“You could still have sent it by letter. Why are you going to see her in person?”
“I wanted to assess her situation, and talk to her about ways she might support herself going forward. I’ve neither the means nor the inclination to send her funds regularly.”
“Then you guessed I’d have no luck with Zachary?”
Juliet shrugged. “I’d like to think there’s good in everyone, but I know it isn’t always so.” She met his gaze. “Why are you going to see her?”
“To apologize for my cousin, and to assist her financially. Since Zachary is the father of her child, I feel some sort of familial obligation to help.”
Juliet stared out the window at the passing countryside. Cody was certainly a man of contradictions. His appearance was that of a gentleman, yet he’d performed the backbreaking work of a vaquero. Although he spoke with a proper English accent, his heart was in Texas. Virtual strangers earned his charity and concern, but she was apparently a passing fancy, easily forgotten. Was there something wrong with him, or was she to blame for her inappropriate attraction? She suspected the latter.
“I didn’t mean to offend you last night with my soliloquy,” he said. “I meant it as a compliment.”
“I wasn’t offended, but…I think you believe me to be cold and unfeeling. I’m neither, Cody. And since you’re leaving England, I can’t allow myself to be imposed upon.”
It was his turn to stare out the window. Because his face had become a mask, she couldn’t guess his thoughts. Nevertheless, she had plenty of her own to contend with. Last night, her grandmother had encouraged her to change Cody’s mind about leaving. The man had made his desire for her plain enough, and she understood full well how to ensnare him with her charms. Nevertheless, she respected herself enough to wait for a man who loved her so unreservedly, he had no regrets about not choosing another life. Cody showed no signs of such devotion, and she refused to settle for anything less.
Mrs. Agatha Darien, great-aunt to Violet Haver, lived in a tiny cottage within a stone’s throw of the train tracks. As Juliet and Cody stepped down from their hired carriage, they exchanged a troubled glance.
“I expect the occupants know the train schedule full well,” Juliet murmured.
He frowned. “This is no place for a baby. He’ll be deafened before he’s three years of age.”
Weeds choked the short swath of yard from the pavement to the front door. Since the brass door knocker had long been missing, Cody used his knuckles to rap on the wood. Moments later, Juliet heard Violet’s voice from the other side.
“I’ll get it, Auntie.”
When Juliet’s former friend opened the door, her gaze latched onto Cody. Her eyes widened and her skin grew pale. In the next moment, she sagged against the doorjamb.
Cody peered at her. “Are you unwell?”
“No. I’m sorry, but I thought you were someone else.” She shifted her attention to Juliet. “So you’ve come after all.” Violet tucked stray lock of hair behind one ear and stepped back to admit the visitors. “Please, come in.”
The door opened into a vestibule, which led to a small parlor. Even though Cody had removed his hat, his head nearly reached the ceiling. When Juliet glanced up, she couldn’t help but notice missing patches of plaster, likely shaken loose by vibrations from the passing trains. Although the residence was clean enough, it was in need of repair and maintenance, inside and out.
“Violet, this is Mr. Cody Gryphon, who is Lord Gryphon’s cousin. Cody, allow me to present Miss Haver.”
Violet curtsied before gesturing toward the sofa. “Do sit down.” Her expression grew strained. “I know I ought to offer you tea and biscuits, but I haven’t any of either. Please forgive me.”
Juliet sat, wondering the best way to begin the conversation. Her friend wore a loose gown covered by an apron, but her garments couldn’t entirely conceal her burgeoning waistline. Violet’s face was fuller, and her hair far more simply arranged than Juliet was accustomed to seeing. Nevertheless, the woman’s beauty was still very much in evidence, and perhaps even enhanced by her added softness.
Violet cleared her throat. “I’d introduce you to my aunt, but she’s feeling poorly and keeps to her bed.”
“I’m sorry to hear it.” Juliet offered her a sad smile. “Forgive me for not coming to see you before now, but I wasn’t exactly sure how to help.” She glanced at Cody. “Mr. Gryphon went to see his cousin on your behalf, but I’ll let him explain.”
“Miss Haver, I’m sorry to tell you that despite my entreaties, Zachary was unmoved by your situation.”
As tears sprang to Violet’s eyes, he frowned. “Perhaps it’s more accurate to say he treasures the memory of your affections, but I think he’s lost confidence in himself. You see, he’s also been disinherited by our grandfather, and is now earning a living by working with his hands. Zachary believes you may be better off without him, despite my remonstrations to the contrary.”
“Poor Zachary!”
The tears spilled over, and Cody hastened to press his handkerchief into Violet’s shaking hands. Juliet tried to keep her countenance, but she was confounded by her friend’s tender sentiment toward the man who’d abandoned her. Her unwavering adoration in the face of such indifference drew Juliet’s pity. Suddenly, her grievances against Violet seemed unimportant, and she was very glad she’d come to help. In addition, she was exceedingly glad Cody was here. She suspected his steady male presence was the only thing keeping Violet from becoming completely undone.
“I came to assure you of a certain level of financial support on behalf of my family,” he said. “Your child is a Gryphon, after all.”
Violet glanced up, a gleam of hope in her eyes. “Are you saying the Gryphons are prepared to accept me?”
