by Fiona Miers
Arabella suddenly coughed, causing Robert to turn his attention back to her.
“Robert, are you listening?” she asked.
“Of course, Arabella. My apologies. Please do continue,” he said, sputtering a bit on his words.
“As I was saying,” Arabella continued, with a hint of a fleeting grin on her face. “I am willing to pay Freddy’s current debts, but that is the extent to which I will provide him funds. The creditors must be made aware that I will not be responsible for any debts my grandson accumulates in the future.”
“I can most certainly do that. I will personally write a letter to all the known creditors that have done business with Freddy in the past, as well as draft a document, which you must sign, that will exempt you from any debts he accumulates in the future.”
“Wonderful,” Arabella said with a grateful nod. “I also wish to ensure that Freddy has no claim on my estate. Not the building, nor its contents. Especially not the garden.”
“The roses. Of course,” Robert said while writing in his notebook.
“If you would pardon my interruption, Aunt Arabella,” Julia said.
Arabella gave her a nod of permission and Julia turned to Robert.
“I do not say this to be rude,” Julia said, “but this is about more than her roses. It is about my great-aunt being abused in her own home. She has been bullied by Freddy and forced to give him money for debts he cannot settle himself, which he made knowing full well he could not cover them. He did not even ask permission to stay or take into account that he was being rude. His selfish nature and the high opinion he holds of himself is forced upon my great-aunt. He is a grown man yet behaves like a child. An entitled child. If you rid her life of him, you will allow her to flourish just as her beloved roses.”
A silence filled the private sitting room and Robert stared at her in awe. The young woman had quite the way with words and he was rather awestruck.
“Well said, my dear,” Arabella announced and placed her hand briefly on Julia’s. “Is it not wonderful that I have such a delightful grand-niece who cares so much for me?”
“Indeed, it is,” Robert said and looked at Julia. “Have you ever considered a career in law, Julia?”
Julia’s cheeks flushed and she shook her head. “Not in the least, but I do believe in fairness and justice.”
“That is as good an answer as any,” Robert said with a smile. “Back to the matter at hand.”
“Indeed,” Arabella said. “Freddy should not have any claim to my estate. His mother—my only daughter—God rest her beautiful soul, did not survive long with such a greedy child. I still blame him for her death, and I have never forgiven him for doing what he did.”
“What, precisely, did he do?”
“He was cruel to her. Slapped her. His words murdered her. She died with a broken heart filled with sorrow.” Arabella’s voice broke and she paused for a moment, clearly grief-stricken by the death of her only child. Julia provided her great-aunt with a comforting hand, and Arabella nodded.
“My apologies. I have not spoken those words aloud in such a long time. It overwhelmed me.”
“No need to apologise, Arabella. Take your time,” Robert said, assuring her that all was well.
Arabella drew in a deep breath and nodded. “Mr. Gregory White handles my will. I have already removed Freddy from it. He has been disinherited. But I wish to ensure he cannot overturn my wishes in court.”
“Of course. I will arrange a meeting with Mr. White, notifying him of this. I will require your signature on a few documents that I will have one of the servants at Finlay Hall bring to you.”
“Of course. I know that you are an honest man and that you will not do anything that is not in my best interest,” Arabella said.
Flattered, he smiled at the older woman. It was one of the nicest things anyone had ever said to him.
“Thank you for putting your trust in me, Arabella. I will most certainly not disappoint you,” Robert said.
“Wonderful. I am delighted to hear that,” Arabella said and slowly rose to her feet. “Now, if you will excuse me, I wish to retire for the afternoon. Julia, would you see Robert out, please?”
“Of course, Aunt Arabella.”
“Thank you, dear Robert,” Arabella said as she passed him, exiting the room.
It was quiet for a moment as Julia glanced at him, then they rose to their feet at exactly the same time.
Julia giggled and walked to the door, Robert following closely behind her. They exited the private sitting room and walked down the long hallway.
“Thank you for meeting with us today, Robert. My great-aunt has been troubled ever since the dinner at Finlay Hall. Although she does not say it or admit it, the unease she feels is reflected in her eyes. She is consumed with worry, and I hate to see her like this,” Julia said.
“Indeed. I have known Arabella for a long while and it pains me to see her in such a state as well. No person should be plagued by such worries.”
“You are a very understanding person, Robert.”
Robert nodded gratefully, and as they descended the main stairwell, he realised he didn’t wish to leave Julia yet. He managed to scrape all his courage together and draw in a deep breath.
“Julia, would you care for a walk in the gardens with me?”
Chapter Twelve
Julia stared at Robert’s handsome face, surprised by his invitation to take a walk around the gardens with him.
But as her throat tightened with the strange urge to laugh, she realised she was delighted that he’d asked. She had not been oblivious to his glances during the meeting with Arabella, and it flattered her knowing he purposely gazed upon her even while in a professional meeting.
“That would be lovely,” she said with a nod.
They made their way to the doors that led to the terrace and as they stepped onto the lush green grass of the lawn, they were instantly in warm sunlight.
