by Donna Hatch
“Lord Brooks has recently returned from a tour of the continent,” her brother continued, as if the men were best of friends.
Juliet couldn’t help but wonder what type of interactions and business dealings her brother had had with some of these gentlemen.
“You are enchanting, my lady,” Lord Brooks said, grasping her hand and bringing it to his lips.
Rather forward, she thought, but what did she know? She’d have to see if he flirted in such a way with all the women.
More guests arrived, and it seemed the entire house was brimming with people even though only seventeen had been invited. Lord Stratford made eighteen, and with her and her brother, there were twenty in total.
Juliet had much to learn about socializing, and she decided that upon this first day, she’d listen more than she’d contribute. So she moved among the women, welcoming them, asking them where they were from, then letting them carry on the rest of the conversation. The longer she spent among the women, the more comfortable she felt in her low-cut bodice, especially since hers was modest in comparison.
“Southill Estate is so quaint,” one of the women cooed. She’d introduced herself as Lady Diana Allen. Her hair was a deep red, and the jewelry at her neck and ears looked to cost more than the entire estate.
“I’m afraid I haven’t traveled all that much,” Juliet said with a smile. “But I’ve heard tales of the grand estates.”
“Oh, goodness, I could tell you a few stories,” Diana continued, and the others around them tittered. “Locken is magnificent.”
The woman referred to Lord Locken’s home.
“And to think that you will be duchess there one day,” another woman said, this one a dark brunette named Lady Penelope Burke.
Diana’s cheeks pinked. “Oh, hush, Penelope. He has not yet proposed.”
Her friend giggled. “That will change very soon.”
Juliet looked from Penelope to Diana. Did they mean . . .?
“All right, we’ll let you in on our secret,” Diana said, leaning forward and speaking just above a whisper. “When Lord Locken insisted that I come to this house party, I told him I didn’t want to impose.”
Penelope leaned closer as well. “And that’s when he told her it would be a very important occasion, but her presence was needed to make it so.”
Diana clasped her hands together, a pleased smile on her face. “I had to agree after that.”
Penelope stifled another giggle. “Everyone knows that he’s about to propose. It’s all the gossip in London.”
Diana smiled. “Our fathers are cousins, and since we’ve been children, it’s been alluded to.”
“That might be true,” Penelope said. “But you are also in love with him.”
Diana’s cheeks went even pinker, and Penelope turned her smile upon Juliet. “It’s the sweetest story, really—oh. There he is now.”
Juliet didn’t need to turn to know that Lord Locken had entered the room. She heard her brother greet him and Lord Locken’s answering reply in that low voice of his. She kept her back to the entrance of the drawing room, feeling that she wasn’t ready to face him quite so soon after learning he’d invited his fiancée-to-be to the house party.
Juliet wasn’t quite sure why the thought made her feel peevish. She wished Diana and Penelope would continue talking about . . . about anything else, but neither of them said a word as they kept their gazes on the man across the room.
“He’s coming over here,” Penelope said, nudging Diana.
Diana merely smiled and lifted her chin in acknowledgment.
Moments later, Lord Locken stepped up to Juliet’s side. She couldn’t avoid looking at him now, and when she did, he greeted her with an appraising smile and those dark brown eyes of his not missing a thing. Suddenly, Juliet wondered if she’d tucked away his note far enough into her bodice, because his gaze had dipped low, if only for an instant.
“I hope you are well, Lady Juliet,” Lord Locken said, bowing over her hand. He didn’t kiss it like he had the last time she’d seen him, but she could hardly hold him to such a familiar greeting. Especially in front of his future wife.
He turned to the other women. “Lady Diana, Lady Penelope, I trust your journey to Southill Estate was pleasant.”
“Very pleasant,” Diana said, her eyes bright, her cheeks once again pink. “You were correct. The countryside is beautiful this time of year, and this area is charming.”
