Free Two Beaux and a Promise Collection by Allison Lane

experiences.”
    “You did not think poorly of my power when you came here.”
    “I don’t. Your word can expose Herriard’s lies in a trice. But I draw the line at accepting a marriage I do not want. Miss Whittaker is in good hands and will remain so.”
    “Oh, you want her. I can see it in your eyes.”
    “Balderdash!”
    She smiled. “You haven’t changed a bit, Hughes. Just as prideful and touchy as when you came down from school. I won’t condemn you in public, and I’ll refute Herriard’s claims. But I urge you to reconsider. There is a spark in your eye whenever you mention her that tells me you are not indifferent. I suspect you know her better than you care to admit. Don’t let pride stand in the way of the best marriage you could find.”
    Richard cursed himself, but relief was stronger than irritation. Lady Beatrice would expose Herriard, and she would let Georgiana prove herself worthy. One meeting would convince her of Georgiana’s character.
    He needed to return to the cottage posthaste but kept himself in check for another quarter hour while Lady Beatrice related the news of the day. Then he excused himself and headed back to Kensington.
    * * * *
    Georgiana nearly followed Richard out of the sitting room. She knew nothing about entertaining lords – not even barons like Derrick. What was she supposed to do with a marquess?
    The question was answered when Tester silently deposited a tea tray at her elbow and departed. It had been years since she’d presided over one, but she hadn’t forgotten how.
    Inslip set her at ease with tales of her grandfather, who had been one of his closer friends. They were alike in many ways. While she suspected that Inslip could be ruthless when necessary, today he had chosen kindness and the same bluff camaraderie she had found with her grandfather. Perhaps she could be comfortable with his family after all.
    “It would be best if you accepted invitations immediately,” he said once he’d explained how the guardianship would work. “All else aside, your appearance will go far to lay Herriard’s lies to rest.”
    “You do understand that my governess left when I was fifteen.”
    “It doesn’t show. And my wife will review manners with you. Your most pressing concern will be learning the names and stations of those you will meet. And clothing, of course, though her dressmaker can remedy that soon enough.”
    Her reply died when Tester returned, a round silver tray resting on one palm. “A message for you, my lord. Urgent, he said.”
    Inslip accepted the missive and broke the seal. His forehead creased into a frown.
    “Problem?” asked Georgiana as Tester departed.
    “A small one, but it needs immediate attention. If you will excuse me, my dear?  We will expect you by dinner tomorrow. Tell Hughes to arrange for a decent gown. Mademoiselle Jeanette dresses my wife. Let her know that Lady Inslip will return with you on Wednesday to order a complete wardrobe.”
    “Thank you, my lord.”
    He pressed her hand, then left.
    Georgiana paced the sitting room, turning the meeting over in her mind. Richard was right. Not all nobles were venal. Her grandfather had been a loving man who had tried always to do the right thing. Inslip seemed the same – as did Richard, she admitted. He was kind and caring and nothing like his reputation. He might be a prankster, but he wasn’t callous or cruel. Even the bear had served a purpose and done no real harm.
    She was guilty of judging without facts. Worse, her complaint that Richard blew hot and cold and held himself aloof applied a higher standard to him than to herself. She was doing the same thing – pushing him away for fear that he wanted her trust.
    I have no use for heiresses.
    It was true. He’d not turned cold until Stagleigh mentioned her inheritance. Then his eyes had flashed in fury – not because she’d withheld information, as he’d claimed, but because he wanted none of her money. If anyone had seen them