Page 43 of Her Duke's Second Chance

He was willing to admit when he needed help.

Georgiana tensed as she heard a knock on her door.

It must be Cecile, coming for the breakfast tray.

She was not prepared to confront Robert or explain her panicked flight to him.

She closed the book she had been reading by the window and called out, “Come in.”

To her surprise, it was Daisy who poked her head into the room. Georgiana relaxed.

“Oh, good morning, sister. What brings you to my chambers so early?”

Daisy stepped into the room, closing the door behind her. “Well, I did not see you at all yesterday and I was worried.”

Georgiana raised an eyebrow. “Worried about me? Why?”

Daisy walked over to sit across from Georgiana on the window seat. “Well, as I understood it from Olivia—who is a dear lady’s maid, thank you for her—His Grace was walking around like a bull with a spike through his head after he came home yesterday, and she brought me my meal on a tray saying it was better for me to dine in my chambers.”

Georgiana frowned. “Oh…I wasn’t aware.”

“Well, you should be. The entire house is tense because they think you and the duke are one strong word from coming to blows.” Daisy looked worried. “That is not true, is it?”

Georgiana sighed. “Well, no, of course not. It is just that…His Grace and I are not accustomed to living together. I suppose we must learn how to do that. We are simply…adjusting…to each other.”

“Adjusting? How so?”

Georgiana pursed her lips, reluctant to share any of her current troubles with Daisy. She did not want to destroy her sister’s whimsical naivete.

“Well, he has been busy at Emberford all year, and this is the first time we have been in direct proximity for an extended period of time. It was bound to bring clashes; you understand that do you not?”

“Of course. It is like that time Uncle Simon came to stay for the summer and there were a lot of arguments between him and our parents.”

Georgiana nodded in agreement. “Exactly.”

She recalled vividly the summer her mother’s brother had come for a prolonged visit. He and their mama had argued about her parents’ excessive gambling, and Uncle Simon had been angry that their overindulgence had come at the expense of their household’s welfare. From what Georgiana could understand, they owed her uncle quite a bit of money.

He had finally left, uttering threats of litigation in his wake, but Georgiana was unaware whether he had followed through with them.

“Is that why you are hiding in your chambers?” Daisy’s voice startled her out of her musings.

“Er no…well…maybe,” she said sheepishly. “Just for now. I will smooth things over with His Grace soon. Do not worry.”

Daisy reached out and squeezed her hand. “I am not worried,” she said sagely. “You are the wisest person I know. If you feel the need to take some time to yourself, you should do that.”

Georgiana blinked in surprise. “All right. Thank you for understanding.”

Daisy smiled at her before leaning back against the window and staring outside. “This is a very pleasant view. I do not blame you for wanting to remain here. It is peaceful.”

“Yes.” Georgiana smiled. “It is.”

“Robert! How wonderful to see you again so soon,” Lionel remarked as he opened the door to his townhouse. He stepped back, squinting at Robert intently. “Long night?”

Robert groaned. “Please. I do not wish to discuss it.”

Robert lifted one eyebrow but said nothing, closing the door behind him. “Well, I have had a meal prepared for us. Roast beef with vegetables and freshly baked bread, as well as some tea and brandy. I have set us up in my study if you will come this way. My sisters are busy twittering about one ball or another in the den. It is all very tiresome.”

Robert smiled wanly. “Yes, I suppose I should eat something.”

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