Rough Draft

At a quarter past eight, Georgina made her way to the salon where Lady Margaret would play hostess until time for supper. This would be the countess encouraging her guests to partake in her favorite pastime: indulging in brandy and whisky. However, Lady Margaret had yet to enter. She loved a grand entrance.

Lady Eleanor and Lord Vinge were standing together near the fireplace, in what looked like an intimate discussion. Georgina cleared her throat at the threshold and pretended to pick at a nonexistent speck on her gown. Although both aristocrats had been nothing but kind, she still felt like an interloper.

"Georgina," Eleanor said, her tone chipper. "You look lovely. Doesn't she look beautiful, Gerry?"

Georgina looked up to greet her friend and the earl.

"She does indeed, my precious." Gerald smiled at Georgina and took Eleanor's hand, leading her toward the middle of the room.

"Good evening and thank you both," Georgina curtsied with a bashful smile, as shame colored her face. She worried about what they thought of her after last night's faux pas with Lord Lymington. Georgina forced one slippered foot in front of the other and entered the salon. "You both look well turned out yourselves."

"I clean up rather well," Gerald said with a lift of his chin and a cheeky grin. Both ladies laughed, and his humor made Georgina feel more relaxed. "Can I get you a glass of something, Miss Wakefield? Perhaps sherry, or champagne..."

"Sherry would be lovely, my lord."

"And would you care for a sherry, my love?" he asked Lady Eleanor.

"Yes, please. Our guest should arrive any moment and Lady Margaret is sure to be late."

The Earl of Blakley made his way to the stocked sideboard. It held several wines, port, brandy, whisky, and gin.

Lady Eleanor asked, "What do you know of this man, Raphaël, whom your mother has invited? I don't recall her mentioning his surname. Do you, Georgina?" Eleanor and Georgina shared a worrisome look.

"No, I don't recall her mentioning it," Georgina agreed.

"Raphaël Neufville..." Gerald sighed. "Old French nobility. He emigrated here as a child during the first revolution. He was the second son of a wealthy and powerful duke. Mother has known him for ages."

While Lord Vinge spoke of Raphaël Neufville's past, Georgina couldn't help wondering if he realized the man was his mother's old paramour. She doubted Lady Eleanor told him about his mother's outlandish antics during luncheon. Although engaged, Eleanor was the daughter of a duke and raised to be a proper lady. Georgina stifled the urge to giggle at the thought of the straight-laced Lord Vinge learning Mr. Neufville had done more for his mum than bake lemon pastries.

"He has a nephew who would have been the heir..."

Georgina realized she was woolgathering and tuned back into what Lord Vinge was saying. "Henri, I believe. He's a nice enough chap. His father died a few years back, leaving him his fortune from shipping. I believe he took over his father's company and has invested in railroads."

"So, he was supposed to be a duke when his father died?" Eleanor asked.

"Yes, Raphaël's parents were killed in France. They refused to leave but sent their children here to England. Henri was born here and even though his family is in trade, most of the Haute ton accept them because of their noble bloodlines."

"I've never heard of the Neufville family, but my father kept me locked away," Eleanor said.

"Duc de Villeroi," Lady Margaret announced as she swept into the salon, with Mabel trailing close behind. "Now, there was a man who could—"

"The Duke of Villeroy," Mabel interjected, no doubt interrupting an improper statement from Lady Margaret.

"Tomayto, tomahto," Lady Margaret said with a sigh. "He was French, so I was giving him his due. The poor man lost everything, you know. Except for his looks and fine form." She winked and accepted the fresh brandy from her son, Gerald. "Thank you, Gerry. You are a dear sometimes. Though I confess I'd no idea you knew so much about the Neufville family."

"More than I wish to know, Mother... much more."

Aha! It seems Lord Vinge knows about his mother and Raphaël's intimate past, Georgina thought to herself.

"Oh, Gerry, don't be such a bore. Raphaël's nephew would have inherited the dukedom, but he only inherited the family's handsome features and a vast fortune, mind. He's a beautiful boy, to be sure."

As if speaking of him had conjured him up, Grimes entered and said, "Mr. Raphaël Neufville and Mr. Henri Neufville."

The men entered and Grimes bowed before leaving. Georgina swallowed hard and tried to tear her eyes away from the man, making his way into the room beside his uncle. Henri Neufville may not be a duke, but he was the most exotic-looking man she had ever laid eyes on. As Lady Margaret made the introductions, Georgina could feel the sweat forming along her palms and hoped it didn't seep through her gloves.

What in Heaven's name is wrong with me? One minute I'm swooning over one duke and the next I'm sweating over a 'should have been' duke.

"'Tis always a pleasure to meet such beautiful women," Henri said in perfect English before kissing Georgina's gloved hand.

"The pleasure is mine, I'm sure." Georgina pulled her hand away, careful not to lose her smile.

"I told you she was a beauty, my boy," Raphaël said with his French accent; a smile spread across his face. "Lovely to see you again, Mon Cherie."

"And you as well, Mr. Neufville."

"Now Ralphy," Lady Margaret said. "Let's get you and Handsome Henri a drink, shall we? What would you like, Henri? We shall bring it back to you while you get acquainted with Miss Wakefield. She's due to make her debut soon." Margaret winked. "You're getting an introduction and a chance to know her first. You know what they say... the early bird catches the worm."

I will strangle her when everyone leaves tonight, Georgina thought with mortification.

"Yes, I seem to be the lucky chap." He winked at Georgina. "I'll take a brandy, my lady." He bowed before turning to the bright-faced redhead. "She loves to tease, yes..."

"Oh, yes she does. She likes to tease and get up to mischief," Georgina said, feeling her breathing returning to normal. She knew Mr. Neufville was trying to put her at ease, and Georgina smiled to show how grateful she was.

"Before we depart for supper," Lady Margaret announced for everyone to hear. "Ralphy and Henri, I'd like you to accompany us to London for a bit of the Little Season. I'm sponsoring Georgina and want to give her a chance to see what the fuss is all about before the actual Season. We must visit the shops on Bond Street, as well. My son and Lady Eleanor's wedding day will be upon us in a few months." She held up her glass of brandy, grinned, and downed its contents. "Cheers! What say you, chaps?"

Georgina stood, holding her breath. The trip to London was already consuming her and filling her soul with fear. The last thing she needed was the irresistible Duke of Hayward and the handsome Mr. Henri Neufville there, as well.

"We'd be delighted," Henri said with a wide smile as his gaze landed on Georgina. "Wouldn't we, Uncle?"

"Absolutely!" Raphaël affirmed.

Bloody fantastic! Georgina mused, narrowing her eyes at the troublemaking, Lady Margaret.

***

I know it's been a loooong time since I've updated this book but I lost my creativity for a while. I'm back and ready to finish it! So, I hope you enjoy the chapter.

Lady Lisa