Page 56 of Lady of Charade

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CHAPTER24

David was well aware of how important it was that he see Lady Georgina and explain to her the truth of the situation. Yet, as he ascended the stairs of the London manor where she could be found, part of him — the cowardly side — prayed she would not be in residence. It would only delay the inevitable, of course, and yet David had been so ill-equipped to handle Sarah’s tears, he could hardly imagine how he might react to those of a woman with whom he did not feel nearly as comfortable.

But if Sarah could travel halfway around the world to speak the truth to a man who she knew would more than likely reject her, he could certainly be honest with a woman regarding how he felt, could he not?

When David knocked on the door of the manor, a housekeeper or maid — he couldn’t be sure which — opened the door, affirming that yes, Lady Georgina was in, and she and her mother were accepting callers and expecting him.

Ah, yes, Lady Buckworth. Of course, she would be within as well, despite Hartley’s promise to arrange everything otherwise. David steeled his resolve as the housekeeper led him into the sitting room, despite how much he longed to turn and run away as fast as he could.

“Mr. Redmond!” Lady Buckworth said, standing, though David didn’t miss the look of panic that filled Lady Georgina’s eyes. What was that about? “How lovely it is for you to call upon us today.”

David managed a smile for her, though he kept his eyes on Lady Georgina. The girl — for she seemed much more girl than woman — was nearly shaking. Whatever could be the matter?

“Yes, well, it is far past time that I came to call,” he said, taking a seat once the women did. He looked around him, noting that his mother would certainly not approve of the sitting room. It was clean, but the furniture was worn, and if he wasn’t mistaken, the chesterfield upon which he sat was from the previous century.

He was aware that the Buckworths were renting the manor, but he wondered at their current state of finances.

“I actually came to speak with Lady Georgina,” he said to Lady Buckworth in what he hoped was a firm yet polite tone.

“Of course,” she said graciously. “Lady Georgina would be happy to speak with you.” She stared pointedly at her daughter but did not move.

“I know it is rather untoward, but I was wondering if it might be possible for me to speak with her alone.”

Lady Buckworth raised her eyebrows.

“I am sorry, Mr. Redmond, but you must realize that I could never allow such a thing.”

It was the answer he had been expecting, but he had wanted to try nonetheless.

“Very well,” he said, clearing his throat as he stopped himself from wiping his palms, which had begun to sweat, on his pants. “It seems there has been a misunderstanding.”

“Oh?” Lady Buckworth said, and David gritted his teeth, as he really wished the woman would allow her daughter to speak.

“I have heard a rumor lately — one that involves the two of us,” he said, speaking now only to Lady Georgina. Lady Buckworth may remain, but that wouldn’t stop him from having his discussion with her daughter instead. “The rumor claims that we are to be married.”

Lady Georgina refused to meet his eye, but Lady Buckworth let out a laugh.

“A rumor? My dear, Mr. Redmond, it is not a rumor at all! Your parents, as well as Lord Buckworth and I, came to this agreement long ago. It is why we are even within London.”

David’s spine began to stiffen in anger, but he was aware that these were not the people with whom he should be upset. It was his own parents who knew of his wishes and went against them, regardless.

“That may very well be, Lady Buckworth, but no one’s consent is required but my own, and I do not agree to this marriage,” he swiveled his gaze back to Lady Georgina, and was startled to find that she was looking up at him with something akin to hope in her eyes. “Please accept my sincerest apologies, Lady Georgina. You seem like a truly lovely woman. It is only that my heart belongs to another.”

He heard his words spoken aloud, and, at that moment, consciously realized what he had known deep within him for some time now. He didn’t justcarefor Sarah. He loved her. He loved her with all of his being and he couldn’t imagine spending another moment, let alone the rest of his life, without her. Suddenly all he wanted to do was finish this conversation, leave this house, and tell her exactly that. If she knew how he felt, would she forget her plans to return to America, and forsake all of it to stay here with him?

He knew of her hatred of London, but perhaps, if he could find some land outside of the city, or talk to his father about living in one of their country homes, she might stay with him there. He had lived in London for most of his adult life now, of course, but primarily it was due to his desire to be on his own. He no longer had that need to be alone — there was a woman with whom he wanted to spend the rest of his life.

But first, Lady Georgina. David returned his attention to the women before him, each wearing an entirely different expression from the other. Unsurprisingly, Lady Buckworth’s lips were turned into a grimace, her eyes narrowed, her fingers gripping the arms of the chair so tightly that David imagined she would likely prefer they were currently around his neck. Lady Georgina, however, had her head tilted to the side, her lips curled up in a smile, as though she were happy for him — as if she understood.

“Is your mother aware of this… decision of yours?” Lady Buckworth asked through tight lips, and David nodded.

“I have been completely honest with her from the beginning, Lady Buckworth,” he responded, leaning forward in the chair, his elbows upon his knees as he attempted to convey his earnestness. “Both your family and Lady Georgina seem lovely, and whatever man becomes her husband will be most fortunate. I, however, am not that man.”

He stood, bowing slightly to the women.

“Please forgive me for any discord I have caused. This was never my intent.”

Lady Buckworth said nothing to him — no farewell at all. David would almost prefer angry words that he could respond to than her cold silence, but he took the opportunity to escape as fast as he could.