“Didn’t you hear me before? I’m a wanted man, Cody. Even if I wished to marry Violet, I made enemies out of some dangerous people. I can’t put her in danger.”
“I’ll pay your debts and give you a small stake besides. Isn’t a chance at redemption better than hiding the rest of your life?” Cody slid a dirty rag across the table, wrapped around a stack of pound notes. “This should help.”
Zachary stuffed the small bundle into his pocket without bothering to look inside. “I’ll take your money because I’m desperate, but I assure you it won’t satisfy my creditors. Nevertheless, it’ll buy me time.”
“How much in the way of funds do you need?”
“No amount of money will smooth over the ill will I’ve engendered.” He glanced at Violet’s letter. “May I keep this? It’ll be a reminder that somebody loved me once.”
After Cody nodded, Zachary slid the envelope into his pocket, reached across the table, and shook his hand. “Thank you, cousin. I probably won’t see you again.”
Zachary lurched to his feet and strode toward the door. Cody made no attempt to stop him. Maybe the help he’d offered wasn’t what his cousin needed. Perhaps Juliet was right and Zachary was just too far gone to save. His attempt to help had ended in failure, he’d wasted his time, and felt foolish to boot. He tossed some coins on the table, drained his ale, and left the tavern.
Cody’s accusations about her attitude bothered Juliet more than she’d imagined. That night, she tossed and turned, unable to sleep. He’d made it sound as if she were despicably cruel and unfeeling, although nothing could be further from the truth. Considering everything Violet had done, was Juliet wrong to turn her back to the girl? Besides which, if she came to Violet’s aid, wouldn’t Kitty view her actions as disloyal in the extreme? She had a duty to her own family, and owed Violet nothing.
And yet, her conscience bothered her still.
If Cody managed to convince Zachary to marry Violet and take proper care of her, that would be all well and good. But what if—as she suspected—he didn’t succeed? Violet was living with her elderly aunt, who was barely getting by. Suppose after the baby arrived, the aunt died. Who would take care of Violet and her child then?
Juliet turned on her side so she could stroke Robin Hood, who now refused to sleep anywhere except on her bed. The puppy was fast asleep and dreaming of chasing butterflies, if the tiny movements of his paws were any indication. As she stroked his fur, the pup yawned, stretched, and went back to sleep. Juliet smiled and scratched the back of his ears. The little dog would certainly enjoy running through the fields at Constance Hall during her stay.
Grovebrook was not especially far from Little Brambleton. In fact, Little Brambleton was only one train stop to the north. What if she were to visit Violet, just to see how she fared? A short visit wouldn’t necessarily mean she approved of the girl’s behavior, but perhaps it was the decent thing to do. Juliet had a sum of money to spare, put by from her allowance. Certainly it would cause very little hardship to her if she gave it to Violet for her expenses. In addition, they could discuss how Violet might make a living for herself going forward.
The only trick would be to get away from Constance Hall without answering awkward questions about her destination. To spare Kitty’s feelings, she’d have to keep it secret, of course. Furthermore, she wouldn’t want Cody to know, either. Should he learn the truth, his smugness would be unbearable. Besides which, it would be best if he continued to think ill of her. He’d keep his distance that way, and perhaps she wouldn’t constantly yearn to feel the softness of his lips against hers. She’d just have to fashion some sort of plausible excuse and hope not to be found out.
As the train pulled out of the station, Stephanie and Juliet tried to get their pups to settle down. Both Texas and Robin Hood wished to look out the window, but the speed at which the scenery sped by made them anxious. Stephanie chucked Texas under her chin, and the little dog wagged her tail.
“I daresay Texas and Robin Hood will relax once they get used to the train,” Juliet said.
“I imagine so. Does Robin Hood sleep with you?”
“Of course. After the first night, he wouldn’t stop whining until I lifted him onto the coverlet.”
“That was the same with Texas. I’m so thankful you invited me to visit with your sister and brother-in-law. It would have been dreadfully dull in town without you.”
“I hope it’ll be fun. At least you’ll be able to see a little more of England.”
