by Lisa Kumar
Chapter Six
Julia held to her resolve and kept James at arm’s length. By his demand, they still spent a lot of time together, but she kept all conversation light and impersonal. She halted touches by stepping away, though doing so always left her shaking with repressed emotion, and hating herself for the shadows that now lined his brow.
James allowed her to set the pace but watched her with an increasingly guarded gaze as the days went on. Tense silences now stretched between them. She dreaded yet longed for each new day that brought her closer to returning home and leaving James.
Sunday morning after breaking fast, Abigail called a meeting to discuss the next evening’s rout. After James walked in and muttered a greeting, he remained silent, his profile that of a marble statue.
Julia and his grandmother exchanged pleasantries, with Julia sneaking glances at James. He appeared as remote as the stars in the night sky. Her chest tightened. She missed their easy camaraderie. Had she done the right thing by putting the brakes on their romance? No clear answer appeared to guide her.
Abigail settled them down to business. “Julia’s evening gown for the rout came yesterday.” Ticking that fact off on her finger, she pursed her lips. “And we’ve been addressing possible scenarios of etiquette that could come in useful.” She screwed up her face in a sour expression. “Though manners seem to be sorely lacking at most routs. Such horrible events— one only going to be seen, elbowed, pushed from room to room, and if you’re lucky, there might be some music, cards, and refreshments. Then back out to the carriage you go. I don’t know why Patience is even hosting one. Silly girl always lacked the brains of her brother.” Though her words were cutting, her tone belied them.
Brother? Julia scoured her mind for the name floating on the end of her tongue. “Oh, you mean the Earl of Avingdale?”
“Yes, Jonathon Blakeley. He and Patience drive me mad. If anything, he’s a bigger rake than our James was.”
Julia started at the pronoun our in reference to James. He certainly wasn’t hers. But she didn’t protest. Why bother and possibly upset the older woman?
Abigail continued, “Patience is a little goose. I can’t believe my Clara birthed such a girl.”
Clara? Julia frowned. Wasn’t that the name of Abigail’s other daughter? Clarissa had been the name of James’ mother. Once this newly revealed familial connection sank into her mind, comprehension quickly took place, and she glared at James. He shrugged and then studiously ignored her glower, causing her anger to spark even higher. His whole demeanor seemed to say so she’s a little angry I forgot to mention that Lord Avingdale and Lady Pendlebough are my cousins. Too bad.
Julia didn’t know how she did it, but her voice stayed even. “James never told me of his relation to the Pendleboughs or Avingdale.”
Abigail’s gaze flashed to her grandson. “You didn’t? Why not?”
He straightened up in his seat. “It slipped my mind and, truthfully, hardly seemed important at the time. I concede it was a regrettable oversight on my account, one I promise wasn’t intentional.”
Maybe it hadn’t been intentional. Why hide the truth? Still, it was just like a man to leave out important information either because he forgot or thought it not important.
Julia nodded. “Okay, let’s move on, then. The plan is still the same?” she asked, looking at the earl, who had better answer her.
“As far as I know, yes.”
Well, his response was short and not all that helpful. Could he possibly be pouting? “You’ll give me back my transmitter tomorrow?”
He stared down his nose at her. “I promised I would.”
She growled under her breath, hands fisting in her morning gown. His attitude grated on her already shredded nerves. Besides, this was his fault! He was the one keeping her here. If he had just let her go, she knew her mission would’ve gone off without any further hitch. But, no, he had to complicate everything with his talk of fate and emotions, though he claimed not to believe in love. Why bother, then?
If he couldn’t love, she wanted no part of him. Wait, she wanted no part of him, regardless. It didn’t matter if he could love or not. Right?
Confusion addled her brain. She couldn’t grab one coherent thought if it concerned the earl. The urge to rip her hair out nearly consumed her. She hated being one of those women— the kind that obsessed over a man until she was nothing but a pathetic shell of what she’d been. With a will that surprised her, she resolved not to fall into that trap.
