Parker, however, had taken a sudden interest in his glass.
“As am I,” Hugh replied, realizing he was being much too suspicious. Parker was a great manipulator and therefore might have a plan or two to ensnare Juliet to do his bidding. As long as the man’s plans did not interfere with those of Hugh, he could do as he pleased.
“How was your day?” Juliet asked. What a lovely smile she had!
“My day was wonderful,” Hugh replied. “I am glad you are here waiting for me.” He offered her his arm. “Come with me.” It pleased him how quickly the woman obeyed, placing her hand on his arm without hesitation. “We will return presently,” he told Parker. Not that he had to explain his actions to the man, but he could not have her uncle following behind like a lost puppy.
As they walked down the long corridor, he smiled at the woman on his arm. “It appears you and your uncle are becoming fast friends,” he said. “Or do my eyes deceive me?”
Juliet laughed. “I do not believe friends would be the proper word,” she said as she waited for him to open the door that led to the back veranda. “I would say that we are beginning to understand one another.”
Had they discussed his business dealings without him present? Anger flared in him. “About what exactly did the two of you talk?” he demanded. Any arrangements he and Parker had made were between him and Parker. Juliet did not need to know about them.
“Nothing of interest,” Juliet said, but then quickly looked away.
Hugh took a firm hold of her arm. “Do not lie to me,” he said, attempting to remain calm and failing miserably. “What did he say exactly? Were you discussing me?”
She looked up at him, her eyes wide and her lower lip trembling. “I will tell you everything,” she said. “I just do not want you to become angry.”
He released her, regretting the hurt he had inflicted on her. She was so beautiful and he could not wait for their wedding night. “Go on.”
Rubbing her arm, she replied, “Our main topic of discussion was our family and his plans for the future.”
“What plans?”
“He mentioned how much power he has, for one. He said that by allowing you to work with him, he would see you received a worthy reward once he regains what he lost.”
Hugh barked a laugh. “He is allowing me to work with him?” he asked incredulously. “He is a fool! Is it not I who allowed him to remain in my home?”
When they reached the end of the cobblestone path at the back of the gardens, Juliet stopped and turned to him, a smile on her face.
“Do you find humor in my words?” he asked, his anger close to spilling over once more. How this woman could make his blood boil in so many ways! “Do you think I lie?”
“Not at all,” she replied, that smile never wavering. “I am smiling because I told him the very same thing. If he has so much power, why is it he must remain with you?” She placed a hand on his arm, and Hugh drew in a deep breath. “It is apparent who the stronger man is. In fact, he stands before me now. I see now why my uncle is so jealous of you.”
Hugh could not fight off the weakness that came over him as she looked up at him through her eyelashes. Yet, he could not help but wonder if she was being truthful with him. She had a tendency to stretch the truth at times, he was certain of it.
“Not a week ago you swore you never wanted to see me again,” he said, removing her hand. “Now you defend me? How am I to trust you?”
He had expected her to argue, or to feign innocence, but instead she shocked him by frowning. “I do not understand how you know me so well!” She sounded angry for some reason he could not understand. “From the moment we met, you knew me better than I know myself.”
Had the woman gone mad? “I do not understand.”
“You knew I had a motive for defending you,” she said. Then she shook her head. “I can see you are no fool.” She sighed and turned away. “Very well, I will confess. When I defended you, it was not to protect your name. I had hoped you would learn of it and reward me…with more jewelry.”
“Jewelry?” he repeated, stunned. “You want more jewelry?” This woman could certainly tie his thoughts into knots! He had accused her of lying and she came right out and admitted that she had!
“Of course, jewelry,” she said with a laugh. “Do you not remember the bracelet you gifted me two years ago? I pretended to not be interested in it, but you knew better. You understand what I want and who I am better than anyone else.” Her cheeks reddened in anger. “And it infuriates me with every breath I take.”
It was on rare occasions that Hugh smiled – truly smiled – but the frustration this woman exhibited proved he had conquered her. How quickly he had won! He placed a finger beneath her chin. “You are right,” he said. “I do know you well. I admit that it pleases me you are now able to recognize it.”
He took in her high cheekbones, her exquisite figure, the wonderful swell of her bosom where the sapphire pendant rested. Unlike the bracelet he had given her, she continued to wear the necklace. “I will buy you new dresses and gowns, shoes, jewels, whatever your heart desires.”
Her eyes sparkled. “I am so pleased,” she said. “And I will put a stop to this ruse of pretending I do not want to be near you or refusing the many gifts you will give me, for I understand what I truly want.” She returned her hand to his arm, and this time he allowed it to remain. “I will be your wife, and you my husband. Be it my uncle or anyone else, I will not allow anyone to speak ill of you.”
“Including the stable boy?”
“Yes, more so he,” she replied without hesitation. “As I said before, I have no choice but to marry you. Mother has made that abundantly clear, and you have shown me what my heart truly desires. I must make the most of the situation, and what better way than to have everything I have ever wanted? There is no point in fighting with you, for our fate cannot be avoided.”
He laughed. “No, it cannot,” he said, offering her his arm once more. It delighted him to see the woman returned to her former glory! “I am glad you see that.”
