“Keep telling yourself that.”
He wasn’t going to let her take the higher ground. He was going to be a…Juliana calmed herself. It seemed the earl’s intention to rile her up. Ladies did not get riled up. Then again, Juliana wasn’t a conventional lady. She had made peace with that a long time ago. Why was she so concerned about that now?
Coming here was a bad idea. Juliana should have gone to her room or found a quiet corner of the house. Being in the room with this insufferable man was a mistake; all she could think about was hitting him again.
Or kissing him.
Where had that come from? Juliana began to pack her belongings away before she did something stupid. Like actually follow through on her second thought.
“You know, my lord, you’re actually doing me a favor.”
“What do you mean?”
“If men in Society are like you, I don’t ever wish to marry.” Juliana arched an eyebrow at him as she rolled her knitting up. “They certainly don’t teach you any manners.”
“Manners?” Gloucester struggled but managed to sit up, staring at her. “You’re talking about manners?”
“Well, you clearly haven’t got any.”
“Neither would you if your leg had nearly been blown off.”
Chapter 5
Close Quarters
He really wasn’t going to let this go. Juliana sighed and stood, propping her basket on her hip.
“I’ll make sure the Duke of Norfolk lets me know when you’re visiting his estate again. Then I’ll prowl around the countryside with my shotgun,” she smirked. “I’ll see if I can take out the other knee.”
“Did you just threaten me?”
“What, me?” Juliana pretended to be in shock. “A lady of Society? I would never do such a thing.” She went to the door and gave him a little wave as he stared after her. “Sleep well.”
It was all she could do not to burst into laughter.
***
Juliana Boyd was insufferable. Gloucester found her impossible, rude and uncouth. But he had to admit she was fiery, sharp-witted, and talented. The things she created in the two weeks sitting beside his bed were astounding. Edith had never done anything beyond sewing up a hole in her dress. Her maids did everything else.
Gloucester knew he should be annoyed at the fact Juliana had been made his nursemaid and had to wait on him, including bringing his meals, but as the days went on, he found himself looking forward to seeing her. It wasn’t often Gloucester managed to have a conversation with a woman that wasn’t frivolous and dumbed down to make them understand. Juliana had a wider view of the world than he did and wasn’t afraid to argue the stronger points. Gloucester could find himself forgetting about the pain in his leg as they sat up until the early hours discussing politics, the war with France and the colonization of America.
It certainly helped she was very pretty to look at. Gloucester knew he was openly staring at her but Juliana didn’t seem to notice. She kept herself at arm’s length with her quips and cutting remarks. But Gloucester could feel her softening, just a little. Was she enjoying his company as much as he was enjoying hers? Gloucester could only hope so.
One morning at the start of the third week, Juliana didn’t appear. Gloucester began to panic, wondering where she had gone. Then he told himself to stop being silly; she wasn’t anything to him beyond tending to his needs. He didn’t need her around.
Then again, it was nice to have some banter with someone who wasn’t Norfolk or Warwick. They had visited him, but Gloucester had found himself wishing they would leave so he could talk to Juliana. Somehow, the fiery wench had ended up being better company than his closest friends.
He was stuck in this room and starting to feel strange things. It had to be that. Gloucester hadn’t even seen Edith this many times in three weeks. Seeing Juliana every day had almost become the norm. Gloucester shuddered at the thought of that being the norm for him; he would have to be mad if he wanted Juliana in his life every day.
Was he going mad? He had no idea anymore.
It was chiming twelve when the door opened and Juliana came in, carrying his lunch tray. Gloucester could smell the delicious aromas coming off the plate. He could say this about the Boyd’s cook: she was brilliant. Gloucester loved her food, even more so than his own cook. Although he wouldn’t say that out loud—Mrs. Bayliss would have his hide if she heard he thought someone else’s food was better than hers.
Gloucester could feel his heartbeat picking up when he saw her, but he tried to act nonchalant, closing his book and putting it aside as he straightened up more.
