Lord Robert and his bride (The Duke's Brothers Book 2)

by Fiona Miers

  “And why is that, great-aunt?”

  “They consider me of too advanced age to live at this big estate by myself. I have heard it countless times. They are trying to persuade me to sell the estate and buy a townhouse. According to them, I no longer require this amount of space,” Arabella said, gesturing to the room around her.

  “I am certain they do not wish to force you to leave Kinsley Hall. This is your home.” Julia said, taken aback. If Arabella’s relatives wished to do that to the older woman, Julia would stand by her. That was not right.

  Arabella smacked the table with her hand, the sound ringing through the room. “That is precisely what I tell them, but they do not listen. They try to convince me that it is in my best interest. But I am not fooled. Their intentions are to get their hands on my property when I have my back turned. But I will not give in. I will not allow them to take my home from me.”

  Julia was not certain if that was the intention of her great-aunt’s relatives – her family – but made a mental note for later dissection.

  “It would be rude not to answer their letters. Perhaps you can explain the situation to them in a clear yet diplomatic manner,” Julia suggested.

  “I am not one to speak diplomatically, my dearest Julia,” Arabella said and stared at her intently. Her blue eyes began to sparkle and a smile formed on her thin lips. “Perhaps you would be so kind as to assist me. You are the most diplomatic person I know.”

  Julia picked up her water glass and took a sip. “I am flattered that you would consider me, but what in heavens would I say?”

  “You will think of something. You are a very intelligent young woman. Why, the mere fact that you do not allow anyone to bully you into an arranged marriage shows me that you are intelligent and not easily influenced. Unlike that new friend of yours... Abigail, is it?”

  “Abigail, yes. But she chose to be married to Lord James of her own accord,” Julia said, narrowing her eyes in disapproval. “She was not in any manner forced or bullied.”

  “That is good. She does appear to be of sound mind, although she is much too cheerful and outspoken for my liking. But I suppose it is how young women are raised these days.”

  Julia cocked her head as she patiently listened to her great-aunt reminisce about the days of her youth, where young women were seen and not heard, and were obedient to their parents.

  Arabella rose to her feet suddenly and wrapped her shawl around her shoulders. “If you would kindly excuse me, my dear, my bedchamber awaits. The hour of my midday slumber has arrived.”

  As Julia prepared to stand as well, Arabella shook her head. “Those letters of response will not write themselves.”

  “Indeed not, great-aunt,” Julia said.

  Arabella walked around the table towards Julia and kissed her on the forehead. “You have always been my most favourite of them all. Which is exactly the reason why you are the only one whom I allow to stay here with me.”

  Julia smiled at her great-aunt and nodded gratefully. “And it is a pleasure to be here, Aunt Arabella. A pleasure and an honour.”

  “Such a gracious young woman.” Arabella smiled before leaving the conservatory.

  Julia exhaled slowly and glanced at the stack of letters. As much as she did not look forward to responding on Arabella’s behalf, she felt obligated to do so. The old woman was not skilled in diplomacy and grace, and since Arabella had been kind enough to open the doors of her home to Julia – and Julia alone – she owed it to her great-aunt.

  Julia rose to her feet, collected the letters from the tray and quietly made her way to the study, where she would respond to the letters and calling cards with less venom than directed by Arabella.

  She was, after all, the most diplomatic person in Kinsley Hall.

  Chapter Three

  The rain had stopped when the moon reached its peak the previous evening and the cloudless blue sky was welcomed by the bright rays of the sun. The sounds of the birds chirping filled the air, and somehow things did not seem as bleak as the previous day.

  Robert gazed at the green gardens before him, the folly in the centre of the lake, and his mind was more at ease than before. Perhaps it was the quiet of not being teased by his older brothers. He still felt embarrassed by the way he’d behaved the previous day, but his brothers had annoyed him. He was well aware that he suffered from the inability to speak to women and did not need constant reminding by his brothers. Especially not in such a belittling manner.

  He frowned as he silently sipped his tea and expelled a tired sigh from deep within his soul.

  “A pleasant morning to you, Robert.”

  Robert’s body jolted at the sudden sound and turned his head. Emma stood on the other side of the table with a smile, looking directly at him. She was dressed in a lovely green day dress, her hair pinned atop her head, her eyes bright and cheerful.

  “May I join you?” Emma asked.

  “Of course. It would be an honour.”

  He rose to his feet, walked around the table and pulled out a chair for Emma to sit on.

  “Thank you, Robert. Such a gentleman, as always,” Emma said as she sat.

  Robert returned to his seat and nodded.

  “Did you sleep well?” she asked him.

  “Better than I expected.”

  “I am delighted to hear that,” Emma said.

  A young maid approached the table and filled Emma’s teacup with tea. Emma nodded gratefully and sent the servant on her way.

  “Robert, I wish to speak to you concerning Charles and James. What they said to you yesterday afternoon—”

  “I am quite used to their mockery, Emma. You should not concern yourself on my behalf,” Robert said.

  “Perhaps not on your behalf, but on Charles’ behalf. There is a very fine line between mockery and cruelty, and I believe Charles overstepped that line. His words can be harsh at times, and despite not being malicious, James and he tend to get carried away. I apologise for that. I addressed the matter with him last evening, rather vocally.”