As they began the return walk, he enjoyed the feel of her hand on his arm. Juliet was many things, but her outburst of temper was reminiscent of the woman he had known before that stable boy had driven a wedge between them. She was greedy, told tales, and was very much like an uncontrolled fire. Yet, she was learning that he could, and would, bring her under his control.
And more importantly, she understood that there was no reason to fight it.
Chapter Twelve
Lying in her bed, Juliet fretted over what she had to do the following day. It had been two days since she had called on Lord Parsons to sow the seeds of distrust between the viscount and her uncle. She was thankful for the two-day reprieve since then, for before she had left his home, the man had eagerly reminded her that they would be going together to tell Daniel of their upcoming nuptials.
To stand before her husband and speak those words was the reason she remained awake at such a late hour. Tossing and turning for several hours already, she finally relented and lit a candle rather than remain there in the dark. She had retired earlier than usual, and even her sisters had voiced concerns when she had bid them a goodnight. Despite her untimely repose, by the time morning arrived, her eyes would be puffy and red and her face blotchy.
“Perhaps that is for the best,” she whispered. “Then Daniel will see how this decision pains me.”
Yet, no. That was no good because it would also alert Lord Parsons to the possibility of her deception.
She sighed and turned toward the door in yet another attempt to find a position that would allow her even a few hours of sleep.
“Will he understand my intentions?” she asked the room. “That I only wish to save his life?” She would not be able to convey this with words, but perhaps he would see it in her eyes.
She gave a tiny snort. Her tired eyes. “Oh, blast it all!”
Her mother had gone to the jail in an attempt to gain a visit w
ith Daniel earlier that day and warn him, but she was refused entry. Now Juliet had no choice but to continue with the ruse and pray her husband saw through it.
Rolling onto her back once more, she turned over the cap in her hand, which she slept with every night since all these troubles began. It had been a gift for the man she loved, earned by helping others.
For a moment, she closed her eyes and thought of the night she had given it to him. How pleased he had been, so pleased, in fact, that he had refused to remove it, which led to a game of banter. They had enjoyed playful moments together often, and she missed them more than words could say.
One thing was certain. The man who had caused their grief would pay for his sins dearly!
Thus far, her plan was unfolding better than she could have hoped, for now her uncle, another man in need of a firm lesson in scrupulosity, believed she was an ally, and Lord Parsons believed her to be the shallow woman she had once been. Both were untrue, of course, but she would use their misconceptions to destroy both of them!
The door opened and Annabel peeked into the room. “I saw the light under the door,” she said in a hushed tone. “May I come in?”
“Of course,” Juliet replied, shifting to one side of the bed.
Annabel joined her. “So many nights I came to your room,” she said, “and we would sit together sipping rum or wine. I lost count of how many!”
Juliet giggled, and for a moment, the weight of her burdens lifted. “I remember quite well. We did have the best adventures.”
“We did.”
The door opened again and another head appeared.
“Come in, Hannah,” Juliet said.
“I see I am not the only one wishing to speak with you,” the second sister said. “Is there room for another?”
Juliet patted the space to her right. “There is always room. Come and join us.”
With two of her sisters on either side of her, Juliet recalled how often they would sit together when they were supposed to be abed. The majority of the time was spent with Juliet telling tales she created or repeating gossip she had heard. Yet, there were times such as this when they shared their hearts.
“I received a letter from Mr. Miller, the man from my book club,” Hannah said. “He was unable to offer any advice, as he has heard nothing thus far and says it may remain a local matter. If that is the case, there is little he can do.”
Juliet sighed. “I appreciate that you contacted him. Perhaps Isabel will bring good news.” She gave a start when the door opened once more and the very woman entered the room.
“I am afraid my news is not much better.” Isabel joined them on the bed. “I received word from Laurence yesterday, but I did not want to tell you because you are already under a great deal of stress. He promised to write to the magistrate, but from what he has heard, the man is known to take bribes and has little clemency for those of the lower classes.”
Juliet placed a hand on that of her eldest sister. “I thank you for the attempt,” she said with an appreciative smile.
Isabel squeezed Juliet’s hand. “I still hold out hope he will be able to do something. I will tell you the moment I have any other news.”
“And you, Annabel?” Juliet asked. “Did you hear from your husband?”
From the forlorn look her younger sister gave, it appeared her news also did not bode well. “Edward knows no one with any sort of authority nor did he have any suggestions to offer, but he wanted you to know that if you need his help, he is willing to do whatever it takes.” She took Juliet’s hand. “I am so sorry.”
“I appreciate that you all made the attempt,” Juliet said, forcing a smile although inside she was weeping. Their findings meant only one thing. “I have no choice but to marry Lord Parsons.”
Isabel patted Juliet’s arm. “Remember what I told you,” she said in that sisterly tone she was wont to use. “Even if Lord Parsons agrees to intervene in his behalf, Daniel still may hang.”
“Surely there is another way!” Hannah gasped. “They cannot just kill him, can they?”
