Rogers was there to help her remember her manners. “Lady Georgiana Honeyfield and the Honeyfield household welcome you. His Lordship awaits you both in his study.”
She glanced at him warily as she moved out of the way. No one had told her about that. But then she supposed that was where Rogers had gone––he had talked with her father and knew of the guests without ever telling her.
How can I be prepared for guests if no one tells me?
Collecting herself, Georgiana straightened. She nodded while the men made their way inside. “Right this way, My Lords. May I offer any refreshments? I can have tea and cakes delivered to the study.”
“Oh, that sounds lovely.” Benedict nodded. His blonde curls bounced into his eyes, reminding her of a cherub.
“That won’t be necessary.”
Everyone straightened when her father appeared from around the corner. Ernest Honeyfield, Earl of Lincoln, was an intimidating man. Silver streaked his thick black hair as he strode over with his head tall and shoulders rolled back.
When did he come home? Or has he been here all day? He’s always at his offices in Parliament to avoid the noise here. Or us, whatever his excuse may be.
Georgiana swallowed. She glimpsed Emma in the doorway of the parlor just before the girl hid back inside the room to stay out of their father’s way.
“Good afternoon, Father,” Georgiana said quickly, trying to manage the situation. She hoped he wouldn’t know how clumsy she had been about the gentlemen’s arrival. “We have company. The Duke of Winchester and Lord Egerton have––”
Her father waved his hand to quieten her. “Yes, yes, I can see them. Surely you know better than to stand about in the hall like this. You’re old enough, Georgiana, and should know how to manage guests.”
Heat infused her cheeks. “Father, I was offering refreshments. Perhaps if I had been informed about their––”
“I don’t need excuses, only better behavior.” He frowned at her, studying her from top to bottom. He did not appear pleased, though she couldn’t imagine why. She looked fine. “A lady’s place does not require a badgering tongue. Come this way, gentlemen. My study is just around the corner.”
Biting her tongue, Georgiana had no choice but to nod and bob her best curtsey. “Yes, Father.”
He nodded in approval before turning away. “Shall we?”
She kept her head lowered as the men left.
She thought she could feel eyes watching her. But when she looked up again, everyone but Rogers had their back to her. Glancing at the butler, he offered a sympathetic smile before he went to remove the knocker on the door.
Watching them disappear down the hall, Georgiana tried to piece it together. While Benedict was a fair, albeit somewhat boring and quiet gentleman, she’d never actually met his cousin.
After all, the Duke of Winchester was cursed.
That was what the ton said. He hadn’t shown himself once in London in nearly three Seasons. The man traveled across the Continent, across the sea to faraway places, or hid away in the country. Everyone said he was cold and unfriendly.
Georgiana understood that now. Even now, when they had come uninvited, he hadn’t bothered to smile at her.
She huffed in annoyance. Had he been the one staring? Probably prepared to mock her. Or curse her as well.
If the Duke is cursed, it’s because he probably deserves it. Not that I believe in curses. He’s most likely a philanderer and a blackguard. He doesn’t participate in Society, but the rumors circulating about him… Why, I wouldn’t know what to believe.
“There you are, My Lady.” Hopping down the steps came her ever-cheerful maid, Jean. “Is something wrong?”
Two years younger, Jean was a brunette in freshly pressed servants’ garb. She offered a toothy smile that widened when Emma stepped out into the hall, now that the men were gone.
Georgiana immediately banished the gentlemen from her thoughts. They didn’t warrant her attention, not with Jean and Emma about.
“Everything is fine. I was merely detained. Emma?” Georgiana managed to smile. “Let’s change and ride, shall we?”
“Yes, please!”
Georgiana thanked Rogers quietly for his aid before trailing after the girls. They shared a maid, since that was what Emma wished for. To ensure she didn’t get too overworked, Georgiana outsourced all the laundry and sewing to Jean’s younger sisters and mother and gave her every Saturday off.
Once Emma was changed, they gathered in Georgiana’s bedchamber so she might put on her riding habit.