Page 92 of The Viscount in her Bedroom
“Now what?” he demanded, exasperated.
“She’s run away and left him there alone. She looks distressed, and he looks confused. If only she could tell me what is wrong!”
Simon was the confused one.
After an hour of casual conversation with neighbors, Simon was surprised when Louisa told him that Paul Reyburn was approaching.
“Miss Shelby,” Paul said, “would you mind if I speak to Simon for a moment?”
She released her hold, and Simon missed her already.
“Of course, Mr. Reyburn,” she said. “All this talking leaves one very thirsty.”
Simon put his hand on Paul’s shoulder and let himself be led through the crowd.
When Paul finally stopped, Simon said, “So where are we?”
“There isn’t anywhere else to go, so I’ve picked the quietest corner of the assembly room.”
Simon raised his voice over the small orchestra. “Quiet?”
“Private anyway.”
“Is something wrong, Paul?”
“I’m worried about Georgie.”
Simon stiffened. “Don’t tell me Keane is here.”
“Nothing like that. She’s just…ignoring me.”
“Ignoring you? She’s always treated you the same as she’d treat any member of the family. But of course, now you’ve kissed her hand.”
“You saw that?”
Simon laughed. “No, but everyone else here did.”
“Damn. But that doesn’t seem enough reason for her to be angry. Embarrassed, maybe, but she seemed upset with me. Could there be another man whose attentions she wishes to attract?”
“I don’t know what to say, Paul. I don’t think there’s a particular man she’s trying to impress. She’s not very good at these social things.”
“Well, who would be, next to you and Leo?”
Simon appreciated that Paul discounted his blindness, but his ease in Society was long gone.
“So may I visit her tomorrow?” Paul continued.
“Are you asking my permission?” Simon asked slowly.
“I never thought I needed to.”
Paul sounded baffled, and Simon felt the same way. What was going on?
“Visit whenever you’d like,” Simon said.
~oOo~
The next afternoon, Paul did indeed come to visit, although it was to Simon’s study that he came first. The butler announced him and departed, along with the secretary who’d been transcribing a letter. Simon waited with his hands folded in his lap.
