The Barrister's Choice

by Kelly Anne Bruce

  “Hmm, that does not sound very promising.” Lady Amelia opened her fan and fluttered it as she thought. “Perhaps if you could find some common interest with him.”

  “That would be extremely nice although he seems to only talk about parties and the latest whims of London society. I like pretty dresses but I am not so concerned with the latest fashions as to speak of nothing else.”

  Lady Amelia nodded and then snapped her fan closed. “I heard Timothy speaking to Father last night about Lord Norsely’s carriage.”

  “His carriage?”

  “Yes, he just recently acquired a new curricle. Timothy said that he is rather proud of it and his new horses.”

  “Perhaps,” Julianna said slowly. “I rather like the idea of having something to speak about.”

  She looked across the room just as Lord Norsely looked up. He smiled at her and she smiled only to look away soon after.

  “I believe he is coming over to speak with you,” Lady Amelia said quietly. “We shall act as though we have not noticed.”

  Julianne opened her fan and fluttered it in front of her face. “I do not know what you are talking about.”

  Lady Amelia laughed softly next to her.

  “Good evening, Lady Julianna,” Lord Norsely said coming up to her. “Good evening, Lady Amelia.”

  “Good evening, Lord Norsely.”

  “Would you like to get a refreshment and take a walk in the garden with me?”

  Julianna could feel Lady Amelia next to her urging her to accept his invitation. After letting him wait a short little while, Julianna deigned to reply. “Yes, that would be rather nice.”

  “Thank you,” he said and offered her his arm. “Please excuse us, Lady Amelia.”

  “Yes, of course,” she replied, giving Julianna an encouraging smile.

  Lord Norsely led her from the ballroom smiling and nodding at others as they passed and Lady Julianna began reminding herself of his many good points.

  The dining room was rather crowded so Lord Norsely left her near the door with the promise to return shortly with a glass of punch.

  She saw Lady Priscilla come out of the dining room with Lady Sarah and several other ladies. Lady Priscilla caught sight of Julianna and whispered something to Lady Sarah. They both looked back over to her and then laughed. Annoyed with their behaviour, Julianna started laughing and then covered her mouth as if trying to hide the fact that she was laughing from them. Lady Priscilla’s brow furrowed in confusion and the smile left her face. She quickly looked down at her dress and then suddenly hurried down the hallway with Lady Sarah and the others following quickly behind.

  Julianna chuckled to herself and then remembered seeing Mr Repington with Lady Priscilla earlier. He had not looked very happy and as she heard Lord Norsely talking in the dining room she realized that she felt the same way.

  Lord Norsely brought her a cup of punch. “There you go.”

  “Thank you, “

  They stood silently for a moment and Julianna let out a long breath searching for a way to start a conversation. “Will you be traveling back to London with Lord and Lady Marsfeld in the next few days?”

  “We are all leaving tomorrow afternoon, but my parents will be traveling in their coach. I will be returning in my curricle.”

  “You have a curricle? Oh, how wonderful,” Julianna said trying not to cringe at how she sounded.

  “Yes, it is a rather new acquisition,” Lord Norsely said proudly.

  Pleased that they were finally conversing added, “Oh yes, I did hear about that in the garden earlier this week.”

  “Oh? You heard?” He raised an eyebrow and turned his head to look at her.

  “Yes, I heard that your new curricle is all the crack.”

  Lord Norsely puffed up at the compliment. “That is quite true. It is the newest and latest design and my new horses are a prime bit of blood.”

  “Do you ride often?”

  “No, I do not,” he said dismissively and then seemed to realize how he sounded. He hurried on to explain his reasoning. “While I appreciate the majesty of the horses that pull my curricle, I’ve no desire to spend time in a dirty stable or dealing with commanding such unexceptional creatures.”

  Julianna immediately thought of the young foals that lived with the mares in the stable. She yearned to stomp on his foot and retreat from the dining room. How dare he say that those sweet creatures were unexceptional!