Juliet sighed. “No, Isabel is right. He will hang if the magistrate so chooses.” Oh, how her heart pained speaking those words aloud! How she wanted to roll over and weep until she no longer had tears to cry nor air to breathe! Would she be able to endure this?
Yes, she would! “Thank you for coming to my aid,” she said as she looked at each of her sisters in turn. “You have done all you can. If you wish to return to your families, I understand.”
“I should return,” Isabel said, “but I will not until after Daniel’s trial has ended. I cannot leave you to endure this alone.”
“Nor will I,” Annabel said.
Hannah nodded in ready agreement. “Nor I.”
“Have you told Daniel your plans to marry Lord Parsons?” Isabel asked.
“I will tell inform tomorrow,” Juliet replied as she pulled at a thread on the blanket that covered her. “Lord Parsons wishes to be present when I do.” The other three gave a collective gasp, and Juliet looked up at them. “There is no other way! But I swear to each of you that the man will pay for what he has done!”
“How will you do that?” Annabel asked. “Once you are married to him, you will be under his control. He may even forbid you to ever leave the estate!”
Juliet wished she could share her plans with her sisters, but she did not dare do so. They had their families to protect, and any involvement in what Juliet intended would jeopardize their very lives. No, she would not put them in danger!
“Just as I did with Robert Mullins,” Juliet replied firmly, “I will find a way.”
For several moments, they sat in silence. With Juliet initiating, the conversation turned to matters of their families. She was pleased because they were all so very happy. They all deserved such lives.
Annabel stifled a yawn and stood. “I should be off to bed. I can barely keep my eyes open.”
“Yes, I should retire, as well,” Hannah said.
When the two women were gone, Isabel leaned over and kissed Juliet on the forehead. “I should be off to bed, as well. You should get some rest. The days ahead will be difficult, and you will need your strength.”
Juliet nodded, blinking back the tears she had been fighting all night. Isabel, much like their mother, often spoke the truth, no matter how brutal it might be. “It is so difficult knowing that Daniel suffers and I must pretend to enjoy the company of a man who caused that suffering.”
“Mother always says to never give up hope, that there are better days ahead. There were times I did not believe that was true, but I learned that she was right. Therefore, no matter how dark the days become, always remember that better days are ahead.” She took Juliet’s hand in hers. “And I am always here to lend an ear or to assist you with anything you may need.”
Juliet hugged her sister. “Thank you. I miss being able to come to you for advice.”
Isabel chuckled. “I am here now,” she said. “Now, you should go to sleep. We can discuss more of this tomorrow.” She glanced at the darkness outside. “Or rather today.”
Once Isabel was gone, Juliet snuffed out the candle and drew the covers up to her chin. What her sister said was true; the days ahead would indeed be dark, yet Juliet would not give up hope! In fact, she was confident that what she planned would bring about brighter and happier days. She was certain of it.
***
After her late-night conversation with her sisters, Juliet woke several hours later refreshed and ready for the day ahead. She had chosen a simple white dress, not to impress Lord Parsons but rather because it had been a favorite of Daniel’s. It was one of the few items, along with the cap, that she had brought with her in her impromptu journey to Scarlett Hall two weeks earlier.
Standing on the portico, she pulled her wrap in closer as she awaited the arrival of Lord Parsons. How she despised that man for putting her through this horror! She collected all the anger, all the hatred, and formed it into a ball to save
for when she sought her revenge for the devil dressed as a viscount. He would get exactly what he deserved!
She glanced up at the thick clouds that filled the sky. It was not yet ten, but she refused to wait for the man inside. Doing so would only be an open invitation for him to enter the sanctuary of the house, and she would not see the safety of her childhood home taken from her. Waiting on the portico was not the best form, but forms made little difference to her at the moment. Let him disapprove of her choice! It made no difference to her.
The door opened and her mother joined her. “You should allow Forbes to let the man into the house,” she admonished. “You have no reason to wait outside as you are.”
Juliet sighed. “I carry enough shame for what I am doing; there is no reason my sisters should be forced to witness my treason.”
Her mother slipped an arm through that of Juliet. “There is no shame in what you are doing. You are doing all you can to save your husband’s life, and that is admirable.” She pursed her lips. “What Lord Parsons asks of you, no words can explain my anger. I wish I could take away this hardship you are forced to endure.”
“I know you would if it were possible, but this is my burden to bear. I am no longer a child and must remedy my own troubles.”
Although all people age with time, Juliet had been surprised how many more lines creased her mother’s face, how more gray lined her hair, since she had last seen her. Despite these changes, however, the woman remained beautiful and strong.
“In the days ahead,” Juliet said, “you may hear me speak words or perform actions that may surprise or even hurt you. I hope you trust me and understand that they are merely fabrications for a means to an end.”
Her mother brushed back a bit of hair that had escaped from beneath Juliet’s hat. “I have prepared myself for whatever may happen,” she said. “I am glad you shared your plans with me and understand well the challenges you face.” She frowned. “What lies ahead will be difficult, it may even frighten you, but you will find peace once you have completed what you must." The sound of a carriage trundling up the drive made them turn, and her mother squeezed her arm. “Never forget that you are my daughter and therefore strong!”
Ballad of the Innocents Page 10