Regency Debutantes Read Online Free PDF Page B

leave you with a chill, and is quite out of the question. The carriage has departed with a letter to your stepfather explaining my decision.’ Mirabelle did not miss the brief flicker in Georgiana’s bleak eyes.
    ‘My father did not come in person?’
    Mirabelle shook her head. ‘No, my dear. I’m sure he must have important matters to deal with that prevent his presence. Don’t concern yourself over it. It’s well and good that he didn’t come here himself, as he’s clearly busy, and gentlemen do so dislike a wasted journey.’ She adjusted her skirts and sat herself down on the bed. Taking hold of Georgiana’s hand, she studied the girl’s face with undue attention. ‘I understand that you would be much happier to be going home today.’
    A careful guard slotted in place over the white features.
    ‘But can you reconcile yourself as a guest at Farleigh Hall for a few more days?’
    The grey-blue eyes widened in surprise.
    Mirabelle saw the blatant relief, felt the lapse of tension in the hand positioned beneath her own.
    ‘Of course. Thank you, Lady Farleigh…Mirabelle. I have been feeling a little unwell,’ Georgiana lied. The river experience had caused exhaustion, bruising, a sore throat and some cuts to her hands, nothing more. But the knowledge that Walter Praxton had tricked them all to force her into marriage affected her far more deeply. And the loathing that it engendered made her wonder just how she could endure such a thing. He stood for everything that she despised and now she had no choice but to marry him. ‘No choice at all.’ The mumbled words had escaped her before she realised what she was about. Her eyes slid to Lady Farleigh’s in a panic and she pressed her fingers to her lips as if to stopper any further traitorous disclosures.
    Her ladyship’s bright blue eyes looked back, and Georgiana could have sworn that they held in them an understanding that belied the lady’s blithe manner. She held her breath and waited.
    ‘If something is wrong, Georgiana, you need only tell me and I will try to help.’ Her small face was unusually still.
    Georgiana pressed her palms to her forehead. Dare she trust Mirabelle Farleigh? ‘I’m afraid that it’s a matter of some delicacy, ma’am.’
    Lady Farleigh gently touched Georgiana’s arm. ‘I thought it might be, my dear. Rest assured I won’t discuss your story with anyone else.’
    She so desperately needed to speak to someone, to tell another of Walter Praxton’s lies. She remembered Nathaniel Hawke’s concern and how he’d offered her the opportunity to confide in him. But he was a man, and a very attractive one at that. And she didn’t doubt that he had mistaken her situation with Walter Praxton entirely. Why else had she been forced to reveal the wretched betrothal? Lady Farleigh was different altogether. She undoubtedly liked to chatter. That wasn’t what worried Georgiana. The nature of her concern lay more in whether the lady’s preferences stretched to gossip. She twisted her fingers nervously together and contemplated further. If that was the case, then the damage was already done, for Georgiana was certain that the conversation witnessed by Lady Farleigh could do nothing but lead her to conclude that Georgiana had indulged in grossly inappropriate behaviour with Mr Praxton. And that man’s—she could no longer say gentleman’s—manner had done everything to foster the impression that he was her suitor. Heaven forbid that Lady Farleigh thought Georgiana and Walter Praxton lovers as Lord Nathaniel had done! The greatest harm had happened. Telling the truth couldn’t make it worse, and might even go some way to helping her situation. The prospect seemed appealing.
    All the while Mirabelle Farleigh had sat, quietly watching the play of conflicting emotions on Georgiana’s face. ‘If youchoose not to speak of what’s bothering you, then I’ll say nothing further on the matter other than there’s always a choice, no