Enticing An Earl

Part 17

William decided to pretend that the whole kissing fiasco never happened to save George from embarrassment. It wasn't a kiss after all, it was just a peck on the lips. Why should she feel bad about something as insignificant as that?

For William, it wasn't as insignificant as he pretended it was because he could still feel her lightly press her soft full lips to his, still hated the fact that he was not fast enough to taste her and hated that he would have taken advantage of a very drunk friend.

The question remained, why would George kiss him? Did she have feelings for him or was she an adventurous drunk? Did she feel the pull that William usually did when he was near her? He knew that he was her first kiss. George was an attractive woman, others must have tried to kiss her before him and if she was the adventurous type than she would have welcomed their interest.  He knew that their bond was something special and he couldn't afford to destroy it by testing out his theories.

He wanted to ask Max if it was normal to want her time, attention and love, if it was friend like? He would have if he did not fear being teased mercilessly.  He cursed his lack of experience with the opposite gender and decided to put his plan to find the culprit into action instead. Maybe if he figured it out who it was and rescued her mother, their relationship might progress or end. Both results would put him out of his misery.

He wrote to Duchess of Stanford, to ask her to join them for dinner with her sister, her husband was excluded from the invite on purpose as William hated that man. Lady Hamilton ecstatic when she heard of William's plans, she had neglected to invite her friend because of all the excitement. She was aware that the Duchess rarely received such invitations so she wanted the affair to be grand for her friend's sake. She told the cook to slaughter the biggest pig and make at least 15 courses. Her best friend deserved a dinner befitting her station.

George was still cradling her heavy head when Lady Hamilton and Emma entered with the news of the pending dinner party. She was confused why the sudden invitation was extended and the headache did not help the thinking process. When Lady Hamilton saw that she was still hungover, she ordered tea and soup to be bought to her room. The older woman cursed Max and Brandon with renewed fervor.

"Honestly, I don't know how those two survive in the real world, let alone succeed. They still act like boys trying to escape their dorms. They should take lessons from William on maturity." Lady Hamilton ended passionately.

"God forbid mother! William is so rigid, he should take lessons on how to loosen up from his friends, not the other way around." Emma replied, horrified.

George couldn't help thinking that William was warm and hard. She had felt it for herself just last night. His warmth had created tingly sensations within her as if it was igniting something dormant. George still didn't understand why women would risk their reputations for a kiss or a dalliance. It had felt good, but not good enough to risk her reputation over it. 

She lazily wondered how William would behave around her now. Would he stutter and blush? Or be confident and worldly? George decided that she would pretend like she was too drunk to remember anything. If he decided to pursue her then she would reveal the truth. 

After drinking tea and soup, her headache subsided a little and she decided to dress for the day ahead. Her choosing red gown had nothing to do with trying to look her best for William, she just wanted to look good for the party. At least that's what she said to herself.

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William and Max were missing for the rest of the day. Emma confided in George that the two of them were avoiding the manor to survive tantrums that her mother would throw. George realized how smart they were when Lady Hamilton started having a fit over the fact that the spoons were not polished enough. Emma had to control every situation that her mother created. By the time the guests arrived, the cook, housekeeper and butler were already at their wits end and ready to resign.

George marveled at the Duchess's ability to calm Lady Hamilton. The tall beauty had dark skin with black hair and green eyes that stood out on her face. She was a no nonsense kind of person that had a soothing effect on all around her, especially her friend. Miss Gabrielle had skin like her sister's but her eyes were a warm inviting brown. Her long hair was thick and arranged in an elaborate coiffure that complemented her long neck. Unlike her sister, she had a mischievous glint in her eyes and a carefree spirit despite being a bit reserved. 

The two beauties were in drawing room with their hosts when William and Max returned. They quickly changed their attire and entered the drawing room. Upon their entrance, ladies looked up and Miss Gabrielle let out a gasp.

"It's you! How dare you enter a respectable household!" With that she charged towards a stunned Maximilian with all the grace of an Amazonian warrior. 

"My dear, I think you have confused the Duke of Lancaster with someone else. His Grace is a dear friend of the family." William blocked her path and firmly held her by the shoulders and started directing her back to where she was seated before.

George felt a pang of jealousy that made her want to rip William's arms from around Gabrielle and have them on herself. She knew that he was averting disaster for both parties involved but she couldn't help how she felt. She caught herself scowling and quickly willed her facial muscles to relax but not before Brandon caught her. George was so confused about her reaction to a simple touch, she never felt this way towards Max or Brandon. Maybe she felt this way because of the kiss they shared?

Max, on the other hand, recovered from his shocked state and started smiling roguishly.

"No no, I think she does know me. A little too well if I remember correctly." Max kept on smiling while half the people in the room froze at his insinuation. Gabrielle turned red despite her dark coloring.

"I think you have confused me with someone else your Grace. Lord Hamilton is right, I have never seen you before." Gabrielle said a little too quickly, which made her statement doubtful. Her face turned deeper red and she refused to meet anyone's eye.

Max instead of answering, crossed the drawing room to stand near Gabrielle. He stood so close that her discomfort was obvious for all to see. He kept on staring at her with squinted eyes for sometime and only stepped away when he heard the growl from William.

"Yes, you are right. I would have remembered such a pretty face. You looked like an evil witch when I entered, what with your face was all scrunched up in anger." Max smiled innocently at a scowling Gabrielle. George knew there was a story behind this scene, but she would have to wait and find out some other time.