Julia gazed at James but avoided meeting his eyes. “I get you’re angry at me.” She congratulated herself on sounding calm, if a little cold. “No matter our personal feelings, we have a mission to concentrate on.”
His mouth twisted. “No, you have a mission. I don’t.” He unfolded from his seat, and with a curt nod to the ladies, stalked to the exit. Julia watched him go. The feeling he was walking out of her life forever hit her like a two-ton truck.
After the door slammed shut, Abigail muttered, “Oh, my, that didn’t turn out well.”
****
Millie added the last touches to Julia’s hair. “You look beautiful, miss.”
Julia smiled. She would miss the sweet young woman who’d been acting as her lady’s maid. “Thank you.”
Gazing at her reflection in her bedroom mirror, Julia blinked at herself in disbelief. She did look almost beautiful in her light-blue gown made of mull material. The fine, gauze-like dress elegantly draped around her legs, and the silver thread embroidery that decorated the whole dress sparkled in the waning light. A thin rope of jewels that the duchess had provided encircled her neck. While she wasn’t sure if they were real or not, the white and blue stones matched her ensemble well.
As she turned sideways, she admired her profile. Millie had pinned her hair up and threaded a string of pearls through the upsweep of tresses.
She could only hope James still planned to escort her and his grandmother to the rout. Nerves fluttered in her stomach at the prospect of seeing him. Since yesterday morning, he’d made himself scarce. That bothered her a lot more than she cared to admit. She fingered the gems around her neck to ground herself. It wouldn’t do to lose her composure now.
Someone rapped on the door, and though she knew the earl wouldn’t break protocol by visiting her, disappointment still made an appearance when Abigail stepped into the room.
The older woman’s gaze swept over her. “My dear, you look absolutely lovely.”
Julia smiled warmly. “Thank you. So do you.”
Abigail wore a creation of rose silk. Her hair curled charmingly around her face, and a few small feather plumes highlighted her elegant coiffure. Julia could only wonder how the earl would look. If he appeared more scrumptious than he usually did, she’d be a goner for sure.
Abigail held out a hand. “I see you already have your shawl and reticule. Good, let’s not keep James waiting.”
Julia’s heart about pounded out of her chest. So, he was still going? She followed Abigail to the door on suddenly shaky legs. As she walked down the flight of stairs to the ground floor, she saw James waiting in the entrance hall and almost stumbled.
His stare burned right through her, and she returned the favor. His navy tailcoat with gold buttons fit him like a dream. Black breeches hugged his muscular legs, and his hair lay in that carefully controlled wild look so common for this period.
Only once she’d reached the bottom and stepped onto the marble floor did he remove his gaze. He strode up to Abigail. “You look ravishing, Grandmother.”
Abigail swatted him away. “Flatterer. Tell that to someone who’s younger.”
Facing Julia, he regarded her for a moment before lifting her hand to his lips. “You are a vision tonight.”
A hot flush crept over her face and neck. Her hand tingled underneath the white glove she wore. He pressed her hand in his, holding it for a moment.
When he released her, the invisibility transmitter device lay in her palm. Her hea
rt almost stopped before it sped to a gallop. He’d given the device back to her, as promised. Her means of escape rested in her hand, and she’d never wanted to return something more than she did right now. How messed up was that? Tears threatened, but she forced them back. She glanced up, ready to thank him, but he was already turning away from her.
“Ready to go, ladies?”
They nodded their heads, and James took his top hat from Timms, the butler.
Before she was even aware of it, James had placed her hand around his arm and offered the other to his grandmother. He swept them out to the waiting carriage, where two footmen stood on either side of the door. After handing in his grandmother, he took Julia’s hand in his grasp.
Though they both wore gloves, his palm radiated warmth against hers. The moment stretched on, with them falling into each other’s eyes. He broke the moment when he glanced away and motioned with his free hand for her to climb into the carriage.
