Chapter Eighteen
“Thieves, it must be remembered, are a complete fraternity, and have a perfect organization among themselves.”
~The Seven Curses of London
Julia ran her hands along the satin edge of her white gloves, wondering what could be taking her aunt so long. She’d asked Julia to meet her in the drawing room as they’d soon be leaving for the Strickland’s ball but still hadn’t come downstairs.
Though Julia worried about leaving her father when he was abed, Aunt Matilda advised her that Jonathan had volunteered to keep her father company. Julia thought it more likely their aunt had guilted him into doing so. Either way, she had serious reservations about the wisdom of the arrangement but hadn’t protested. She welcomed the chance to look at something outside the walls of her home after the worry of the past few days.
Deciding something must be wrong, she rose to see if all was well with her father when her aunt glided into the room, her vivid burgundy gown a striking statement.
“You look lovely,” Julia said as she took her aunt’s outstretched hands.
“So do you, my dear. You need only release that perpetual look of worry you’ve worn of late.” She reached up and tapped the spot between Julia’s brows.
Julia smiled in response, moving her brows with the hope of eliminating the pucker that threatened to become permanent.
“Much better,” her aunt declared. “You are hereby ordered to wear that smile the remainder of the evening.”
“I’ll do my best, but are you certain Father—”
“Do the two of you truly intend to leave me here?” her brother interrupted.
“You’ve made it clear you think we are spending far too much time watching over Alfred,” Aunt Matilda responded. “I can only surmise it’s your turn to do so.”
Julia gasped in surprise at her aunt’s blunt words. “Oh, I could—”
Aunt Matilda squeezed her hand even as she sent her a meaningful glare. “No, no. Jonathan is here now, and I know he’d like to do his part to help. Wouldn’t you, Jonathan?”
Though Julia couldn’t see her aunt’s expression, she knew her mood all too well. That tone brooked no argument.
Within a few short minutes, Jonathan trudged up the stairs, muttering to himself as the footman closed the front door behind Julia and her aunt.
“Good heavens. You’d think we asked him to perform surgery blindfolded. All I suggested is that after all the time he spent frolicking about while you and I tended your father, he might like to do his share. Or at least a small part of it.”
Julia couldn’t help but chuckle. “I can only imagine his reaction.”
“I know he loves your father, but at times, he has an odd way of showing it.”
Julia had to agree. If she knew of some way to bridge the gap in their relationship, she’d do it.
“Now then, we have a lovely ball to attend,” her aunt continued as they settled into the carriage. “We are not going to worry over him or your father for the next three hours. You are ordered to have fun along with keeping that smile on your face.”
“That sounds wonderful,” Julia said. “I’m not certain how many days have passed since either of us have left the house.”
“More than I care to count. I gave Jonathan that Seven Curses book to discuss with your father. It ought to keep them both occupied for as long as your father remains awake.”
Julia wasn’t certain how to react to that. “The book shares some rather alarming information. It’s not exactly light reading.” She’d read several chapters and been both engrossed and appalled by the details shared by the author but had yet to finish the book. She found she needed time to consider the material presented as she read.
“Which is why it’s perfect. How can they possibly argue over those topics? There can be no denying how atrocious the curses are. They have to agree on them.”
“Yes, but that doesn’t mean they’ll agree on how best to deal with the problems.”
“Hmm.” Her aunt scowled. “I suppose I didn’t think it through, did I?” With a shake of her head, she added, “They’re both adults. We’ll hope they find some way to bond over the subject.”
“Viscount Frost and Captain Hawke have a strong interest in the book.”
“Oh? I can only guess how they approach the problems the author brings to light. I don’t suppose it’s by discussing it to death.”
“Perhaps their military backgrounds make them determined to take action when they come upon such things.”
“That might be. Or perhaps it’s because of the type of men they are, which might be why they joined the military in the first place.”
Julia nodded. Her aunt had a valid point. Oliver and the captain had much in common.
After a brief ride, the carriage drew up before the elegant mansion. Every window was ablaze with lights.
“I can’t wait to see how Lady Strickland decorated the ballroom this time,” Aunt Matilda said as she alighted. “I understand that last year her husband nearly had a fit at how much she spent.”
“She can be rather extreme, can’t she? But I have to admit she has excellent taste.”
“She doesn’t believe in half measures, that’s for certain.” She looped her arm through Julia’s. “Now don’t forget. You’re not to spend even a moment worrying.”
“Are you reminding me or yourself?” Julia asked with a smile.
“Both of us.”
They greeted their hosts and several acquaintances then stepped into the ballroom.
“Oh my,” Aunt Matilda said as she stared at the décor.
“Indeed.” Julia had a difficult time keeping her mouth closed as she glanced about the massive room transformed into a Grecian ruin.
The walls were painted a pale shade to mimic marble, complete with cracks and crumbled corners. Tall columns matching the Pantheon graced the edges of the room. Life-size statues draped in togas added to the affect.
“Can you believe it?” Julia asked.
“She’s outdone herself once again. Her husband is definitely going to have an apoplexy when he sees the bills for this. Can you imagine the expense?”
