“She can sidestep and kick out at anyone who might be up to no good.” Georgie hoped that she was never in a situation where someone wished to cause her harm, but she had agreed with her brother-in-law that she should be prepared. “I was also taught how to fall and not injure myself.”
“Once Adeline finds out, she is going to be even more upset by her limitations.” Frits pulled a face. “Fortunately, it’s not for that long in the grand scheme of things.”
“I suppose not.” He seemed as if he was feeling Adeline’s constraints himself. When she finally found the man she would wed, Georgie wanted him to feel the same about her as Frits felt for Adeline.
A belated sorrow for her friend made Georgie bite her lip. “I was extremely rude to run out the way I did.”
“Don’t feel badly. She started laughing before you were out of the room.” Frits smiled. “It reminded me of her when her horse arrived here.”
They had been friends for months now, but they had never spoken of horses. “I did not even know she liked riding.”
“She doesn’t in Town. But get her in the country and she rides like she was part of the horse.”
“That is how I feel. I know that Dorie and some other ladies rise early to take their horses out. When I first went to Town I did not realize I could even do that. Then my mother told me she did not approve of galloping in the Park no matter the hour.” Georgie sighed. “Next Season I shall bring Lilly even if I can go at no more than a trot.” She gave herself a shake. “Will you and Adeline ever come up to Town?”
“Perhaps.” Frits shrugged. “After the baby is born we shall. We have discussed it and agreed that what we did not like was being on the Marriage Mart.”
“I completely understand.” Through much of the spring and early autumn, Georgie had thought she was off the Marriage Mart only to discover she was not. “I am not at all looking forward to next Season.”
Frits glanced at her and raised one brow. “Things might change between now and then.”
Only if Turley met her need for a love match, or if she met another gentleman at the house party whom she could like more than him. Perhaps she would remain in the country. “They might.”
Chapter Seven
Marc, Earl of Lytton, strolled into Boodles after a particularly trying hour with his solicitor. His grandfather’s will could not be broken. He had two months to marry a lady of whom his aunt—a high stickler if there was one—would approve. If he did not, much of the money he was counting on receiving to help the estates his father had plundered would go to a cousin. A female cousin he would happily wed if only for the inheritance. Unfortunately, she was already married with three children. Thus far, Marc had been singularly unlucky when it came to finding a lady who met his aunt’s requirements and who would accept him. He was getting damned tired of proposing marriage and being turned down.
As he strolled into the dining room he noticed Lord Turner and Viscount Bottomley across the room and headed in their direction.
“But, Jonathan, you must attend,” Turner said beseechingly. “I have been given the task of finding two more gentlemen to round out the numbers for my wife’s house party. And I can’t fail.”
Bottomley had a rather mulish look on his face. “It is only for a week?”
Turner nodded enthusiastically.
“And I can stay at my own home and attend the entertainments from there?”
“Yes. I said you could. We don’t actually have the room to accommodate you. Littleton and his lady and Miss Featherton are going to do the same.”
Bottomley’s eyes widened. “Miss Featherton, you say? I’d heard she’d left Town with her parents.”
“She will indeed be there. I don’t know about her parents, but she is visiting Littleton and his wife.” Turner seemed to warm to his topic. “We also have several other very eligible ladies attending.”
“Who?” Bottomley questioned as if not quite believing Turner.
“I can’t remember their names, but my wife assures me they are from good families.”
Bottomley appeared to be chewing the inside of his mouth much like a cow chewed her cud, before saying, “Well, if Miss Featherton is attending, I imagine the other ladies must be eligible.”
Marc didn’t believe that for a minute. Lady Turner was well born, but not of the haut ton. However, procuring the attendance of the Littletons and Miss Featherton was a coup for the lady. It might be worth his while to attend this house party. He cleared his throat. “A good decision, Bottomley.”
The man stared at Marc with large brown eyes that reminded one again of a bovine. “In that case, you can finish rounding out Lady Turner’s numbers and attend as well.” Bottomley must have suddenly remembered it was not his invitation to give and swung his head to Turner. “If you have no objection.”
“Not at all.” Turner grinned. “You have made my life easier.” He rose. “I must be going. I have to return home this evening.” He executed a short bow. “I shall see you gentlemen on the day after tomorrow.”
Bottomley unhappily inclined his head, but Marc was delighted. “I look forward to it.” He pulled out a chair and sat. “Is there a particular reason you do not wish to attend the house party?”
“Nothing in general. I simply dislike having my schedule disrupted.” The man stared at his brandy. “You may stay with me if you like. It must be a very large party if Turner’s house can’t accommodate everyone.”
It was more likely that Turner knew he’d never get Bottomley there if he couldn’t stay at his house. “Thank you. I am happy to accept your offer. How far is your estate from Turner’s?”
“Only about two miles. It’s one of my lesser estates, but I spend time there every summer, and I keep it staffed to provide employment for the area.”
Marc never kept everyone on at his properties, only the caretakers. There was no point in having servants who had nothing to do. Even if he could have afforded to do so. “When will you depart?”
“Tomorrow early in the afternoon at the latest. Turner told me his lady wants to gather everyone for tea in the afternoon.” Bottomley looked at Marc. “You can travel with me if you do not wish to take your own carriage.”
The idea of being stuck in a coach with a man who had no conversation did not appeal to Marc at all. “I would prefer to ride in my own carriage. However, I shall follow you down.”
“As you wish. Meet me at one o’clock tomorrow and we shall depart from my house on Green Street.”
“Very well. Thank you for the invitation.” Rising, Marc smirked to himself. He’d heard a rumor that Turley was no longer interested in Miss Featherton. If he was here in Town and not at Littlewood with her, the rumor was most likely true. That would give Marc an opportunity to court the lady. After all, an earl was better than a viscount.
* * *
Gavin plied the knocker of Littleton House and was admitted by the new butler. “Good morning, my lord.”
“Good morning, Crothers. Is her ladyship in?”
“She is.” He took Gavin’s hat and cane. “If you will follow me?”