He nodded as he looked down at the ground. She knew him so well.
“And I am telling you that, after years of having what I want, it has never been enough. I could receive everything the world has to offer, and it still would not be enough, for I simply want to be with you. No better gift could I ever receive than that of your heart, for you already have mine.”
All worry and concern he had left him as he pulled her into his arms. The moon casted its light on their embrace. “It’s what I want, too,” he whispered into her hair, hair that smelled of lavender. “I won’t lie; I do worry about you. What can I provide for you? And what would your mother do?”
She looked up, her dark eyes searching his. “None of that matters as long as we are together.”
He studied her face, the beautiful lines, her perfect nose, eyes that reminded him of a crafty fox, and he knew he could never be without her. “I see that, although the distance between us once was great, it’s no longer so. Come May, we’ll leave for the North. Together.”
“Then you will not leave without me?” Juliet asked excitedly.
“You will come with me, and we’ll begin a life together as one.”
She rose to her toes and placed a small kiss on his lips. His body stirred, and he fought back the urge to kiss her back. He would protect her from anything, including himself.
“All I want is to be with you,” she whispered.
“As do I,” he said.
For several moments, they stood wrapped in each other’s arms as they stared out over the darkened property before them.
“What’s the plan now?” Daniel asked.
“I promised Annabel we would scare Caroline. The woman deserves it for the tales she has told.”
Daniel laughed. “You’re terrible,” he said. “Why would you do such a thing to this poor woman?”
Juliet gave a sniff. “She was rude to my cousin. Annabel is like my sister, and no one upsets the ones I love.”
As she said this, her hand squeezed his, and Daniel’s heart raced. Was Juliet telling him that she loved him? He had loved her for so long, it hurt, but as he attempted to find the right way to tell her, they rejoined Annabel and the moment was lost.
***
Daniel followed behind Juliet and Annabel as they edged the property belonging to Caroline. A thick hedge ran along the front of the house just below the large windows, most dark except one with the soft glow of candlelight.
What could Juliet be planning? he wondered. Knowing her, it would be either marvelous or disastrous, but either would be exciting.
“Are you sure this Caroline’s even home?” he asked.
Juliet gave a derisive sniff. “Oh, yes, she is home. Caroline never leaves the house, for she is far too hideous to be seen either day or night.” Annabel snickered at this but said nothing. “It is her candle that glows.”
They found an opening in the hedges that allowed them just enough room to move between the hedges and the house if they walked sideways. Stopping at the lit window, located a reasonable distance from the front door, Juliet squatted and placed a finger to her lips, motioning to Daniel and Annabel to do the same.
“There are rumors about Caroline that I wish to verify,” Juliet whispered. Daniel went to respond, but Juliet held up a hand and shook her head. She rose to peek into the window. Her eyes went wide and she covered her mouth with a hand before returning to her squatted position.
“What did you see?” Annabel asked.
“Look,” Juliet replied, switching places with her cousin.
Annabel peeked through the window as Juliet had, and she, too, covered her mouth. Although Daniel had never spied on anyone, he could not help but feel curious what the women saw.
“Is it appropriate if I look?” he asked, suddenly remembering that he would be looking into the window of a lady. It was bad enough he was caught up in one of Juliet’s mischievous plans and quite another to be caught looking in on a lady in her nightdress!
“Yes,” Juliet replied. “Have a look.”
With a racing heart, Daniel moved past the two women and lifted himself just enough to peek into the window. The room was large, but it was the woman on whom his eyes fell and remained. She wore a blue nightdress and her hands held a pillow in front of her, and by what he was able to make out, she was talking to it.
He went to ask Juliet if the woman was perhaps mad, but before he could, he saw the most humorous thing he had ever seen.
Caroline shook her head and then pulled the pillow to her face and began kissing it!