“What a beautiful day. I had not realised how lovely it is outside,” Julia said with a smile.
“Indeed,” Robert said with a glance towards the bright blue sky. “It is almost difficult to believe I arrived here during a torrential downpour last week.”
She nodded, remembering it well.
“It lasted for days. Arabella and I were stuck indoors the entire time,” Julia said. “I adore my great-aunt, of course, but she does not care much for being cooped up indoors. She was becoming rather difficult. She complained about everything, but I do not blame her.”
“Your great-aunt is a wonderful person, Julia, as are you.”
Julia shook her head. “But you know nothing of me, Robert.”
“In that case, shall we take this opportunity to get to know one another?” he asked, and motioned his hand to the garden that awaited them.
“We certainly shall,” Julia said with a giggle.
“Your family is from Dorchester, is that correct?” he asked.
She narrowed her eyes at him and cocked her head. “It seems you know more of me than I realised.”
“Emma and Abigail spoke of you. They are both very fond of you.”
“And I of them. They are lovely. I had not anticipated that Emma would be as kind and sweet as she is.”
“And why is that?”
“I do not mean to generalise, but I have encountered other duchesses in my life, and none of them even acknowledged my existence. Emma, on the other hand, treats me as a person and not a commoner.”
“But you are not a commoner.”
Julia smiled and lowered her gaze. “Sadly, not everyone shares your opinion. But it does not matter what people say. I know my character and my heart, and it makes me noble in my own way. Title or no title.”
“Indeed. Titles do not make one a good person,” Robert said and paused for a moment. “I truly admire your dedication toward Arabella.”
“It is only recently that I learned of her existence, to be quite frank. I did not know I had a great-aunt.
About five years ago my parents were invited to a celebration party for her day of birth. I met her there, and she took quite a liking to me. I have spent the last few summers here with her at the estate.”
“I have not seen you before and I also come to Weymouth every summer.”
Julia glanced up at him. “I was at the estate last year with Abigail. Charles hosted a picnic and we played a game of croquet before there was a downpour that lasted for hours.”
“I do remember that, but I was not present. I met with a client that afternoon,” Robert said to her. “But I would have certainly noticed you if I had been there.”
“Is that so?”
“Of course.”
Julia’s heart fluttered with delight and a smile formed on her lips. She felt foolish as part of her desperately wished Robert would kiss her again.
“Do you enjoy being a barrister?” she asked.
“Indeed. Law is something I have always been interested in, even from a young age. I practically devoured my father’s books on the subject. I enjoy my work very much, as I bring justice to those who have been harmed in some way,” Robert said.
“You are a brave man to go against the injustices of the world, Robert. People are defiant and some even dangerous.” As a woman she envied those men who could make a difference in the world where she could not.
“I have encountered my fair share of dangerous people, but when the truth comes out, they disappear into the shadows,” Robert said. “Have you ever been to London?”
Julia nodded. “On a few occasions. My mother loves the theatre, and my father loves making her happy.”
“And you enjoy the theatre as well?”
“I do not mind it,” she said and cringed slightly. “But I would much rather curl up with a good book, regardless of the weather.”
“Really?” Robert asked with a relieved smile.
“Indeed. Does that surprise you?”
He grinned now. “I do not usually judge a person by their outward appearance, but you seem very sociable. As though you would be perfectly happy and content in a room filled with people. There was, of course, only one evening where I witnessed this for myself, but that was the impression you left me with.”
Julia shrugged and ran a hand along a large green bush nearby, feeling the bristles of the leaves against her fingers. “I am not usually someone who cares much for social events, but that evening was very enjoyable. Perhaps it was not the evening itself, but rather the person with whom I spent it,” she managed to say.
Arabella had encouraged her to pursue Robert in her own way, and perhaps being honest was the best course of action.
Robert glanced at her for a moment and lowered his gaze as a smile formed on his lips. “I could say the very same about the person with whom I spent that evening.”
Julia met his gaze with her own and smiled brightly. “Was she lovely?”
“She was, indeed. A wonderful dancer as well.”
Julia giggled. She wasn’t certain why this delightful and handsome man made her feel so much at ease, but she did not wish to fill her mind with seeds of doubt. He was here of his own free will, and he had been the one to ask her to join him for a stroll through the gardens. If he did not have any interest in her, he would not have done so.
“Even your laugh is delightful,” Robert said.
Julia’s cheeks flushed with heat even more profusely and she looked away. “Robert, you flatter me.”
“I speak only the truth, Julia,” Robert said. “Perhaps you would care to join me for tea at the estate?”
Julia would have loved that, but the idea of leaving her Aunt Arabella alone didn’t sit well with her. “I should return to my great-aunt. I would not wish for her to be alone, if per chance Freddy were to arrive at the estate.”
“Very well. If he poses a threat to you or Arabella, please do not hesitate to leave. Finlay Hall would be honoured to have you and your aunt.”
Invited to a duke’s home. How things had changed. “Thank you, Robert. I will certainly remember that.”
