This was not how she expected her first season to happen.
Julie was heading through a throng of low-hanging trees near the back wall. It was shady from the weak sun and a lot colder. Julie shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. Now she wished she had brought her shawl with her. She leaned against the back wall, hiding from anyone watching from the house, and closed her eyes. The urge to cry was strong and Julie was sorely tempted to give into it again.
Her eyes shot open when someone closed in around her, pinning her against the wall and putting a hand over her mouth. She stiffened when she heard a familiar voice in her ear.
“Don’t scream. I’m not going to hurt you.”
The hand lowered and Julie looked up to see Reading standing before her. He had lost his hat somewhere and his coat was covered in stray twigs and dust. He looked like he had been crawling through the undergrowth.
But Julie had never seen such a more welcome sight. She flung her arms around his neck.
“David!”
She hugged him tightly, Reading’s arms coming around her and holding her close. Julie felt his chest rumble as he chuckled.
“It’s a pity we have to have titles. I quite like hearing my name. Especially when it’s you.”
Julie didn’t care if she broke social etiquette. No one was here to listen in. Much as she wanted to stay in Reading’s arms, he shouldn’t even be there. Julie pulled back and stared at him.
“What are you doing here? And how did you get in? We don’t have a garden door.”
“I scaled the wall.”
Julie thought she had misheard him.
“You…you did what?”
Reading grinned and spread his hands.
“I may be an earl and a man with money and a title, but I was once a child who liked to get hands on with things. Getting over a wall is nothing.”
“I bet whoever saw you as they walked by must have gotten a bit of a shock,” Julie said wryly.
“I don’t care if the Prince Regent himself saw me.” Reading’s smile faded. He cupped her jaw in his hand, pressing a soft kiss to her forehead. Julie had to stop herself from leaning in. “I’m more concerned about you.”
“Millie told you I didn’t want to see you, didn’t she?”
“She did, but I wasn’t going to take that for a response. I had to see you.” Reading searched her face earnestly. “Why wouldn’t you let me see you, Julie? I thought you trusted me.”
“After the rumors?” Julie demanded. “You must have heard them by now.”
“I have.” Reading sighed. “Would it make you feel any better to hear that I don’t believe a word of what’s being said against you?”
“You don’t?”
“Of course not.” Reading held her close, the embrace comforting more than loving. “Remember what I said to you that night we ran into each other again? I believe what I see, not what I’m told. And what I’ve seen tells me that these rumors are malicious and untrue. I know the real you and I know you would never do the things that are being spread around London.”
That was something, at least. Julie was grateful to know she had one person on her side. She slumped against him.
“I’m glad you think so.”
“Besides, practically all your time out of the house has been spent with me or in the company of Millie. I don’t think you’re that good to be in several places at once on your own.”
“I would have thought the men in question would have said something.” Julie shook her head and thumped her fists on Reading’s chest. “But no one’s saying anything. The husbands deny everything, quite rightly, and the wives believe they have been straying. They’re prepared to believe the worst. I’ve had letters this morning from so many people calling me names that I didn’t know could be turned into insults.” She shuddered. “It’s safe to say that my breakfast didn’t get eaten this morning.”
Reading looked pained. He hugged Julie close, stroking her hair.
“Oh, love,” he whispered. “This isn’t your fault. It’s mine.”
“What?” Julie stared up at him. “How is it your fault?”
“I don’t know. But something tells me this is my fault.”
Julie was confused. How could it be his fault? She drew back.
“You didn’t tell anyone to tell lies about me.” She narrowed her eyes. “Did you?”
Reading snorted.
“Of course I didn’t! But someone wants you out of Society and in one of the worst ways possible. Do you have any idea who might do this?”
Chapter 8
Coming to Terms
“No. I’ve not had an argument with…”
Julie drifted away as realization set in. She had had an argument with someone recently and they had parted ways with a threat. Julie had passed it off as childish and believed they would make up again shortly.
Could it…?
“No.” She shook her head. “It can’t be possible.”
“Julie?” Reading cupped her face and lifted her chin up. His eyes bored into hers. “Talk to me, Julie. Who did you argue with?”
Julie swallowed. It was hard to concentrate when Reading was touching her. His soft, warm hands were distracting, and Julie had to stop herself from sinking into their warmth.
“Beverley,” she whispered.
“Your friend Beverley?” Reading frowned. “What happened with you two?”
“I…” Julie swallowed and gently nudged Reading’s hands away. She couldn’t concentrate when he was touching her like that. “She found out somehow that I had been seeing you secretly, and it was for my benefit, not hers. She was furious. We argued and I…I told her a few hard truths. She didn’t like that and said she would get her own back.”
“Is this the sort of thing she would do?”
Julie leant against the wall, wrapping her arms around her middle.
“Before the other day, I wouldn’t have thought so. Now, I can very well believe it. Not that she would openly admit it to me. She may be impulsive, but she isn’t stupid.”
Reading grunted.
“Well, we’re going to have to get creative about it.”