His reaction was faster than his hands could stop it, and his laugh far louder than he anticipated. Terrified, he dropped to his knees, his hand covering his mouth and tears of laughter rolling down his face. Juliet and Annabel crouched down, as well, but then they all froze when the window slid open above them.
“Is anyone out there?” Caroline whispered. “Reuben? Is that you?”
Daniel had to bite down on his finger to keep silent when Juliet replied in a gruff voice, “It is I, my love. Come out in your shift and run away with me.”
He shook his head, uncertain how much longer he could hold in his laughter. Then Juliet rose and walked into the weak light.
“Juliet!” Caroline whispered. “What are you doing here?”
Annabel joined Juliet, and Daniel waited several moments before deciding to rise, as well.
Caroline pulled her arms around herself. “Who is this man?” she gasped. Then she raised her chin arrogantly. “So unbecoming of a lady to be out alone with a man!”
“Perhaps,” Juliet replied. “Yet, I wonder what others will believe when they learn you kiss pillows, or that you were mean to my Annabel.”
“I…you saw…?” Her words trailed off and she stared at them, clearly horrified.
“An apology to Annabel for your rudeness will keep your secret from others,” Juliet said haughtily.
“Whatever for?” the young woman demanded.
“For saying that Annabel is plain. You know as well as I that it is not the truth.”
Caroline sighed. “My apologies, Annabel. It was not my intention to be rude to you. You are very beautiful, and I shall never say a mean word against you ever again.”
“I forgive you,” Annabel replied.
Do all women act this way? Daniel wondered. If they did, he found it all very strange.
“Why are you out this late at night?” Caroline asked. “It is not safe to be about when the moon is full.”
“You forget that no highwayman or beast would dare attack me,” Juliet said with a huff. “And although I would love to chat with you, we must be on our way.”
“Goodnight,” Caroline whispered as they moved back toward the opening in the hedges. The light sliding of the window came soon after, and by the time they reached the edge of the property, the light in the window was gone.
As they made their way to wear the horses were tethered to the tree branches, Daniel could not help but chuckle.
“What is so funny?” Juliet demanded.
“You. Everything about you makes me happy. You’re truly nothing like any other woman I’ve ever met.”
Juliet sniffed. “Of course I am not.” Then she gave him a small smile. “I hope you do not think ill of me. I had to have some fun tonight, even if it was unladylike.”
Daniel stopped before his horse. “It’s better than ladylike,” he said with a wide grin. “It’s Juliet-like, and that’s what I love.”
Chapter Twenty-One
The week passed quickly with Mrs. Jarvis partaking in a glass—or two—of wine or sherry each day in order to hold off her ‘illness’, allowing Juliet more time with Daniel. Although some days she remained inside the house, at night, she and Annabel headed to the stables in order to continue with his lessons in secret. Daniel was improving greatly in his reading, and Juliet was confident that he would be reading on his own very soon.
Juliet was sad when Annabel left with her parents earlier
in the day, but her uncle and aunt rarely remained at home for long, and even more rarely did they take their only daughter with them. Therefore, Annabel would be back soon. Juliet wished it was sooner than soon, for adventuring was no fun when she was left to go on her own.
During those afternoons while working on her needlework or reading a book by the fire with only Mrs. Jarvis for company, she imagined herself revealing her love to Daniel. Each time she had found the opportunity in the past, either Annabel arrived or the words Juliet wished to speak caught in her throat.
Despite her happiness in the fact that she would be leaving Scarlett Hall in a little more than a month’s time, Juliet fretted over how much she would miss her siblings and her cousin.
As she sat in the drawing room with Mrs. Jarvis contemplating her future, a voice resounded in the hallway, and Juliet was pleased to see her mother enter the room. She looked weary from her travels, as did Forbes, who came in after her.
“Mother!” Juliet said as she set aside her embroidery and ran to her mother. “You have returned. It is so good to see you.”
Her mother held her in an embrace that lasted longer than usual. “It is good to be home,” she said before releasing Juliet.
