Eisley waved a hand at Julia’s gown. “I’m so glad I talked you into wearing that dress. You look amazing. Henry won’t be able to take his eyes off you.”
Julia’s teeth skimmed across her bottom lip as her smile spread so wide it pierced into her cheeks.
“Oh, good grief, Julia, you are such a lost cause.”
As she watched her sister navigate the room back to Wes, Julia grinned. Lost cause? “Funny, I don’t feel lost at all.” Julia whispered, returning to her alcove of observation and taking in the magnificence of the evening. Lights flickered brighter as evening shadows darkened outside the floor-to-ceiling windows and the music turned from classical to jazz, sending her searching the room for her reticent hero.
Wes took Eisley by the hand and led her to the middle of the room for a dance. Although the idea of her sister dancing—and staying upright without harming anyone in the process—spun Julia’s grin into a chuckle, Julia began to believe some little fairy godmother worked her magic over the evening.
“It seems a shame to have a lovely lady hidden in the shadows of the room.”
Julia spun around and came face to face with a man near her age who looked incredibly familiar. Eyes she recognized and a smile…well, a smile that looked a little too rehearsed. Too interested.
She slid a step back and offered a small smile. “I’m not a dancer.”
“What a shame.” His gaze shimmied down her body and back, leaving a chill over her skin.
She suddenly wished she’d worn a much different gown. With an added cape.
“I don’t think we’ve met, because I would remember meeting you.”
Her throat tightened as he moved back into her space. She brushed a strand of hair from her face and stiffened her spine, refusing to succumb to the rush of fear clawing her words, her breath. “I’m new here.”
“Of course you are.” He held out his hand. “Elliott Wright.”
Elliott Wright...Henry’s brother! Just the knowledge that her defenses responded quite logically gave her a little comfort. “You’re Henry’s younger brother. He’s told me about you.”
He lowered his hand but raised a dark brow with his smile. “Well now, that’s ominous. What if you take the time to abate my curiosity about your knowledge of me while we dance? You must be Henry’s American…friend?” His gaze suggested he knew exactly who she was. Her breath tightened. She wasn’t fond of people who didn’t say what they meant.
“Surely, if you’re my brother’s friend, we can be as well?” He held out his hand to her again, beckoning her to the dancefloor.
Dance. The idea of his hands on her waist or his breath near her neck sent ice over her skin. But being a jealous brother didn’t make Elliott threatening, did it? No, jealous wasn’t exactly the sense his dark eyes gave. Julia glanced over her shoulder in search of Henry, but he was nowhere to be found. With a reluctant turn, she swallowed through her dry throat and took his hand. “Of course.”
He drew her forward, keeping them on the edge of the crowd, his body relaxed, his hold comfortable. Julia breathed in and out. He’s not a threat. Be kind.
“It’s a shame my brother left so lovely a prize without escort. He should be ashamed.”
Julia kept her posture rigid to maintain her distance from Elliott without impacting the rhythm in the dance. “He’s on his way, I’m sure.”
“As you are American and actually looking for my brother, I can only assume you are his newest interest?” His attention traveled over her again. “Funny, he doesn’t tend toward the exquisite. That’s more my category.”
His underlying insult toward Henry discolored the compliment. “Has all of your family come to the party, Elliott? I haven’t had a chance yet to meet your mother or brother Matthew.”
His hazel gaze swept from her face to her hair to her neck. “I wouldn’t wish to ruin your evening with an introduction to Mother. She isn’t too keen on you.”
“What do you mean?”
Elliott’s hold changed, tugging Julia closer. A splice of tension coiled in her stomach.
“Let’s just say that Henry’s previous choices haven’t garnered him the best reputation, and the fact that you’re American and already a mother hasn’t helped your cause.” His palm slid up her back to meet her bare skin. His grin slid crooked as if he knew exactly what he was doing. “But I’d be happy to put in a good word for you, if you like. Mother listens to me. I’m her favorite.”
