Page 93 of The Viscount in her Bedroom
When Paul said nothing, Simon finally said, “I thought you were coming to visit Georgie.”
“I am. But I thought you should come in with me.”
“Don’t worry—we won’t leave you unchaperoned with her.”
Paul made a disgusted sound. “But I always used to be able to talk freely to her. What happened?”
“You kissed her hand.”
“But—”
“Louisa and my grandmother are with her. Go pay your respects.”
Paul grumbled something as he left the room, and Simon found himself curious enough that he couldn’t concentrate. Paul and Georgie? That didn’t make sense. She had known him as a friend her whole life. She hadn’t even given herself a chance to consider another man.
He walked out into the corridor and only took a few steps when he heard, “Hello, Simon.”
Louisa’s voice could always make him smile. “Hello. Is Grandmama still with Georgie and Paul?”
“They all went to the library together, and now she’s waiting inside while they walk the conservatory.”
“Let’s you and I look in on the conservatory, too.”
“Simon,” she said in a warning voice.
“I’m Georgie’s brother. I want to know what’s going on.”
“Would you like people watching you and me?”
“They would get quite an eyeful, would they not?”
She groaned.
“There’s a little balcony overlooking the conservatory from the first floor.”
“So you want me to narrate everything for you.”
“Not everything. I just want to know that she’s comfortable.”
When they reached the balcony, Simon remained just inside, while Louisa peered over the balustrade. The humid warmth of the indoor garden was more intense here, the scents more potent.
“They’re standing still, talking,” she whispered. “No, Paul is talking, and Georgie is keeping her head down, listening.”
“Georgie always talks to Paul,” he whispered back. “Maybe she really is bothered by the hand kissing. Maybe she doesn’t think of him like that.”
“Simon, you’re playing the protective big brother again. I know you always want to rescue her, but you can’t this time. Oh dear.”
“Louisa—”
“He’s leaving and he doesn’t look happy. Do you mind if I go to her?”
“Of course not.”
When she was gone, Simon made his way back downstairs and to the library. No one spoke to him, so his grandmother must have gone somewhere else. He walked to the conservatory, wanting to help.
He hadn’t meant to eavesdrop, but when he reached the door, he heard Georgie speaking in a forlorn voice.
“I shouldn’t see him again. He wants more from me, and I’m hopeless.”
