To Kiss a Highland Rose (Kiss the Wallflower #6) - Tamara Gill Page 0,19

much since he died two years into our marriage. She's fortunate enough that her husband is still alive."

Julia chuckled, patting the seat beside her for Georgina to sit. "That is quite a callous statement, my dear. It would be best that ye did not state those words again to anyone but us. They will think ye are unfeeling."

"I am unfeeling," Georgiana stated matter-of-fact.

Elizabeth joined them just as their refreshments and sandwiches were brought in. "Do ye think you'll see Lord Bridgman at the ball tonight, Julia? I think he compliments ye well and he seems quite taken with ye, which shows an intelligence otherwise masked by his roguish ways."

Julia grinned. "I may see him tonight, but what I would like an answer to is where you disappeared to on the night of the mask. I saw ye walk off the terrace with Lord Hastings and disappear into the gardens."

Elizabeth had not told her friends what had happened between them. For some reason, she had wanted to keep it to herself, just for her to savor and dream over. During the carriage ride back to Edinburgh, she had ensured they spoke of anything and everything that had nothing to do with the gentleman occupying her life at present.

If she told her friends of her hopes, it would make it doubly worse when he left for London after the Season, and she was still without an offer. The humiliation would be enough if it were simply she who knew her hopes, nevertheless her friends.

"We walked in the gardens, took the air, that is all. Nothing happened between us, and nothing will, I'm sure. We're friends, no more than that."

"Oh," Julia said, disappointment marring her face. "Well, never mind. I'm sure now that we're back in town, and ye have managed to know one another better that he will soon be falling at your silk-slippered feet, begging you to be his wife. No one with any intelligence could deny you."

"I concur. Julia is right. He would be a simpleton if he was not interested in your sweetness."

"We shall see what happens, but I will not get my hopes up, not with Lord Hastings or anyone. I'm in Edinburgh to enjoy the Season here with my two closest friends. That is pleasure enough."

Georgina grinned, sipping her tea. "I agree. Men complicate the situation in any case. They make your mind all fuddled and unable to think straight. When I was married to Lord Dalton, and after our wedding night, I dinna think that I would ever think clearly again. A look, a touch, and I was powerless to his charms." She sighed, throwing them a sad smile. "Until ye have a man who will love ye as Lord Dalton loved me, we shall all keep our options open and not be fooled by pretty words or devastating kisses."

Elizabeth met Georgina's pointed stare and hoped the heat blossoming on her face wasn't visible. Did Georgina know she had kissed Lord Hastings? In the future, she would have to ensure she was more careful. The last thing she needed was to be forced into a marriage with a man who saw her as a diversion during a Season and nothing more. A loveless marriage was a state she could not abide.

Her brother had married for love, adored his wife, and Elizabeth wanted the same sort of commitment. Anything less was not to be borne.

They arrived at the ball later that evening when the event was already in full swing. Each of them, exhausted after their travels, had rested over the afternoon and slept late. Now, refreshed and ready to throw themselves into the full swing of the Season, they entered the room, paying their regards to their hosts before procuring a glass of champagne each from a passing footman.

Marianne Roxdale strolled past, giving them each, but Georgina especially, a cool nod of welcome before disappearing into the crowd.

"I think ye may be right, Georgina dear. Marianne is hosting her outdoor event to spite you. Seems she has not forgiven ye for winning Lord Dalton."

"No, it would most certainly seem that way."

Elizabeth glanced about the room, taking in those who were present. She looked down at her dark-emerald silk gown, the pretty gold embroidery over the bodice a favorite feature of her dress. The color suited her, and she could not help but hope that Lord Hastings was present to see.

A voice in her head taunted her that she'd dressed in one of her best gowns in