Juliet couldn’t blame Diana for blushing around Lord Locken. Juliet was on the verge herself, so it was with a bit of relief when her brother chose that moment to clap his hands together and announce luncheon would be served on the garden terrace.
Diana immediately slipped her hand into the crook of Lord Locken’s arm, and it seemed by the time Juliet realized everyone was pairing off, only John was left.
“Sister,” he said, extending his arm. “Shall we lead our guests?”
She swallowed and nodded. Then she and John walked through the grand hallway and out onto the garden terrace. Chairs in groups of four were situated around small tables set with linen, china, and silverware. The luncheon had been laid out on a long table, buffet style, and the ladies helped themselves first.
Juliet filled her plate, although she knew she could eat very little of it. Being around Lord Locken again had made her feel fluttery inside. As luck would have it, Juliet ended up at the same table as Diana and Lord Locken, along with the friend Lord Locken had traveled with, Lord Hudson.
Juliet smiled at Lord Hudson as introductions were made. He told her of his estate a day’s travel from Southill and of his love for both reading and hunting. She listened attentively, as a dutiful hostess, but in truth, it was hard to fully concentrate on Lord Hudson when Lord Locken was sitting at the same small table. She must get used to his presence. He’d be here for two weeks, after all.
Chapter Nine
Victor turned his head as Southill tapped his glass to capture everyone’s attention.
“A game of lawn bowling has been set up on the north lawn,” Southill said, “and for those who would rather walk through the gardens, you are welcome to the more sedate activity. As for me, I’ll be on the lawn.”
The guests laughed at Southill’s comment. Victor turned back to Diana. “What is your preference?” he asked.
“I think I will go to my room and rest in order to be refreshed for dinner,” Diana said with a too bright smile. Her painted lips matched the deep red of her hair. She really was a striking woman and would make a fine duchess. At least that’s what his father had told him. Diana touched Victor’s arm, something she’d made a habit of late—touching him in small ways—as if she were already laying claim to him. This irked him, but how could he complain? He would soon propose to her.
“You want me to look my best, don’t you?” Diana quipped in her cheerful voice.
“Indeed,” he said, giving the expected reply. Everything with Diana was expected, planned, dutiful. Everything about her was bright and cheerful, as if only roses bloomed in her life. Just once he’d like to have a conversation with her that moved beyond the latest fashion, who of the ton was embroiled in scandal, or which duke or earl was renovating his estate.
“We will miss you on the lawn,” Hudson said. Always to the rescue. “Are you sure you won’t join us?”
Diana turned her smile upon Hudson, and it seemed more genuine. “Thank you, but I am quite sure.”
Hudson nodded. “Very well, then. We shall look forward to seeing you in a few hours.”
The men rose as Diana stood. She made her way toward the house, and before Victor could turn to Lady Juliet, who had also shared their lunch table, Hudson had already spoken up.
“What about you, Lady Juliet?” Hudson said. “Do you care to join us on the lawn?”
“I’d love to.” Her blue gaze flitted to Victor, then back to Hudson.
When Victor had first caught sight of her in the drawing room upon arriving, he’d known it was her,
even though he could only see her back. Her honey-gold hair color was unmistakable, even pinned into an intricate coiffure. Her peach-colored gown made her look like one of the roses from a royal garden. And when he reached the small circle of women she stood in, he had a hard time keeping his gaze on Diana and away from Lady Juliet’s sloping shoulders and creamy expanse of skin.
How he’d love to get her alone for a few moments for a private conversation. She’d only written him one letter and had not revealed much. He had many questions, but he had been cautious about corresponding with her through the mail; therefore, he hadn’t dared ask her anything that would prompt her to write him again.
Hudson took Lady Juliet’s arm, and the three of them began the walk to the north lawn. It appeared as if Victor’s money had been put to good use. The estate was in excellent condition, the gazebo rebuilt, the luncheon delicious, and Southill looked half decent in new clothing.
“There’s the man I’ve been wanting to speak to.” Southill drew Victor away from the main group walking toward the lawn.
