A Reckless Wager by Christine Donovan

Chapter Five

The morning the guests were to arrive for the house party, the Knightly Manor staff scurried around in every direction, precariously moving house plants and all manner of furniture from one room to another. Georgiana was afraid to leave the upstairs family drawing room lest she found her person picked up and moved to another corner of the house.

The housekeeper, along with Aunt Clara, barked out orders, and somehow within three hours, the house was put to the right again, and her papa arrived with an old friend, the Duke of Amberville.

“Papa!” She walked into his open arms and inhaled the smell of tobacco and his woodsy cologne. “I’ve missed you.”

The Earl of Southport stepped back and eyed his daughter. “Nonsense. According to Clara, you’ve gone from one social event to the next during your stay in London and Bath. You can’t possibly have missed me.” His calming laughter reached inside her, and her body relaxed. Her papa’s presence always had a soothing effect on Georgiana. Most likely due to him being her only parent. She worried about his health and well-being when she was away from him. “You remember the Duke of Amberville?”

She dropped into a curtsy worthy of his title. “Your Grace, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I do hope you will enjoy your stay.”

Amberville, a decade younger than Papa, took her hand and bowed over it. “The pleasure is all mine. The earl has promised me a most interesting hunt. And other activities.”

He finally let go of her hand, and not for the first time she wondered if the duke had flirted with her. He was widowed, with two small boys. He no longer needed an heir and a spare, so he need not marry again unless he wanted to give his boys a mother. Once, when his wife first died, Georgiana wondered what being married to such a powerful and handsome man would be like.

“Give me an hour, sweetheart, then meet me in my study.”

“Yes, Papa.” What could he want to speak to her about? Did he know about her wallflower status and empty dance cards? Had her reputation of wearing breeches and running wild in the countryside made it into London drawing-rooms? Aunt Clara must correspond with him and keep him abreast of her prospects in finding a husband. Was he disappointed in her for not having made a match yet? He didn’t seem to be. Only one way to find out. She made her way to his study early, removed a book of poems from Lord Byron off a bookshelf, sat in a comfortable brown tufted chair, and began to read.

“You are early.”

“Papa!”

He bent down and kissed her cheek. “You look well. Happy. London suits you.”

She tried hard not to laugh but failed miserably. “Papa, have you spoken to Aunt Clara?”

After sitting in his chair behind his large oak desk, he met her eyes and frowned.

Her heart sank. Oh dear, he was disappointed in her. “I’m sorry, Papa. I tried to find a husband.”

“It’s not your fault the young bucks of society are too stupid to notice a young woman of worth. You will make some gentleman a wonderful wife.” He paused and rubbed his jaw—something he did when debating over things. “I’ve been thinking about speaking to Amberville. It’s high time he married again. I know most fathers would not include their daughters in marriage discussions, but you and I both know you are not most daughters. I was wondering if you would consider the duke.”

“The duke?” she stuttered.

“Don’t worry. He knows nothing of this conversation. Without considering your thoughts and feelings first, I would never propose a match between you two.”

Silence took over the room, except for the ticking of the grandfather clock in the corner. When her father said ‘the duke’, her insides tingled. With panic or excitement, she’d couldn’t be sure. Yes, the duke was handsome, wealthy; and from what she knew, an honorable gentleman. At one point in her life, she would’ve been thrilled at her papa’s suggestion. But now…the duke? Papa’s closest friend? Another handsome face appeared before her eyes. One she knew would always haunt her if she didn’t find out what drew them to each other.

“Well?”

She closed her eyes briefly, then opened them to find her papa looking quite serious. “May I have this week to get to know him and the other gentlemen attending?” Against her will, her cheeks heated.

“You’re blushing.” The earl leaned forward. “What are you not telling me?”

“There is one who interests me. He will be in attendance.”

“Who?”

She couldn’t tell if he was annoyed that the duke had competition or relieved that it wouldn’t come down to marrying his daughter to his friend.

“We’ve only spoken several times, but if I’m not mistaken he’s interested in me.” More heat suffused her cheeks, giving her feelings away.

