“Nothing. It’s only…” Owen looked away for a moment before turning back to her. His expression shifted into a determined look, as if he was prepared for something.
Talk to me, Owen. Tell me everything.
Georgiana wanted nothing more than to beg him to tell her everything. There was something on his mind. She lingered before him, waiting for him to speak. And then she waited. She searched his gaze and only found that hesitation.
Perhaps he had changed his mind.
She straightened up and offered a slight nod. She couldn’t wait all night. They’d been through quite a bit. Both of them were exhausted, and ready to rest. There was no rushing him, she knew that much. She would have to wait until he was ready to talk. If he ever did. And that would have to wait until morning.
I suppose I can talk. Maybe that will help him find his words.
“Thank you for tonight—the ball, I mean, and… and everything.” Georgiana bit her lip. “What you said out there, I never…”
“I meant it.” His steady gaze held hers. She listened to the heavy thudding of her heart and knew his words were true. “I meant every word I said. I will always protect you.”
“Oh.” She exhaled slowly.
No one had ever said that before. No one had ever even offered. Although she supposed her father cared, somewhat. Tonight had been proof that he would never go out of his way for her if it was an inconvenience.
Whereas her husband was much, much different. He was a much better man.
She tried to find the words to tell him how much this meant to her. How he was quickly becoming her favorite person and how much that scared her. He was strong, wise, and far cleverer than she had ever understood him to be. It was almost too much.
Perhaps it was best that they called it a night. Her heart felt so big that it might burst. Swallowing hard, Georgiana tried to speak.
“Thank you, and… and good night, Owen.”
She started to turn away so she might disappear into her bedchamber. Already there were candles lit, and she thought she glimpsed Jean standing in the corner, ready to help her dress for bed.
But then a hand grasped hers. She stopped breathing as she was tugged back a step. Turning around, she bumped into Owen’s chest.
She opened her mouth to ask him what he wished to say. Maybe he had found the words somewhere in that warm, firm chest of his. Tilting her head up, Georgiana only had a moment to search that strong gaze of his before he closed the distance between them.
She felt her heart skip a beat. She pressed her free hand against his chest so she might keep her balance. It was only a moment, but already she knew she wanted to remember every bit of this. Her breath caught as Owen’s lips touched hers.
Both hesitant and delicate, the kiss was everything she had hoped it would be. It was terribly perfect. He was warm against her, and she found herself wanting to sink into him, melting away from the chilly night.
Just as she was ready to deepen the kiss and draw him in, her instincts telling her what to do, he pulled away.
Owen stepped back. He lowered his gaze and gave a small bow. “Good night, my wife.”
And then he was gone before she had caught her breath.
Georgiana put a hand to her chest as she stepped backward into her bedchamber. Then she took another step back and then a third, before finding herself stuck. Her lips were tingling, so she couldn’t think of anything more. She wondered if she might chase after him. If she did, would he kiss her again?
“Ah, there you are, Your Grace.” Jean walked over to her. The young woman closed the door in front of her mistress before leading her further into the room. “You still look so lovely and fresh. I’m so glad you had an evening out. Would you tell me everything?”
Georgiana blinked. “Everything?”
“Or anything, really,” her maid corrected with a sheepish smile. “Was there lovely music? What sort of dresses were worn? I do expect your hair was fashionable, was it not?”
“It was.” Georgiana slowly smiled. She thought of Owen’s kiss and the way he had danced with her. There wasn’t any more room inside her soul right then beyond those perfect moments with him. “Oh, it was lovely.”
Leading her to the vanity table, Jean chuckled. “I can only imagine.”
Georgiana told her maid about the fashions and hairstyles at the ball. They discussed some potential designs for the future. Then they talked about music as Georgiana hummed and danced twice around the room, before sliding under the blankets.
It was warm in there. Warm like Owen’s embrace. Georgiana closed her eyes and thought of her husband. Jean departed quietly, so she was all alone.