  “That was very gracious and kind of you, Emma, although Charles follows his own mind.”

  “As he usually does,” Emma said.

  “Indeed,” Robert said, sighing. “But thank you for defending me.”

  Emma smiled with understanding and sipped her tea.

  “How are you and Charles? Last year it was rather prickly around the estate. James heard the both of you arguing more than usual,” Robert said, but immediately regretted doing so. “I apologise. It is none of my concern.”

  “That is quite all right, Robert. I believe in candour and transparency. I am not the kind of person who conceals things from those closest to me. Charles and I have had a difficult year. He becomes increasingly insensitive in certain aspects, and oversensitive in others. I am not certain what the reason for this is, but it has led to many frustrating arguments. He does not think things through. He has also started...”

  Her voice trailed off and she lowered her gaze.

  “Started what?” Robert asked. “He has not been violent with you, has he?”

  “Oh, no. Not at all. He simply immerses himself in things that are important to him, and not necessarily important to us.”

  Robert’s jaw clenched and he nodded stiffly. “I understand. He does that from time to time. But I am guessing it is worse than before?”

  “A bit, yes.”

  “I will speak with him, if that would please you.”

  “You may do as you see fit, Robert, but do so in a subtle manner. As you are already aware, Charles does not do well with confrontation.”

  “He’s very much as our father was,” Robert said. “If he does harm you, in any manner, Emma, please have the courage to inform me.”

  “I will. Thank you, Robert.”

  A moment of silence passed between them and an uneasy feeling rose inside him. He knew that Charles did not possess a violent bone in his body, but he was more than able to torment someone with his words
.

  Robert didn’t wish that upon Emma. She had been nothing but kind to him throughout her marriage to his brother. Emma was a lovely woman who came from an honourable family. It was a pity that Charles would never truly feel about Emma the way she felt about him.

  Emma genuinely loved Charles. Of course, it had not been immediate, but rather gradually over the years. Charles, on the other hand, didn’t know the meaning of the word. Regardless, Emma had still remained loyal and faithful to him, as her vows had demanded.

  Because of this, they’d had more than their fair share of arguments, differences and quarrels. Robert found it heart breaking that their love was not pure and real.

  He believed that an arranged marriage would be nothing short of torture. He had no intention of marrying someone whom he did not love and adore, and who reciprocated those feelings. Perhaps that was the reason why he was still an unmarried man.

  The terrace doors opened and Abigail, looking almost ethereal in a pale yellow and beige dress, stepped out onto the terrace.

  “Lovely morning to you both,” she said cheerfully.

  Robert’s shoulders tensed as Abigail joined them at the table.

  “Did you have a pleasant rest, Robert?” Abigail asked.

  “Yes, thank you,” he managed to say.

  He shifted in his chair, feeling uncomfortable, but realized that he was unable to leave the table without appearing rude. “Will James and Charles be joining us for breakfast as well?”

  “They departed early this morning on an excursion they were rather secretive about,” Emma said, “and they will return to the estate later this afternoon.”

  Robert breathed a sigh of relief, as his brothers’ presence would most likely have caused him to retreat to his bedchambers.

  “Emma,” Abigail said, addressing her soon-to-be sister-in-law, “James informed me last evening of the upcoming social events, and I am enthused about attending.”

  “Indeed. Charles will be hosting two events here at the estate,” Emma said.

  Abigail giggled with excitement and looked in his direction. “Will you also be joining us, Robert?”

  Robert froze and slowly raised his gaze towards Abigail. He did not feel paralysed with anxiety as he had in the presence of his brothers. Perhaps they acted as the catalyst for his fear of women?

  Certainly, it had caused his self-confidence to evaporate and his reluctance to speak to the opposite sex to increase. Perhaps he was not at fault, but rather his brothers were.

  “I am not much of a social person, Abigail, but if it is expected of me to attend, I will not disappoint the lady of the house,” Robert said quietly, motioning to Emma.

  “Perhaps the lady of the house wishes for you to do as you are comfortable,” Emma said.

  Robert gazed at her briefly, nodding gratefully. But deep down, he knew that he was obligated. Charles would pester him constantly. “Nevertheless, I will be joining.”

  “Oh, wonderful. We are most pleased to hear this, are we not, Emma?” Abigail said, clasping her hands together.

  “Indeed,” Emma said.

  Her brief glance in Robert’s direction and her expression hinting her concern assured Robert that she had his best interests at heart. It meant more to him than Emma would ever realise.

  “Who will be in attendance?” Abigail asked, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.

  Robert cocked his head as he studied the two women at the table, discussing the guests who would be attending the two gatherings at the estate. The mere thought of it made him nervous, but he could not help but feel the excitement of the two ladies in front of him. Robert simply nodded in agreement if they asked him something.

  “Are Julia and her great-aunt, Lady Arabella, also invited?” Abigail asked.

  “I believe so, but will need to confirm with Charles, of course. It will be lovely to see them both again. It seems as though we have not spoken to them in a long while.”

  “Lady Arabella?” Robert asked. “The neighbour?”

