“His Grace is only human. Go on!”
Wondering at her maid’s manners, Georgiana shot her an odd look before moving toward the stairs. She was halfway down the steps when she paused, seeing Owen in the hall below.
He was pacing and fumbling with his cuffs. “Ridiculous,” she heard him mutter. “What a mess I’ve made. I should retire before––”
Georgiana felt her heart skip a beat. She couldn’t let that happen. She called out, “I’m sorry I kept you waiting, husband.”
“Nonsense. I…” Owen turned around, watching her descend the final steps. She watched his throat bob even as he said nothing.
“You look splendid, Georgiana.”
Her cheeks flushed. “Thank you. It isn’t too much?”
“Certainly not.” His eyes eventually met hers. “Find me a soul that dares to say such a thing, and I’ll toss them out onto the street.”
It was such a strong reply that she couldn’t help but let out a short laugh of disbelief. Never before had Owen said something like that. He almost sounded protective of her. The thought was sweet and tempting, though she tried not to think on it too much.
“You’re too kind. I’m very excited about tonight. Are you?”
“I…” He glanced at the door at the end of the hall. “I believe there will be plenty of festivities tonight, Georgiana. Food and drink and dancing. Games, too, I suppose.”
She nodded. “Yes, that is usually what happens at balls.”
Her husband hesitated before pressing on. “I don’t typically attend balls, as you may have noticed.” She decided against replying. “You may have figured this out by now, but I don’t usually frequent the ballrooms of London. There is a fair chance you’ll enjoy yourself more without my attendance.”
“Don’t be ridiculous. I want you to meet Marjory. Besides, I cannot confirm that until I’ve attended a ball with you,” she added pointedly. “Then, tonight, I can tell you what I think. Does that sound fair to you?”
Owen’s brow furrowed. He looked like he wanted to object. But without enough reason, he couldn’t change his mind. She watched him war with his emotions before giving in. It wasn’t until he nodded that she realized she had been holding her breath the entire time.
“The carriage should be here by now.” He offered her his arm. “I suppose we shall be on our way?”
“Thank you,” she murmured.
It didn’t take long for them to be settled in the carriage. She sat on one side while he sat on the other. Once he knocked on the roof for them to start moving, she tried to find something to say. But she couldn’t seem to start a conversation. She couldn’t even look at him.
On the one occasion she did glance at Owen, Georgiana was surprised to see him looking at her. But he hastily averted his gaze, and she did the same.
How can I be more anxious than I was back at the house? Goodness, I think my heart will jump right out of my chest.
They arrived before she was ready. Sucking in a deep breath, Georgiana watched Owen step out and then offered his hand to help her. She clung to him more tightly than she knew was reasonable, but she needed the support.
Stepping onto the ground, she shifted and nearly lost her balance. She would have fallen had Owen not tightened his grip on her. He didn’t complain when her elbow jabbed him in the ribs.
“Careful, wife,” he murmured gently and then helped her straighten up.
“I’m sorry. I don’t know what has gotten into me.”
He shook his head. “Think nothing of it.” Turning toward the nearby entrance, he asked her, “Are you ready?”
“I suppose I must be.”
Owen glanced down at her. She had nearly forgotten how nice it was to have a tall husband. In the past, she had tolook down to talk with men. But now, Owen made her feel smaller and less big-boned. He made her feel delicate, like a woman.
“We can go home if you like,” he promised her. “All you have to do is say the word.”
“Thank you.”
She pondered over his words. Back in their home, he had been ready to turn around and flee to his study. He didn’t really wish to be here. She could see it in his pinched face. And yet he said nothing of it as he waited for her to decide.