“I’m waiting for a name. Let’s see. There are five gentlemen arriving today, all young and eligible. Don’t make me guess all five.”

And just like that, her insides settled down. She swallowed and whispered, “Viscount Blackstone.”

“A most admirable man; in his twenties, not a fortune hunter.”

Her heart pounded. “So you would approve?”

“If it comes to it. Yes, I will approve. Now, daughter, tell me what else is on your mind.”

He knew her so well. “I plan on attending the hunt.” Her words were confident, but she thought he might refuse her, truthfully. After all, it was most unladylike, and bordered on scandalous. Honestly, it was disgraceful.

“I will think it over. Some might find it shocking.” The earl placed his elbows on the desk and steepled his fingers. “The purpose of this party is to find you a suitable husband, not end up in the gossip rags as the latest on-dit.”

“I’ll await your answer then.”

“I’m also aware of this competition between Lady Osborne and Lady Sewell and how they finagled an invitation from Aunt Clara, saying she needed extra chaperones. I want to know the two people Lady Osborne is trying to match. Could it be you and Blackstone?”

“I can’t confirm it. Not yet.” Her insides tingled. She left her papa’s study and climbed the curved staircase, making her way down the long hall to her rooms. The guests were due to arrive anytime now. However, she felt unsettled and sought her bed.

Aunt Clara had finally given her the list of eligible young people attending. And she found it on her nightstand. Knowing her as she did, she took careful pains in coming up with just the right attendees. She saw Lady Osborne’s hand in it as well. Fortunately for Georgiana, the four young ladies attending were not the Season’s most sought-after. Yes, they were pretty and from top-water families, but like her they were wallflowers. She knew Lady Sarah Templeton, Lady Grace Radcliff, Miss Penelope White and Miss Emma Montgomery well.

The list of gentlemen was some of the Season’s most sought-after. Viscount Blackstone, Mr. Percy Bedford, Earl of Hartley, Mr. Gerald Stanton, and Earl Sinclair were topping this Season’s list of most eligible bachelors amongst the ton. How on earth had Aunt Clara managed such a feat? All the other mamas must be green with envy.

Visions of smoky brown eyes swirled in mind as her breathing evened out, her body relaxed, and she drifted off to sleep.

“Milady,” Mary, her personal maid, entered the room. “The guests are arriving and making their way to their accommodations. Afternoon tea will be served in half an hour. Perhaps you would like to wear the pretty apricot day dress with the light green flowers. It looks lovely with your eyes.”

Georgiana stretched out on the bed, placed her hands on her abdomen, and smiled. The guests had arrived. He had arrived. Strange how one’s stomach could pulse with excitement.

Not long after she was dressed, her hair redone after the pins had fallen out while she napped; she descended the stairs. Awareness prickled her skin. She didn’t need to look behind her to know Blackstone would be there. Her body instinctively knew him. Her breathing sped up and her insides fluttered, causing her to nearly miss a step. Her hand tightened on the railing, and she concentrated on taking one step at a time lest she embarrass herself. Or worse, fell down the stairs and broke her neck.

Once she placed her feet on flat surface, he met up with her and offered his arm. “May I escort you into the drawing room, Lady Georgiana?”

“Why, thank you.” Without hesitation, she placed her hand on his forearm and smiled at him. Huge mistake. His full lips were turned up into a smile, his brown eyes sparkled, and his hair, per usual, appeared slightly mussed. He was a man made for a lady’s dreams. His clothing was impeccable. While he dressed in the latest fashion the colors were subdued, which suited him. She almost laughed when she thought of him wearing peacock blue or salmon. Not colors Georgiana liked to see on gentlemen.

They entered the drawing room set up for afternoon tea. They appeared to be the last attendees to arrive. Oh dear, should she have come early and greeted the guests along with Aunt Clara and her papa? They would have sent someone to get her if she was expected to do so.

“My friends Bedford, Hartley, and I arrived together from Bath. Have you been introduced?”

The viscount’s voice pulled her out of her worrying. “Yes. I believe I have at some point during this Season.”

“That’s good,” he replied.

