Mother had learned a few things from Jacob Rutherford.
Georgina hadn’t attended many events since returning to New York—a select number of gatherings at the homes of people she’d once been acquainted with and a dinner party or two her mother had hosted. While she adored being back in Manhattan, she was less enthusiastic about returning to society, though it was necessary for her to do so if she meant to find a husband. And Mother was adamant that she find one.
I’m to be trotted out like a prize mare. Or a sow.
Making her way down to the foyer after kissing Daniel once more, Georgina’s steps faltered as she caught sight of William at the bottom of the stairs. While she and her brother-in-law kept their mutual dislike for each other well-hidden from Lilian, there was no reason to be in each other’s company more than necessary. William was a lawyer, his specialty contracts, legal writs, wills, property, and the like. Perfect for her father, who always needed to find a loophole or a way out of a contract he’d since found not to his liking. William also had the advantage of being related to the Beekmans, one of the city’s older, monied families, which was probably why Father had looked so favorably on his courtship of Lilian. He was handsome enough, Georgina supposed, with his sandy hair, pale blue eyes, and athletic build. More importantly, William adored Lilian.
“Georgina, you’ll have to hurry to make the last ferry.” He nodded at her, white teeth flashing a brief, polite smile. “Unless you’re staying?”
“No, though whatever your cook is making smells marvelous. I promised my mother I would attend her grand party tonight.”
Part of her wanted to ask William exactly what Ben had used to get him to agree to take in Daniel. She couldn’t imagine it was anything nefarious. William’s reputation was impeccable. He was highly respected. Well-liked. So much so, he was already being groomed for political office. First, alderman, she thought. Then with her father’s backing, possibly mayor one day.
A maid hurried forward with Georgina’s cloak, and William placed the wool over her shoulders.
“Lilian—”
“Is sound asleep in the parlor,” William said, “embroidery perched on her lap. Your visit wore her out, I’m afraid. I’ll tell her you got off all right. I hate to wake her.”
“No, please don’t. Let her sleep.” Lilian was often very tired. But Georgina had been as well when she’d carried Daniel.
“The air has grown brisk. I smell snow in the air,” he said.
“Let’s hope your nose is wrong.” She tugged on her gloves, pulling the cloak’s hood over her head. “How is it you and Lilian aren’t forced into attendance this evening, yet I must go?”
Georgina’s father was out of town on business yet again. Mother was livid he wouldn’t be present for her big evening.
“Lilian’s condition is a fine excuse to not enjoy the opera. Your mother wants nothing to happen to her first grandchild.”
Georgina paused as she secured her cloak. William didn’t mean anything by it. Her mother didn’tknowDaniel was her grandson. To Georgina’s knowledge, she’d never even seen him.
“I’m sure you’ll enjoy the event, though.” A hint of whiskey scented his breath. “I’ll have Warner see you safely to the ferry. Enjoy the opera.”
“I shall certainly try.” She slipped out the door to see Warner, one of Lilian’s staff, waiting patiently by the carriage. She turned to wave back at her brother-in-law, but he had already closed the door behind her.
14
“Ma’am.” Her maid walked into Georgina’s bedroom, her cheeks a lovely shade of pink, fingers twisting in her skirts. “Mr. Cooke is waiting downstairs for you and begs me to tell you to hurry along. His exact words.”
Georgina resolved to take a few more minutes just to annoy her cousin. “My word, Stella. Are you blushing?”
“Not in the least,” the maid replied tartly. “It’s a bit warm in here is all, and I ran up the steps. Emily has put Mr. Cooke in the front parlor.”
Georgina tried not to smile at her maid’s obvious attempts to hide her adoration of Mr. Benjamin Cooke. He always sent her female servants into near swoons whenever he appeared.
“Very good, Stella.” She smoothed down her velvet skirts. “What do you think?” Georgina turned before the oval mirror and picked up her fan, taking in the yards of crimson velvet curling around her body.
Scandalous.
Bits of jet dangled across the neckline, which wasn’t modest in the least. The waist was tight, hugging the outline of her curves. She tried to take a deep breath and failed.
“Laced you tight, I did,” Stella said from the door. “Only way to get the dress on.”
“I hope I don’t faint.” Georgina snapped the fan, thinking of the face her mother would make if she did so.
“You look like a sweet on Christmas Day.” Stella took in the rise of Georgina’s bosom above the velvet. “Mrs. Rutherford is unlikely to approve of the gown.”
“Splendid,” Georgina answered. “That is exactly what I’m hoping for.”