“Lord Elbourne will join us in a day or two. I do believe I’m quite infatuated with the man.”
“And he with you.”
“You’ve been awfully gracious, but I’m still embarrassed about the other night.”
“You needn’t be. I’m just glad we’re beyond it.”
Stephanie gave Juliet a worried look. “Did you and Cody quarrel, by chance? You both seemed rather cool to one another at the station just now.”
Juliet saw no reason to hide the truth. In fact, it was the perfect opportunity to begin unwinding the ruse. “We did have a disagreement.” To her horror, tears began to sting her eyelids.
“Oh, no, I didn’t mean to make you cry!”
“It’s all right. I didn’t realize how upset I was about it until now.” Juliet cleared her throat. “We disagreed philosophically about what to do when a former friend asks for help. I took the position that if the person had wronged me, I’d no obligation to render assistance. Cody thought my stance unfeeling. His regard for me has cooled irreparably as a result.”
“I’m sure that’s not the case, but he’s rather stupid to let such a silly argument come between him and the woman he loves. For what it’s worth, I happen to agree with you. I’ll write and scold him for being officious.”
“I beg you not to mention it to him, please. If he doesn’t wish to heal the breach, it’s best to find it out now. I shouldn’t like to spend the rest of my life with a domineering man who won’t let me have my own opinion when it differs from his.”
“Nor would I. All right, I won’t say anything, but I hope he comes around.”
Juliet knew differently, but she smiled through her tears anyway. “I’m sure it will work out for the best.”
“I’m glad you forgave me for my outburst toward you. I’ve been trying to decide why I let my jealousy take over. I think it was because I wasn’t raised in England and have no idea how to fit in to society here. After I met Lord Elbourne and realized how much I liked him, I rather wondered how there could be anything about me to attract him apart from my money.”
“Don’t be so hard on yourself for your feelings. I daresay I could never fit in to Texas society.”
Stephanie frowned. “My mother always felt the same way. She did the best she could to be a rancher’s wife, but it wasn’t easy for her.”
“I’m sorry for your loss. It must be terribly difficult for you.”
“Yes, it’s been lonely since her passing. In some ways, it was harder on Cody. Mama was especially close with him, and he became quite undone at her funeral.”
“Is that why he’s so keen to return to Texas, do you suppose?”
“I hadn’t thought about it until now, but I suspect that’s it. He’s had a very hard time letting her go.”
Stephanie’s revelation seemed to squeeze Juliet’s heart. She couldn’t possibly compete with the memory of Cody’s revered mother, and she didn’t wish to try. Saddened, she pulled Robin Hood into her lap and stroked his fur until he fell asleep.
Over a breakfast of crisp bacon and porridge, Kitty read Juliet’s letter with growing concern.
Philip glanced up from his eggs and toast. “You’ve gone rather quiet. Your sister hasn’t postponed her visit, has she?”
“No, she’s to arrive this afternoon with her friend. Nevertheless, I can scarcely believe the information in this letter. Had you any notion your father was in financial difficulty?”
An expression of utter incredulity crossed his face. “What?
That’s absurd!”
“Juliet writes that because of the financial difficulty threatening the estate, a marriage has been arranged between Augustus and a Texian heiress named Miss Stephanie Gryphon.”
“Why didn’t my father or Augustus tell me any of this?”
“Perhaps they didn’t want to worry you.” Kitty frowned. “You don’t suppose Miss Gryphon is related to the Gryphon family, do you?”
“She must be. I understand Lord Harkencester had a younger son who left England to make his fortune across the Atlantic. I’d no idea the fellow landed in Texas of all places, but Miss Gryphon must be Lord Harkencester’s granddaughter and, therefore, Lord Gryphon’s cousin.”
“Since one cannot choose one’s relatives, I shan’t hold Lord Gryphon against Miss Gryphon. I confess, however, I’m rather disappointed that Juliet and Augustus aren’t to marry. I know she’s terribly fond of him.”
“I must leave for London immediately after breakfast.”
“But we’ve guests on the way!”