  “Lady Julianna, are you well?”

  “Yes, why do you ask?” She said looking away, her voice cool.

  “You just had the most peculiar look on your face. Are you sure that you are well?”

  Given a second opportunity to answer the question Julianna shook her head. “I am afraid that I have come down with a headache. If you will excuse me, I believe I shall go for a rest.”

  “Yes, of course,” he replied. “Are you sure you will be all right on your own?”

  “Yes, thank you, Lord Norsely,” Julianna set the glass of punch on the table. “Good evening.”

  She left the dining room and instead of turning down the hall that would take her up the stairs to her room, Julianna went the other way and made her way out into the garden.

  Realizing that she might be discovered by Lord Norsely if he happened to continue with his plan to walk in the garden, she slipped into one of the smaller side gardens, stopping suddenly when she saw that she was not alone. Mr Repington was standing near a stone pillar. A lantern hung from near the top illuminating the small area of the garden.

  “Oh, pardon me,” she muttered and turned back toward the gate.

  He turned as if noticing her for the first time. “Do not leave on my account. I only stepped out to enjoy some fresh air. And a sliver of silence.”

  “That is my aim as well.”

  “I invite you to join me,” he said.

  She paused looking back toward the house. They were fairly out in the open but she still wondered about anyone discovering them alone in the garden.

  He pointed to a bench on the other side of a large stone planter. “Perhaps you could sit there and I will sit on the bench over there. If anyone were to come upon us there would no reason for them to think anything untoward.”

  She contemplated his idea briefly before deciding that some peace and quiet was worth the risk. “Yes, I believe that would be agreeable.” Julianna moved to the bench and sat down.

  They sat there in silence for a few minutes until Julianna spoke up. “It is quite lovely out.”

  “It is, indeed,” Mr Repington agreed. “I only wish that we had a closer view of the stables.”

  Julianna laughed softly. “Oh, Mr Repington, I was wishing the very same thing.”

  Chapter Nine

  Hugh sat at the large desk in his residence in London wishing he was back at Eastbridge. It had been nearly a week since he had left the house party and had done little in regards to the next step in his profession as a barrister.

  He had gone to Eastbridge hoping to take some time to contemplate what he wanted to do upon his return to London. Unfortunately, he had spent far too much time enjoying the house party and too little time thinking about being a barrister. All Hugh knew was that he would be much happier if he were back riding a horse through the trees and meadows near Eastbridge. Or at least out in the countryside somewhere.

  When he had returned to from the house party, Hugh had found that he had received several letters in his absence regarding his selection as a barrister. He only needed to decide whether he wanted to accept a government appointment or present cases brought to him by solicitors. It should not have been a difficult decision.

  Hugh suspected that his hesitance was borne of the knowledge that his father and brother would be involved, no matter which direction he chose. However, he did not want to spite himself in his attempt to distance himself from the interference of his family.

  Hugh picked up one of the letters. Lord Fairburn had written to make him aware that a go
vernment position was available. Fairburn had requested that Hugh pay him a visit at Parliament by the end of the week. It was already Wednesday, so he would need to arrange a visit the next day as he did not want to offend Lord Fairburn. Surely, it would do no harm to talk to the man.

  Hugh's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of knocking on his door. He had no idea who could be calling as he did not get many visitors. From the insistent knocking. Hugh discerned that it was most likely the delivery of another letter.

  Hugh opened the door.

  "Good afternoon, Hugh."

  Hugh stood stock still for several moments somewhat shocked to find not the delivery boy that he had expected, but his father, the Duke of Castborough, standing tall at his doorstep. "Good afternoon, Father. Please come in."

  "I apologize for not letting you know that I would be arriving." The duke smiled, though Hugh could tell he was not really sorry for dropping in unannounced. Hugh knew that his father wanted to catch him unawares. While Hugh knew to be wary, he did not know what his father was about quite yet.