“I was beginning to wonder where you were, Lady Juliana,” he said dryly.
Juliana arched an eyebrow at him, a smile quirking at her mouth.
“Don’t tell me you’re getting used to my presence, my lord.”
“Far from it,” Gloucester shuddered. “I need to brace myself.”
Juliana sighed and put the tray on the table. Then she approached the bed and adjusted the pillows so Gloucester could sit up better. She was close enough for Gloucester to smell her scent. It was something like honeysuckle, faint but tasteful. That was surprising; Juliana didn’t strike him as being subtle at all.
Juliana then seemed to realize she was very close to him, her face inches from his. She stared at him with widening eyes before she flushed and pulled back abruptly, smoothing her hands down her skirts as she went back to the table.
“You’re insufferable for an earl, do you know that?”
“I have been told. But I’m an earl,” Gloucester shrugged, “I don’t care.”
“That is incredibly arrogant of you.”
“I’m allowed to be.”
Juliana shook her head as she carried the tray over to him, placing it carefully on his lap before pulling back as if she feared he would touch her.
“You make the most of things when you’re an earl, I bet,” she said sardonically, moving to sit in her usual chair as Gloucester attacked his food with gusto. His appetite had come back in the last few days and he was glad about that.
“Not everything,” Gloucester spoke around a mouthful of potato. “But it does help.”
“I’m sure.” Juliana sat back and folded her arms, a slight smirk on her face as she watched him guzzle back his meal. “I don’t know how you can get on with the Duke of Norfolk. He’s a very nice man. Very calm compared to you. Not so much of a hothead.”
“Maybe he hasn’t felt the end of your wrath.”
“He wouldn’t dare. I beat him in a shooting competition when I came of age. He knows when he’s beat.” She raised an eyebrow. “Unlike some people I know.”
Gloucester locked gazes with her. He wasn’t about to back down.
“Do you mean you or me?”
Juliana laughed. It was a strong laugh, but it was nice. Not so tinkly. Gloucester was shocked to find that he liked it when he first heard it. Now he wished he could hear it all the time.
“I would never mean me, my lord.” She nodded at his leg, which was sticking out from under the sheets. “How’s your leg today?”
Gloucester had almost forgotten about it. He grimaced as his mind drifted to it and felt the itching starting again.
“It’s throbbing but not as bad as yesterday. Although it is itching like mad.”
Juliana giggled.
“You haven’t got an ant’s nest under that bandage, have you?”
“God, I hope not.”
“I wouldn’t be surprised, knowing you.”
“Knowing me?” Gloucester raised his eyebrows. “What’s that supposed to mean?”
“Well, you are quite antsy.”
Juliana burst out laughing as Gloucester groaned. He couldn’t help but smile at the terrible joke.
“That was awful, my lady,” he scolded, unable to stop smiling.
“Forgive me. It sounded good before I said it out loud.”
They shared another laugh. This was a side of Juliana that Glouc
ester liked. She was unconventional, yes, but Gloucester was beginning to enjoy it. It was refreshing not to have someone stick to the rules. And Juliana wasn’t all that bad; she was an honest, decent woman. There was a softness about her that not many people got to see. Gloucester was sure Juliana didn’t want to show that side to him but it had happened, regardless.
He liked it. A lot.
There was a gentle tap at the door and it opened, Juliana’s maid sticking her head around the door.
“My lord. My lady. There’s a Lady Edith Lennox downstairs. She wishes to see the Earl of Gloucester.”
Edith was here? Gloucester sat up. He thought she was still in Ireland; she wasn’t due back for another month. Had she heard about what happened to him?
Then Gloucester realized something else. He wasn’t delighted to hear she was there. He wasn’t happy to see her again. All Gloucester felt was…nothing. He didn’t know what to feel. Juliana’s smile had started to fade. That was what he noticed, and Gloucester stared at her as Juliana nodded at Jasmine, her expression almost turning into a mask.