“Hello, Southill,” Victor said. “Have you picked out your heiress yet?”
Southill chuckled. “There are a few potential women here.” He turned his appraising blue gaze upon Victor. “It seems I am in your debt, although I am still unsure of the motivation behind your generosity.”
Victor shrugged. “Let’s just say I’m willing to give a man a second chance. We go back a long way, and I was thinking we should let bygones be bygones.”
“All right, then,” Southill said. “I’ll take you at your word. In the meantime, after the ladies have retired to their rooms tonight, we’ll be commencing in the library for a game of cards.”
Victor tried not to show his surprise. Surely, Southill remembered the single rule Victor had set forth—no gambling at the house party. If there was one way for things to get out of control, it was this.
“I’m afraid I’ve brought some work with me,” Victor said. “With all the festivities during the day, I’ll be burning the midnight oil as it is.”
Southill scoffed. “You know everyone wants to see you in action. You’re a legend, Victor Roland.”
“That may be so, but I’m making some changes.”
Southill laughed in disbelief, and a few heads turned in their direction.
Victor gave a polite smile while trying to hide the fact that he was gritting his teeth. He might be an accomplished gambler, but playing against Southill had been what started this all. Not that Victor regretted meeting the lovely Juliet, but it also pained him to watch a woman such as she having to find a husband in a matter of two weeks in order to escape the pending ruin of her own brother.
“You know me,” Victor continued, “gambling is always a serious affair. I wouldn’t want one of these poor chaps to have his pockets upended by dawn.” Victor’s smile was as fake as the ones Diana regularly doled out. “Besides, I’ve promised a special woman I would stop all serious gambling.”
Southill’s brows shot up. “Do you happen to be speaking of Lady Diana Allen?”
Victor didn’t answer, just kept his smile in place. No gentleman could argue against a promise given to a woman. Then Victor called to one of his friends who was behind him. “Catch up, my friend.”
Laurence Talbot increased his pace, and once he reached Victor’s side, Southill had gone on ahead. “You weren’t kidding,” Talbot said in a low tone. “The elite of the ton is here, and Lady Juliet is enchanting.”
Victor swallowed against the sudden dryness of his throat. Talbot had been specifically invited because Victor felt he was a viable husband candidate for Lady Juliet. If that was the case, why did Victor feel the urge to say something critical of Lady Juliet to put off Talbot?
“She has asked genuine questions about my shipping business,” Talbot continued. “Not every lady of the ton would want to be saddled with a man of business, even if I am well-off. But Lady Juliet is different, like a breath of fresh air.”
Victor couldn’t agree more, but his heart had started a slow thud when he caught sight of Lady Juliet smiling at Hudson. They stood apart from the main group on the lawn. Her lips weren’t the garish color of Diana’s, but a more natural color, which contrasted beautifully with her fair skin and dark lashes. And Victor knew he wasn’t the only gentleman in the party studying their hostess.
Lady Juliet laughed at something Hudson had said, and Victor’s mood blackened. Here he was, on a lovely summer day at a beautiful estate, and hot anger pulsed through him. Victor exhaled, clapped his hand on Talbot’s shoulder, and said, “I think you would be a good match, my friend. I’ll be sure to throw a few compliments your way when I’m in conversation with her.”
“I would be most grateful,” Talbot said.
Victor strode away before the man could continue in his litany of gratitude, because in truth, Victor felt like slamming his fist into something hard. He wished Diana hadn’t gone to her room to rest. He could use her by his side to keep his focus where it should be. He’d planned for Lady Diana’s presence to act as a continual reminder to Victor of where his priorities were and how he should be focusing on his future.
In fact, to serve as further reminder, he’d kept his father’s most recent letter in the inside pocket of his jacket. Victor didn’t like to think of the harsh words the missive contained, but he’d forced himself to reread them in the carriage ride to Southill Estate. His father had revised his will so that even if he was dead, Victor would still have to marry Lady Diana in order to inherit the dukedom.
