Georgie pleated the bedcovers. “That isn’t going to happen, Jules. Benedict is nothing like Simeon. Simeon worships the ground you walk on. He loves you with his whole heart.” She sighed again, more heavily. “It’s not like that between Benedict and me. Men like him don’t settle down with just one woman.”

They were silent for a moment, then Georgie brightened. “So, what happened at the Evans’? You said Simeon kissed you.”

Juliet closed her eyes in remembered rapture. “Oh, yes, he did, and it was wonderful! Just as I knew it would be. And guess what else? He proposed! He wants me to become Mrs. Simeon Pettigrew.”

Her tone made it sound like that was a title equivalent to “Empress of India and Queen of the Known Universe.” Georgie stifled a groan. “You know Mother still has her doubts about Simeon, Jules. She thinks you could do so much better than a penniless poet.”

Her sister’s lips formed a perfect pout. “I don’t want a man with a title. None of them love me as Simeon does. He doesn’t care a fig for how much I’m worth.” She stood and straightened the bedcovers with a thoughtful expression. “Maybe I should take a leaf out of your book and present Mother with a fait accompli.”

“Don’t do anything rash,” Georgie warned quickly. “She’ll come around. She only wants the best for you, after all. Just give it some time.”

“I know. I just hate pretending I’m considering other people when Simeon’s the only one I will ever want.” Juliet bent and gave Georgie an impulsive hug. “I know I don’t always show it, Georgie, but I’m so glad you’re my sister. I’m heading to Hatchard’s this morning with Mother. Is there anything you’d like?”

Georgie shook her head at her sibling’s mercurial changes of mood. “No, thank you, Ju. I’ll see you at lunch.”

It was only after Georgie dressed that she realized she was missing her wedding band and chain. She flushed; she must have left it in Benedict’s bedroom. She felt oddly naked without it, as if it were some lucky talisman, her private link to him. Even more irritating, she discovered that Benedict had put the fifty pounds she’d refused in her reticule. Stubborn man. She would have to find a way to slip it into his pocket when he wasn’t looking.

Juliet and Mother left for the shops in a flurry of skirts and perfume. Georgie had just entered the drawing room in search of breakfast when Tilly came in, holding a folded note.

“Letter for you, miss.”

Her heart leapt as she took it. “Thank you, Tilly.”