Darcy's Temptation by Regina Jeffers Page B

Lady Pennington.When I first met him, I thought you two were familiar because the captain asked me many questions about you.”
    â€œDid he now? What did the captain want to know?” Harrison’s interest peaked.
    â€œNothing in particular which I recall—the captain just wanted to know my opinion of you.” Georgiana felt somehow she betrayed Mr. Harrison.
    Although concerned about the captain’s questions, Harrison did not want to alarm Georgiana.“I hope, Miss Darcy, you were able to offer the captain a good report on my behalf.”
    Georgiana laughed lightly, and Harrison’s heart skipped a beat. “I found several good things to share with him.” Georgiana looked at Harrison and smiled. He thought he could spend the rest of his life sitting on this settee with this woman.
    â€œLike the captain, I hope you save at least one dance set for me this evening.”
    â€œI will look forward to it.” Georgiana’s voice broke with anticipation.

    Harrison knew he treaded the line with his words, but he also implored, “Would I be too forward if I ask you to double my pleasure this evening and not only consider a second set with me but a place by my side when we go in to dinner?”
    â€œMy brother may object,” Georgiana offered, “but I will save you the set before dinner is served, but that means I must dance with others first.”
    Harrison would not take pleasure in watching Georgiana dance with the captain and others, but the prospect of sharing her company over dinner allowed him tolerance. “I understand, Miss Darcy.”
    Knowing they should spend no more time alone, Georgiana suggested they find Kitty. “I am sure Miss Bennet will want to save you a dance set this evening, as will my sister Elizabeth.”

CHAPTER 5
    â€œEvery man is surrounded by a neighborhood of voluntary spies.”
    Jane Austen, Northanger Abbey , 1817

    Harrison walked about the ballroom, wanting desperately to spend the evening in the presence of Georgiana Darcy, but for this first set he chose to dance with Kitty Bennet while Georgiana accepted the hand of Captain Rutherford.
    â€œThis is an agreeable dance,” Georgiana said as she and the captain made their pass the first time.
    â€œIt is, Miss Darcy,” Captain Rutherford responded. “Were you able to renew your acquaintance with Mr. Harrison?” the captain asked as they came together to proceed down the line.
    â€œMr. Harrison is an amiable man.”
    â€œReally? You said as much before.” The captain’s remark came too quickly.
    Georgiana seemed surprised by the captain’s tone. “Would you not think so, Sir?”
    Captain Rutherford could not respond immediately for they parted to each side. When the form brought them together again, he said, “Mr. Harrison’s opinions are considered controversial by many. I assumed your bother would be concerned with your knowing the man.”
    His words brought an evident perturbation to Georgiana’s countenance. The captain’s words were calculated to have an impact on the young girl —to serve as a warning. She did not respond as they came together again and again, and Rutherford thought Georgiana would remain silent through the rest of the
dance and maybe the rest of the set. Yet, the man underestimated the young woman standing in front of him.
    Georgiana Darcy might have accepted the captain’s words at one time with little or no comment, but that was before her brother showed Georgiana her worth. So as she came forward to meet the captain at the end of the first dance, she reprimanded him, “If you are referring to Mr. Harrison’s dislike of our government’s policy condoning the impression of others in deplorable conditions, I take offense.”
    â€œOffense, Miss Darcy?” the captain asked, incredulously.
    â€œI know little of the life of those of whom Mr. Harrison speaks, but I do