Lady Archer's Creed 02 - Georgina Read online

  Georgina

  USA Today Bestselling Author Amanda Mariel

  Introduction

  Series blurb

  A love of archery brings four young girls together to form The Lady Archer’s Creed. Through their mutual love of the sport, they solidify an unbreakable bond, and each woman has a unique quality that adds to their dynamic friendship:

  Theodora, Lady Archer’s Creed Series (Book One)

  Lady Theodora with her sharp mind and love of academics becomes the perfect archery coach. Despite being the last to join their group, and the obvious outcast, she will risk her future for her friends.

  Georgina, Lady Archer’s Creed Series (Book Two)

  Lady Georgina makes the perfect financier. The forgotten daughter of a wealthy duke, she seeks to belong to something—or someone—by any means necessary.

  Adeline, Lady Archer’s Creed Series (Book Three)

  Miss Adeline is a natural leader. Having grown up in a large and often spirited family, she now allows no one to place her in the shadows.

  Josephine, Lady Archer’s Creed Series (Book Four)

  Lady Josephine, having a sweet and impressionable nature, strives to please everyone—and keep their bond intact, even after they return to London for the Season.

  Adeline, Georgie, Theo, and Josie live each day by the Lady Archer’s Creed, which they developed during their school days at Miss Emmeline’s School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstanding Quality. “Friendship, loyalty, and honor above all” is their mantra. Now, as they face the challenges that come with adulthood, the creed is more important than ever.

  Contents

  Introduction

  Prologue

  Chapter 1

  Chapter 2

  Chapter 3

  Chapter 4

  Chapter 5

  Chapter 6

  Chapter 7

  Chapter 8

  Chapter 9

  Chapter 10

  Chapter 11

  Epilogue

  About the Author

  Christina McKnight—this one is for you! Thank you for not only believing in my lady archer’s, but also agreeing to write them with me.

  Prologue

  Canterbury, England

  May, 1819

  Lady Georgina Seton sat primly before the headmistress’ desk awaiting her attention. In all of her life she had never been made to wait in such a way. Did Mrs. Emmeline not realize who she was? The daughter of the Duke of Balfour deserved her undivided attention. Not that the duke or his new duchess ever paid her any attention, but no one in society, certainly no one below her status, ever dared to ignore her. Until now.

  “Ahum.” Georgie leveled her gaze on the older woman, ignoring the stern set of her face.

  Mrs. Emmeline sat her pencil down, then glanced up, revealing her crooked, stained teeth. “Your application states your preferred name is Georgie or Lady Georgie, is that correct, Lady Georgina?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Georgie offered a cool smile.

  She had been sitting here for well over five minutes and all the headmistress came up with was her nickname. How frustrating. Her bones ached and she was beyond tired from the nearly two-day carriage ride from London to Canterbury. Not to mention her emotional strain, cast aside by the man she loved, and turned out by her father and his new duchess. Her chest tightened at the wave of sorrow crashing into her.

  All she wished to do was find her room and take a hot bath, followed by a long nap. Nonetheless, Georgie knew she would not get her wish granted any faster by being rude.

  The woman was only doing her job, after all. A job the duke was paying a hefty price for at that. Georgie knew of the expense and reputation of Mrs. Emmeline’s school. She could at least acknowledge that Father had sent her to the best money could buy. A fact she supposed she should be grateful for.

  The headmistress jotted a note on the form resting on the desk in front of her then looked back up at Georgie. “Welcome to Mrs. Emmeline’s School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstanding Quality. We pride ourselves on allowing our young ladies to discover who they are and to become the women they want to be.” Her tone was sharp, but it did not give pause to Georgie. She sensed softness, maybe even mischief under the woman’s stern façade.

  “Indeed. I saw that on the brochure given to me by the new Duchess of Balfour a fortnight before I was sent here. It is a great slogan.” Her heart sank at the memory of her step mother and how easily the lady had seen her shipped away. Georgie had never known her biological mother as she had died in childbirth. When Father announced he would be wed again, she’d had high hopes she would at last enjoy a mother’s love and guidance. Alas, it was never to be.

  Georgie’s new mother, for lack of a better word, had sashayed into their private London drawing room and dropped the school’s pamphlet in Georgie’s lap. ‘Your father and I have decided you need a more disciplined education. You will depart for Mrs. Emmeline’s School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstanding Quality in a fortnight. See that you are ready.’ Her Grace had stared at Georgie with cool triumph in her icy eyes as she delivered the news. The memory chilled Georgie’s skin.

  As if that had not been disheartening enough, the only man she had ever loved allowed her to be sent away. She and Felton had grown up together as neighbors and friends. Over the years he had rescued her countless times and she had fallen in love with him.

  His cool, bye your leave, only added to her mounting heartbreaks. For the first time, he’d failed to save her, and still, she loved him to the point of madness. Not only did he allow her to be shipped off, he’d done no more than wish her luck.

