“I’ll know about anything you do,” she continued. “So I expect to see improvements in her life soon. But I see Lord Hoggart returning. Do give him my regrets that I could not stay to talk longer.”
Oh goodness. Oh goodness. Oh goodness. My goodness. What have I done?
Georgiana’s mind went blank as she turned away and left her father’s side. She’d managed to get the last word in. Heat rolled over her. She gasped for air while she replayed in her mind what had just happened. She’d made a threat, empty as it might be, and she just walked away. And she had done that to her father!
She crossed the ballroom to the terrace outside. Every step felt heavy and clumsy. She felt as if everyone was staring at her, though she could see no proof of anyone even glancing her way.
Was that courage or pure foolishness?
Fanning herself, Georgiana reached the edge of the terrace, where she stood looking down at the dark gardens. A few lamps were lit along the well-known paths. Toward the right would be a small maze she used to love getting lost in with Marjory.
Noting a few people enjoying a stroll in the evening air, Georgiana hoped no one would approach her while she caught her breath.
A short laugh of disbelief escaped her lips. What had she been thinking? Though she had attempted to stand up to her father before, it had never gone over like this. It felt like a victory.
“What a beautiful sound that plays like a harp on the wind.”
She heard footsteps behind her, then a man stopped before her.
Georgiana blinked as he leaned on the balcony with a loose grin, gazing back at her. It took her a moment to recognize him. She thought him one of the young men she had amused at the last masquerade ball, but he was a little older.
“Lord Hornstooth.” She nodded. The thrill in her chest died down, And a new unsettling feeling sat in her gut. “How nice it is to see you this evening.”
“Nice, indeed.”
Graham Timberlane, the Viscount Hornstooth, inched closer. Close enough for Georgiana to smell how much he had been drinking. There was the scent of cheroot as well—a heavy smell that immediately nauseated her.
She glanced around to make sure they were not too far away from other people. Part of her also hoped he might have friends or someone who might be ready to take him away. The man was a horrid gambler and philanderer. It was one thing she knew well enough by rumor and rumor only. Even her father, in her first Season, had warned her about him.
“Don’t ever consider him a potential choice,” her father had said. “He’s horrid. Like a wart.”
A frank warning but one nonetheless. Lord Hornstooth was not the trustworthy sort. Another dire fact was that he seemed to have set his sights on her.
Why now, I cannot imagine. What does he want with me this evening? We never even talked, though I suppose we might have been introduced before. Oh, what a horrid cravat that is. And his stench is not helped by the warm evening.
“I suppose we could make it nicer,” Lord Hornstooth continued, “now that your thieving husband is away.”
She inched back when he came closer. “I beg your pardon?”
“Everyone knows. He stole a priceless ruby from a German prince. Before long, he’ll be dragged back to the Continent to hang for his crimes. A pity, for he would leave you a young widow.”
Georgiana struggled to hold back her laughter at his ridiculous statement. “I’m afraid you’ve heard wrong, My Lord. That’s quite a false accusation.”
The man pressed a hand to his heart. “Not I! I would never dream of beleaguering such a man. And yet the truth is out. Why, is he not hoping to return to Persia and his harem of women? Thirty-three is the last count,” he added with a pointed look.
As absurd as it was, the insinuation still made her flush. She hated herself for a moment before redirecting her anger at him. Whether he sought to flirt with her or provoke her anger, it didn’t matter.
“That is enough, Lord Hornstooth. You do His Grace wrong.”
“I would never dream of harming you. All I wish is to protect you. A lying cheat like your husband doesn’t deserve the beauty that you are,” Lord Hornstooth said blithely.
She moved out of his reach when he stretched out his arm to her. “I take issue with your tone and your false claims,” she snapped. “Leave me at once before I have you removed.”
Her hands itched to strangle him when he laughed. The man finally straightened up before shooting her the most demeaning look she had ever seen. Even her former governess couldn’t manage such an expression when she had occasionally failed her.
“Now, now, Your Grace, why would you wish to do that? A waltz is about to begin, and I must dance with you. What a world we could create when hand in hand!”
“I would rather dance with a rabbit among wolves.” She stepped back again. Struggling to stay composed, Georgiana knew she had to leave before she did anything rash. “You had best seek entertainment elsewhere because I will not bear another moment in your company. Good night.”