Page 31 of The Viscount in her Bedroom
“Of course you’re not hopeless,” he said. “I always told you that. You just needed more practice.”
“She’s going to teach me.”
Louisa saw the briefest stiffening of his shoulders, but Georgie continued speaking.
“Grandmama says Louisa helped another girl before me, and she’s even married now. The first thing we’re going to do is plan a new wardrobe.”
Louisa knew that Lord Wade could not miss the hope in Georgie’s voice. Didn’t he see that this could be a good thing? It was obvious his sister was relieved to have help.
Simon gave his sister a smile. “If you’re happy, then I’m happy, Georgie.”
But there was something…off about his reaction, as if he were performing. Louisa exchanged glances with Lady Wade, but neither of them would say anything to dim Georgie’s happiness.
“Is that all you need me for tonight?” Lord Wade asked, his hands resting on his knees as if he were about to stand.
“Yes, Simon,” Georgie answered.
He stood. “Then I think I shall go back to work. Manvil?” he called.
The valet came through the door. But something felt wrong to Louisa. She wanted to ask Lord Wade to stay, but it wasn’t her place. Lady Wade and Georgie were already starting to discuss a problem in Georgie’s embroidered handkerchief as he left the room.
Without stopping to think, Louisa rose. “Lady Wade, might I be excused for a moment?”
The viscountess glanced at Louisa, then at the open door. But all she said was, “Of course, Louisa.”
Louisa hurried into the corridor. Lord Wade and Manvil weren’t far ahead of her. “Lord Wade?”
They both stopped and turned.
Louisa swallowed and said, “Might I speak with you a moment?”
He hesitated. “Manvil, would you mind waiting by the stairs for me?”
The servant left them to stand farther down the corridor. Lord Wade waited, his head inclined as Louisa came toward him. Maybe this had been a terrible idea, but it was too late to back down now.
She stopped in front of him. Oil lamps lit the long corridor, and he was cast in their shadows. His blond hair gleamed, his eyes shone, and his smile was faint, mysterious. Did he know what she was going to say?
“My lord,” she began. But her mouth was so dry, she had to swallow and lick her lips. “My lord—”
“Nervous, Miss Shelby?” he inquired pleasantly. “Perhaps there is a reason for you to feel this way.”
She stiffened. “I want you to know that I did not go behind your back and enlist your grandmother so that I could work with Georgie. Lady Wade asked me for my help. She admitted that that was her purpose in hiring me.”
“She has so many reasons, doesn’t she,” he said dryly.
She took a step nearer. “Pardon me?”
“Never mind. I’m just rambling.” He took a step back.
“I did not tell her that you objected,” Louisa continued. “Why didn’t you do so tonight?”
“What would be the point?” he asked. “Georgie seemed excited by your help. I’m forced to give you the benefit of the doubt.”
“Forced?”
“That’s a good enough word. Now if you’ll excuse me—Manvil?”
Confused, Louisa opened her mouth, but the servant was there before she could think of a reply. Lord Wade let himself be led away, leaving her frustrated.
