"Married life is just more enjoyable than I imagined it would be," I say in response to Georgiana's question.
"Ah, so it wasn't the fear of getting caught that attracted you to Lord Cygnus," she says, her voice betraying the genuine curiosity beneath her tease.
"He told me he loved me," I admit, relieved that I can get to share such an important thing with my friends.
"It was obvious that was the case," Mary responds. "You could see it in his eyes whenever he approached you to dance."
A small blush rushes to my cheeks. I busy myself pouring tea for the two of them.
"I think the only person who wasn't aware of Lord Cygnus' feelings was Letty,'' Georgiana points out. "And perhaps Lord Cygnus himself."
"You may be right," I concede, handing my friend her teacup.
"So, is married life really treating you that well?" she asks.
"The marriage itself treats me well," I agree. "Philip, sorry Lord Cygnus, arranged for this room to be for my personal use, and he bought me all kinds of charcoals for my drawing."
"You told him that you like to draw already? It took you months to tell us," Mary responds.
"I hadn't thought about it being too soon to tell him," I say. "He asked what I enjoyed doing, so I told him."
"Stop, or you'll even manage to convince me that I want to get married," Mary says, seeming both amused and horrified at the same time.
"You've never seemed opposed to marriage before," I say.
"I'm not opposed to the idea," Mary responds. "Though I have to admit that I have certain reservations, particularly about whether a husband would allow me to continue attending intellectual meetings."
"It seems to me that a simple solution to that would be to find yourself a husband who is already attending the meetings." I take a sip of tea.
"That would be a good solution," Georgiana agrees. "And you'd have plenty in common."
Mary lets out a small groan. "I know what Georgiana is trying to distract herself from, but you're supposed to be happily married now, what are you trying to deflect?"
I let out a small laugh. "Perhaps I just want everyone to feel the way I do."
"Ah, you have become a fool for love," Mary responds.
"If I'm to believe just about everyone in my life, I've been a fool for love for a long time now."
"And I'm not trying to distract myself," Georgiana murmurs.
"What's happened? Has your Captain returned?" I ask, concern for my friend building within me.
She sighs and sets down her teacup. "No, there's still been no word from him." She slips her hand into her pocket and I don't need to ask to know that she's touching the rocks she keeps there.
"Then what is it?" I prompt, worry for my friend filling me.
"My parents are trying to set a date for my wedding," she admits.
"Ah. Is there any way you can delay?"
"The only things I could think of saying would end up ruining me," Georgiana admits. "And I know I shouldn't do that just to get out of my marriage, not when the reason I don't want to go through with it seems to have forgotten that I exist."
"He could still return," I say, knowing that isn't quite as likely as it once was.
"I need to move on from Henry," Georgianasays, her voice cracking as she says it. "I just don't know how."
"We'll help," I promise. "However we can."