“I’ll return as soon as I’m able, but it won’t be until after I can get this straightened out. Kitty, I examined the estate’s books myself and I’m quite familiar with all its assets. Unless something has gone horribly wrong in the last two months, the estate is solvent.”
When Juliet and Stephanie arrived at the Grovebrook rail station, Kitty and Prudence were there to greet them. Kitty was as gorgeous as ever, but Juliet wasn’t prepared for how plump and beautiful Prudence—now known as Lady Kirkham—had become. Indeed, married life seemed to suit both ladies, and Juliet couldn’t have been more pleased. They bid her and Stephanie a warm welcome, and ushered them to the carriage. After the luggage had been loaded, their short journey to Constance Hall began.
“I must apologize for Philip’s absence. He’s gone to London on business, I’m afraid,” Kitty said. “I urged him to return as soon as possible, but it won’t be until tomorrow at the earliest.”
Juliet was disappointed. “That’s too bad, but Stephanie will meet him upon his return.”
Prudence gave Texas a pat on the head as she took Robin Hood onto her lap. “Matching pups?”
Stephanie’s eyes sparkled with merriment. “There’s one significant difference, Lady Kirkham. Texas is a girl and Robin Hood is a boy. Nevertheless, they’re litter mates.”
“By the way, Stephanie, Prudence’s mother and Augustus are first cousins,” Juliet said.
“Oh, my! Everybody seems to be related to everyone else in England. I never had any extended family in Texas, so it’s all rather complicated to me.”
“Miss Gryphon, have you had the chance to meet any of your extended family since your arrival?” Kitty asked.
“Only Uncle William and Aunt Zinna. I’m sad to say, neither one treated me with any particular regard. My brother Cody visited our cousin Zachary the other day, but found little welcome there, either.”
Prudence nodded. “Blood isn’t always thicker than water. I myself am estranged from my father.” Her smile slipped a little. “One copes as best one can.”
Kitty gave her an understanding smile. “Friendships can often be more rewarding than family ties.”
“I quite agree.” Stephanie gave Juliet a sidelong glance. “When Cody marries Juliet, however, I’ll be gaining a most amiable sister.”
Kitty and Prudence both exclaimed, “What!” so loudly that the dogs’ ears rose.
“I thought you knew!” Stephanie’s eyes widened. “If I spoke out of turn, I’m so sorry!”
Inwardly, Juliet winced. She hadn’t mentioned the engagement ruse to her sister in her letters because she’d wanted to explain it in person. Until she could confide the truth to Kitty in private, however, she was forced to play along.
“Ah…yes. Cody Gryphon proposed and I accepted.”
Kitty’s jaw dropped. “Tell me everything!”
“Well…I first saw Cody at Lord and Lady Ayscoghe’s soirée and I thought for a moment my heart had stopped.”
Stephanie giggled. “The night of the soirée, Cody told me he felt the same thing about you.”
Juliet’s face warmed. “Did he?”
Her sister’s eyes twinkled. “Is he handsome?”
“I-I’ve never seen any man who appealed to me more. Both Mama and Papa are well pleased at the match.”
“What an auspicious sign! I’ve never known the two of them to agree on much of anything.” Kitty laughed. “Once you’re settled in, I’ll press you for more details.”
“You’ve come to Grovebrook a little early, I’m afraid,” Prudence said. “There’s to be a harvest festival in October which should be a great deal of fun, but perhaps you can come back then. We’ll all be pitching in to make decorations.”
Prudence began to talk about all the wonderful food to be had at the festival, including freshly-pressed apple cider from the grove adjacent to her cottage. Although she feigned interest, Juliet was preoccupied with her cool parting from Cody that morning. Even though he despised her, she couldn’t help but wish they were still friends. In addition, she wondered whether his cousin had decided to do anything about Violet. Unfortunately, with so many people around, she’d had no opportunity to inquire.
Suddenly, she realized her sister had asked her a question. “I’m sorry, what did you say?”
“Daydreaming of a certain gentleman? I believe I was just as easily distracted when I first fell in love with Philip.” Kitty laughed. “At any rate, I was asking if you’d like to see the town? We’re driving through now.”
