by Fiona Miers
“Can a man not visit his grandmother without being interrogated like a criminal?” Freddy asked and winked at Julia. “Lovely to see you again, Julia. You are even more ravishing than the last time I saw you.”
Julia shivered in disgust, as she had been only fifteen years of age when she met Freddy for the very first time. She desperately wished he would not take a seat at the table, as then there would be no end to his visit. Unfortunately, she watched in horror as Freddy joined them at the dinner table without an invitation.
“What is the meaning of this, Freddy?” Arabella burst out with. “You cannot simply arrive at my home uninvited and join our lovely, peaceful dinner. Such disrespect! And at quite a late hour. This is rude and uncouth, to say the very least.”
“Grandmother, please calm yourself. It would be a travesty if your heart came to a halt.”
Julia’s jaw dropped. She could not believe the words Freddy had uttered to Arabella, with such blatant disregard for her feelings and a lack of respect, for that matter.
“I am merely here to ask for your assistance, dear Grandmother,” Freddy said, and reached for a sliver of duck meat. He grabbed a scoop of potatoes and plopped them onto a plate. “Delicious, as you are, Julia.”
Julia diverted her gaze of disgust away from Freddy and towards Arabella. Although she did not wish to be involved in any part of this, there was little she was able to do. Freddy was Arabella’s grandson and she had no authority over him. If it were up to her, Freddy would not be permitted anywhere within the walls of the estate... or the entire county, for that matter.
“What kind of assistance?” Arabella asked, but the expression on her face revealed she already knew the answer to the question.
There was only one reason why Freddy would appear without an invitation, and at this late hour. He required money.
“I have debts that have been overdue for a while now. It has reached the point where the authorities wish to arrest me and throw me in a prison cell with criminals. Common criminals, Grandmother.”
Arabella stared blankly at Freddy, her lips pressed into a thin line. Her disapproval seeped from every orifice, her eyes fixed angrily on him.
Freddy continued, a huge grin on his face. “You would not wish for your grandson, your own blood, to be thrown in prison. Treated like a criminal. What would the family say if they were made aware that you denied me, refused to assist me in my hour of need? Such shameful behaviour would surely cause the family to admonish you, Grandmother.”
“How dare you threaten me. In my own home, no less,” Arabella said angrily.
“Have you not added enough shame to our family name with your callous actions?” Freddy said loudly.
Julia glanced at Arabella, her brow furrowing. What was Freddy referring to? Perhaps he only spoke such words to hurt her, or to make her do his bidding, but something in Arabella’s eyes revealed that there was some truth to it.
Arabella’s eyes saddened and her shoulders slumped ever so slightly, as if Freddy’s words had struck a chord inside her. A painful chord, and he was well aware of it.
He smiled smugly at Arabella and shovelled a few small pieces of meat into his mouth. “What do you have planned for the summer, Julia? You are certainly not spending all your time with my dear old grandmother, are you?”
“I very much enjoy Great-aunt’s company.”
Freddy scoffed and shook his head. “I hardly believe that.”
“Freddy,” Arabella said, hissing through her teeth.
Freddy continued to chew his food, unaffected by his grandmother’s disapproving stare.
“Perhaps would be best if you were to leave, Freddy,” Arabella said.
“No, I think not, Grandmother. In fact, I believe I shall stay here for a while. The authorities have already called for me at father’s home, and I will be much safer here. And as an added bonus, I will be in the company of the lovely Julia. Perhaps you and I can explore the halls of the mansion together. Who knows what we will uncover?”
Julia glanced down at her hands resting on her lap, trembling with fear and disgust. Arabella’s face grew increasingly crimson with every word Freddy spoke.
“You are not welcome here,” Arabella said.
“Can you believe she speaks such words to her own relation? I am certain that such crude manners are not acceptable in your home,” Freddy said to Julia.
She did not respond. She did not even wish to look at him.