“In fact, I do recall Charles speaking of a picnic luncheon tomorrow afternoon. Would you and Arabella wish to join us? It will be a lovely, small gathering. Nothing too boisterous. It will only be my brothers and their significant others, apart from Thomas, of course.”
“Perhaps Arabella can keep him entertained.”
Robert chuckled, and Julia could not help herself from smiling as well. “Will Charles and Emma approve of you inviting us to the estate?”
“Of course. Why would you ask such a thing?” he asked.
“After the spectacle Freddy made, I am concerned that the duke and duchess would not wish for us to return to their home,” Julia admitted.
“Neither you nor Arabella were at fault or responsible for how Freddy acted, and you should not concern yourself with it. Emma thinks highly of you, as do I, and Charles...” His voice trailed. “Well, Charles is...”
Julia raised her brows expectantly and clasped her hands together, waiting.
“My brother would have made it abundantly clear if you were not welcome at his home, and he did not say anything of the sort. You should not fret over it. I assure you, both you and Arabella are most welcome.”
“Thank you for the invitation. We would love to join you and your family as long as we will not be an imposition.”
“Nothing of the sort.”
AFTER JULIA – SOMEWHAT reluctantly – bid Robert farewell, she hastily made her way to Arabella’s bedchamber, but found it to be empty.
“Great-aunt?” she called out as she stepped back into the hallway, her chest tightening. “Where are you?”
As she rounded the corner, she was startled by Arabella standing quietly in front of a portrait of her younger self.
“Aunt Arabella, you startled me,” Julia said breathlessly.
“My apologies, my dear Julia.”
“I thought you were in your bedchambers.”
“I was but I could not rest. The situation with Freddy torments me more than I had anticipated,” Arabella said.
“It should all be dealt with soon,” Julia said. “Robert assured me that he will do everything in his power to ensure it.”
“You like him very much,” Arabella said and turned to Julia.
“I beg your pardon, Great-aunt?”
“I can see it in your eyes. He has made quite an impression on you, but it is understandable. He is a lovely young man.”
“I think so, yes,” Julia said and nodded. “In fact, he invited us to a picnic at the duke’s estate tomorrow afternoon with his brothers. It is sure to be lovely.”
“While I am grateful for the invitation, I have no intention of spending the afternoon in the sun with a group of young people. The heat alone would cause me to faint.”
Julia’s shoulder slumped, as she had very much looked forward to the picnic. “Great-aunt...”
“Simply because I do not feel up to attending the picnic, does not mean that you should not.”
Julia’s eyes widened and a smile formed on her lips. She would need to make sure someone stayed with her aunt the whole time. “Only if it is all right with you.”
“Of course. You are only young once. Also, you and Robert will be in mixed company and not alone, so my presence is not required.”
“Thank you, Great-aunt,” Julia said happily and embraced Arabella.
“Enjoy it for the both of us.”
“I will. I most certainly will,” Julia said with a smile that was as bright as the morning sun.
Chapter Thirteen
“This is rather hopeless, is it not?” Julia said to herself with a huff and placed her hands on her hips.
The bedchamber was in mild disarray as she’d gone through her entire wardrobe and hadn’t found a suitable gown to wear for the picnic at the duke’s estate. She would certainly not admit it aloud, but she was quite eager to impress Robert in a dress he had not seen before. Although there were quite a few to
her avail, none seemed to please her.
“What am I to do?” she asked with a helpless sigh and ran her fingers through her hair.
A knock on the door caused her to whirl around and reach for her dressing gown, as she was clothed only in her undergarments.
“Who is it?” she asked, her voice trembling slightly as she feared it would be Freddy.
Freddy had continued to be as obnoxious and arrogant as he usually was, and Julia had made an extra effort to avoid him at all costs. She did not speak to him unless it was absolutely necessary and did not engage in any interaction with him. Robert had advised her to do so to keep herself out of harm’s way.
Julia had found it very comforting and sweet of Robert to offer Finlay Hall as a haven of safety for herself and Arabella if an unfortunate situation presented itself. She had not known a man who had a kinder heart, and despite hoping that things would not come to such extremes, she would be delighted to reside under the same roof as him. But of course, she did not wish that upon Arabella.
“It is Maria, Miss.”
Julia sighed a breath of relief and rushed to open the door. “Maria.”
Maria entered the bedchambers and set down a tray of biscuits and cheese on the dressing table. “Lady Arabella suggested you eat before you leave, as you have not had breakfast yet.”
“Indeed. It slipped my mind entirely.” Julia reached for a piece of cheese and chewed it slowly.
Maria noticed the dresses on the bed and began to tidy around her. “It seems as though you are at a loss at which dress to wear.”
“Indeed, Maria. I must make a good impression this afternoon, but none of the selections in my wardrobe are appropriate.”
“If you would allow me, may I make a suggestion?” Maria asked.
“Of course,” Julia said and threw her hands in the air out of sheer desperation.
“One moment please.”