Annabel was outright laughing by this time. “I do believe you,” she said between gasps. When their laughter died down, she added a quick “Thank you.”
“And do not worry about Caroline,” Juliet said. “No one speaks ill of you without me getting revenge.”
Annabel smiled, and Juliet turned as the door opened. Her mother and another woman, perhaps of the same age as her mother, with a severe blue dress that reminded Juliet of the headmistress at Mrs. Down’s School for Young Girls and a smile that curdled Juliet’s insides. Annabel jumped to her feet, and Juliet was not far behind.
“Girls,” her mother said, using her formal tone that indicated her expectations of both of them, “this is Mrs. Helen Jarvis.”
Juliet gave the woman a deep curtsy, Annabel doing the same, each also giving a polite greeting.
“Mrs. Jarvis has already been shown her room. Please make her feel welcome in our home.”
“I am certain they will,” Mrs. Jarvis said in a gravelly voice. “You look a bit tired, Lady Lambert. If you wish, I can speak with the girls alone and you may retire for the evening.”
“I do feel a bit weary,” Juliet’s mother said. Juliet wished the woman would remain; she was uncertain what she thought of this new chaperon in whose care she had been placed. “I will see you early in the morning before we leave.” The woman left the room.
As soon as the door closed, Mrs. Jarvis eyed Juliet and Annabel as if she could determine who they were by a simple gaze. “Will you not invite me to sit?” Her request was more a demand than a question.
“Oh, yes, please,” Annabel said. She indicated one chair, but Mrs. Jarvis took the other, and Annabel shot a quick glance at Juliet.
Juliet fixed her smile on her face and took the seat beside Annabel on the couch, never taking her eyes off the older woman.
“Are either of you ladies being courted by a gentleman at the moment?” Mrs. Jarvis asked.
What an odd question, Juliet thought, but then she thought of Daniel. Yes, I am being courted by a stable boy. She had to stifle a giggle at how the good Mrs. Jarvis would react to such a statement. Instead, she replied, “I soon will be courted by Lord Parsons. However, the man is away for some time and not due back until summer.”
“Wonderful!” the woman said with a crooked grin. “I will not have any gentleman in the house while your mother is away. Instead, we shall enjoy doing embroidery and any other activities permissible to ladies such as yourself.”
Juliet wished to ask what the woman meant, but she was unable to.
“There is too much risk going into the village, and your mother has already told me to be certain the two of you stay within the confines of the house.”
“We cannot stroll around the property?” Juliet asked in surprise, not liking the idea of being a prisoner in her own home. “Not even the gardens?”
The older woman narrowed her eyes at Juliet. “You will see that I am strict but not unfair. We may schedule an outing in the gardens if you wish to visit them.”
“Schedule?” Annabel asked, sounding as every bit as shocked as Juliet. “Are we to schedule our day in advance?”
Mrs. Jarvis chuckled, not a pleasant sound. “Indeed, Miss Annabel,” the woman said as she rose from her seat. “Part of what is expected of me is that I see that you are kept busy.” She walked over to the liquor cart. “No alcohol, either,” she snapped. “A drunken woman is a foolish woman.” Despite her words, her fingers traced over the stopper of one of the decanters as if in longing.
Juliet shot a glance at Annabel, and both of them shook their heads in wonderment. When Mrs. Jarvis turned back around, they straightened once again.
“It is late, and a lady needs her rest. I shall see you both in the morning.”
Juliet wanted to argue but instead she stood, an idea forming in her mind. “Thank you, Mrs. Jarvis. I look forward to the week ahead, as does my cousin.”
Annabel shot a look of confusion, which Juliet returned with a stern stare. As they walked toward the door, Juliet looked over to see Mrs. Jarvis gazing once again at the liquor cart.
Once outside the drawing room door, Juliet indicated the stairway, and Annabel nodded. “She is a monster!” her cousin whispered when they were at the bottom of the stairs. “We cannot survive an entire week beneath her watch!”