Freddy yawned loudly and stretched his arms to the sides. “I am rather exhausted from the journey here. I think I will turn in for the evening. Would you care to join me, lovely Julia?”
Julia stared wordlessly at him and shook her head. Despite knowing that he enjoyed her docile and passive demeanour, she was much too terrified of him to speak her mind.
Without another word, Freddy rose to his feet and sauntered out of the dining hall as though he had not a care in the world.
Julia pursed her lips and diverted her gaze to Arabella, who was trembling with anger.
Arabella said, “Julia, while I respect the fact that you do not wish to involve yourself in matters such as these, I do feel it is necessary to sharpen your tongue around a rogue such as Freddy.”
“Great-aunt, I do not wish to give him the satisfaction of a reaction.”
“That is very noble of you, my dear, but weaklings do not survive for very long,” Arabella said and sighed grievously. “And within an instant, our peaceful dinner turned into a battlefield.”
Julia pondered her great-aunt’s words as she made her way up the main staircase later that evening. She had stayed in the parlour for a while after dinner, too afraid to retreat to her bedchambers. For all she knew, Freddy would be waiting for her in her bed. What on earth would she do then?
She did have the option of retreating to the library, as there was a comfortable chaise right by the large window. But perhaps she would not even encounter Freddy in the hallways this evening, as he was most certainly in a drowsy stupor, snoring loudly and obnoxiously.
As she reached the top of the stairs, she walked along the west hallway to her bedchambers. The moon in the sky cast silvery shapes on the long carpet in front of her, lighting her way to her destination. Her eye caught movement and the eerie figure of Freddy stood in the hallway, right at her bedchamber door.
She slowed her walking considerably, and her heart pounded in her chest.
“You have certainly kept me waiting long enough.”
“What do you mean? I did not agree to meet with you, especially not at this hour,” Julia said.
Freddy snickered as he stalked towards her. “You can deny me in front of my grandmother, purely for her sake, but there is no need to deny me in my presence. I have seen you steal glances at me.”
Her stomach contracted and she swallowed the bile that rose.
“Your imagination has carried you away, Freddy. I did no such thing,” Julia said.
“You are a true beauty, Julia,” Freddy said and reached for her face.
Shivers of disgust ran down her spine as Freddy’s fingers lightly touched her cheek. She turned her head away to avoid his hand, so he stepped closer to her, placing his hands on her shoulders.
“You are my cousin, Freddy, and this is very inappropriate,” Julia said.
“Perhaps I can show you how much more inappropriate I can be.”
As he moved his face too close for her liking, she raised her arm and struck him against the side of his face. Freddy staggered backwards and stared at her with wide eyes.
“You will never touch me again, is that understood?” Julia snarled. “And if you ever come near me again, I will ensure that you will never see the light of another day.”
“Oh, please. You expect me to believe you have the physical strength to be capable of such things?” Freddy asked, straightening his shoulders.
“I am the son my father never had, and he taught me to defend myself against cretins such as yourself. Do not test me,” Jul
ia said with a growl.
Freddy staggered backwards from her words, but she cared not what he thought of her. She marched past him towards her bedchamber door, opened it and stepped inside.
As soon as she was safe, she slammed the door loudly. Her eyes instantly filled with tears, and even though her hands trembled as she locked her door, she was proud of herself. No woman should be subjected to that kind of behaviour and Julia refused to allow it any longer.
Chapter Five
Julia stared at the empty chair across from her at breakfast the following morning, feeling worried. It was unlike Arabella to miss breakfast, especially on such a lovely day.
Freda appeared on the terrace with a fresh pot of tea and approached the table. “Would you care for more tea?”
“That would be lovely. Thank you, Freda,” she said with a smile.
While the steaming liquid was poured into her teacup, Julia said. “Freda?”
“Yes, Miss?”
“Will my great-aunt not be joining me for breakfast?”
“She informed me earlier that she is suffering from a terrible ache in her temples and will be confined to her bed until she feels well enough.”
