pronounced dead. It chilled her to the bone, and she wanted to leave the conversation, but the woman was talking once again.
“I must tell him you are here and alive! Were you rescued?”
Georgina did not know what to say. If she confessed everything, then she would be ridiculed. Red was a respectable man by all accounts, and this woman seemed inclined to believe his story. She clenched her hands into fists and found her voice. “I’m sorry, excuse me.”
Ignoring the woman’s call, Georgina hurried through the crowd, feeling the tears burn her eyes. She could not keep them from falling as she threaded her way towards the exit into the hall, stopping only when Catherine caught up with her, hand on her arm.
“Georgina, why are you crying?”
“Please,” Georgina said, “I must retire for the evening.”
Catherine looked as if she wished to say more, but Georgina was relieved when she did not, and nodded. “I will make your apologies.”
Georgina nodded. “Thank you.”
Though her chest constricted painfully with fear, and she desperately wanted to sweep the children into her arms and leave, Georgina could not make herself do so. As she traversed the hall, she poked her head into the nursery where Helena—and to Georgina’s surprise, Isabelle and Mary—were curled up asleep. The next room was where Tom, Jacob and Joseph were dead to the world. She could not, and would not, drag them out into the cold once more.
Safe in her bedroom, Georgina curled up on the bed, solutions running through her mind, but none of them appealing. She had already discounted running. There was confessing all to Norham, but that did not hold appeal. Catherine was the safer solution, and though Georgina could not be sure of the response, it was something she was going to have to do. She needed somebody in her corner, and she hoped they were close enough friends that Catherine would believe her. It had been such a short time since she had come to the estate, but their relationship had progressed so quickly. Georgina could not remember the last time she had someone that she trusted as much as Catherine.
The next morning, washing her face to remove all traces of the crying, Georgina made herself presentable and headed down for breakfast. The children were already up, the bedrooms empty when Georgina passed. She was happy that Helena was no longer bedridden. It could not have come at a worse time, of course, but Georgina needed to deal with that on her own time. She could not let her siblings know what was happening.
In the dining room, the children had already been given their breakfast, Helena and Isabelle giggling together. Mary was eating her breakfast quietly, though Tom kept asking her questions about her favorite things, nervous when she took a while to reply. The twins were having a contest to see who could eat the most. Catherine caught her eye, and Georgina was momentarily pleased that Norham was nowhere to be seen.
Georgina took her seat, bracing herself for the talk she was going to have to have with Catherine. “Do you have time after breakfast?”
“Of course,” Catherine said, looking relieved. “I worried after last night.”
Thankfully, Catherine pitched her voice low enough that none of the children seemed to have heard her.
“Is his Grace joining us this morning?” Georgina asked.
“He left this morning,” Catherine admitted. “He had work in the city and won’t be back until this evening, or early tomorrow morning.”
Georgina had no explanation for the sadness she felt at that, especially given her determination to confess what was happening—and what would be occurring over the next few days if the woman from the ball went back to Red and told him what she had seen.
It didn’t take long for the children to be done with breakfast, and they disappeared just as fast. All of them were elated not to have to spend the day in lessons. Edward and Emma had promised them a ride out in the grounds, and all of them were enthusiastic about it.
“Now,” Catherine said, waiting until the children had left completely, and looping an arm through Georgina’s. She led the way to the library, and Georgina followed, steeling herself for the conversation she was about to have. When they were settled, Catherine sitting next to Georgina on the sofa, Georgina let out a slow breath that had Catherine looking concerned. “Are you sure you wish to tell me?”
“I cannot hold the truth any longer,” Georgina said. There was a poignant silence, and she fiddled with her dress. “I am not the oldest child in the family. We had an older brother.”
Catherine’s face shifted from confusion to sympathy. “Had?”
“He was killed.” Georgina felt the familiar pang of grief and pain. “The will was clear about what was to happen. Our Uncle Rudolph would be taking over my brother’s duties and at the time, it was welcome news. My brother had nothing but good things to say about him, but the man that turned up on our doorstep was completely different.” Georgina paused, rubbing her hands together. “He told me I was to keep the children out of his way and that I was to be married. I expected that,” she said hurriedly, not wanting Catherine to think that was the reason she had fled. If it had just been that, she would have found a way to manage. “When he arrived, there were two footmen with him. They were strange and did not act like any staff I had ever met before. Getting drunk on my brother’s brandy, I heard them talking with my uncle and they spoke of a plot—a plot to kill my brother and steal the inheritance.”