Victor exhaled, his gaze drawn once again to Lady Juliet as he waited for his next turn at bowling. It was two hours into the game, and he had yet to exchange a personal word with her. She was by far the most enchanting woman at the house party, and Victor wasn’t basing his opinion on facial features or her figure, but on what Talbot had alluded to. She was a breath of fresh air, and the more Victor observed her, the more he was convinced that breathing would always be easier around her.
“How is your father faring?” a voice said, cutting into Victor’s thoughts.
Victor looked over at Talbot. “His health has taken a recent decline,” Victor said. “He still insisted that I come to the house party.” It wasn’t exactly true. His father’s letter had only insisted that Victor make good on his proposal plans. Weddings took time to plan, especially that of a future duke.
“Ah, Lady Diana is looking very well, I must say,” Talbot said with a broad smile.
Victor nodded. “She is indeed. I am a fortunate man, and soon to be more fortunate.”
Talbot chuckled and began to speak of one of his ships that was apparently undergoing a renovation, but Victor had noticed that Lady Juliet had separated herself from her group and begun to walk toward the stables. Victor frowned. Where was she going? And why? Surely she didn’t mean to brush down the horses? The thought made him smile to himself, and although Talbot was mid-story, Victor interrupted.
“I apologize, but I’ve just remembered that I need to attend to something,” Victor said. “Tell me the rest of your story at dinner.”
Talbot gave a good-natured smile, and Victor slipped away. He waited a few minutes before following Lady Juliet so that no one would notice they’d gone to the same place. But when he reached the stables, he didn’t see her. A groomsman greeted Victor and asked if he wanted to ride.
“Perhaps I will ride,” Victor said, walking by the stalls to find his pair of bays. One was missing.
He turned to face the groomsman. “Do you know where the other bay is?”
The man paled. “Lady Juliet took it. I hope that is all right.”
“Without a riding habit?”
Now the groomsman flushed. “I didn’t think it was my place to remind her.”
“It’s no trouble,” Victor said in a casual tone. “Can you saddle up the other bay?”
“Of course, my lord.” The groomsman set to work.
Moments later, Victor was riding out into the coun
tryside, leaving his cane behind. His ankle was much better now, but riding a horse for the first time since his injury made him a bit nervous. Instead of thinking how he’d been thrown just a couple of months ago, he focused on how the setting sun had transformed the green of the countryside into a gold orange. The sky’s blue had deepened in color, reminding him of the lady he was currently following after. While the heat of the day had faded, there was still plenty of warmth, so Victor appreciated the breeze.
As he rode, he found a path that led through a hedge connecting the estate to what had to be Lord Stratford’s place. Victor had met him earlier in the day, and there was no doubt the man had designs on Lady Juliet. She had cited only their age differences in why she wouldn’t marry him, but it was clear she wasn’t comfortable around him. Victor had plainly seen the man ogling Lady Juliet.
But Victor was willing to count Stratford’s proposal as one toward the end goal of three. And with Talbot’s interest, Victor had already pinned down two.
He should be pleased with this realization, but it only caused him to urge his bay on, toward the lane that wound past Stratford’s place. Up ahead, he saw the form of Lady Juliet upon his other bay. She rode at a canter, and he’d catch up to her soon enough.
It was clear she wanted to be alone, so Victor didn’t know how she’d react to seeing him. She disappeared for a moment as she rounded a bend, but when Victor arrived at the same spot, she was even closer. She’d slowed the horse to a walk and removed her hat, and it hung by its ribbons around her neck. She, too, must be enjoying the late afternoon breeze.
Victor slowed his horse as well, since reins were meaningless at this point because the two bays knew each other so well. In fact, he was surprised it took Lady Juliet so long to notice his presence. And when she finally turned, Victor was gratified to see not surprise, but a welcoming smile.
“You’ve found me.” Her voice was like a melody to his ears.