Lord Sebastian's Secret (The Duke's Sons #3)(27)

Emma, seated at the pianoforte in anticipation of this addition to their company, began playing at once.

Charles Kenton hurried over and took the seat beside Georgina, the one she’d been saving for Sebastian. He really was too irritating. It was true they had sometimes played together as children, but they’d hardly seen each other since. And as she recalled, he hadn’t been particularly interested in her, or kind, in those long-ago days. Last season, in town, they’d danced together a few times, but she’d understood he was devoted to another young lady entirely. He leaned too close, and she was treated to a strong whiff of port. “How is Miss Winstanley?” she asked, sitting back in her chair.

Charles snorted indelicately. “Engaged to Torrington,” he said. “She went for the title, as you ninnyhammers all do.”

This was not only insulting, it was untrue, if it was aimed at her. She had not “gone for” a title. She very well could have. A belted earl had offered for her. But if she’d cared for that, she wouldn’t have Sebastian now, which had become unthinkable.

Charles leaned closer and actually put a hand on her arm. “Not too late to change your mind, you know.” His wine-laden breath was hot on her cheek. His fingers moved on her skin. “I may not be a dashed duke’s son, but I could show you…”

Suppressing a stinging retort, Georgina slipped free and stood. “Excuse me,” she said. Furious, she walked over to the pianoforte and pretended to listen to her sister’s performance.

Sebastian was at her side at once, a bulwark. “What’s wrong?” he asked. Before she could answer, he said, “Kenton. Shall I haul him out by the scruff of his neck and thrash him?”

The picture made Georgina choke on a giggle. And with that, her mind cleared. Charles Kenton was nothing, an idiot who’d had too much wine and would be very sorry for his behavior in the morning. The man next to her was everything Charles was not. And he was hers. She longed with all her heart to touch him.

As if he could read her thoughts, Sebastian guided her by subtle degrees over to a window embrasure. He pointed as if showing her something outside and drew her into the shelter of the draperies. “That’s some constellation or other,” he said. “Has a story attached. Greek, I think. I forget the details.”

Georgina laughed wholeheartedly this time. Then she turned and leaned against him. Sebastian slipped his arms around her and drew her tight. Heat raced through Georgina, head to toe, at the feel of his hands. She rested her cheek on his chest, listening to his heart pound. Her skin tingled; her breath quickened. This was the sort of feeling that made people throw scruples to the winds and do reckless things, she thought.

She checked over her shoulder. The curtains hid them, barely, from the rest of the party. She raised her head, laced her arms around his neck, and pulled him down to her. She wanted his kiss more than she’d ever wanted anything. Enflaming memories of the texture and tantalizing skill of his lips filled her.

“There you are.” Charles Kenton swept the curtain back. He stood between them and the room, but it was obvious that the next moment would expose them. His glare was bloodshot and spiteful. “You must come play for us, Georgie.” He stepped back as they moved apart. “We want Georgie to play, don’t we?” he asked without looking at the others. His repetition of the rejected nickname was grating.

Georgina would cheerfully have hit him. Judging from Sebastian’s expression, he was about to. “Emma is much more skilled than I am,” she said. She moved out to stand between the two men.

“No, no, you must play.” It seemed as if Kenton would grasp her arm, but an abrupt movement by Sebastian stopped him. He did not give up, however. “That ballad we loved so,” he insisted.

“I don’t know which you mean,” replied Georgina coldly.

“‘Forget Not Yet,’” said Charles through his teeth, naming a tune that had been wildly popular last season.

Everyone was looking at them with varying degrees of curiosity, disapproval, amusement. Eliza Kenton’s mouth hung open. Suddenly, the whole scene seemed ridiculous to Georgina. A feeble, meaningless melodrama. She had to stifle a laugh. “I fear I have forgotten it.”

“You have not…” Charles began.

“I know it,” said Emma.

She started to play with great spirit, and Georgina decided she would never be annoyed with her sister again. She smiled up at Sebastian. The thunderous expression faded from his face. His blue eyes warmed. Their gaze held, saying all that needed to be said. And the recognition of their bond on Charles Kenton’s face was all the revenge required.





Six


The games and books Sebastian had requested arrived, but they didn’t have the desired effect. Emma and Hilda enjoyed the diversions, but they wanted the whole household to participate in their new pastimes. After an evening when they cajoled even Mr. Mitra into joining a raucous session of lottery tickets, Sebastian found himself much more in charity with them.

Flashes of resemblance to Georgina, in their looks and mannerisms, further endeared the two girls to him. Indeed, he thought he would like them very well if only they weren’t around all the time. Their bright, inquisitive young faces continually came between him and his betrothed, and it seemed there was nothing to be done about it except wait for the wedding. If only he knew how to manage that without losing his wits.