And then she realized her arm was still on his. Pulling it away, she said with heated cheeks, “I believe my aunt needs me.” She curtsied and hurried off to the settee where Aunt Clara sat with two other elderly ladies, each sipping tea and nibbling biscuits.

“Good afternoon, Aunt Clara. Lady Osborne, Lady Sewell. So nice you both could join us.”

Lady Osborne looked over her china cup, her eyes hyper-inquisitive for someone so advanced in age. Exactly how old was she? “How nice that Viscount Blackstone escorted you into the drawing room. He is quite handsome, is he not?”

Before she could answer, Lady Sewell chimed in, “There are many handsome gentlemen in attendance. Perhaps the Duke of Amberville has attracted Lady Georgiana’s affections. He has, after all, been a close family friend for many years and is in need of a wife.”

“Absolutely not, Cousin. Blackstone is the man for our Georgiana,” rebuffed Lady Osborne.

Our Georgiana.

Aunt Clara glanced at Georgiana and smiled knowingly. Had her papa told her of his hopes of marrying her to Amberville? Not one gentleman had shown interest in her in the months since the Season began. Now there were two? However, she couldn’t truthfully say both gentlemen were, in fact, interested in her. Except it was a lie. Deep down inside her heart, she knew Blackstone was interested. One didn’t wager a bet over a kiss if they were not. Please let the answer be Blackstone.

She had nothing but familiar affection for Amberville. If she had no prospects by the end of the Season, she would have to consider her father’s proposal. Until then, she hoped her heart would win out. That Blackstone’s heart had become entangled with hers, and that he would ask for her hand.

“Do you play chess, Georgiana?” Lady Osborne asked. “I hear the viscount is always in the mood for a game. Perhaps you could invite him to play.”

“Now, Pansy,” Lady Sewell interrupted. “She must wait for the viscount to invite her, which is the proper way of things.”

Perhaps Georgiana would visit with the other ladies her age and leave the cousins to argue and talk with her aunt.

“Please excuse me, ladies,” she said as she stood. “I believe I will welcome the other guests to our home. Do enjoy your tea and biscuits.” Blackstone intercepted her as she walked towards Misses Penelope White and Emma Montgomery.

“It’s a lovely afternoon to stroll through the gardens. I was hoping to impose on you to show them to me.”

Only knowing he needed to spend time with Georgiana, Philip blurted out the first thing that came to mind. Not that he didn’t enjoy a stroll through beautiful gardens, but it was the only suggestion he could think of that would perhaps give them some privacy. Privacy, which he knew was a terrible idea. Privacy with a debutante led to fast nuptials. Would that be so bad? Who was he? Had he lost his mind?

“That would be lovely.”

For several heartbeats, he thought she would refuse. Many emotions crossed her features. Fortunately for him, she chose the one he hoped for.

“We are lucky, as those French doors lead to the back gardens.” She smiled shyly at him.

“Shall we?” He waited with bated breath for her to take his arm. When she did, heat from her gloved hand warmed him to his chest. And that wasn’t all. His insides and mind, always on edge and planning what his next move would be in life, quieted. Being with her soothed him. Damn, if Lady Osborne wasn’t correct when she said they would suit each other perfectly. “Are you still planning on participating in tomorrow’s hunt?”

“I’m waiting for my papa to make his decision.”

“Have you forgotten about our wager?”

She paused, glanced at him, and blushed quite becomingly. His insides tightened.

“I have not. I just don’t know how to keep my end of the bargain if I’m not allowed to join the hunting party.”

“In any case, we may need a backup wager.”

Georgiana began walking again. “Not necessary. He will come around to my side. He always does.”

Phillip certainly hoped she spoke the truth. He was looking forward to this hunt like no other. Truthfully, he’d dreamt about it several nights and woken up aroused and sweating. No woman had ever intruded into his sleep until Georgiana. He didn’t know how he felt about that. Except for the dream…bloody hell, he needed to think of something else as his breeches tightened around his groin.

While they continued meandering through the fragrant, lush gardens, they passed several other party guests enjoying the warm sunshine. The pathway they occupied ended in a large circle of perfectly trimmed hedges and three curved benches, making it the ideal spot to sit and get to know Lady Georgiana better.