  “It is more than a slogan, Lady Georgina. Here at Mrs. Emmeline’s School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstanding Quality we truly live by our mission to shape young women into outstanding ladies based on their potential and desires.” There was no mistaking the sparkle of mischief that lit the headmistress’ eyes.

  Georgina smiled with sincerity for the first time since her departure from London. Perhaps being here would prove tolerable if she gave the arrangement a chance. After all, there was nothing left for her at home. “Very well. I believe your school may be a good fit for me.”

  Still, Georgie could not help thinking she could have reached her full potential from the ducal estate if Father would not have sent her away. She had appealed to him, begged him not to send her off. For a short while he seemed to be on her side.

  He nearly agreed to keep her home before his wife entered their conversation. Her stepmother saw to it that Georgie did not remain in residence. Mrs. Emmeline’s seemed as good a place as any for her if she could not remain home, and she clearly couldn’t. After Felton’s rejection, she wasn’t even sure she wished to stay home.

  Georgie met the headmistress’ gaze. “I am bone-weary from my travels. Might I be shown to my room?”

  Mrs. Emmeline looked down and jotted another note on the form in front of her. “We lodge our girls four to a room based on their skill set as well as their weaknesses.” She tipped her head up, meeting Georgie’s gaze once again. “This policy breeds camaraderie among the students while allowing each girl the opportunity to seek help with subjects they are not as well versed in. Are you opposed to sharing a room, Lady Georgie?”

  Georgie was the duke’s only child. She had never had the opportunity to be close with other girls. She certainly hadn’t ever shared a bed chamber. As a child, she had hoped and even prayed for a sister. Perhaps this was her chance to form bonds with other girls. “I do not take issue with sharing a room. I rather like the idea, Headmistress.”

  “Do call me Mrs. Emmeline or Emmeline,
dear.” The woman corrected with a stark tone but her expression remained friendly.

  Georgie straightened her posture and offered a weak smile. “As you wish, Mrs. Emmeline, where might I get a warm bath and some rest?”

  “It is necessary to discover your talent’s before I assign you to a room.” The headmistress leaned toward Georgie and lowered her voice. “I have devised a fine method for ascertaining each of my girl’s strengths and weaknesses.”

  A sense of unease fanned through Georgie. Aside from being exhausted, she detested being on display. “How might we do that?” she asked, her voice less confident than she would have liked.

  “Each girl is asked to present in three departments; academics, then their choice of art or music, followed by a physical sport. Based on your choices—and how well you do at your chosen talent—I will select your room.”

  Georgie’s mind raced as she tried to deduct what talents she had in each of the areas. Father had provided her with the best tutors. She was well versed in all the areas a lady should be—dance, needlework, music, and poetry among other things. He had seen to it that she received instruction in science, math, and history as well. Despite her well-rounded tutelage, her palms were sweating beneath her gloves at the idea of demonstrating her skill set.

  Mrs. Emmeline rose and came around the desk. “Are you ready, Lady Georgie?”

  She would not describe herself as ready, however, now seemed as good a time as any to be done with it. “If I must,” she replied.

  The headmistress whipped her coal-stained hands down the front of her dreary gray frock before nodding her head. “All of the girls present shortly after they arrive. You will do well, I am certain.”

  Georgie doubted her performance would go overly well. Her heart beat a crescendo in her chest as her nervousness increased. Still, she preferred to have it over with as soon as possible. She nodded.

  “Wait here while I gather the girls in the music room for your first talent. Ms. Dires will come for you when all are seated.” Georgie’s uneasiness must have been palpable because Mrs. Emmeline paused to add, “Do not fret, dear. Every girl is called upon to present her first day here.” She turned and exited the room leaving Georgie alone.

  Georgie stared out the large diamond pane window behind the headmistress’ desk and worked to calm herself. She had been extensively trained in music and could sing as well as play the harpsichord. If she could get her trembling body under control she would succeed without making a fool of herself. She drew in a deep breath before releasing it slowly. Her music instructor as well as her family always praised her singing ability. All would be well.

  A younger woman in a similar dress to Mrs. Emmeline, came into the office after what seemed hours. Georgie stood and met her friendly gaze. “Mrs. Dires, I assume.”

  The woman grinned. “I am.” She offered a curtsy. “It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Georgie.”

  “Likewise.” Georgie returned the woman’s smile, though she felt mildly ill.

  “If you will follow me, the girls are ready for your demonstration.” She turned and began walking from the office.

  Georgie followed Mrs. Dires down a long hallway lit by several sparkling chandlers that cast shadows down from the high ceiling. It was the same hall she had traversed upon her arrival at the school—the only hallway she had yet to see.

  Georgie’s breath caught for a heartbeat when she followed the woman through a large set of double doors into the crowded music room. Her gaze roamed across the clusters of girls seated in front of the dais to the row of instructors at the front of the room before settling back on the stage. There she noted a piano, harpsichord, harp-lute, dital harp, flute, table of bells, and a guitar—all positioned far enough apart to enable the entire audience an unobscured view of her.