Mrs. Jarvis gave a small curtsy. “You will be pleased to know that the week passed without incident, and Miss Juliet and Miss Annabel were perfect ladies.”
Her mother smiled. “Thank you, Mrs. Jarvis. Forbes will help you collect your things and see you out.”
Mrs. Jarvis stopped before Juliet. “I am thankful for the time we spent together.” Then she turned to Juliet’s mother. “If you have need of me again, please send me a letter.”
“I shall,” Juliet’s mother said.
Once Mrs. Jarvis and Forbes had gone, Juliet’s mother closed the door and turned back to Juliet. “Have you been to the village?”
Juliet shook her head. “I remained at home with Annabel all week. She left not an hour ago with Uncle Silas and Aunt Joanna.”
Her mother’s smile faded. “I had hoped to see her before she left.” With a sigh, she took Juliet by the hand and led her to the couch.
Juliet studied her mother’s face; the lines around her eyes had grown deeper in the short time she was away. “You look worried. I did not go into the village, nor did I cause any trouble; I promise.”
Her mother gave a light chuckle. “I believe you,” she said. “I have wonderful news. Hannah is engaged to be married.”
Juliet’s jaw dropped. “Engaged? Hannah? I thought she wanted to be a spinster.”
“It seems she has changed her mind.”
“And who will she marry?”
Her mother smiled. “He is a wonderful gentleman, a cousin to Laurence. When you see the two of them together, you will be surprised at the love they share.”
Juliet could not have been happier for her sister. The idea that Hannah would marry still left her in a state of shock, but it also made her wish to tell her mother about Daniel and her love for him. Yet, no. It would be best to wait. Her mother was much too weary to be told such news.
“I am so pleased for her,” Juliet said. “And Isabel? Did she mention how she missed me?”
Her mother laughed. “She did. In fact, everyone made mention of you and their longing to see you. Have you had word from Lord Parsons?”
Juliet’s heart skipped a beat. Did her mother plan to send her to London after all? “I have not,” she replied carefully. “I have a feeling I shall hear from him soon, though.”
Her mother nodded and patted her hand. “That is wonderful, dear,” she said. The woman felt distant, even as she sat beside Juliet. “Soon he will ask to court you and then you, too, will be married. Annabel will soon follow.” Her voice had a sad tinge to it, and Juliet felt a tightening in her chest. “All of you are now women and soon will be gone. Even Nathaniel is growing so quickly.”
“We will always be nearby,” Juliet said, giving the woman a hug. “Perhaps you shall find a gentlemen to keep you company.”
“You should not say such things,” her mother said with light admonishment. “I have no desire for such a life any longer.”
Juliet nodded but wondered how her mother could outright lie. Was she not seeing the cobbler? Perhaps, like Juliet, the woman could not bring herself to say the words aloud.
“It was just a thought,” Juliet said. “I am glad you are home. The house is not the same when you are not here.”
Her mother smiled and kissed her cheek. “I must go and rest. The week’s activities were tiring.”
Juliet stood when her mother did, but rather than leaving, her mother looked at her for several moments before pushing a strand of hair behind Juliet’s ear with a sigh. “You have no idea how much joy you bring me, but I can assure you that, although at times you may not believe it, you hold a special place in my heart.”
Overcome with emotion, Juliet grinned. “I know in the past I have not been like my sisters, but I am changing for the better and making wiser decisions.”
Her mother chuckled. “I know this,” she said. “You are becoming a woman of heart and mind, one guided by love, and that is what I have always wanted for each of you.”
They embraced once more before her mother left the room, leaving Juliet alone to ponder. She had to inform her mother about the plans she and Daniel had made. There was no doubt the woman would be angry at first, but once Juliet explained how much she loved Daniel, her mother would be happy. Was that not what the woman had just said she wanted for her daughters; for them to be happy?
Well, Juliet would make her mother proud by fulfilling all of her wishes.