There was a horrible silence and Georgina could not bring herself to look at Catherine. If Catherine did not believe her, Georgina did not know what she would do. Thankfully, Catherine reached out, resting a hand on Georgina’s knee.
There was a low sigh. “Georgina.”
“I feared that after he married me off,” Georgina continued, and now that she had started, she could not stop, “that he would do the same to my brothers. That he would have Helena sent away somewhere, married off or killed, and he would be free to take the fortune. They are young,” she said desperately. “They would not stand against his devious plans.”
“Georgina,” Catherine said again, and drew Georgina into a hug. Georgina accepted it, allowed herself a moment of comfort. “You fled here?”
“I did not know what else to do. I have no proof and now we may be forced to go back because I attended the ball.” Georgina felt the panic she had been trying to keep at bay release. She was shaking, she realized, and was thankful that Catherine did not mention it. “I do not know what to do now.”
“We need to inform my brother,” Catherine said.
Shaking her head, Georgina pulled away from Catherine. “You cannot. Please.”
Catherine
did not look pleased, but she held her tongue, waiting for Georgina to continue, to find the words she needed.
“He will realize that we do not need his charity–that we are bringing danger to his door. I do not wish to force him to make that choice when I can do so for him.”
“You cannot leave,” Catherine said. Georgina did not think it was coming from a selfish place, not with the stricken expression on Catherine’s face.
Georgina shook her head sadly, rubbing at the palm of her hand. “I do not know what else to do.”
Catherine stopped Georgina from rubbing her hands until they were sore and took them in her own. Georgina was only too pleased to have something to ground herself to. “Perhaps this relative will not inform your uncle that you are here.”
It was a foolish hope, Georgina knew, but she found herself wishing for the same thing.
Chapter 11
Uncertainty
Norham did not know what to make of the change happening within his household.
Though Catherine had not told him what had happened during the ball to make Georgina flee, nor why she was maintaining a staunch silence since, he had to hope that someone would tell him if it affected him in any way. The children had picked up on the mood in the house and even they were more subdued than normal. Norham saw nothing of them for a couple of days, to the point where he actively missed hearing them in the house.
“I cannot abide this any longer,” he said at dinner one evening, when the silence around the table drew out into something tense and uncomfortable. “I do not know what happened at the ball,” he continued, holding up a hand when Catherine made to speak. “I do not care to know if Miss Adams does not wish to tell me, but something has to give. I will not have this feeling continue to overwhelm my home.”
“I apologize,” Miss Adams said. “I did not mean for my mood to affect everyone. I will endeavor to change my behavior.”
“I would not have you sensor yourself.” Norham raised his eyebrows. “I would hope that you know you could come to me with anything that is bothering you, and I will do all I can to help you.”
Miss Adams’ smile did not quite reach her eyes, but she nodded. “I do, and I thank you.
Though it did not change right away, over the next few days, things in the house shifted to something close to normal. Miss Adams still walked the house as if she was waiting to be crushed under the weight of something, but the children were back to making enough noise that it felt right.
One evening, after the children were done with their lessons, Norham managed to get Miss Adams alone in the study, cleaning up after them.
“Miss Adams,” Norham said.
Miss Adams straightened, dropping her eyes to the floor. “Your Grace.”
“I was wondering if you would join me for dinner tomorrow evening.”
“I do most evenings,” Miss Adams said, mouth parting a little in shock. “Do you wish for me to stop?”
Norham held up his hands. “I am sorry, I am not being clear. I am not asking you to stop attending dinner. I thought perhaps you and I would share a dinner alone.”
Miss Adams’ expression shifted into surprise. “With me?”
“Of course.” Norham had been remiss in speaking his intent to Miss Adams sooner, but after the moment at the ball, and everything that had happened subsequently, he had found it difficult to approach her without her disappearing somewhere beforehand.
Miss Adams smiled, ducking her head and this time, Norham could not fault her for it. A blush was spreading across her cheeks, and he could not help but be mesmerized by it. She really was beautiful, even in the throes of sadness and apprehension.
“I would like that,” Miss Adams said eventually. There was something hesitant in her expression, the tone of her voice. “I do not think that I can.”
Norham felt anger stir in his breast and tried to keep a hold of it. “I do not understand.”
Clutching a book to her chest, Miss Adams finally looked him in the eye, and though Norham was glad of it, he did not like what he saw on her face. She looked drawn and frightened, though he could not fathom what she would be afraid of. “I once thought you a rake. Though we have not known each other long, I am sure that you have the world convinced you are, and yet in here,” she said, gesturing towards his heart, “you are a good man.”