Juliet glanced out the window to see a pristine little village, filled with well-kept shops and businesses. “How charming!”
“Philip says Grovebrook was quite neglected when he arrived. He had to do a great deal to the place to make it presentable.”
“The residents tell me all the time how much better things are since Philip purchased the place,” Prudence said. “Apparently, Lord Moregate’s former representative was dreadfully dishonest and unpleasant besides.”
“How is Lord Kirkham enjoying managing the town?” Juliet asked.
“Actually Freddie adores working, much more than he anticipated. He says his duties give him a sense of satisfaction at the end of the day, and he likes being a help to Philip. As for me, I enjoy socializing with the townspeople. In my former life as a hothouse flower, I wouldn’t have been afforded the opportunity to do so.” She pointed at a house as they drove by. “That’s where Freddie and I live, at Cousin’s Cottage. I’m able to spin wool and knit lace to my heart’s content, with nobody to criticize!”
Prudence’s happiness was catching, and Juliet found her dour mood dissipating.
“I’m looking forward to our visit very much. London is exciting, to be sure, but the constant scrutiny can be stifling.”
“And the gossip!” Stephanie shook her head. “That’s the problem with society; nobody has anything worthwhile to do, so they pay far too much attention to other people’s business.”
Kitty gave Prudence an amused glance before making a response. “You’ve put your finger on it, exactly, Miss Gryphon.”
“Do call me Stephanie, Lady Philip. We’re so far from London, I wouldn’t want to stand on ceremony.”
“Thank you, Stephanie. Please call me Kitty, then.”
Prudence waved. “And I’m Prudence.”
The carriage turned onto a driveway, and the manor house was revealed.
“Oh, Kitty, your home is perfectly lovely!” Juliet beamed. “I can’t wait to see inside.”
Augustus was shocked when Philip arrived at the London townhouse in the late afternoon, but he shook his younger brother’s hand with pleasure. “You’re the last person I expected to see, especially since Juliet is on her way to Grovebrook with Miss Gryphon. Are you in town long?”
“Hopefully not. Is Father here with you?”
Augustus peered at Philip, whose face was etched with worry. “He just left for the club for drinks and an early dinner with Miss G
ryphon’s father, Lord Horatio. Is something amiss?”
“Juliet’s letter to Kitty this morning was the first I’d heard about Father’s supposed financial difficulty. I came as quickly as I could, but I don’t understand why either of you didn’t let me know sooner.”
“We thought it best not to worry you. Father has a new man of business now, and he’s approved a list of economies. Most significantly, however, Father has arranged my marriage to Miss Gryphon. The wealth she brings to the match will buoy our assets until we’re in the black once more.”
“What about Juliet?”
“She and I were taken aback by the news, admittedly, but we’ve adjusted to the realities of the situation tolerably well.”
Philip made a sound of frustration. “Have you already proposed to Miss Gryphon?”
“Not yet. Not officially, anyway. I decided to wait a few more days so we can get better acquainted.”
“Well, you needn’t propose to her at all. The estate is perfectly sound.”
“I’m afraid it’s not.” Augustus frowned. “I examined the books personally, Philip. Meadow’s End is losing money every month.”
“As you very well know, I was poring over the books for months before Father agreed to sell Grovebrook to me. Although I heartily concur that economies should be made, those records don’t reflect the entirety of Father’s wealth.”
“What? I’m not following you.”
“Mother brought assets to the marriage, including shares in coal-gas companies. The dividends from those leases are paid annually into a separate bank account, and then the cash is made available for the running of Meadow’s End. Didn’t Mr. Randall bring that account to your attention?”
“No.” Augustus felt slightly dizzy and he was obliged to sit down. “Father discharged Randall in favor of a new man-of-business, Mr. Burton Kelly. None of us discovered the existence of this other account. Are you quite certain of your information?”
“There’s a ledger detailing the account at the bottom of the safe, underneath Mother’s jewels. I suspect if Randall was discharged, he failed to disclose its existence to Father out of spite. Even so, Mother should have told you. Randall always reviewed the account with her annually.”
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