  “Indeed,” Abigail said and looked at Robert. “Her great-niece, Julia, has become one of my closest friends here in Weymouth. Granted, she is only here during the summer months.”

  “Where is she from?” Robert asked.

  “Her family owns a lovely townhouse in Bournemouth,” Abigail said. “She is a delightful young woman, kind and intelligent. A good friend to me. Honest and caring.”

  “That’s wonderful,” Robert said with a slight smile, choosing to remain as aloof as possible.

  “She truly is,” Abigail said.

  “If Julia and Lady Arabella are not yet on the guest list, I will personally ensure they are invited,” Emma said and smiled at Abigail.

  For a moment, Robert imagined a glimmer in Emma’s eyes as she gazed briefly at him while sipping her tea. Perhaps as though she had a hidden agenda of some sort, although it was possible Robert was merely conjuring that up in his mind.

  Emma was not the type of person who would meddle in others’ affairs, and she would most certainly not do anything untoward to Robert.

  “And you will join in the festivities, Robert?” Abigail asked.

  He looked at her for a moment, wondering how such a lovely young woman was so well suited to James. James was not a bad man, he was simply troubled from his time in the war. But their mother had often said that love was capable of doing miraculous things.

  Perhaps that was the case with Abigail and James. He did not know very much about Abigail, but she seemed lovely. He would need to spend more time in her company to get comfortable with her, apparently. It had been years since a new lady had been introduced to the family dynamic. He was used to Emma now, with her caring smile and soft words.

  “It will be wonderful to have you in attendance,” Emma said in an attempt to encourage and persuade him.

  “I will be there,” Robert said, cringing inwardly. “And at numerous others.”

  “Wonderful,” Abigail said.

  “Ladies,” Robert said as he placed his napkin on the table beside his empty plate, “if you would pardon me.”

  “Of course,” Emma and Abigail said in unison.

  “It was lovely speaking with you,” Abigail said as Robert rose to his feet.

  “Indeed, it was with you as well,” Robert said with a nod. “We shall do so again, soon.”

  As Robert stepped away from the table, he cringed once more. Agreeing to attend several of the social events of the season, including those held at the estate, had been a mistake, and he would have to conjure up an excuse to escape them.

  This year he vowed no one would make a fool of him. Especially not Charles and James.

  Chapter Four

  The delicious aroma of duck and potatoes was in the air while Julia and Arabella ate their supper, discussing plans for a quiet carriage ride along the promenade. The weather had turned for the better, for which Julia was most grateful. Arabella had been in a cantankerous mood while it rained, confined inside like a trapped animal.

  Luckily, the sun had made its appearance and judging from the lack of clouds in the air, it was not leaving anytime soon.

  “Perhaps after the coach ride, we can visit the tea garden. I hear their new blend is delightful and refreshing,” Julia said.

  “That sounds lovely, dear. I have been meaning to try something new. Carol’s blend with the rosemary is lovely but it does become tiresome after a while.”

  “Wonderful. And perhaps we can also visit Finlay Hall.”

  “The neighbours?” Arabella asked and Abigail nodded. “Do we not see them often enough? We do live right beside them, after all.”

  Abigail struggled not to laugh. “Great-aunt, when was the last time you spoke to anyone, excluding me?”

  Arabella lifted her head with defiance. “That is not the point. I see them too often to visit them.”

  “The fresh air will do wonders for your knees and hands.”

  “There is nothing the matter with my knees and hands,” Arab
ella said with mild protest.

  Julia shook her head and placed her fork on her empty plate. “That was delicious.”

  “Indeed. The duck is exceptionally flavourful,” Arabella said.

  A smile formed on Julia’s lips, feeling relief that Arabella was in a better mood. It had been a tough few days while they were trapped indoors. As much as she loved the old woman, there had been times where she wished for only a few moments of peace.

  Nevertheless, things would certainly be much improved at Kinsley Hall.

  The manservant on duty, Kenneth, quietly entered the dining hall and approached Arabella. “My lady, my sincerest apologies for the interruption. It appears you have a visitor.”

  “A visitor? At this time of the evening? That is unacceptable. Who on earth is it?”

  “Grandmother!”

  Julia’s eyes widened as Arabella’s only grandson, Freddy Montclair, entered the dining hall with no regard for anyone. Freddy was nearly ten years older than her and was a feckless rogue whom Julia did not care for at all. He was demanding and boisterous, and obviously had no respect for the fact that he had disrupted the peaceful supper she and Arabella were having.

  Julia had been wary of Freddy since their initial meeting and her feelings were entirely justified. Freddy behaved like a self-entitled unlicked cub who had not worked a single day in his life. He lived off his father’s money, and his parents did not encourage him to gain more independence or ambition. He still resided in his father’s townhouse in Dorchester and made no effort to stand on his own. His loud mouth was filled with profanities more often than not, and he seemed to have taken a liking to Julia, much to her dismay.

  “Freddy, what are you doing here?” Arabella asked.

  “Is that how you greet your only grandson, Grandmother?”

  Arabella cocked her head, not uttering a single word. Her stare was sharp but clearly Freddy was too thick-skinned to notice.