Ashley folded it back up and tucked it under her leg. “Yes, and no. I used it as a sample when I was teaching various stitches to students. It was mainly an exercise in stabbing something five thousand times.”
Georgia put her hand over her mouth to stifle a laugh. “Iknewyou were not the stuffy spinster Great-Aunt Constance said you would be.” She sat up abruptly and cleared her throat. “Oh dear. That did not sound right.”
After a heartbeat, Ashley decided not to take insult. Georgia was young and seemed to lack malice. “It’s true some consider me at my last prayers. I still don’t understand why my uncle insisted on giving me another season.”
“Aunt Constance recalled that you were presented several years ago but left town abruptly before the end of the season.”
Ashley had to look out the window, at the trees in the square just leafing out, evidence of the renewal of life. “My parents passed away.”
Georgia rested her hand on Ashley’s forearm. “I am so sorry.”
Ashley patted her hand, then forced a bright tone to her voice. “How are you enjoying your season? This is your first, is it not?”
“Other than the other night?” Georgia shuddered. “I must thank you again. I can’t believe I was so easily deceived.”
“A lesson you won’t need to repeat?”
“Certainly not.” Georgia gave the clock on the mantel a glance. “I wish to spend more time in your company and become better acquainted. Do you plan to attend Lady Bristol’s soiree Friday night?”
“I am uncertain. Aunt has been planning most of our social calendar. She chooses which outings she thinks will give me the best chance to meet an eligibleparti.”
“My mother, too! It’s as if they’re showing us off, like we’re horses to be auctioned at Tattersall’s! I’m surprised none of the gentlemen I’ve been introduced to have asked to inspect my teeth.”
It was Ashley’s turn to stifle a giggle. “I think it’s a waste of time as far as me making a match, but I do love to dance and hear talented musicians perform.”
“Oh! You must come to dinner then,” Georgia exclaimed. “Tonight. My Aunt Lydia is coming over with my cousins. It will just be family. No one to be paraded in front of or to whom you must show your teeth. We always play and sing after dinner. Some of us are quite good.”
“I wouldn’t want to intrude on a family gathering.”
“Pish. Friends are always welcome. Back home in Surrey we have neighbors and other guests over more often than not. Our London townhouse music room is not as well stocked as Mansfield Grange or Linford Hall, but we can still make merry noise. Please say you’ll come.”
Before Ashley could reply, Aunt Eunice spoke up. “We’ve just been invited to dine tonight with Lord and Lady Mansfield. Isn’t that delightful?”
Georgia beamed.
“Yes, delightful.” At least her first outing after being attacked by Sir Rupert would not be in public society. Just an intimate family dinner and musical evening with new friends.
Chapter 3
The “intimate” family dinner had as many participants as some of the society events Ashley had attended. Georgia had five siblings and at least as many cousins, plus the requisite parents, aunt, uncle, and spouses of the older cousins and siblings. Ashley gave up trying to remember all the names and was grateful to be seated beside Georgia.
Ashley was accustomed to dining with a large number of female students and teachers but was surprised to see children eating with the family instead of in the nursery. The young man seated next to Aunt Eunice, for example, proudly hanging a spoon from his nose, couldn’t be more than ten. The lively conversations and occasional quiet instruction to a child made it clear this was a regular occurrence.
Her heart constricted at the idea of routinely spending time with so many loved ones. At the idea ofhavingso many loved ones.
During the second course she felt something soft brush her ankles. Stifling a startled yelp, she glanced down and saw a fluffy cream and brown tail wagging. Georgia slipped her hand down, and the dog gently took the morsel of food. As the meal progressed, the dog stayed, patiently waiting for Georgia to offer more tidbits, the dog’s tail swishing across Ashley’s ankle. She struggled to maintain decorum and not laugh at being tickled.
“Are you feeling well? You look a little overwhelmed. I admit we can be a boisterous lot at times.”
Ashley gave Georgia a reassuring smile. “I am enjoying myself. I am simply not accustomed to large family gatherings.”
“Your family is not close?”
“I am an only child, and my aunt and uncle were not blessed with offspring.”
“Oh! How sad!” Georgia was quiet for a moment. Then she snapped her fingers. “I’m going to adopt you.”
Startled, Ashley dropped her fork to her plate. The conversational buzz at the table was so loud, no one noticed. “I beg your pardon?”
