Impetuous Innocent (Regencies 3)

Laughing, he countered, “Very neat, my dear. But don’t let any of the grandes dames hear you espousing such controversial standards. You’ll be driven forth, cast out from the bosom of the ton.”

Georgiana smiled, dropping her pose. “In all honesty, I’m not sure I’m suited to this life.”

To mock her words would be the easy way out. Instead Dominic answered seriously. “My dear, it’s such as you who keep the ton alive.”

Her eyes flew to his face.

Reading the question in the golden-lit depths, he explained, “If we did not have people with different ideas, people brought up to different ideas, such as yourself, join us now and then, to refresh our tired fashions, then the ton would be an excessively boring and stale society. Instead, if you look about you carefully, you’ll see the ton encompasses a wide spectrum of tastes and types.” He smiled down at her. “Don’t worry. You’ll fit in. You’ll eventually find your place, that niche that has your name engraved on it.”

Shyly Georgiana returned his smile.

They strolled on in companionable silence, around the shrubberies and on to the shore of the lake. A cool breeze lifted off the expanse of grey-green water, flicking little wavelets across the surface. Beeches lined an avenue that followed the bank, golden leaves a carpet beneath the still canopied crowns. There were other guests enjoying the peace, but none intruded on their privacy.

While enjoying the early autumn colours, Georgiana pondered the cause of his earlier satirical look. As she noted the giggling and sighing of more than one damsel they passed, it suddenly occurred to her that Lord Alton might have thought she was questioning the propriety of walking alone with him. Inwardly, she sighed. If only that were her trouble. But she was abysmally aware she was in no danger of receiving any amorous attentions from Bella’s brother. Rather, she was more afraid of boring him witless. She cast about in her mind for a suitable topic of conversation.

Far from being bored, Dominic was revelling in the unusual pleasure of strolling in relative peace in a glorious setting with a beautiful woman who was blessedly silent. The only itch to his contentment was the realisation of how deeply contented he in fact was. That, and the strength of his desire to preserve the moment at whatever cost. That unnerved him.

“Do you spend much time with the Prince Regent? What’s he like?”

Georgiana’s questions broke his train of thought. Dominic paused, considering, before he answered. “My family have for the past few generations been close to the throne.” He smiled down at her. “In the present case, the Regent.”

“But…” Georgie hesitated. She had taken in enough of the discussion between Lord Alton and Arthur over Bella’s dinner-table to realise the Viscount was more deeply involved in politicking than one might suppose from his pose of arrogantly bored aristocrat. Carefully choosing her words, she ventured, “You discuss politics with His Highness, don’t you? Not just…well, social matters.”

Inwardly cursing Arthur for his lapse from their normal secretiveness, Dominic attempted to turn her far too perceptive query aside. He laughed lightly. “I assure you, my dear, that—er—social matters are generally dominant with the Regent.”

The teasing look he sent her along with his words should have had her blushing. Instead, he saw her beautiful eyes narrow slightly, and knew his diversion had failed. Damn

it! She was younger than Bella. She should accept his word without question. And since when did young ladies institute probing inquisitions into a man’s politics? She deserved a set-down. Instead, Dominic heard himself say, “However, you’re quite right. I do act as a sort of…conduit—a channel of communication, if you like—between certain factions of the Parliament and the Regent.” He paused to help her step over a large tree root distorting the even surface of the path. Settling her hand once more in the crook of his arm, he continued, “Despite appearances, Prinny is not entirely insensitive to the problems of the realm. And, while he has limited powers as far as actual law-making goes, his influence can go a long way to seeing changes made where they are desperately needed.”

“And you explain these things to him?”

Dominic laughed. “Oh, no! I merely act as a form of Greek messenger.”

Georgiana looked her question. Smiling, he explained. “My task is merely to bring up the subject, to introduce the problem, whatever it might be, to His Highness’s notice.” He grinned. “That’s why I’m back from Brighton with leisure to enjoy your company.”

Georgiana frowned, puzzling this out. “He didn’t like your last problem?”

Her companion’s gaze had shifted to the distance, but he was still smiling.

“Not in the least. I’m presently in disgrace, although, of course, that’s not general knowledge.”

It seemed to Georgiana that there was quite a deal about the fascinating Viscount that was not general knowledge. But before she could frame any further questions, they emerged from the beech walk and were joined by a gaggle of young ladies and their escorts. Viscount Molesworth was there; so too was Lord Ellsmere. Georgiana caught a look of surprise on Lord Ellsmere’s handsome face, followed swiftly by an expression she could only interpret as consideration. However, he said nothing to her, beyond a polite greeting, and fell into step on the other side of Lord Alton, engaging the Viscount in a low-voiced conversation which seemed to have a distinctly pugilistic flavour. In a laughing, chattering group, they made their way back to the marquees. Bella met them there. To Georgiana’s disappointment, she got no further chance to converse alone with Lord Alton.

TWO NIGHTS LATER, a masked ball was to be held at Hattringham House. Bella was thrilled. “It’s quite fun, really. Most people know who you are, of course, but the masks allow everyone to pretend they don’t.”

It was the afternoon of the big event, and Bella was lolling on Georgiana’s bed.

Georgiana was frowningly considering her wardrobe. The one evening dress she had yet to wear was the topaz silk. For some reason, she had resisted temptation, saving it for some undefined purpose. She rather thought the time for wearing it had come. Why she should feel so she had no idea. She simply did. She drew it forth and held it to her.

“Oooh, yes!” said Bella. “I’d forgotten about that one. It’s perfect.”

“You don’t think it’s a little too…?” Georgiana gestured vaguely.

“Heavens, no! A ‘little too…’ is exactly what one wants for a masked ball.”

“Do you have a mask I can borrow?”

“Heaps! They’re in a drawer in my room.” Bella sat up and jumped off the bed. “Come, let’s go and look. Bring the dress.”