to find her, but had begun to think he would not. Despite the fact that she had been considering other unknown men now that he was here, she did not know what to think or feel. She was almost numb from indecision as to how to greet him. It was not at all helpful that her heart was beating so fast she felt breathless. “I shall be fine.”
Chapter Eight
The day was warm, especially for October, but this was Surrey. Gavin and Lady Littleton had arrived to discover Frits, his wife, and Georgie were out looking at the follies. A tea tray appeared and Lady Littleton suggested they drink it on the terrace. They had been there for about twenty minutes when he heard the sounds of a carriage and a horse approaching the front of the house. “They have returned.”
“Are you ready?” her ladyship asked.
“Yes.” Or rather he thought he was. If he saw any indication that Georgie did not wish him to remain at Littlewood, Gavin would stay with her ladyship. That, however, would put him at a disadvantage as he would have to wait for an invitation to visit Littlewood or be forced to wait and accompany Lady Littleton when she visited. “I shall go out to meet them.”
Her ladyship gave him a doubtful look, but he did not want Georgie to walk out here and see him. She should have some warning. “Good luck.”
“I have a feeling I might need it.” Gavin had not simply shown up at Littlewood without sending word in a very long time. Even Littleton hadn’t known he’d come.
Gavin reached the front door in time to see Georgie’s reaction to his coach. Her finely arched brows had drawn together slightly, and her lovely lips were flattened. When Frits’s wife place a hand on Georgie’s arm, she did not react. She did not appear particularly happy. Then again, she did not look angry. In fact, she seemed a little stunned. The younger Lady Littleton said something to Georgie, and she answered before donning a polite smile. That wasn’t promising at all. He hadn’t expected her to show joy at his presence, but he’d hoped she might be a little happy.
Gavin pasted a smile on his own face and strolled out onto the stoop. “I hope the timing of my visit is not problematic.”
Littleton—the only one who did not appear surprised to see Gavin—exchanged what looked like meaningful glances with his wife before coming forward. “Not at all. Welcome. It’s always good to see friends. Let’s go to my study while the ladies change.”
Gavin inclined his head. There was nothing in his friend’s face to betray how he would really be received. He’d know soon what he was up against. He followed Littleton through the hall to his comfortable study and took a seat by the lit fireplace while Littleton poured two glasses of claret.
After handing a goblet to Gavin, Littleton lowered himself into the opposite chair. “Adeline and I discussed what should be done if you came.” He took a drink of wine. When he lowered it, his countenance reminded Gavin strongly of the old Lord Littleton just before he began a lecture. “Until such time as you and Georgie work out what you are going to do, you cannot stay at Littlewood.”
Gavin was tempted to drain the glass, but contented himself with twisting the goblet around. “Your mother offered to give me a room at her house.”
Littleton nodded. “You will be allowed free run. As long as you are not residing here, Georgie will be able to see you or not as she wishes.”
That might work. Gavin sipped his claret. “How much freedom will I have?”
“You may take your meals here, if you like.” His friend stared at him consideringly. “I suggest strongly that you begin anew with Georgie. I cannot agree with your stand that you will not fall in love. If you continue in that vein, you might never convince her to marry you. But Adeline and I agreed to allow you a second chance to make Georgie want to spend her life with you.” Frits finished his wine and set it on a sturdy walnut side table. “There are three rules you must follow. You may not under any circumstances compromise her.” Gavin nodded. He hoped he would not have considered that option. But when a man becomes desperate . . . “And you may not follow her around like a puppy. If she does not wish to see you,