Julia took the seat next to his grandmother without asking, not wanting to chance sitting with James. Distance was what she needed right now. Fat chance, though, she’d get that in these close quarters. She glanced out the carriage windows, but it was hard to see anything beyond what the oil lamps illuminated. As they neared their destination, travel slowed, and they had to wait for the other carriages before them to drop off passengers.
When it was their turn to alight, James helped the ladies down. The townhouse before them had smooth stucco to appear as if made from large marble blocks, not the Portland stone of James’ London home. The earl escorted them up a few steps, where a butler opened the door. After James handed over his top hat and the women their shawls, a footman guided them up a fairly grand staircase and into the drawing room, where a press of people loitered. Another footman standing in the drawing room by the door announced their names.
Julia gazed around, feeling overwhelmed. She pushed the panic down and concentrated on the room. Cream-colored wallpaper with a spiky floral pattern plastered the walls. Candles rested everywhere, bathing the room in a dim glow. Servants had pushed most of the furniture to the side so people could mingle freely.
A woman, presumably their host and James’s cousin, hurried over and inclined her head. “How delightful you could make it, Grandmother. James.” She turned a quizzical gaze to Julia. “And who is this young woman again?”
Abigail spoke up, “I don’t think I ever said. This is Julia Avers, my guest from America. She’s the daughter of an old friend.”
The new lady’s brow furrowed, and she looked like she wanted to say something. However, Abigail charged on, “Julia, this is Lady Pendlebough, who also happens to be my granddaughter Patience.”
So she’d guessed correctly. Julia dropped a quick curtsy. “Pleased to meet you.”
Patience’s concerned expression faded a little as she smiled. “Likewise. I’m surprised Grandmother never mentioned you before.” She paused as the footman called out another name. “Please, go and mingle. Hobson is introducing more guests, so I must be off.”
After Patience left them, they wandered around the room, stopping to talk to various acquaintances of James and his grandmother, before heading to the music room where card tables were set up. The earl and his grandmother played a game of cards while Julia listened to guests’ attempts to play the pianoforte, some with much better success than others. She winced when one woman hit a particularly jarring note. Abigail glanced at Julia and smiled sympathetically, but at a nearby table, James studiously ignored her.
Julia frowned, feeling sorely out of place. So much for his pouting having a ceasefire. Or did he not care anymore? Cold infiltrated her bones even though the air was stifling.
Taking a deep breath, she looked about for a timepiece. Was it time to go to the study? She couldn’t say she was having a fun time. Some of the people were snooty, some nice, but the tension between her and James ruined any good cheer.
At last, they ended up in the dining room, where a cold supper was laid out. Everyone stood while they ate. It reminded Julia of the cocktail parties back home. As James went to retrieve a plate for her and Abigail, a handsome man with black hair strode up to them. Like James, he exuded a confidence that went to a woman’s head. Could this be the mysterious cousin James seemed reticent to talk about?
The man inclined his head. “Grandmother, so good to see you.” His gaze went to Julia, who smiled, glad her instinct had identified him correctly.
Abigail lost no time in introducing them. “Julia, this is my grandson, the Marquis of Avingdale. Jonathan, this is Julia Avers, recently arrived from America. She’s my guest during her stay and is the daughter of an old friend.”
He arched a brow that was so reminiscent of James, she couldn’t help but stare. “You’ve never mentioned such a friend, Grandmother.” Facing Julia, he offered her a charming smile. “I’m quite disappointed my grandmother has kept you a secret all these years.” He picked up her hand and placed a kiss to the back of it.
A smile tugged at her lips. James and Jonathon were both charmers— that was for sure. If her heart weren’t tied up in knots already, it would be racing for Avingdale. Julia’s mind froze as she realized what she’d said to herself. Her heart was tied up? By James? She shivered. No, it was just a crush. It had to be.
The marquis released her hand and smirked. Oh, no, he thought her shiver had been for him? Great. Men and their big egos.
“Grandmother, may I call upon you and Miss Avers tomorrow morning?” His hot stare left little doubt who he wanted to visit.
