A Daring Liaison(52)
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As predicted, Finn looked quite peculiar sitting in a small wooden chair in the reception area of La Meilleure Robe. That he felt out of his element was obvious by the way he fidgeted and kept turning his hat around by the brim. Every member of the Wednesday League mentioned it when they arrived.
“Who is that great hulk in the foyer?” Lady Annica, the last to arrive, asked as she entered the dressing room and took a chair.
“Finn. My bodyguard.” Georgiana, standing in her chemise and corset, explained the circumstances for the fourth time before she could be asked again.
“As if you haven’t enough trouble,” Grace Hawthorne added. “Still, Finn is a good idea. I would certainly think twice before accosting you with him in the way.”
Sarah shook her head. “My brothers know the oddest people. I wonder where Charlie found him.”
Georgiana was spared a reply by Madame Marie’s entrance, a heap of pale violet silk in her arms. She stepped onto the low platform and dropped it over Georgiana’s head. “Come, chèri. This will be the last fitting, yes?”
Once the gown was settled around her, Madame knelt and began tugging the hem to pull the folds into place for pinning.
Grace folded her hands in her lap. “Now tell us, Georgiana, have you been able to uncover any information that might be useful?”
“I fear I only have more questions.” She hesitated, recalling the warning she’d been given, but surely that information would be safe here. “We went to Vauxhall Gardens last evening, and while I was alone on a path waiting for Charles to return, a man approached me from behind. He instructed me not to turn around, so I did not see his face. He seemed to know me, but I would swear I have never met him. I am positive I would have recognized his voice. He warned me to stay away from Charles specifically and all the Hunter men generally. He said I should do as he said and that he had plans for me. He ran off when we heard Charles returning, but not before he said he would find me again.”
Sarah’s face had gone quite pale. “Dear heavens! Did you warn Charlie?”
“The moment we were alone. He seems to think this may be progress.”
“Progress?” the ladies said as one voice.
“That...that someone has come forward.”
The ladies shared a meaningful glance, then turned back to Georgiana. “No wonder he has hired Finn,” Sarah said.
Madame Marie stood and turned Georgiana toward the mirror. “Magnifique, n’est-ce pas?”
Speechless, she nodded. Yes, it was, though it exposed more of her than Aunt Caroline had ever allowed. But she was a widow now and no one would think twice about her gowns. She noted the smiles of the ladies behind her reflected in the mirror. They approved. Thank heavens she would not be criticized by the ton.
With a few deft moves, Madame Marie had her gown unfastened and over her head. She handed Georgiana a wrapper. “François will join you in a minute. I shall ’ave my girls sew the ’em immediately so that you can take it ’ome with you.”
True to her word, her husband was waiting. He entered through a side door and assumed his usual position in one corner, almost at ease with seeing a woman in a dressing gown. “Afternoon, ladies,” he greeted them. “We have a bit of news, at last.”
“Do tell,” Lady Annica said.
“I’ve just gotten back from Kent.” He removed a small notebook from his jacket pocket and flipped the cover back. “I fear the news is not all good. No one remembers your mother, Mrs. Huffington. The villagers only recall when Lady Caroline returned from Cornwall with you in tow. You must have been about two or three at the time. Quite a favorite in the village, by all accounts.”
Georgiana recalled her weekly trips to the village and smiled. The only friends she’d had growing up were the butcher, the greengrocer and the baker. Later, she’d gone to the tea shop and dressmaker, but all those friendships had lacked intimacy. They were just acquaintances, really.
“I also took the opportunity to meet your cousins, Walter and Robert Foxworthy. They raise horses as well as crops. Told them I was interested in buying a horse and got them to chatting about families. They mentioned you, but did not expand on the matter. Decent sorts, I thought—Robert more than Walter. There was something crafty in Walter’s manner. I thought he was simply trying to bargain the best price for his stock, but there could be more. I do not believe there is anything to worry about, but should you meet him, be careful.