“Send her up, Jasmine.”
“Yes, my lady.”
Jasmine left. Gloucester frowned at her.
“Why would you do that? I’m the patient. Surely I have some say.”
“Well, she’s your fiancée, my lord. You should be delighted you’re seeing a face that’s not mine after two weeks.”
Gloucester gave her a slight smile and sat back. Now he wasn’t feeling very hungry.
“I don’t know,” he drawled. “I was just getting used to you.”
“I’ll take that as a compliment.”
“You don’t think you’re good company?”
Juliana sighed and looked down at her hands, which were now fidgeting in her lap.
“I’ve not exactly been kind to you.”
“Which is understandable.” Gloucester grimaced, “I’m not exactly the most likeable person.”
“I won’t argue with that.”
There was a ghost of a smile on her mouth. Gloucester wished she would bring her smile back. Even when she was verbally jousting with him, she smiled. He liked seeing that smile; it made him feel better.
Where had that come from?
Chapter 6
The Arrival of the Fiancée
“Plus, I don’t get many people willing to give it back as good as I give it out; except for Norfolk and Warwick.”
“Well, I don’t let people walk all over me.” Juliana gave him a pointed look. “No matter what their status in life is.”
They stared at each other. Gloucester was suddenly beginning to feel warm. What was going on? For two weeks he had been stuck in this bed with practically only Juliana for company and now he didn’t want anything else. Something wasn’t right. Had this wench cast a spell over him?
From the look on her face, Juliana was thinking the same thing about him.
The door opened suddenly, causing Juliana to shoot to her feet, and Edith Lennox swept in. Gloucester had always been in awe of her grace, her auburn-red hair pinned up perfectly and curled around her pale, petite face. She always had a smile for everyone. But now he was beginning to see that heavily added makeup on her cheeks and the smile didn’t reach her eyes. She looked cold.
What was going on with him?
“Gloucester, darling!” Edith hurried over to him and kissed his forehead. “I came as soon as I heard.”
“Edith.”
Why did he want to lean away from her? Juliana coughed and slipped between them, taking his tray away.
“I’ll take this away and leave you to it, my lord. Lady Edith.”
She curtsied to both of them and left the room, taking Gloucester’s half-eaten meal with her. Edith raised her eyebrows as the door closed.
“Who was that?”
“That was Lady Juliana Boyd.” Gloucester suddenly wanted her to come back. “She’s been looking after me.”
Edith sniffed.
“I hope she behaved herself around you.”
“She was impeccable in her behavior.” Gloucester felt himself wanting to come to Juliana’s defense. “She kept me in line.”
“Well, I’m here now.” Edith sat on the bed and patted his hand. “I can look after you. She doesn’t need to bother you anymore.”
“She wasn’t bothering me.”
Edith huffed, a little frown appearing between her eyes. She didn’t like being contradicted, Gloucester remembered. Edith always had to be right, or she got upset. A bit like a little girl who didn’t get her own way.
Why hadn’t he noticed that about her before?
“Let’s not talk about her.” Edith raised his hand to her mouth and kissed it. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you, too.”
Now that felt like a lie that made Gloucester very uncomfortable.
***
Juliana sat at the library window and watched Gloucester and Lady Edith on the terrace having tea. Gloucester had wanted to get some fresh air, and the servants had helped him onto the terrace so he could have the sun on his face. Lady Edith had swept along with him, so Juliana kept her distance. She didn’t like the young woman. She put everyone’s back up, but others could grit their teeth and smile back. Juliana knew she wouldn’t be able to keep her temper.
She wasn’t about to be disrespectful to the earl by insulting his fiancée.
Gloucester looked like he was better. He looked relaxed and was laughing along with Lady Edith. But Juliana could tell otherwise. The earl’s laughter was forced, and he was leaning away from Lady Edith as she sat forward, giving him her full attention. Juliana had caught snippets of their conversation and it bored her to tears with the few words she heard. She had a feeling Gloucester was getting bored as well.