Julia shared a chuckle with her aunt. “It’s just as well Jonathan didn’t come. He would’ve been appalled at all this after seeing Greece for himself.”
“Let us find something to drink,” her aunt said. “I’m quite parched. I hope they’re serving something stronger than lemonade.”
As they eased their way through the crowd, Julia paused to greet several acquaintances, losing her aunt in the process. Though she searched for her, she couldn’t find her.
Giving up for the moment, she accepted an invitation to dance from the Duke of Serenton. He was a nice enough man, though a bit older than she. One dance partner led to another and soon she had to pause to find something to soothe her dry throat.
The evening was warm, and the ballroom even more so. The doors to the garden were open wide, inviting the night in but no breeze eased the heat.
She knew better than to expect to see Oliver here, but that didn’t keep her from searching. Then again, how could she possibly find anyone in the crush?
“Lady Julia?”
She turned to see Lady Samantha near. “What a lovely gown,” she said with a smile. Her gown was not especially pretty, but Julia always tried to find something pleasant to say to the woman. She had a sharp tongue, which she’d used far too frequently on Lettie before her betrothal to Captain Hawke. Since then, she’d shifted her focus elsewhere.
Julia wasn’t certain why she’d escaped her cruel barbs thus far, but she was grateful for it.
“I must ask what your intentions are with the Duke of Serenton.” The tight line to Lady Samantha’s lips made Julia wonder if her escape was now at end.
“My intentions?” She couldn’t help but question the odd word choice. It sounded more suitable for one man to say to another. “I have none.”
Lady Samantha raised a brow as tho
ugh questioning her honesty.
Julia took offense but did her best to ignore it and offered one of her most charming smiles, surprised at how uncomfortable it felt. Being charming and friendly had always been her best qualities, yet they no longer felt genuine. Or perhaps they weren’t enough. The thought gave her pause but she pressed on. “He was kind enough to request a dance.”
“I know. I saw. And I did not appreciate it.”
Julia knew the woman’s mother was pressing her to make a good match, but that didn’t mean she could act so rudely. “If you have some sort of understanding with him, perhaps you should speak with him and express your feelings regarding his behavior. I’d be happy to help you find him.”
From the look on Samantha’s face, she didn’t appreciate Julia’s offer.
No matter. Julia didn’t appreciate Samantha’s comments either. Unable to curtail the impulse, Julia glanced around for the duke. “Surely he isn’t far.”
Samantha’s mouth gaped in shock. “No need to search for him.”
“It’s no problem.” Julia berated herself for her behavior. She only wanted to pretend to look for the man to make a point to Samantha. What was wrong with her? What she should be doing was trying to find something to say that might charm the lady out of her displeasure.
“You do realize that it’s not your duty to make everyone happy, don’t you?”
Lettie’s whispered words in her ear had Julia turning to her friend in surprise.
Not bothering to make their excuses to Samantha, Lettie took Julia’s arm and started walking in the opposite direction. “You never cease to amaze me, Julia.”
“Oh?” Julia couldn’t imagine why. Had Lettie seen through her feigned offer to Samantha?
“That woman is impossible. Though I’m no longer her favorite target, it doesn’t mean she’s stopped her terrible behavior.” Lettie turned to face Julia, studying her expression. “Yet you are kind enough to offer to help her. No matter what you do, you’re not going to make her happy.”
Julia sighed. “I wasn’t being sincere with Samantha.”
Lettie continued to look at her. “I don’t believe you.”
“I don’t seem to be making anyone happy at the moment.” Whether it was due to Jonathan’s arrival or her growing feelings for Oliver, she felt...different. “I don’t understand why some people choose to act the way they do.”
“It’s a puzzle, isn’t it? But it isn’t your duty to change them.”
Julia knew Lettie referred to Samantha, but that wasn’t the only person whose behavior confused Julia. She attempted to shake off her odd mood. “I was searching for something to drink. Will you join me?”
“Of course.”
“How are the wedding plans going?” Julia asked as they eased through the crowd.
“First, tell me how your father is. I heard he was feeling poorly again?”
Julia shared how difficult the past week had been.
“You must’ve been so worried.”
They spoke for several minutes, Julia also telling Lettie of her brother’s arrival.
Julia drew a breath of relief when the topic shifted to Lettie’s upcoming wedding. Yet she couldn’t help a pang of envy. Lettie was so happy, so confident in her relationship with Captain Hawke. That sort of happiness was rare and something Julia doubted she’d have the chance to experience.
She ignored the longing that filled her heart and instead, focused on finding a way to make Lettie even happier. After all, her present life was a choice she’d made. Her father deserved what small measure of joy she could bring him, and why not attempt to do the same for the other people for whom she cared?
~*~
Oliver moved slowly through the crowd, partly so he wouldn’t miss seeing Julia, and partly to give his senses time to adjust to the multitude of people. He’d come a long way in the past fortnight, though in truth, if it wasn’t for the lure of seeing Julia, he wouldn’t have attempted to attend this gathering. By keeping his focus on her, his anxiety was held at bay.