Air trembled through Julia’s lips, but she leveled him with a stare. “Your hold is too intimate for our acquaintance, Mr. Wright.”
Her shift in addressing him with more distance only proved to broaden his smile and bring him closer. “Are you hinting that you’d like to become more intimately acquainted?”
“I am not.”
His expression fell into a mock pout. “You say that with such certainty, yet you hardly know me.”
“Actions speak clearly enough, Mr. Wright, and yours are not encouraging a good first impression. Besides, my heart and intentions are already securely fastened on someone else.”
“You mean we can’t be friends?” His lips hinted at a hidden smile. Teasing. Mocking.
“Not with someone who would clearly hit on his brother’s girlfriend. No.”
He loosened his grip on her, his grin fading from his countenance. “Such faithfulness.” His laugh held no humor. “My brother is a peculiar recluse who would rather spend time pouring over music notes than wooing the heart of a lady. What can you possibly see in him that I can’t provide for you—and more besides?”
“He’s a true gentleman in heart and behavior.” Julia’s pulse beat in her ears, but she continued. “Can you make the same claim?”
Elliott stopped dancing altogether and took a step back from her. “I see you’re the perfect match for my pious brother and his lofty ideals.”
“I’ve always preferred the high road.” She raised her chin and pushed on a smile. “The view is a lot better.”
“Is everything alright?”
Julia turned at the welcome voice. Henry stood by her side and slid a palm to her waist, shifting so his shoulder somehow created a barrier between her and Elliott. She drew in his strength, his presence, nestling against him. Henry’s attention locked with his brother’s, brow low, lips tight—an expression she’d never seen on his face before. He’d come to her rescue, his stance clearly setting boundaries. Off limits. She snuggled up even closer to Henry’s side. Yep, this protective instinct gig worked for her.
“We’re fine, thank you.” She linked her fingers through Henry’s, giving his hand a squeeze to punctuate her words. “I believe your brother and I have come to an understanding.”
If any person could glare with a smile pasted on their face, Elliott was the one. “Indeed.” He offered a stiff bow. “Good evening.”
As soon as Henry’s arms came around her, she shivered against him, pressing into his warmth and strength. She’d faced Elliott. She’d stood up for herself. She closed her eyes and lowered her head to Henry’s shoulder as they swayed to the music in some makeshift display of a dance.
“Did he hurt you?” Henry whispered against her ear, his palm pushing back her hair so he could see her face. Those eyes, so filled with concern, found hers.
“No. I don’t think he had any intention of hurting me.”
He tugged her close and sighed into her hair. “Forgive my tardiness. I was later than expected leaving the recording studio and then traffic stalled.” He growled. “I should have been here.”
“You’re here now.” She looked up at him. “I stood up to him on my own, but I’m really glad you’re here now.”
Chapter Thirty-One
H enry couldn’t shake the memory of Julia’s face when he’d arrived at the engagement party to find her in Elliott’s arms. He’d rushed through the crowd, pushing his way closer, but Elliott had released his hold on her by the time Henry’s path opened, a look of utter shock on his younger brother’s fa
ce.
When he’d taken Julia in his arms for a dance and she’d trembled against him, a fire had rushed through him with such force that he’d nearly chased Elliott from the room and taken out years of frustration on him. Oh, if he’d only left the studio a few minutes earlier! He would have missed the backed-up traffic from an automobile accident and Julia would never have had to deal with his delinquent brother.
But a glimmer of pride joined his annoyance. She’d stood her ground. Called Elliott out. Refused to bend beneath the fear he knew she felt. He tugged her closer, hoping she knew how proud he was of her. How brave she was.
It wasn’t until Julia had gone upstairs to feed Rose that he found Elliott near the drinks, wine in hand. Henry walked up beside him and folded his arms across his chest, surveying the crowd so as not to draw attention.
“Ah, brother, have you come to intimidate me?”
