Page 35 of The Viscount in her Bedroom
“Oh. Oh, well then, I am relieved on one score.”
But obviously not about something else. Simon waited impatiently.
“I saw your sister and Miss Shelby on a public street, laughing quite loudly with two gentlemen—two soldiers.”
The disapproval in his voice spoke volumes. Simon didn’t have to read his face. “Was that all?” he asked.
“Yes, my lord.”
“They did not sneak off alone somewhere?” he continued dryly.
“My lord! Your sister is a lady. I stood nearby to protect her, but they left the gentlemen, and I did not have to intervene.”
“I’m glad to hear that.” Simon knew the vicar was only trying to help, but he found himself angry that the man would feel the need to spy on Georgie.
Simon called the visit short by saying he had to work. He was alone with his thoughts for only a short while, when he heard footsteps.
“My lord,” said Manvil, coming closer. He lowered his voice. “Glad the old snoop is gone.”
“So you heard?”
“His righteous indignation was loud enough.”
Simon winced.
“You aren’t going to listen to him, are you? Miss Georgie is young, and it’s good to hear she can have fun.”
Manvil was right—yet the valet didn’t know about Louisa’s reputation. Simon was going to have to speak with her. Alone.
But first he would have to row—even though it was raining. Maybe he’d be too tired to think about her as more than simply a threat to Georgie.
ChapterEight
After an enjoyable afternoon shopping, Louisa was just sitting down to dinner with Lady Wade and Georgie, when Simon was led into the dining room by his valet. Georgie’s eyes went wide, and Lady Wade went utterly still, her face a study in hope.
A tightness enclosed Louisa’s throat as he sat down at the head of the table, his rightful place. She was still too raw where her strange feelings for Simon were concerned. She was glad to be here on such a momentous occasion, but how could she watch him speak, remembering what his lips had done to her, or watch him eat, remembering how his hands had felt on her body?
Simon smiled. “It’s very quiet in here. When ladies have just finished shopping, they usually have much to discuss.”
Georgie cleared her throat and dabbed her eyes. But she spoke cheerfully. “I bought a beautiful new hat. Louisa says it will be perfect with the new hairstyle she’s going to show my maid tonight.”
As Georgie went on to describe the decorations on the hat, the first course, oxtail soup, was announced and served. Everyone tried not to watch Simon as he picked up his spoon, found the edge of the bowl with a tap and began to eat.
It took several minutes for the three ladies to join in.
Simon knew every eye was on him, and now he understood how an actor must feel. He mustn’t forget his lines—or his responses to Georgie’s chattering, in this case.
He was concentrating too hard on eating, but for him this was like the first dining exam of many. He’d been “studying” for months now, practicing until he felt he wouldn’t make a fool of himself.
Eating the soup was almost easy. He didn’t think he’d spilled any on himself. When he was served brill with shrimp sauce, however, he hesitated. But just by moving his fork about the plate, he realized that the fish had already been cut for him. One step at a time, he thought with relief. One item of food per plate, but he’d already told the cook that.
“So did you meet up with anyone in Enfield?” Simon asked, remembering the vicar’s comments.
“Two soldiers from the militia,” Georgie answered promptly. “Louisa had met them at a dinner party last year, but they even remembered me.”
“You’re memorable,” Simon said. “And not because of any accident-prone duke’s son.”
She giggled. “No, they weren’t in London when my public mistakes occurred.”
