“I hope you’ll join us in our box for the performance, Mr. Murphy.”
Christ, she was so bloody hopeful.Miss Schuller’s interest and that of her father would wane dramatically were they to know he was the bastard son of a duke. There were many differences between New York and London, but he was sure the taint of illegitimacy was the same at least among the people drinking champagne at Cordelia’s opera house.
“Mrs. Rutherford.” Miss Schuller dipped her chin in the direction of Georgina’s mother. “Our hostess for this evening. All of this,” she waved a small hand, “is her doing. She’s a Van Matre.”
Leo nodded as if the name should mean something to him.
“Barely a ship leaves the harbor without Jacob Rutherford’s approval. At least, that’s what my father says.” Miss Schuller paused. “Importing and exporting.”
“Ah, yes. The parents of Lady Masterson.” Leo pretended he’d only just remembered.
“She doesn’t use her title. Georgina, I mean.” Miss Schuller’s brow wrinkled. “Not since her return from London. She prefers to be addressed as Mrs. Masterson.” She lowered her voice. “Truthfully, she probably would rather use Miss Rutherford again.”
“How odd.” But not surprising. Georgina wasn’t impressed with titles.
“I find it rather silly, Mr. Murphy. If I were a countess, I would certainly want everyone to address me as such. But I’ve known Georgina since we were girls. She’s always done as she pleased.”
Yes, she certainly has.
His fingers twitched against his coat just thinking of seeing Georgina. He wasn’t sure if he wanted to fuck her or strangle her.
“Was my father’s agent helpful in your property search?”
“Indeed. I’ve just leased a home near Spring Street.”
“How wonderful.” Miss Schuller’s fingers fluttered lightly on his arm. She wasn’t the least subtle. “A perfect address, Mr. Murphy. One of the newer neighborhoods. I’m very familiar with the area.” She hinted for Leo to ask her to show him around, which he avoided by grabbing another glass of champagne.
“Oh, dear.” Her fingers tightened on his sleeve. “Our prodigal countess is here. I wasn’t sure she would come tonight. I can’t believe she would wear a dress so—”
Marvelous.
That was the first word Leo thought at catching sight of Georgina in a spectacular crimson gown decorated with bits of jet. The velvet clung to her, similar in cut to the gown she’d worn the last time he’d seen her. The bits of jet edging her dangerously low neckline dangled enticingly over her breasts as she walked, drawing every male eye in the room.
Including his.
Whispers echoed against the marble floor at her entrance. Georgina hadn’t been out in society very often; this was a rare appearance. Considering the stir she created, it wasn’t any wonder she kept to herself.
God, she’s beautiful.
The lower half of his body tightened pleasurably.
And mine.
His eyes traced every curve, and because this was Georgina, there were dozens. Leo remembered each one, all smelling of spring and something wild.
Mine.
Whether she wished to be or not.
Leo had the urge to throw his coat over her shoulders, hide that spectacular bosom, and carry her away.
She surveyed the room with a mulish tilt of her chin, a dare to anyone who might challenge her. It was a familiar gesture that filled Leo with savage longing.
Ah, Georgie. I’ve missed you.So much.
A gentleman, expertly tailored evening clothes hugging his tall frame, appeared at her side, his fingers curled around Georgina’s elbow.
“Who’s that?” Leo bit out.