The nonchalance in Elliott’s voice flipped a switch inside Henry. He gripped his arms with his hands to keep from taking a fist to his brother’s sardonic grin. “I want you to leave Julia alone.”
“Is that a command?”
Henry kept his gaze forward, his breaths coming in increasingly short spurts. “It’s a warning.”
“A warning?” Elliott turned, brow raised. “This is a first. You must be serious about your little American mum.”
“You have not tested me to my breaking point, Elliott, though you have tried many times.” Henry worked to keep his voice calm. “But I can assure you, I will not warn you again.”
“Really?”
Henry shifted his body, the few extra inches he had giving him an advantage he lacked otherwise against his brother’s typical bravado and captured Elliott’s full attention. “Try me and see.”
A flicker of fear waved over Elliott’s features, and he shifted back a step, producing a false grin. “You’ve never had this much trouble sharing your things before, brother.”
“Do not trifle with me. I’ve warned you. I shall not be so generous in the future.”
Under his brother’s watchful eyes, Henry met Wes and Eisley and soon after, Julia. The evening continued without another hitch. Elliott never resurfaced, though Matthew made a brief appearance, taking time to meet Julia and don his “party face”. But Henry knew his older brother hated the larger crowds with a vengeance. He’d learned to cope, as Henry had done, but he kept his visits short.
Henry took pleasure in introducing Julia to some of his colleagues in the movie industry and sharing the time with her. She fit so well into this world. Yes, she looked the part of a beauty, but more than that, she exuded a gentleness and kindness into every conversation. Nothing in his life looked the same with her influence around it.
Yes, he’d moved away from the family home at just the right time.
And once the installers finished with the kitchen in the main part of Henry’s new house, he’d take Julia to see it. His gift to her dream. To their future.
They spent the next day touring Matlock, and Julia fell in love with it, just as he thought she would, delighting in the quaint shops and old buildings. As they sat in a quiet corner of a restaurant in Bakewell, sharing a famous Bakewell tart, Henry held a fussy little Rose so that Julia had a chance to eat the strawberry-filled pastry. Her eyes lit as the flavors of almonds, strawberries, and a zing of lemon blended for the signature taste of Bakewell Henry knew so well. “Oooh, this is delicious.”
“I imagine you could replicate it.” He rubbed a palm methodically over Rose’s back as she huffed against his shoulder, fighting sleep.
Julia’s eyes glittered in the dim lighting. “Ideas, ideas.”
“Perhaps add a dollop of ice cream.”
“Or some dark chocolate syrup.”
Henry tilted his head with his smile. “Or both.”
She pointed her spoon at him, a hint of her father coming out in her grin. “Now you’re talkin’.”
A chuckle came forth as he watched her enjoy another bite. “I have a rehearsal tomorrow morning, but could we meet for lunch before your appointment at the historical department?”
Her smile faded. “The appointment’s been changed.”
“What?”
“Laurence Porter, the military archivist who has information on Lucas, has been on a research trip, but his flight was canceled due to inclement weather. He won’t be able to meet with me until Monday morning.”
“But…but you fly out Monday afternoon.”
Her gaze held his, sharing in the hesitancy of having an ocean between them again. Yes, he’d been awarded the job of his dreams, a perfect place for him. He loved it. The comradery he was building among the players, working with Andrew, weaving music to capture stories….but what was all that without her?
Would the company allow him to work remotely? Would she be willing to shift her entire life to England? Surely seeing the house would help! “Should I change my recording time for the commercial? I can if you wish me to join you.”
“No, no.” She shook her head. “I can just go straight to the airport after the meeting with Mr. Porter.”
He paused on the thought, the ache of their separation doubling the sting in his chest. How was it that they only had a few days left together? Parting again would be even more difficult than the first time. “I’ll meet you there. At the airport. To see you off.”
“Okay.” Her whispered response spoke volumes. Neither wanted to face the distance. And for how long? When would his new job allow a holiday? He’d not thought to ask these questions before, but now…now the answers meant the next opportunity to see Julia and Rose.