  Hugh followed his father into the small drawing room.

  "I had forgotten how small this house is." Looking around with amusement, the duke steepled his fingers together and then took a seat near the window. Clearly, he was biding his time with small talk until he was ready to share his reason for being there.

  Hugh smiled. "It is not that small. It certainly serves its purpose. I am very thankful for it."

  "Yes, yes. Of course, you are." His father leaned back in the chair setting his hands on the arms of the chair, looking regal and stately. "I am glad that it served you well, and I am sure that you are looking forward to moving back into Repington House."

  "Moving back?" Hugh repeated.

  "Well, yes. You cannot be thinking of staying here when you could be living at Grosvenor Square," his father looked at him as though Hugh had clearly not thought the idea completely through. "If you are to be a barrister you should not be living in such a small house on the outskirts of London. Living in Mayfair will certainly play to your favour."

  Hugh knew that he was right but hated that he had to concede to his father's interference.

  "Yes, of course, Father. I had not thought of it that way. Once I have my affairs in order here, I will consider moving back. Thank you."

  "Do not thank me yet. I have much to tell you." Hugh realized that they were about to get to the true reason for his visit.

  "Oh?" Hugh asked calmly.

  “Yes, while you were gone at your little house party,” the duke paused and Hugh endeavoured to ignore his father’s clear disdain for his sojourn. “I had some nice conversations with some other members of Parliament.”

  Hugh closed his eyes briefly, hoping he was wrong about what his father meant. He nodded and said, “That is good. Have you and Wellington finally come to an agreement?”

  “No, that old goat is the most stubborn man in all of England,” his father grumbled. He looked to go on but suddenly stopped, giving Hugh a sharp look. “ But as I was saying, in your absence, I spoke with many in Parliament. Lord Fairburn was rather forthright. There is a government position open and Fairburn is very interested in speaking with you about it.”

  Hugh wanted to yell at his father but he tempered his words. “Father, thank you but I assure you it was unnecessary of you to talk to anyone on my behalf.”

  “But—” The duke continued his thought, but Hugh would not allow him to go on.

  "I have not made any decisions regarding my profession,” Hugh told him. “As soon as I do though, I will be most happy to let you know.”

  His father sat stoic and quiet for what seemed an interminable length of time but most likely only truly amounted to a few moments. Finally, he looked up. “There is one other matter that I came to discuss, namely your courtship with Lady Priscilla.”

  “There is no courtship, not with Lady Priscilla nor any other young lady.” Hugh smiled wanly. "There is much time left in the Season for that."

  “I understand that you have only just been introduced but I believe that you and she would make a favourable match.”

  Hugh took a deep breath set on arguing with his father but it became quite clear he did not trust himself to stay civil. Instead, he stood up looking at his watch. “My word! I did not realize that it was so late. Thank you so much for stopping by to deliver the news.”

  His father did not move although he did appear somewhat confused. It was likely the fact that he was not used to being dismissed.

  Hugh tried to look as apologetic as possible. “My apologies but I must get ready for my evening out.”

  “Are you attending Almack’s this evening?”

  Hugh had not thought about what night it was but his father was quite correct Almack’s would be in full swing. “Yes, now that I am back in London and my studies are complete, it is time for me to enjoy the social events of the Season."

  His father finally stood up and began to follow Hugh out. “I am glad you will be there. Your sister and brother will be there, as well.”

  “How fortuitous," Hugh said with a smile. "I am looking forward to seeing them.”

  Hugh ushered his father out the front door, groaning as he did so. He had had no intention of going to Almack’s but would now have to attend. Henrietta would surely tell their mother and father that he was not in attendance.

  “Lawks!” He kicked a table leg that was the closest to him and stalked out of the room to get dressed.

  Chapter Ten

  Julianna let out an exasperated sigh. "Mother, if you do not stop fussing, those gossips you are so concerned about will surely notice and begin to fabricate a story to explain your nervousness."