Juliana didn’t understand what was going on with her. Now Lady Edith was here, she should be relieved that her services weren’t needed. She didn’t need to play nursemaid. But Juliana felt her gut twisting, her mood low as she watched the two of them together.
They were due to be married. Gloucester should be happy Lady Edith was with him now. Juliana should be happy the earl had his fiancée here. Why did it feel like both of them weren’t happy?
“It’s nice to see the earl enjoying himself more now.”
Juliana looked up. Mabel Boyd had entered the room without her noticing and was standing behind her daughter, looking out at the couple on the terrace. Juliana turned away, hoping her mother didn’t see her expression.
“You could say that,” she murmured.
“Lady Edith told me that your services will no longer be required,” Mabel went on. “She’ll take care of the earl until he’s well enough to be moved.”
“That’s good.”
Her mother raised her eyebrows.
“I would have thought you’d sound happier at that. You don’t have to deal with him anymore and your father and I don’t have to hear you grumbling.”
“I am happy.” Why did that sound like a lie? Juliana sighed and rubbed at her eyes. “I guess I’m just a little tired. I think I’ll take a nap.”
She stood and did her best not to hurry away. Her mother was sharp and would pick up anything wrong if Juliana put a foot out of place. And Juliana did not want to explain her confused state to Mabel Boyd.
She hurried up the stairs and into her bedroom. It was moments later that her legs gave way and Juliana collapsed onto the bed, burying her face in her arms. This was ridiculous. She was a grown woman. She was strong. And this man had reduced her to something else. Juliana didn’t like it; these emotions were new, raw, and very strong.
Juliana just wanted to go back to how she was. Because the realization dawning was making her very scared.
“My lady?”
Juliana squeaked and sat up. Jasmine was by her dresser, Juliana’s dress in her hands as she stared at her mistress. Juliana had forgotten her maid was in here.
“Jasmine.” Juliana slid off the bed and smooth
ed her shaking hands down her skirt. “Forgive me, I did not mean to falter like this.”
“Do not be upset about that, my lady.” Jasmine put the dress on a nearby chair and approached the bed. The young woman’s forehead was creased in a frown, her concern genuine for her mistress. “What is it? Are you unwell?”
Juliana thought about denying it and lying. But she was indecisive. Jasmine had been her maid for ten years. They knew each other almost like sisters. Juliana shared everything with Jasmine that she couldn’t share with her parents. Maybe she could give her a better insight on how she was feeling.
Juliana sighed and sat on the bed, patting the bed beside her. Frowning, Jasmine went to sit with her.
“My lady?”
“May I ask you something personal?”
Jasmine’s eyebrows shot up.
“I’ll answer if I can.”
“You’re engaged to the head groom?”
“Yes.” Jasmine was still looking surprised. “Why do you want to know about my engagement?”
“Because, from what I remember when he first arrived, you didn’t like him.”
Jasmine was looking at Juliana like she had gone mad. Juliana knew this sudden line of questioning was going to be strange, but she didn’t care right now. Still frowning, Jasmine shook her head.
“No, I didn’t. He was coarse, didn’t know how to make conversation with a woman that wasn’t about horses. And he was rather crude when talking to me. We argued a lot.”
“But you ended up falling in love with him anyway,” Juliana pressed gently. “Why? How?”
Jasmine sighed.
“We were pushed together a lot. I had to do chores with him around, or the cook or butler would make him help me if it involved a bit of heavy lifting. I thought it was strange that the groom would help me, but nobody listened. It drove me mad.” She started to smile, her expression softening. “As time went on, I found myself looking forward to those meetings. And Charles began to open up. He was actually a decent man. After a broken engagement, he didn’t want to let his guard down. But it came down with me and we have more of an understanding about each other. It didn’t take much to fall in love with him after that. He’s still coarse, but he’s loving with me and treats me like a princess.”
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