Rose’s noises softened into a hum against his shoulder, her tired little body winning out over her frustration.
“Elliott mentioned something at the party, Henry, and I need to know what he meant.”
“I wouldn’t put stock in anything Elliott has to say.”
“For some reason, this seemed to ring true. It was about your mother.”
“Go on.”
“Elliott seems to think your mother isn’t very happy about the two of us.”
“She’s upset because she didn’t think of it, you see. She’s been keen to keep her hands in her children’s business for years, but she knows nothing about you and can’t discover anything from her gossip network.” He shifted Rose to his other shoulder, and her breathing deepened. “Since my past has already set a shady precedent, she’s nervous about how you’ll impact the conversations of the town in reference to the Wright family.”
Julia took another bite of the tart, keeping her gaze from his.
“It may be a rocky start, Julia, but she’ll come around. Who wouldn’t once they know you?”
Her smile spread but didn’t light her eyes. “Family is important, Henry.”
Her convictions on the matter pitched deeper than his, at least for his birth family. “Of course, but family can be determined as much by choice as by birth, and I choose you and Rose.”
“You shouldn’t have to make a choice, ever.”
“No, but my family is very different than yours. Yours is healthy and cohesive with love and acceptance binding everyone together. There’s unity and care mine has never known. But I’m willing…” He searched her gaze. “I’m hoping to start the right way, with you.” He gestured to Rose with his chin. “With us.”
“‘Us’ sounds pretty nice to me.”
“I have a certain fondness for it.” He grinned. “So, would dinner tomorrow work for you?”
She straightened her shoulders as if readying for a battle. But she wouldn’t fight alone. He’d make sure of it.
“Dinner it is.”
∞ ∞ ∞
Breakfast with the Harrisons and Cate proved a delight. The warmth among them reminded her of home, except the Harrisons added a hint of refinement to the family teasing. Cate’s continued presence, with her ready wit and kindness, only strengthened their growing friendship. The fact that she was a single mom eased the conversation a
nd understanding even more.
Once everyone dispersed to their various places for the day, Julia asked Jacobs, the butler, to drive her and Rose into town. Henry had given her a quick tour of Matlock, to ensure they saw as much as possible of Derbyshire during her visit, but she’d longed to stroll the streets and get a better feel of the place Henry loved so much.
Today she had time to absorb the place instead of skim over it.
Limestone buildings of varying heights and designs hugged cobblestone streets, narrowing the lanes punctuated by streetlamps. There was a quaint Victorian feel to the place, but not dark and gloomy like she’d seen in movies, despite the gray sky hinting at a rainy afternoon. Light and warmth reflected off the pale limestone, and people bustled to and fro, going about their business and injecting energy and life into the town.
And the names! She’d not noticed them when she’d toured with Henry.
Queens Head Inn. Market Hall. Olde English Hotel. Holt Terrace. It was simply delightful—like entering a storybook. She breathed in the scents of open air and fried foods, a dusting of floral fragrance and the damp ground of a morning rain. Dreams lingered in the breeze, waiting for her to catch them.
An Old-World air drifted through the streets, charming her senses with a gentle nudge of rightness. She’d always preferred old-fashioned. Vintage. A little yesteryear.
She perused a few bakeries and nearly screamed when she saw a fresh slab of meat hanging in a shop window. The experience only added to the sense of old-timey pouring over the town’s atmosphere.
On she walked to the end of the main street, Causeway Lane, nearing the hill from which Riber Castle peered down, its dark stone walls setting it apart from the lighter shades of Matlock, until she came to a vast park framed by the street on one side and a river on the other. Rows of colorful flowers circled a central fountain then spread out to add cheer to the brick sidewalks leading to various attractions throughout the park. Tennis courts. A gazebo. A World War I memorial. Boating. Children’s laughter rang from a nearby carousel and play area, so Julia’s feet naturally turned in that direction.
When You Look at Me (A Pleasant Gap Romance Book 2) Page 32