He and Hawke had spent much of the day watching the warehouse. Tubbs had followed one man to a building, which appeared to be another warehouse. Now they knew of two locations where Smithby likely kept stolen goods.
Hawke wanted to see if more existed before they took any action, and he was certain there were one or two additional spaces.
They also needed to determine where Smithby spent most of his time so that when the police assisted them in raiding the buildings, they’d know where to strike first. Knowing all of the man’s properties would prevent him from simply shifting to a new location if he managed to escape. They didn’t want all their work to be for nothing.
Hawke had eventually followed another man leaving the warehouse, but he’d only gone to a lodging house. They’d still deemed the day a success. At least, Hawke had. Oliver still wondered if he should’ve found a way to see if the book had been in the warehouse.
Oliver paused near the edge of the dance floor, searching the crowd as he decided how to proceed. The hall to his left was filled with people so he walked that way to see if she might be in one of the card rooms, surprised to see Malverson at a table.
The man glanced up and caught sight of Oliver, his expression turning into a sneer. “Venturing out of your house, Frost? Are you certain it’s safe?”
Oliver didn’t bother to reply. Malverson wasn’t worth the time or energy. Instead, he swept his gaze around the room but didn’t find Julia. He turned to leave, only to hear Malverson call his name.
Though tempted to keep walking, Oliver paused in the doorway as he rose and drew near.
“Don’t think this is over,” Malverson warned in a quiet voice. “I have no intention of allowing you to disrupt my fondness for certain...tastes. There are other ways to find what I like, you know.” He glanced out into the ballroom. “I couldn’t begin to count how many are in attendance tonight.”
Oliver felt the dark rage edge his consciousness and nearly welcomed the loss of control in this moment. “I’d advise you to restrain yourself.”
“Or what? Surely you’re not threatening me.” Malverson smiled when Oliver didn’t reply. He glanced about as though to make certain they wouldn’t be overheard. “I would hazard a guess that Lady Julia is still a virgin—at least she tasted like one to me. Unless you deflowered her yourself.”
All thoughts fled as the image of Julia in his arms filled Oliver. Damn.
Malverson laughed, the sound drawing the attention of several guests. “I can tell by your expression the thought has crossed your mind.” Malverson tapped Oliver’s chest with a finger. “You are not better than me, regardless of being some sort of supposed Navy hero.”
Oliver caught Malverson’s finger and twisted it, startling the man. “I am nothing like you.” He refused to allow Malverson to make him think that for even a moment. “You are the scum of the earth and always have been. Having a title doesn’t change that. Keep your distance from Lady Julia.”
“Or what?” Malverson attempted to pull his finger out of Oliver’s grasp to no avail.
“You don’t want to know.” Oliver said the words with certainty and twisted his finger harder.
The light of fear touched the other man’s eyes. Then his lips tightened with resolve. “Don’t threaten me, Frost. I have more power than you could possibly imagine.”
Oliver allowed a small smile. “The problem with you, Malverson, is that you’re the only one who thinks so. Keep your hands to yourself,” Oliver said as he glanced up and down the other lord, “and all the rest of you as well.”
He left Malverson sputtering as he continued his search for Julia in the ballroom, trying to release the anger building inside him at Malverson’s threat. He drew a deep breath and focused on Julia. A sense of knowing came over him and he moved closer to the open doors.
As though he’d summoned her, she came into view. The sight of her struck him squarely in the chest, making breathing difficult.
> His step faltered as he tried to determine what that might mean.
The way she made him feel was unlike anything he’d ever before experienced. He had no idea what to do about it. Even as he told himself he should leave her alone and end this infatuation before his darkness smothered her light, she turned and saw him.
Her smile loosened the vice on his chest, allowing him to breathe once more. It released the doubt along with any thought of removing himself from her life. Though he didn’t know where his desire for her might lead, he simply didn’t have the strength of will to let her go. Not yet.
“I didn’t expect to see you here, my lord.” She frowned as she studied his expression. “Is all well?”
“Of course.”
“Oliver?” She reached out and put her hand on his arm, her concern shifting the balance he’d thought he’d regained. His given name on her lips threatened to undo him.
He held her gaze, her sparkling blue eyes enough to make him want to draw her into his arms and never let her go. He settled for standing next to her. “All is well.”
Before he could say anything more, he caught sight of Malverson exiting the card room. The other lord caught Oliver’s gaze and smiled, his glance falling to Julia.
“What’s wrong?”
“Why do you think anything is amiss?” He deliberately turned his back on Malverson, hoping the man would heed his earlier warning.
“I can see you’re upset. What is it?”
He debated how much to tell her. Would Malverson be stupid enough to take action? Unfortunately, Oliver thought he might. He’d desired Julia before Oliver had entered her social life. Oliver’s involvement made him even more likely to do something. “I just spoke with Malverson.”
The alarm on her face had him cursing under his breath. “What did he say?”
It angered Oliver to no end to have to tell her anything about the man. “Let us just say you should keep your distance from him.”
“Believe me, I had no intention of seeking him out.” The steely strength in her tone reassured him that he’d made the right decision to tell her.
Charming the Scholar (The Seven Curses of London Book 2) Page 20