“I agree,” Juliet replied. “However, we must find a weakness in the woman; one we can exploit. I refuse to spend an entire week sewing handkerchiefs.”
They both giggled before heading toward their rooms. When Juliet arrived at hers, she walked over to the window and gazed out at the night sky. The week had presented a perfect opportunity to spend time with Daniel, and she would see that it happened. Somehow.
***
The following morning, after bidding her mother and Forbes farewell, Juliet found herself along with Annabel in the parlor as they leaned over their embroidery. It was a task she loathed, and by the look of agony Annabel attempted to hide, the girl felt the same.
However, it was more than the act of sewing which bothered Juliet. It was the manner in which Mrs. Jarvis spoke without succession, as if her entire life story was in need of sharing. Twice, Juliet had to stifle a yawn as the woman rambled.
“It was then that I told Harold I could not marry him,” the old woman said, her hands clasped tightly at her breast as if she were an actor on a stage. “I did love him as a friend, but it was Lord Collins who held my heart.” She gave a dramatic sigh and took up her needle once more. “Sadly, I came to learn that Lord Collins had an interest in another woman.” She said this with a light shake to her head, although she sounded bitter. “Notice that I did not say ‘lady’, for she certainly was not.” She gave a look of disdain before her eyes grew wide. “Forgive me for raising my voice. It is unbecoming of me.”
Juliet’s curiosity was piqued, and she chewed her lower lip, her mind piecing together what Mrs. Jarvis had said thus far, much like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. She was quite good at piecing together jigsaw puzzles.
“It appears that this woman,” she emphasized the word for Mrs. Jarvis’ sake, “was a horrible person. And as to this Lord Collins,” she gave a sniff that outdid that which Mrs. Jarvis gave, “it seems he somehow fell under her spell. At least that is what I have gathered from what you have told us.”
“Yes!” Mrs. Jarvis said, placing her embroidery in her lap. “It was quite unfair of him. Honestly, it was as if I had disappeared from existence when he laid eyes on her.”
Juliet rose and poured a glass of sherry as Mrs. Jarvis continued speaking. If the woman were to accept it, perhaps they could get her to drink more. The hope was to get her into a state that she fell asleep.
“And here you are,” Juliet said with a click of her tongue, “a woman of great wisdom, and this woman, she is with him living in love.”
Mrs. Jarvis gave a sad nod. “It is exactly as you say.”
Juliet offered the woman a comforting smile. “I would suspect that the mere thought of this woman makes you both angry and sad at the same time.”
“Indeed, it does,” Mrs. Jarvis replied. “I was the perfect bride for him, and it was certainly not she.”
Juliet walked over and offered the older woman the glass of sherry. “Here, this should help you cope.”
The woman eyed the glass for a moment. “Oh, I cannot drink while watching over the two of you.”
Juliet squatted beside Mrs. Jarvis. “The pain you feel? I see it in your eyes. Do not drink for me, nor for Annabel. Drink for the hurt this other woman has caused. And most importantly, for Lord Collins.”
Mrs. Jarvis eyed the glass once more, but then she accepted it with a firm nod. “Yes. A sip and nothing more.”
“Of course,” Juliet replied with a small smile. “Just a few sips.” She winked at Annabel as she retook her seat.
“If you were married to Lord Collins,” Annabel said, “what would his life be like? Would it be far better than the life he currently lea
ds with this other woman?” Juliet suppressed a grin, proud of Annabel’s questioning.
The older woman pursed her lips. “The woman, who does not deserve to be called by name, was promiscuous and known to be most inappropriate with many men.”
Juliet gasped, feigning surprise. “No! This cannot be. Such women certainly do not exist, do they?”
“It is true,” Mrs. Jarvis replied. “Such debauchery does take place. It is why I keep such a strict eye on those I look after.”
Juliet gave the woman a warm smile. “I admire your strength,” she said.
Mrs. Jarvis took another drink of her sherry, this time much more than a sip. “This has a wonderful flavor,” she said as she swirled the liquid in the glass.
