Intertwine by Nichole van Page B

the exotic. In fact, I completely expect him to show his face here as soon as the gossip reaches Sutton Hall. Which most likely will be sometime this afternoon, I warrant. The good doctor’s housekeeper is usually most diligent in spreading scandal which is not her own.”
    “Yes, well, it has been three days and no one has come for her yet.” Ah, Arthur and his persistence.
    “Please, Arthur. The storm broke only last night. How could anyone have been out searching for her in such weather? I am sure that the village gossips will ferret out her story in no time. Most likely, someone will be on our doorstep this afternoon to collect our guest.”
    Arthur merely huffed and shook his head at his older brother. “In the meantime, James, at least think of poor Georgiana’s reputation. To have a woman like this in our household will be scandalous.”
    “Oh, heavens, Arthur,” Georgiana interjected, her fork clattering to her plate. “Please. As if propriety concerns me at this point. It would be a glorious thing if all I had to worry about were my reputation.” She punctuated this with a small coughing fit, drawing a shaking breath. “Besides, what about this woman has you so convinced that she would be a threat to my reputation?”
    Arthur shrugged, trying to buy himself time to come up with an appropriate response.
    James knew Arthur had no real argument. Just the sense that this woman did not immediately fit into his brother’s neatly labeled world and therefore must be cast out of it. An opinion James did not share.
    Arthur tried changing topics. “And what of her supposed memory loss,” he asked. “Are you so sure that it is genuine?”
    “Arthur! How could you think that? Really, you are just trying to be vexing!” Georgiana exclaimed, turning to James. “Is he just trying to be vexing?”
    James smiled ruefully. “As you well know, dear sister, Arthur can generally be annoying without having to try.” Georgiana laughed appreciatively.
    Arthur heaved his most resigned you-are-both-a-trial-to-me sigh.
    Still smiling, James held his hand in a placating gesture. “But it is actually a valid question. To answer you, Arthur, both Georgie and I were there when she woke for the first time. Her distress at not being able to remember her own name was, well, almost overwhelming to her. She would have to be better than any Drury Lane actress I have ever seen to pull off such a convincing performance. I do believe her memory loss to be genuine.”
    “You should be ashamed of yourself, Arthur, instantly thinking the worst of her.” Georgiana gave Arthur a stern look. “Personally, I think it’s utterly thrilling.”
    “Thrilling?” Arthur’s voice was incredulous. “What is possibly thrilling about this ridiculous situation?”
    Georgiana shook her head, clearly disappointed with his inability to see the obvious. “It’s such a thrilling mystery. Who is she? How did she come here? I have been doing some detective work, you know,” Georgiana said, her voice animated.
    James loved seeing her blue eyes dance, looking so much like the woman she had been.
    “Ugh, Georgiana, you have read one too many novels by that dreadful Radcliffe woman.” Arthur gave a decidedly long suffering shake of his head.
    “And what, dear sister, have you deduced?” James chuckled.
    Georgiana wriggled in excitement. James couldn’t remember the last time she had done so. It warmed his heart, her wriggling.
    “Here are my thoughts. Our mysterious guest—let’s call her E, as that is what it says on the lock—” She caught herself abruptly, looking questioningly at James and then glancing at Arthur.
    “I haven’t told him,” James said, slanting his eyes toward his brother.
    Arthur cocked an eyebrow. “Told me what?” His expression grew slightly alarmed as Georgiana and James continued to look at each other. “What have you discovered? You know our guest’s name?”
    “Not a name exactly . . . more like her