“I can’t go up to her and ask, can I?”
“Let me see what I can do. I’ve got a few contacts who should be able to find something.” Reading touched Julie’s cheek. “Do you trust me?”
Julie didn’t even need to think. She nodded.
“Always.”
“Then trust me with this.”
He kissed her. Julie didn’t push him away. She should have—this was not proper. But Julie didn’t care right now. She allowed Reading to hold her close, sighing as he cradled her against his chest. It felt good having someone on her side. And it felt even better knowing that it was the earl himself.
Julie didn’t want him to stop kissing her. But then Reading pulled back abruptly, stepping away from Julie with a growl. His cheeks were flushed, his eyes bright, and he was breathing heavily. Why had he stopped?
Then Julie heard someone calling her name. She hadn’t heard anything. Reading swallowed hard.
“I’d better go before we’re caught.” He lifted her chin up and kissed her firmly. “Take care.”
Then he was gone, disappearing into the trees. Julie heard the rustling of leaves and saw a brief flash of cloth as Reading climbed up the tree. Then she heard her name again and spun around, checking that her hair was in place and she didn’t look like she had been thoroughly kissed. If her warm cheeks were anything to go by that was going to be difficult.
Millie then appeared around a tree, ducking under a low branch. She blinked in surprise at her mistress.
“Lady Julie? I’ve been looking everywhere for you. What are you doing over here?”
“I…” Julie cleared her throat. “I just felt like hiding away from everyone. And it’s nice and cool in here.”
“I see.” Millie’s sly expression said she knew exactly what had happened. “Well, come inside, my lady. Or y
ou’re going to catch your death.” Then she raised her voice. “Good day, my lord.”
Julie grimaced even as Millie turned away with a grin. She heard someone laughing on the other side of the wall.
***
As soon as he got back to his home, Reading changed out of his garden-covered clothes into fresh linens. Then he set to work, sending out letters to various people with a meeting time. If he could get something to show that Beverley Nye had been the one who started the rumors, Reading was going to use it. Julie had been unfairly treated, and that was not acceptable. Reading was going to make sure that Beverley knew she had made a mistake.
It was shocking to believe that two close friends from childhood would end up fractured like this. From what Reading knew from Julie, she and Beverley had been close. Beverley had been boisterous, but it had been allowed. She was young and not from money; she had less social restraints. And she had been fun. But now, in the last three years since her father gained his wealth, Beverley was now thrust into Society. But she hadn’t changed. Reading knew from experience that you needed to adjust to be accepted, and Beverley clearly hadn’t done that. She thought the way she was would be absolutely fine.
It was that attitude that Reading didn’t like. He liked it when there was a little individuality, something that made the woman stand out, but not like that. Beverley reminded him far too much to Rosemary, which was mostly why he turned his back on her. And she hadn’t figured out that she didn’t have her feelings reciprocated.
Julie should have cut ties with her former friend earlier on. But she was too kind-hearted. It was a good quality like that which would make her fall victim to those who would take advantage of it.
Reading wanted to make sure this didn’t happen anymore.
It was just after lunch when the door to the dining room opened and Barking was shown in. He waved the footman away when he was offered food but accepted a glass of wine, sitting beside his friend.
“You sounded urgent in your letter, so I thought I’d better get over here.”
Reading finished his mouthful and wiped his mouth with his napkin.
“I need your help, Thomas.”
Barking raised his eyebrows.
“It is serious if we’re resorting to Christian names.”
“It is serious.”
“Is this about Lady Julie Watts?”
Reading nodded. He sat back and regarded his friend.
“Do you believe the rumors about her?”
“You mean that she has made several marriages break down? No, not from the few instances I’ve met her. She could turn a man’s head, but it wouldn’t go further than that. Lady Julie’s far too respectful.”
At least Reading wasn’t the only one who thought so.
“Don’t you think this sounds a little familiar?” he prodded. “Do you remember this happening before?”
“I…” Barking broke off, his eyes widening. “You mean…the same person two years ago is doing it again?”
“I believe so. And I believe I know who it is. Beverley Nye.”
“You…you really think Miss Nye would do this?” Barking put his glass down and rubbed at his eyes. “She’s a gossip but why would she do that? I thought she and Lady Julie were friends.”
“Because of me.”
That sounded conceited saying it out loud. Barking didn’t need to ask.
“You prefer Lady Julie over Miss Nye and she knows it.”
“Exactly.” Reading sipped at his wine. “And now Miss Nye is trying to get revenge and make me turn my back on her.”
“That’s just petty.”
“It is. And I intend to get her to confess.” Reading sat up and pointed his fork at Barking. “But I’m going to need some help.”
“Whatever you need. I’m at your service.”
“I want you to go to the Duke of Sussex and ask for an audience. Find out who he heard the rumors from. You’re better at getting information out of people than I am. Trace it back and once we have a definite starting point, then we’ll know who started the rumors.”
“And you’re expecting it to be Miss Nye.”
It wasn’t a question. Reading nodded.
“I am. I can’t think who else it could be.”