“Oh, yes, it does,” Juliet replied. “Mother says three quick drinks makes the flavor all the better. Although, I have never had such drinks pass my lips.”
“Hm,” Mrs. Jarvis murmured. “If Lady Lambert deems it worthy, then so shall I.” She took three quick drinks before pursing her lips as if in thought. “She is right. It does have a much bolder taste.” She gave the glass a disappointed look—it was now empty—and then turned her attention back to Juliet and Annabel. “Where was I?”
“Your life with Lord Collins,” Annabel replied.
“Oh, yes. At first, the man would never…” As she spoke, Juliet took the glass from the older woman’s hand, refilled it, and returned it. Mrs. Jarvis barely took notice as she continued with her story.
Soon, her words began to slur, and Juliet knew her plan had been successful thus far.
“I believe we will nap this afternoon,” Juliet said with a forced yawn, which caused Mrs. Jarvis to yawn, as well. Annabel nodded her agreement.
“I believe I will do the same,” Mrs. Jarvis said, frowning at her empty glass. When she stood, she wobbled a bit on her legs. “I believe I may have caught a slight fever.”
Juliet and Annabel rose, and Juliet rushed over to place her hand on the woman’s forehead. “I could have dinner sent to your room, if you would rather.”
“That will not be necessary,” Mrs. Jarvis replied. “However, it is kind of you to suggest it.”
“Perhaps this will quell the illness,” Juliet said, taking the decanter of sherry and handing it to Mrs. Jarvis, whose eyes widened with anticipation. “Mother says a lady may drink without worry when she is feeling ill.”
The woman gave no hesitation as she took the decanter from Juliet. “Are you certain you girls will be all right alone for a few hours?”
“Oh, most definitely,” Annabel said. “After our nap, I wish to begin a new embroidery pattern. If that is acceptable, of course.”
Mrs. Jarvis patted her hand. “Do not be silly. That is more than acceptable. I shall see you when I have woken from my nap.” She swayed out of the room, the decanter clutched against her chest.
Once she was gone, Juliet turned to Annabel. “That was successful this time, but I do not believe it will work again.”
“What are we to do?” Annabel asked. “Endure the days with her?”
“Not at all.” Juliet took her cousin by the hand. “We will find something else to distract her. Each day will be a testament of our wisdom.”
Annabel grinned. “I like that.”
“However, tonight is our night,” Juliet said with a grin. “Tonight, we will sneak out under the cover of darkness and go on an adventure.”
Chapter Twenty
Daniel knew the one thing he cherished in life could also be his undoing, and that was Juliet. She and Annabel stood before him, bundled in their overcoats and muffs as he attempted once again to dissuade them from their plan.
“I don’t think it’s wise,” he said. “If your chaperon caught us, I’d be hanged by the rafters. What about highwaymen?” He hoped this would frighten them enough to convince them, and when Annabel gasped, he knew he was halfway there.
Unfortunately, Juliet simply laughed. “Have you forgotten that I chased a highwayman into this very stable?” she demanded. “It was I, fearing for the safety of my sisters and not having a care for my own life, who went in search of him and fell and was hurt for my troubles.”
Daniel gave her a worried glance. “I don’t think it’s a good idea,” he repeated for the third time since the two women had come to him with their plan of leaving the grounds.
Juliet’s shoulders slumped and she tilted her head. “Perhaps you are right,” she said with a sigh.
She glanced up at him, her fluttering lashes causing his heart to hurt. How could he say no to her? However, he had to make the right choice for them. The safe choice.
She sighed again. “I never thought you were one to break a promise.”
With her best interests in mind, he went to speak, but as her lower lip pouted, he could no longer deny her wishes. “I won’t argue,” he said, although he wished he could have clamped his mouth shut instead. “If you want to go…”
She threw her arms around him. “It will be great fun,” she said.
How he loved holding her, smelling her natural fragrance, and how he wished they could remain in each other’s arms forever.
“And do not worry about Mrs. Jarvis,” she added. “The lady has a weakness for the drink.” She giggled at this and pulled away from the embrace.