“Has she not eaten at all?” Julia asked, worry gnawing at her.
“I have sent her breakfast to her room, as she requested, Miss.”
“Thank you, Freda. You care for her so well.”
“It is my pleasure, Miss. Lady Arabella is a lovely person, in her own special way.”
Julia smiled at the maid. “Your heart is kind to my great-aunt, and I am truly grateful to you, Freda.”
“And the staff are all grateful to you, Miss. You have been her companion for a number of years, and the change in her moods is significant. She speaks very highly of you.”
Julia’s cheeks heated. “You are making me blush, Freda.”
“It is only the truth, Miss. You truly are the daughter, or possibly granddaughter she never had.”
“Thank you, Freda,” Julia said and rose to her feet. “Perhaps I shall go to her bedchambers and see whether she requires anything.”
“Of course, Miss. Would you like me to keep your breakfast for you until you return?”
“Please have it sent to my chambers. I shall finish it there.”
“Understood, Miss. It is much safer there.”
Julia narrowed her eyes at Freda’s words, but understood what the maidservant insinuated. She nodded and quickly left the table.
Julia hurried to Arabella’s bedchambers and stopped in front of the door. Her hesitance at knocking was purely based on her fear of being scolded by her great-aunt. Upon her first visit to Kinsley Hall, Arabella had made it clear that no one was allowed inside her private space.
Nevertheless, Julia was worried about her great-aunt. She suspected that the confrontation with Freddy last evening had caused Arabella’s condition. In fact, even Julia felt unrest in her soul because of Freddy’s presence.
Julia knocked softly on the door. “Aunt Arabella. It is Julia. May I come in, please?”
“Julia?” came the soft reply.
“Are you all right, Aunt Arabella?”
“Come in, my dear.”
Rather surprised at the request, Julia opened the door and stepped into Arabella’s bedchambers. The drapes were closed and the room was dark, even with the sun shining brightly outside. Arabella was positioned on her large and luxurious bed, with textures of silk, velvet and fur. Her frail and petite body lay on the bed, her hands covering her face.
“Freda informed me of your condition, and I wished to check on you, to see if you required anything,” Julia said, her voice soft as to not cause her great-aunt any further discomfort.
“That boy is so much like his father,” Arabella muttered. “He only uses people and discards them as soon as he has no purpose for them. If it were not for my wealth, I would not exist in his world.”
Julia sighed sadly as she approached the bed.
“Come here, my dear. Sit with me for a while.”
Julia nodded and sat on the chair beside Arabella’s bed.
“This is precisely the reason why I do not wish for people to arrive at the estate unannounced or uninvited. That boy disturbed a perfectly peaceful dinner, and I will not stand for it. And the manner in which he spoke to you... Unacceptable! I am truly sorry for that, my dear,” Arabella said and took Julia’s hand.
“There is no need to apologise, Aunt. His actions are not your responsibility. You could not have known he would arrive at the estate and invite himself to dinner. It is his doing, not yours. You are not the one who needs to apologise,” Julia said, and a smug smile formed on her lips. “It might please you to know that I stood up to him last evening as I was on my way to my bedchamber. He...”
Arabella’s head turned towards her and she stared at Julia with concern, which made Julia alter the truth slightly.
“He was being boisterous and obnoxious, and I put him in his place. Silenced him well and proper.”
A delighted, yet weak smile formed on Arabella’s face and she squeezed Julia’s hand. “You make me proud, my dearest Julia. No woman should have to suffer at the hands or tongue of that man. He is cruel and believes that he is more important than others. I do not care if he is family. I do not wish him inside my home.”
“Is there not anything we are able to do? You cannot simply give in to his demands every time, Aunt.”
“I am aware,” Arabella said, “which is why I am glad you came to me. I do require your assistance.”
“What would you wish me to do?” Julia asked.
“I need you to go to the neighbouring estate, Finlay Hall, and bring Robert Melton back to Kinsley.”