  “Come take the stage, Lady Georgie,” Mrs. Emmeline called across the room.

  What she would give for Felton to swoop in like a falcon and rescue her now. Georgie swallowed hard, pushing the nonsensical wish from her mind before moving to the front of the room. Singing would not be an option if she did not get her stage fright under control. Mayhap she should select an instrument instead.

  No. Her voice was her strong suite. She could do this. Georgie kept her focus on Mrs. Emmeline as she came to stand on the stage.

  “Students of Mrs. Emmeline’s School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstanding Quality, please welcome Lady Georgina Seton. Note that she prefers to be called Lady Georgie or Georgie.” The words flowed from her tongue smoothly as though she made a similar speech daily. “Lady Georgie will first demonstrate a musical talent—either the piano, harp, guitar, bells, or vocals.”

  She moved her attention from the audience to Georgie. “Which will it be?”

  Georgie notched her chin, refusing to let her discomfort rule her. “I will sing, Mrs. Emmeline.”

  The headmistress gave a nod, then turned back to the audience. “After her vocal demonstration, she will present her academic talent, and lastly, her physical sport. We will all adjourn outdoors for her final demonstration. When everything is complete we will return to the dining hall for our nightly meal.”

  The words sent Georgie’s heart rate speeding. What would she do for her academic and sport? She had no time to prepare, and even less of an idea as to what she should demonstrate. The last thing she wanted was to make a cake of herself in front of her peers.

  “Do you wish for a piano accompaniment, Lady Georgie?”

  The headmistress’ words broke through her muddled thoughts. “That would be lovely, Mrs. Emmeline.”

  “Very well.” The headmistress looked out at the row of instructors before waving her hand toward the stage.

  A woman with grey hair in a sever chignon stood and moved to the piano. “What piece do you require I play?” she asked.

  Georgie thought about the perfect song. Oft in the Stilly Night or Robin Adair, which would be better received? Or perhaps her father’s favorite, A Love’s Dream? Robin Adair was the shortest and would therefore get her off stage the fastest, but A Love’s Dream allowed for a better display of her talent.

  “What will it be, dear?” Mrs. Emmeline prodded.

  “Oft in the Stilly Night.” Drat! Why had she blurted that particular song? She’d not even been considering it past her initial thought.

  The room went silent as the piano music began. Georgie closed her eyes and focused on the words. The first lines came out a bit shaky but by midsong, she thought her tone and pitch to be on par.

  She relaxed in measures as she belted out the song becoming more confident by the moment. She opened her eyes on the final line. Many of the girls were staring at her. Several others were whispering to one another or looking anywhere but at the dais.

  Georgie’s heart sank as she took in the room. It appeared her talent for vocals was not as good as she had been led to believe. Her throat tightened, nothing like a healthy dose of embarrassment to complement the abandonment and rejection already swelling inside her.

  Mrs. Emmeline began to clap, and within a heartbeat, the spectators—girls and instructors alike—joined in.

  The headmistress dropped her hands to her sides and the room once more grew silent. “Thank you for that…display, Lady Georgie. Now for your academic talent.”

  Georgie’s governess had made a game of multiplication with her, and she was able to recite the times tables from one to twelve without error at an early age. Surely, she could get through them without embarrassing herself. She trailed her gaze over the sea of strangers watching her.

  “Many of our girls focus on history for their talent—Miss Alexandria has memorized every great battle in recorded history. Others find great interest in the sciences or literature, expounding on formulas or reciting lengthy poems.”

  One could have heard a pin drop in the room as Mrs. Emmeline spoke. Her tone and words even had Georgie somewhat mesmerized. Would her mathematics skills compare to these other girls’ talents? Heav
ens, she hoped so.

  “I will give you a moment to prepare. Remember to speak loudly and clearly when you are ready.”

  Georgie drew in a steadying breath. “I should like to begin now, if you have no objection.”

  “The stage is yours, Lady Georgie.”

  “I will recite the multiplication tables through twelve’s.” Georgie once again closed her eyes. “One times one is one,” she began. Just as before, her nerves calmed as she moved through the familiar territory of multiplication. She imagined herself reciting the tables to her governess as she pressed on. “Seven times nine is sixty-three, seven times ten is seventy.”

  Several minutes passed as Georgie worked her way through the multiplication before reaching her final set. “Twelve times twelve is one hundred and forty-four.” Being completely at ease for the first time since taking to the stage, she opened her eyes and smiled at the girls and instructors who now looked at her with appreciation. She may have made a hash of her musical talent, but she’d conquered the academic demonstration with the ease and grace befitting a lady of her station.

  The room erupted in applause, and Georgie gave a curtsy. All she had left to demonstrate was her sport. She could do this. Sporting had been a big part of her life on the ducal estate.

  Surely, Mrs. Emmeline’s school offered something she was familiar with.

  The room quieted, and Mrs. Emmeline once again commanded everyone’s attention. As she spoke, Georgie looked at the other girls and truly apprised them for the first time since entering the room.