Lord Sebastian's Secret (The Duke's Sons #3)(92)

Her youngest sister had exacted a promise that she could join them for the next season in London, when Georgina was to bring Emma out. Georgina had no doubt that Hilda had big plans for that visit. She didn’t even want to contemplate what they might be. For now, however, Hilda was all compliance.

Georgina didn’t feel the least bit nervous as she spoke her vows. Nor did Sebastian, as far as she could tell. She saw only a joy that mirrored her own on his face. And when they walked out after the ceremony, arm in arm, trailed by their families, they shared smiles wide with delight.

The group returned to the castle for a lavish wedding breakfast. Guests would be arriving for a celebratory dancing party this evening, some of them staying on to make up a more entertaining house party. But it was just Greshams and Stanes for now—along with Mr. Mitra—spread out around the grand blue reception room with plates of food from a buffet and glasses of champagne.

“It’s difficult to sit still,” Sebastian told his—at long last—wife. “I want to jump up and down and race about like an infant terror.”

Georgina laughed. “I know. I feel the same. I think it’s the relief of finally getting to this day. There were times when I feared we never would. When we were down in that ravine…”

“Or convincing your father that I’m not a Welsh barbarian…”

“Or scheming how to get through the ritual…”

Their smiles this time were tender. On the sofa cushions between them, their fingers laced together. “I don’t suppose we could slip upstairs?” Sebastian said.

Georgina considered this very enticing idea and regretfully shook her head. “Mama would probably come pounding at the bedroom door. She feels she has made quite heroic efforts, planning this day.”

He nodded. “We must march as ordered then. Until we leave tomorrow.” He squeezed her hand.

Georgina felt a thrill at the thought of their wedding journey. The duke was lending them a small manor house in the Peak District. There would be riding for Sebastian and country walks and three weeks alone—no interruptions or obligations or alarms. It sounded like heaven. “We could walk about the room at least,” she suggested, “and nod cordially at our wedding guests.”

Sebastian sprang up and offered his arm. Georgina rose and took it, and they began a stately circuit of the large chamber.

Their mothers were nearest, sitting in a pair of armchairs. “I’m pretty confident I’ll have a fine litter of puppies in a couple of months,” the marchioness said. “So I could send you one for Christmas.” She spoke as one offering a rare gift. “I’d pick out the most promising, of course.”

“I fear a pug wouldn’t get along with the Langford dogs,” the duchess replied, warmly polite. “They’re quite large, you know, and can be so boisterous.”

“That’s nonsense,” Sebastian whispered into Georgina’s ear. “My father has them perfectly trained.”

She leaned closer as his breath stirred her hair. Moved by the same impulse, they lingered by a window to listen, their backs to the room.

Georgina’s mother laughed. “Oh, my pugs can hold their own. Indeed, one of Edgar’s school friends brought a Great Dane along on a visit last year, and Drustan absolutely terrorized the poor thing. I wish you could have seen him leaping for its nose. And the huge creature backing into a corner, whimpering.”

“Admirable,” answered the duchess. “But I am so busy when we are in the country, always running about. Sadly, I wouldn’t be able to give a pug much attention. They seem to require a great deal of company.”

“Can you hear how much she dislikes the pugs?” whispered Sebastian. When Georgina shook her head, he added, “Well, I can.”

“Oh, they can go with you anywhere,” the marchioness countered. “Lady Drayton rigged up such a cunning little sling to carry hers about. I’ll send you the design along with the puppy. Do you prefer a dog or a bitch?”

“You are so kind, but I really have to refuse. You must have so many people waiting eagerly for one of your puppies.”

“Let ’em wait. They’re not family.”

“Irresistible force meets immoveable object,” murmured Georgina.

“Care to make a wager on who wins out?” he whispered back.

“I have no idea how to choose.”

“I’d back Mama against anyone.”

“My mother told the queen that she was overfeeding her dog, at her court presentation,” Georgina informed him. She nodded in response to Sebastian’s surprised look. “We’d better move on, or she will pull us into the argument,” she murmured.

Their fathers were seated together a little further down the room. “Offa had vision,” the marquess was saying. “Kind of fellow who’d be building railways and canals today. Able to organize large projects and carry them out, you see. Change the very landscape.”

“I do see,” replied the duke. “That is an interesting perspective on the matter.”

Georgina’s father beamed. “I’ll take you out to the Dyke tomorrow. Show you what I mean.”

“I shall look forward to it.”

“They seem to be getting along,” whispered Georgina as they moved on. “I must admit I’m surprised.”