Julia wanted to shout no but figured it would be in poor manners. Besides, even if he did stop by, she’d be gone.
His grandmother smoothly said, “Another day, dear boy. We have prior engagements tomorrow.”
His brows drew together, but he kept a pleasant expression on his face. “Maybe the next day, then?”
Abigail smiled. “That should be fine.”
Julia had to quash the overwhelming urge to elbow Abigail in the side and demand why she had said yes.
James came back with their plates but stopped short when he saw his cousin. “Avingdale, how are you?” Though his words were kind, the way he sized up the other man was not.
Avingdale smiled thinly. “I’m in good health. And you, Correlton?”
“Same here,” James replied while handing the plates to the women.
Julia practically froze from the frost between the two men. Since they were cousins, she thought they would’ve been friends. Apparently, she couldn’t have been more wrong.
Avingdale seemed to be searching the crush of people around them. “Excuse me, I believe I see someone I’ve been meaning to talk to.”
As soon as he left, James lifted his watch fob and checked the time. “Finish eating, then it’s time.” No trace of emotion lined his voice.
Julia nodded, picking at her food. Didn’t he care at all she was leaving? No, she chastised herself. After the way she’d been acting, he probably couldn’t wait to see the back of her.
His grandmother watched him with a frown. “Aren’t you eating?”
“I’m not hungry.”
She gave him an exasperated look. “If you say so.”
Abigail ate almost all the food on her plate, but Julia pushed hers around. With a sigh, she handed her food to a passing footman. “I’m ready.”
Chapter Seven
Once she and James walked out of the dining room and into the entrance hall, they waited until everyone in the area had wandered out of sight. From there, they sneaked down the hallway. Lord Pendlebough’s study was located in the library at the back of the house.
Julia jiggled the knob. “It’s locked,” she whispered.
He gave her an incredulous stare. “Of course it’s locked. The thief hasn’t arrived yet.”
“Well, it’s nothing my trusty little computer can’t solve.” This wasn’t the first lock she’d come up against, nor would it be the last.
“How will becoming invi
sible help? You’ll still be solid.”
She grinned. Her computer could do more than make her invisible. “Just watch and see.”
After drawing the device from her reticule, she powered it on and tapped a few keys on the tiny screen. She bit her lip and aimed the device at the door. With the press of a button, a silver beam of light flew toward the lock. The metal smoldered and hissed. The sound of a lock turning caused her to smile in triumph. Facing him, she asked, “Did you see—”
That blank-faced stare she hated so much met her gaze, and she muttered, “Never mind.”
She whirled back to the door so he wouldn’t see the quivering of her lower lip. Was he going to act like this the whole time? She might as well tell him to leave now. Anyway, he couldn’t stay very long. He’d be a dead giveaway to the thief that something was up.
As she reached for the knob, he beat her to it and opened the door. She frowned. Was he being courteous or trying to show her up? Maybe both in his twisted way?
Shaking her head, she walked into the library and then relocked the door. The clock on the mantle read 9:35. She didn’t have much time, and any goodbyes would have to be said now.
One look at the earl told her this wouldn’t be an easy feat. James stood as still as a statue— and appeared as stone cold as one. Licking her lips, she opened her mouth, only to close it. Words left her. What did she say in a situation like this? Everything that flew through her mind seemed too meaningless, too ineffectual, to express her emotions.
She settled on simplicity and smiled shakily. “So, this is our goodbye.”
He inclined his head. “May you have a non-eventful trip back and Godspeed.”
That was it? She was sure she gaped at him like a fish with an open mouth. The words broke free. “You’re just going to let me go without saying anything?
He shrugged, still as cool as ice. “I think we’ve said all we have to say.”
If he wanted it that way, fine. Her shoulders slumped, but she refused to show any other hint of hurt. She fingered the invisibility button on her device. “Well, I guess it’s time to part ways. I won’t keep you any longer.”