Page 61 of The Wager of a Lady (The Beautiful Barringtons 4)

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Georgina stared at her mother’s carefully controlled horror over the crimson gown, counting silently to ten, about the length of time it would take Mother to recover.

“Dearest.” Her mother’s frank gaze flitted over Georgina’s revealing neckline. “Is there a reason for such a reckless display this evening? We are at the opera.”

“Not at all, Mother. I simply liked the gown.” She smiled sweetly at the woman whose disapproval she garnered more often than anything else. Georgina had a complicated relationship with her mother.

Mother didn’t understand why Georgina questioned every rule and restriction placed upon her. Couldn’t fathom why her youngest daughter rejected playing an instrument or paying calls in favor of visiting her father and Ben at Rutherford Shipping. Why Georgina delighted in being outrageous, playing the flirt and speaking so boldly.

At times, Georgina wondered too. Defiance hadn’t served her well. Her parents hadn’t believed her when she’d told them she hadn’t lost her virtue to John Winbow as he’d claimed. Father had already been suggesting to Georgina a season in London. She’d played right into his ambitions.

Lilian, on the other hand, never so much as raised her voice. Her sister would never have dared to wear such a gown, but then Lilian didn’t possess Georgina’s bosom.

“Yes, I’m sure you simply liked the gown. Can you not appear in society, just once, Georgina, without drawing unwelcome attention? I thought your time in London might have matured you, but here you are, at the ripe age of twenty-two, still determined to be childish.”

Piers Bradt, at her mother’s side, frowned, distorting his distinguished features as he nodded in agreement.

Well, Georgina didn’t care what Piers Bradt thought.

“How lovely to see you, Mr. Bradt. Is your wife in attendance tonight? I should like to say hello.” Georgina looked around the room as if searching for Mrs. Bradt, who she knew wasn’t among the guests. “I don’t believe we’ve spoken since my return.”

The lines on Bradt’s forehead deepened. “Gertrude was unable to come this evening. One of her headaches is plaguing her.”

How convenient. Bradt’s wife hadn’t been seen in public in ages. She suffered many such headaches, but luckily, her personal physician saw to her. “A shame. Please give her my best wishes. She’s so kind to allow you to escort Mother to events when my father is away on business and can’t do so himself.”

Mother pursed her lips in obvious annoyance.

Bradt inclined his head, the silver at his temples catching the light. “Why don’t I bring you some champagne, Cordelia? I’ll only be a moment.” He wandered off, clearly not willing to trade barbs with Georgina tonight.

“That was unnecessary, Georgina. Piers is a kind man.” Mother’s eyes took in Ben with a small curl of her lip. “And an old and dear friend. As is his wife. You’ve made your point. Dare I hope your display this evening is meant to attract potential suitors?”

“I received your note yesterday, Mother. Would you like me to ask Mr. Bradt more about his wife’s condition?”

The smallest bit of a smile crossed her mother’s lips. “I was trying to be helpful. Mr. Woodstock, perhaps? I saw him earlier with that awful Mary Barclay following him about. I should speak to Mary’s mother about her behavior.”

“Please don’t, Mother. I’m certain Mrs. Barclay wouldn’t welcome your opinion of her daughter’s behavior. And Mary isn’t awful. She’s quite lovely once you get to know her. She and Mr. Woodstock are very nearly engaged, as you well know.”

“Perhaps before he reacquainted himself with you, dear. Now I fear Miss Barclay’s future as Mrs. Woodstock might be in jeopardy.” Mother fluttered her fan about her eyes, likely searching for Bradt. Finding him, the pair locked eyes and a look passed between them before Bradt quickly turned away.

Georgina sucked in a breath.Bradt is in love with my mother and she with him.

She was sure she’d looked at Leo in much the same way. And didn’t Mother deserve happiness? Before she’d wed Masterson, the knowledge of her mother and Bradt would have angered her, but not now. She shouldn’t have been so unkind. “I’m sorry I was rude to Mr. Bradt. I’ll apologize.”

Her mother waved her hand. “Piers understands. Now back to Mr. Woodstock. He seeks only a word of encouragement from you, dear.” She turned back to Georgina. The Woodstocks are very well thought of. You could do worse.”

“I believe I already have. Please refrain from matchmaking. I’m quite happy as I am.”

Ben chuckled softly from her shoulder. “Well done, George,” he murmured quietly so only she could hear.

Georgina’s mother shot him a quelling look.

“Masterson was your father’s idea. Never mine. And eventually, Georgina, you will have to find an escort who is not your cousin. Unless there is something more to your relationship than there appears?”

Ben coughed, his cheeks pinking, mouth gaping open like a fish at her mother’s remark.

Mother nodded to him. “Cousins marry.”

“No, Mother.” Georgina’s jaw tightened. Just when she’d been feeling charitable. “And Ben is more brother to me than cousin, as you well know. The very idea is abhorrent.”

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