***
Much to Juliet’s frustration, her mother stayed awake late every night the following week, and Juliet feared being caught if she attempted to sneak out of the house. She had managed to see Daniel once for a few brief minutes when her mother went to her room to rest a few days earlier, but she could not wait any longer. She had to see him again. Her plan was simple. She was already in her night dress, but she had a simple day dress ready to don over it when she was ready to climb out the window.
A knock at the door had her turn as her mother entered the room. “Annabel has returned,” the woman said, “and she is waiting in the drawing room for you.”
Juliet gaped. “It has not been a week! Are her parents leaving on another journey so soon?”
Her mother shook her head. “No. However, I must ask a favor.”
Juliet nodded, noting the concern in her mother’s voice. “Of course. Anything.”
“Annabel is quite upset, and rightly so. I ask you to be there for her; give her strength.”
“Why? What is wrong? Has she been hurt?”
“She is safe,” her mother replied. “But I will allow her to explain.”
Juliet drew on her dressing gown and slippers. “I have never said anything disparaging about my uncle and aunt, but I will say something now, and only this once. Her parents are horrible people.” Juliet waited for her mother’s rebuke and would gladly endure it, but she was surprised when the woman only gave a nod.
“Comfort her,” she said. “She needs it.”
Juliet followed her mother down the stairs. The house was always eerily dark, but for some reason, it felt darker than usual. Hurrying to the drawing room, she could hear Annabel’s sobs, which caused her heart to clench. When she entered the room, she hurried over to her cousin and pulled her into her arms.
“Oh, Annabel,” she whispered. “What has happened? Have you been hurt? Was it your parents?”
Annabel nodded as she wiped away tears from her cheeks. “They are angry with me for failing them. It is why I have been returned here.”
Juliet shook her head angrily. “Come. Sit down here and tell me what happened.”
“Two days ago was my birthday,” she said. “And they told me they had a special surprise.”
“Was it a gift?” Juliet asked, wondering how a surprise could upset Annabel so.
Her cousin shook her head. “No. It was far worse. I waited with Mother in our parlor for this surprise and was told to look my absolute best. So, I wore my blue dress, the one I love.”
Juliet nodded. “You look beautiful in it.”
Annabel sniffled. “Then Father joined us, but he was not alone. He was with Lord Agar.”
She began to sob, and Juliet held her, understanding what was to come. Lord Agar was a baron, widowed several years now, who was nearly fifty years of age.
“What was the purpose for Lord Agar’s sudden appearance?” Juliet asked carefully.
“To court me.” Annabel gave her a beseeching look. “I do not like the man, and he is nowhere near handsome. So, when he asked, I refused him. He left in anger, and Father told me that I was nothing more than a disappointment.” The sobs came once more, and Juliet felt a surge of anger at the man. He might be her father’s brother, but that did not make him immune to her displeasure!
“That is not the worst of it,” Annabel said when she was able to speak once more. “It was Mother’s words that hurt the most.”
“What did she say?” Juliet asked, wiping tears from her own eyes.
“That if I do not allow him to court me, I must find someone else soon, for I have become a burden to them.”
Juliet’s heart ripped in two. “No!”
Annabel nodded. “I asked her if seeing me marry Lord Agar would make her happy, and she replied that it would, and that it would be the first time I have ever made them happy!”
The poor woman continued to sob, and Juliet held her once more, her ire building for what her cousin had been forced to endure. “Your parents are cruel,” she whispered. “But you have nothing to fear.”
Annabel pulled away. “I am afraid you are wrong. They mean to marry me off as soon as possible, and I do not know what to do!”
Juliet peered into her cousin’s eyes. “First, you are here with me in Scarlett Hall, so no one will hurt you. Lord Agar will never be allowed to enter if I have anything to do with it.” This brought a faint smile from Annabel. “Second, and the most important, is this. When Daniel and I leave in May, you will come with us.”
Secrets of Scarlett Hall Box Set: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Collection Page 64