“And you?” he asked Annabel. “You’re all right with this?”
Annabel, who was generally quiet and reserved, surprised him by placing a hand on her hip and replying, “Juliet is not the only one who enjoys an adventure. I do, as well. It is something we share as family.”
Daniel laughed. “I’ll finish saddling the horses. Where’re we going at such a late hour?”
“It is a surprise,” Juliet said, and both she and Annabel giggled.
Daniel could not help but shake his head as he saddled a horse for himself. What was he getting himself into? His concern was not only for the fact they were leaving for the night. He had no idea where his own feelings for Juliet would lead him.
***
If it was not for the full moon that lit the landscape, Daniel doubted the group would have gotten far. They had been on the road for close to an hour, and he guessed it was nearly midnight when Juliet steered them down a well-worn path. To his left was an endless row of fields and to his right thick clumps of trees and bushes.
Although he worried as he often did where Juliet was concerned, he could not help but admire the woman’s boldness. Unlike her sisters, she was outspoken, determined, and, if he were to be honest, stubborn. What Juliet wanted, she always received, a fact he had witnessed many times. Whether it be a new dress, a new pair of shoes, or sneaking her sisters out of the house for a midnight journey, she concocted plans that nearly always resulted in her getting what she wanted. It was that determination he had admired for so long.
He had to admit that it was because of her tenacity that had him practicing his letters every night, even when she was confined to the house. His confidence continued to grow as he now recognized smaller words, and he hoped he would soon be able to read the letter she had given him.
In all that, he still worried about what he could provide for her if they were ever to begin a life together. Juliet had never struggled in life, and he did not want to be the one to introduce her to such ways.
“Here,” Juliet said with a firm nod. “Let us dismount here.” They had arrived at a small cluster of trees where they tied their horses to low-hanging branches. “Annabel, we will return in a few moments. You will not be frightened, will you?”
“No,” Annabel replied, although her laugh sounded a bit nervous. “I am safe here.” Her eyes darted to and fro, but she smiled, nonetheless.
“Come with me,” Juliet commanded, and Daniel nodded, curious as to where she would be leading him. “Unless you wish me to stumble and witness me hurting my foot, I suggest you take my hand.”
“If that’s what you want,” he said, although he, too, wanted nothing more than to hold her hand. Her skin w
as as soft as he remembered, and he felt as if he was protecting her. How he would protect her by simply holding her hand, he did not know, but it was a wonderful excuse.
The walk was short, and they stepped out into a clearing where a large house stood. Behind it sat several smaller cottages. “What is this place?” he asked.
“It is the home of Caroline Thrup,” she replied. Her tone was as if she had bitten into a lemon. “She is someone Annabel and I know.”
“Why are we here?”
“Do you see how grand her house is?”
Daniel studied the house for a moment. “Yes. It’s grand enough, but it’s not Scarlett Hall. But then, nothing can compare to Scarlett Hall.”
Juliet nodded. “Those cottages over there? Do you see them?”
“Yes. Three of them. I assume that’s where the servants live.”
“You are correct. However, if you look closely, you will realize that those homes are close together, yet the people who live in them are far apart.”
Daniel frowned. “I don’t understand.”
“Caroline and her family will never enter the cottages, and the servants will never enter her home, at least not as guests.”
“That’s the way it’s always been and always will be,” Daniel said, still not understanding the point the woman wanted to make. “Is this Caroline going to join us?”
Juliet shook her head. “No. She will never join us. I brought us here to demonstrate how different we are from others in our stations. We have crossed into one another’s lives in a way none of those people will.”
He stared off into the distance for several moments but said nothing. What could he say?
“I always wished to be in a grand house with cottages like those for the servants,” Juliet continued in a whisper. “Now, however, I have come to realize that, if we live in a cottage like one of those, I will be happy.”
Hearing those words pierced him as deftly as a sword and he turned to her. “Juliet…”
“You worry about what type of life you can provide me. Am I correct in saying so?”
Secrets of Scarlett Hall Box Set: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Collection Page 63