  Her mother's hands immediately dropped to her sides. "You are right. I am just so nervous about tonight."

  "I do not understand what has made you so uneasy." Julianna stood quietly next to her mother. "We have been to Almack’s several times already this Season."

  "Yes, but we have been away from London for a time and you never know when a new scandal has appeared, fabricated or not."

  Julianna tilted her head slightly, amazed her mother would worry over events that had not even happened. Indeed, events that would probably never happen. "While it is true that one can never tell when the gossips will be talking, I am not sure I understand why that makes you anxious."

  Her mother began to wring her hands again. "I worry over what the gossips may have said in our absence. I would hate for Lord Norsely to believe something that is not true."

  "Do not be concerned about Lord Norsely. Anything the gossips may have said in our absence he would know to be a lie as he was at the same house party that we were."

  Her mother nodded. "Of course, you are right but still it has been a week since we have returned to London and you have heard nothing from Lord Norsley." Her mother began to glance nervously around the large ballroom.

  Julianna sighed. “It is true that we have not heard from Lord Norsely but that means nothing.”

  Her mother turned back to her with a shake of her head.

  Julianna held up a gloved hand. “We do not even know whether he has arrived back in London. There are other house parties being held. We were invited to the party held by Lord Cullingham and while we declined the invitation in order to come back to London, it is entirely possible that Lord Norsely did go to the party.”

  Julianna was not concerned about Lord Norsely, after all, they had only returned to London a week ago. Perhaps if they had been back for a longer period of time she would have been worried although that was unlikely as well. Not that she did not want to see Lord Norsely again. She only hoped their meetings would be less uncomfortable now that they had returned to London.

  “Oh look! It is Lady Eastbridge. Perhaps I shall go speak to her,” her mother said sounding hopeful.

  “Yes, that would be wonderful,” Julianna replied glad that her mother was starting to calm herself.

  “I can ask Lad
y Eastbridge if she has heard anything.”

  Julianna stifled the urge to roll her eyes, but better Lady Eastbridge abide her mother. “Perhaps some conversation will help to ease your mind.”

  Her mother nodded and they began to move through the crowd. As they grew closer to Lady Eastbridge, Julianna saw that Lady Amelia was nearby speaking with Lady Henrietta. Before Julianna could even react to seeing her friend, Lady Amelia was beckoning her to join them.

  “Lady Julianna! I am so glad you are here. I was hoping to see you.” Lady Amelia smiled. “Have you met Lady Henrietta?”

  Julianna smiled at the other girl. “Yes, although we have only spoken a few times.”

  Lady Henrietta nodded. “Lady Julianna had the pleasure of being at Lady Sarah’s recital a few weeks ago.”

  Julianna’s eyes widened briefly as she recalled the horrible screeching and equally abysmal piano forte music that accompanied it. “I will admit to being at the recital, and I could say many things but as I endeavour to be polite, I will only say that it was not very pleasing at all.”

  Lady Amelia began to laugh and covered her mouth as her mother turned quickly with a stern look. “You are teasing me. Surely it was not as bad as that.” She glanced at Lady Henrietta. “Was it?”

  Lady Henrietta grimaced. “Honestly, Lady Julianna was being rather kind. I think my brother described it as sounding as though a half-foxed parrot was playing the pianoforte while several cats fought over a bucket of fish.”

  Julianna nodded in agreement as Lady Amelia said, “Oh goodness, that is terrible.”

  “Yes, it truly was,” Lady Henrietta agreed.

  “And completely accurate,” Julianna said and they all laughed.

  “Oh Heavens!” Lady Henrietta suddenly exclaimed.

  “Lady Henrietta, are you all right?”

  “Oh! Yes, my apologies. I just saw my brother walk in. I had no idea that he planned on attending.” She looked rather astonished. “I do not think he has been to more than a few events all Season.”