Barking grunted. He picked up his glass and finished off its contents.
“I’ll go. You’re my closest friend so I’ll happily do it.”
“Thank you.” Then Reading heard a sharp knocking that reverberated around the house. He quickly shoveled the rest of his food into his mouth. “And that’s my other visitor for today.”
“Two visitors in an hour? You’re popular.”
Reading finished his meal and hurried to the door, entering the foyer. His butler, Victor, was coming out of the front room.
“Is Mr. Nye here, Victor?”
“Yes, my lord. He’s waiting for you.”
“Thank you.”
Barking appeared behind Reading as Victor walked away.
“Ivor Nye? What’s he doing here?”
“I asked him to come here. I thought he might want to know what his daughter’s possibly up to.” Reading crossed the hall, Barking following him. “This shouldn’t reflect badly on him if his daughter is behaving inappropriately.”
“Let’s hope he agrees with you,” Barking grunted.
Reading hoped so, too.
Chapter 9
Setting Out the Plan
Sleep was difficult. Julie tossed and turned for some time. It was either too hot or too cold; she had an urge to roll her ankles until they cracked or it just wasn’t comfortable. Plus, her mind was going over and over everything. It wasn’t helping her to settle.
What was Reading up to? He was planning something, Julie knew that much. But what? And it wasn’t going to be foolish, was it? Julie hoped not. Reading wasn’t the type to be foolish, but that didn’t mean anything.
It was long after two in the morning when Julie heard something hit her window. She sat up and froze. Then it happened again. What was going on?
Slipping out of bed, Julie hurried to the window and opened the curtains just as a stone bounced off the window again. Someone was trying to get her attention. She peered out into the darkness and saw a figure on the terrace below. There was no mistaking who it was.
Julie opened the window and leaned out. This was scandalous!
“Reading? Whatever are you doing?”
“I need to talk to you, Julie.”
“At this time of night?”
Reading huffed and beckoned at her.
“Come down, Julie, and meet me by the side door. Or do you want me to climb up and risk being caught in your bedroom?”
Julie didn’t want that. But going downstairs to meet him by the side door which was close to the servants’ quarters, was just as grievous. People would misinterpret what was going on and Julie’s reputation would be ruined even further. But Reading wasn’t going anywhere until she spoke to him. She sighed and ducked back inside.
Grabbing a thick robe, Julie picked up a candle and tiptoed out of her room. She was right next door to her father’s room and while he slept heavily, snoring like a pig, she didn’t want to risk waking him. Norwich may have liked Reading but even he would object to this.
Silently praying that no one was going to catch her, Julie padded silently down the stairs and through the kitchen. She unlocked the side door and stepped outside. Reading was already there, wearing a heavy-duty coat, his hat pulled low over his eyes. But Julie had no difficulty recognizing him.
She had barely opened her mouth before Reading was kissing her, cupping her face in his hands. Julie almost dropped the candle. Then Reading pulled back, breathing heavily.
“Forgive me,” he breathed. “I had to do that.” Then he plucked the candle from Julie’s hand. “Let’s get inside. It’s colder than I thought.”
Julie followed him into the kitchen, keeping her distance as Reading reached the table and put the candle down.
“Who’s going to see or hear us?”
“We’re right below the servants’ quarters. And they do talk.”
Reading smirked as he sat at the table, beckoning Julie over.
“Don’t worry about them. Your staff aren’t stupid enough to spread gossip. Besides, I may be a cad at times but I’m not into ruining someone’s reputation like some people.”
“Says the man throwing stones at my bedroom window at two in the morning,” Julie shot back. But she reached the table and sat opposite him. “Why are you here? Couldn’t this wait until morning?”
“It took until an hour ago before I got everything I needed.” Reading laid his hands on the table with a sigh. “I was talking to Ivor Nye…”
“Mr. Nye?” Julie started. “You were talking to him about his daughter?”
“I had to. He needs to know what’s going on and that she’s under suspicion.” Reading shook his head grimly. “And while he was shocked, he wasn’t surprised. Apparently, it’s not the first time she’s done this.”
Julie stared. This she hadn’t been expecting.
“Beverley’s done this before?”
“I’m afraid so.” Reading sighed. “In her first season, she was infatuated with Viscount Croft’s son, Geoffrey. He was the heir to his father’s estate. Beverley thought she was on to a good thing, moving herself up the social ladder. But Geoffrey was in love with his childhood sweetheart, Gloria. It was the understanding that the two of them would be married before the end of their first season. They clearly loved each other.” Reading pursed his lips. “Beverley didn’t like that, so she started spreading rumors that Gloria had been seen in the company of a rake. Despite her denials to the contrary, no one believed her. Not even Geoffrey. He turned his back on her and married someone else within months.”
Julie could see where this was going.
“But he didn’t marry Beverley as she planned.”
“No. Gloria’s still at her family’s estate. She hasn’t shown her face in two years. Even when the man in question stepped forward and said it was all lies, trying to defend her, people believed the rumors too much to listen.”
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