“Robert Melton,” she repeated.
“Indeed. He is a barrister in London and knows the law well. While not a solicitor of sorts, he has previously assisted me with legal matters and advice. I wish to make sure that Freddy can make no further claims on me. I have given that boy more than enough of his share of inheritance left by his grandfather and...”
Julia stared at Arabella with wide eyes, as it was the very first time Arabella had mentioned the father of her son. She did not wish to appear rude or expectant of more information and she lowered her gaze.
“I am sorry to trouble you, Julia, but I do not possess the capacity to make the trip to Finlay Hall, although it is only a short and pleasant walk along the cobblestone path.”
“It is not any trouble at all, I promise you. I will do so, gladly. You have done so much for me, opened your home to me, and it would be an honour to do this this for you.”
“Thank you, dear. Bring Robert to the estate, as I require speaking with him in person regarding these matters.”
“I will do so,” Julia said with a smile.
“Thank you,” Arabella said softly and released Julia’s hand.
Julia stood up. “Rest well. I will return shortly.”
Julia quietly left the bedchambers and returned to her own. She removed her day dress and changed into her favourite promenade gown. It was a lovely dark green gown with silk sleeves and intricate stitching on the bodice. She pinned her hair at the nape of her neck and secured a bonnet on her head with a matching green ribbon.
She hurried down the stairwell and made her way to the terrace, constantly checking if Freddy was anywhere in sight.
As she stepped onto the terrace, she noticed Freda clearing the table. “Freda, my sincere apologies for not finishing breakfast. Great-aunt Arabella asked me to fetch Robert Melton, the barrister.”
“Ah, yes. He has been to the estate quite a few times. He gives Lady Arabella legal counsel when she requires it.”
“She mentioned that to me, yes. I shall return shortly.”
“Have a pleasant walk, Miss.”
“Thank you, Freda,” Julia smiled and walked towards the narrow steps that led to the garden and the path connecting the two estates.
Julia followed the walkway through the side of
the garden and smiled happily at her beautiful surroundings. She had never taken this path before, but it was an easy route to discern. It led directly through both estates, with only a gate separating the two.
The scenery around her was lovely. Lush green grass covered the ground, and trees adorned with thick foliage provided protection from the warm sun. Butterflies fluttered around the white and pink flowers planted in flowerbeds with obvious care. She even noticed a few bumblebees zipping past her, and happiness grew inside her.
There was nothing Julia adored more than being out of doors. Her family’s home in Dorchester had a garden, but it was not nearly the size of the one on the estate. Being out of doors gave Julia great pleasure, and her mother and father allowed her to be in their small country garden as often as she wished. Spending time there provided an escape from her mother, who constantly attempted to marry her off to any available young man of a noteworthy background.
Julia’s smile faded as her stomach tightened with nerves. She had visited Finlay Hall previously to attend a soiree with her great-aunt at the start of the off season, as well as a picnic by the lake at the estate gardens, where she had enjoyed a lovely game of croquet with her good friend, Abigail.
She had met Abigail at another social function and the two young women instantly developed a friendship. They were similar, although Abigail was the more outspoken of the two.
Abigail would share what was on her mind at any given occasion, which often landed her in trouble, especially with her mother. She had experienced heartache when her engagement was broken by the man whom she thought loved her, and the cad had caused a scandal that nearly permanently ruined her reputation.
Then she met James Melton, the duke’s younger brother. He was a delightful man with his own troubled past, and the pair were happy together. They were engaged to be married, and Julia could not be more pleased for her friend.
Julia found the duke and the duchess lovely as well, and they were very welcoming towards her. She had met the youngest Melton brother, Thomas, but did not recall ever meeting Robert Melton, the barrister from London. She wondered what kind of man he was, and if he was as handsome as the other three brothers. They all seemed to resemble one another closely, or at least it seemed that way to Julia when she had met Charles, James and Thomas.