There were many things Norham could say to that, but his mouth would not work, his breath catching in his throat.
“I cannot dine with you, your Grace, because I do not feel as if I am a good match for you.”
“Would that not also be for me to decide?” Norham raised his eyebrows.
“Of course,” Miss Adams said, without hesitation. “As it is for me. If I do not think I am worthy of such a match, I would ask that you not attempt to change my mind. There are reasons, things which I dare not speak to you about for fear that you would turn me away.”
Norham had no idea where any of this was coming from and he could not imagine a time when he would do such a thing. When he motioned as if to tell her this, Miss Adams forestalled his speaking with a hand up between them, as if to shield herself.
“I am so very sorry.” Miss Adams retreated from the study, leaving Norham to consider everything she had said.
There was something that he was not privy to. He strode through the house, trying to find Catherine, who was usually in the sitting room, working on a needle project. When he found her, he was surprised to see that she was at her desk, a couple of letters already written and sealed, and her pen scratching across paper for what he assumed was another.
“Are we throwing another party you have not discussed with me?” Norham asked, knocking on the outer door.
Catherine did not startle, so he assumed she heard him coming. She turned in her seat, eyes tired. “I am writing a couple of letters to friends who I have not heard from in a while. I am attempting to re-establish contact.”
Norham nodded. It was not the first time Catherine had done so, yet she rarely received a letter back, so one day perhaps she would see the futility and trying to reconnect with friends who did not wish to keep her that way. Their loss, he supposed, but felt for Catherine, nonetheless.
“What is it, brother?” Catherine asked, searching his face.
“My attempts to get Miss Adams to dine with me were unsuccessful. She thinks herself unworthy of me.” Norham injected the right amount of scorn in his voice to telegraph just what he thought of that sentiment. “I was hoping you would be able to tell me how she drew such a conclusion.”
Catherine closed up the ink and placed the writing implements back in her desk. It was clearly a means to help her think through what she wanted to say, and Norham did not know why everything felt so overwhelming when it came to Miss Adams. He could not have foreseen, when he agreed to let her stay in his home, that their house would be so affected by her moods and whims. Not that he was averse to that, but it was still difficult to reconcile with. There had been someone else in his life he had thought had that effect, and he suddenly missed her terribly.
Eventually, Catherine placed her hands in her lap, and met his eyes. “She has a secret. Something she is working up to telling you, I am sure, but she is scared of your reaction. And she is scared that she will lose everything she has come to care about.”
Norham frowned. “I would not turn her away, no matter what the secret. Unless of course, she has committed a grievous offence of which she should be punished.”
“No,” Catherine said hurriedly, and Norham had not realized how worried he had been about that until the relief overwhelmed him. “It may affect how much you trust her.”
Confused, Norham wished to find Miss Adams and convince her that he would not change how he felt about her, but until he knew her secret, he could not say for certain. There was no option but to give her time, however much he might abhor waiting. “I hope she finds the courage one day.”
“So does she,” Catherine told him quietly.
Chapter 12
Truth and Lies
Georgina stood in Norham’s study, hands curled in front of her, watching for any changes in his face. He stood ramrod straight, hands clasped at the base of his spine, staring out of the window at the grounds. The children were out there, having downtime from studies while she had been called in to see Norham.
“Your Grace,” she started, stopping when he held up a hand to forestall her.
It took a few more moments for him to turn, and when he did, she was startled to see the emotion in his eyes. He looked apprehensive and sad, with betrayal settling on his face, and Georgina felt her stomach roll unpleasantly. Her silence had not bought her time as she had hoped but had made her situation worse.
“I received a letter this morning,” Norham said, indicated some folded paper on the desk. He nodded when she reached out to read it.
Your Grace, the Duke of Norham.
It has been brought to my attention that you may have a woman in your home–or your employ–by the name of Georgina Adams. If this is the case, I would beg of you to contact me and let me know. I am her uncle, Rudolph Adams, and I have been searching for her and her siblings since they left my home a few weeks ago.
I have been terribly worried about them, and after the loss of their older brother whose shoes I have had to step into, you can imagine how eager I am to have them back home.
Any help you can offer would be greatly appreciated.
Mr. Rudolph Adams.
Georgina’s hands were shaking, and fear settled in her breast. She dared not look up from the letter for a moment and could only imagine how angry Norham was with her. It was the betrayal, however, that shocked her the most. She had known she was lying, and it was the reason she had refused his offer of dinner. She could not in good conscious accept his advances with a secret hanging between them.
“Your Grace.”
“Is what he tells me true?” Norham was watching her, eyes narrowed.
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