“Shall we?” He indicated a bench.

“Yes.” She sat, taking a moment to straighten her skirt.

He sat beside her. Purposely close enough that their hips, shoulders, and thighs touched. He laughed out loud when she tried to move over and couldn’t without falling off the bench. He was being a devil, but didn’t care. Something about her brought out the playful side in him. A side not many, besides his two closest friends, ever witnessed. Until her. “Are you nervous being here with me alone?”

“It’s not proper.”

Ever since they’d sat down, she’d refused to look at him. Preferring to stare at her delicate hands clasped together on her lap.

“I disagree. We can hear others talking, and anyone could come upon us anytime. If I did something like…” He turned towards her and cupped her cheek, forcing her to look at him—big mistake. One look into her green eyes, dark and wide with uncertainty, had him lost. All he wanted to do was kiss her. His eyes went from her eyes to her mouth. From one to the other several times.

Her breathing increased.

He leaned forward.

Her breathing stopped.

Footsteps crunching on the granite rock pathway got louder and louder. The intrusion had him dropping his hand and moving to the other end of the bench. Fine timing.

“Blackstone,” Percy Bedford said with a knowing smirk. “Was wondering where you went off to.” He turned and bowed. “Lady Georgiana, it’s a pleasure to see you again. I’m grateful to have been invited. I look forward to the hunt tomorrow. Is it true that the earl brought in a private flock of grouse?”

Philip watched as Georgiana’s good manners took over and she ignored his friend’s sarcasm. “It’s a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Bedford. And yes, my papa had grouse brought in. It’s not the first time he has done so. You will not be disappointed.”

“I’m happy to hear.” He bowed. “If you’ll excuse me, I feel the need for refreshments. Good day to you both.”

“Is he always so…odd?”

Phillip found himself laughing. “Most of the time, yes, but he’s harmless and a good friend. He never takes anything seriously, however. Hasn’t grown into his eight and twenty years.” He harumphed. “Probably never will.”

“Interesting,” Georgiana said as she listened to Bedford’s footsteps get farther and farther away. “I never noticed how loud the stones crunch when walked upon. I’m usually alone and lost in my thoughts when I stroll through the gardens.”

“Yes, we seldom notice things such as that.”

“I must tune out all the sounds except birds and insects.”

He stood and offered his hand. “We must be getting back before we are missed. I don’t want to anger your father.”

“Oh, he never gets upset. At least not that I’ve witnessed.”

“We don’t want him to start, now, do we?”

They stepped back into the drawing room to her father talking about the hunt on the morrow. On a board he had a list of participating names, broken into pairs. She was afraid to focus on the words. Afraid her name would be missing.

“Looks like you got your wish,” Blackstone murmured. “Your name is the last one on the list.”

Focusing on said list, she smiled. Then frowned. Her papa had paired the riders up and matched her with the duke. Did he still hope to ignite a match between them? Hadn’t he listened to her when she told him she was interested in Blackstone? She would have to find time to corner him privately and express her disappointment. Her heart hurt. How could she ask him to change the pairing, when she was fortunate to be in the hunt? She couldn’t. She would pair with the duke and make the best of it. But how would they decide the winner of the wager?

“I can hear the inner workings of your mind,” the viscount said. “You are wondering how a winner of our wager will be determined. It does make it tricky with you paired with Amberville, and me with your father. Interesting pairing, I must say.” He lowered his head to whisper into her ear, causing her to shiver with awareness. His unique scent and overall being encompassed her completely. It felt beautiful and frightening simultaneously. “Is he hoping to procure a match between you and his esteemed friend, the duke?”

“I…I…don’t know what you mean.”

She knew he didn’t believe her ignorance of the subject by his sudden stiffness and retreat. The last thing she wanted was for him to think she was interested in Amberville.

“No matter. May the best man win.” He inclined his head. “I look forward to tonight’s entertainment.”

Without another word he left her standing there, trying to hide the shock on her face for being dismissed so abruptly.

Perhaps he was worried about Amberville? In truth, he should only be concerned if he was planning to wed her. Her heart skipped a beat. If only.