Cody shook his head. “I’ve not been given permission to confide your situation to my immediate family, and I doubt very much my aunt, uncle, or grandfather would approve. Nevertheless, I feel it’s the least I can do.”
He retrieved a wallet from his inner coat pocket, extracted a large quantity of pound notes, and put them on the low table in front of Violet.
Juliet reached into her bag for the money she’d brought and laid her contribution on top of his. “I don’t wish to be insensitive, Violet, but have you considered ways you might support yourself and the baby? You play piano very well. Perhaps you might give lessons?”
“I know you’re trying to help, but how many good families will employ the service of a fallen woman? I’ve passed myself off as a widow so far, but I can’t hide from the truth forever.”
“There are many other ways to make money than catering to the gentry. Plenty of women have resorted to crafts, such as dipping candles, spinning yarn, or needlework.”
“I suppose it’s time to start planning for a future on my own.” She gathered up the money and slid it into the pocket of her apron. “Since I’ve no pride left, I humbly accept your help.” A sob caught in her throat as she met Juliet’s gaze. “You’ve every right to despise me!”
“I don’t despise you, Violet. You’ve your entire life ahead of you, with a beautiful child to care for. There will be challenges, but I expect you’ll find your way through if you put your mind to it.”
Juliet rose and gave her friend a kiss on the cheek. Thereafter, she and Cody took their leave and climbed into the waiting carriage. As they rode back to the train station in silence, he reached for her hand. Despite her vow to keep her distance from him, she was grateful for the physical contact. Her visit had underscored just how many blessings her own life held. At that moment, she wouldn’t have traded places with anyone else on earth.
When the southbound train arrived promptly at eleven o’clock, Cody gave Juliet a smile.
“It looks as if we’ll be back in time for lunch after all.”
“Good. The fewer question we have to answer, the better.”
They settled into a compartment, which they were once more fortunate to have to themselves.
Cody was particularly glad to have privacy, since he had a great deal on his mind.
“I think I’ll visit Zachary one last time, to tell him I’ve seen Miss Haver. Perhaps I can change his mind.”
Juliet looked at him askance. “I don’t suppose it’ll do any good, but I admire your tenacity.”
“I’m not sure what I was expecting to find in Little Brambleton, but Miss Haver is exceptionally beautiful. I intend to tell Zachary he’s truly lost his senses.”
She paused. “You were very good with Violet today. I quite admired your calm and kind manner.”
“I admired your kindness as well.” He frowned as he tried to formulate an apology. “I spoke out of turn before when I accused you of being hard-hearted. I’d had no call to say such a stupid thing, and I regret it.”
Juliet gave a slight shrug. “It’s forgotten.”
He moved from his facing seat until he was sitting next to her, but she stiffened.
“Please return to your own seat, Cody.”
His eyebrows rose. “I don’t understand.”
“Physical contact between us is improper and mustn’t continue. I must implore you, as a gentleman, not to take liberties with me any longer.”
Bewildered and somewhat hurt, Cody returned to his seat. “Have I done something to give offense?”
“On the contrary. I find my regard for you improves on closer acquaintance. Nevertheless, there’s no future for us romantically. Therefore, we must remain disinterested friends.”
Affronted, Cody folded his arms across his chest. So he was to be cast off like a hat or a pair of gloves, was he?
“You had no difficulty with my taking liberties last night.”
“I thought you were leaving and I’d never see you again!”
He made a sound of impatience. “I know what you want from me, Juliet, but it’s impossible. I’ve property waiting for me in Texas.”
“Yes, you do, and I wouldn’t dream of keeping you from it.”
“I wouldn’t dream of letting you!”
Even as the retort left his lips, he knew it wasn’t entirely so. More than once he’d toyed with the idea of staying in England, with Juliet as his wife. But he kept returning to his love of open spaces, hard work, and freedom.
“I don’t suppose you’d consider coming with me?” His question sounded almost facetious, but as he awaited her response he held his breath.
“And leave all my family and friends behind?” She shook her head. “No.”
The sting of disappointment was rapidly followed by a flare of self-righteous anger.
“If you cared for me, you’d come.”
“And if you cared for me, you wouldn’t ask.” Juliet’s eyelids turned slightly pink as she struggled with her emotions. “Cody, thank you for even considering the idea, but let’s agree it won’t ever come to pass. Stephanie and Augustus will marry, you’ll set sail, and I’ll return to London next April for another Season.”
“So you can be courted by an idiot like Mr. Waters?”
“I don’t know.” She stared at her hands. “I mightn’t marry at all.”
Cody wasn’t sure what was worse: the image of Juliet in wedded bliss with that mealy-mouthed Waters, or as a spinster surrounded by cats.
“Cody?”
He glanced over to find her smiling at him. “Yes?”
“You might miss me a little at first, but by the time you’ve crossed the Atlantic, you’ll be eager to get back to your ranch and begin the next part of your life. In the grand scheme of things, you and I will be a pleasant interlude which will be forgotten as soon as you meet your future wife. Let’s enjoy the time we have together and not give flirtation another thought.”
She turned her head toward the window, but not before a fat tear slid down her face. As she cried, Cody felt as if he was being turned inside out and pulled into a million pieces. Since he’d left his handkerchief behind in Little Brambleton, he had nothing to offer Juliet to dry her eyes. The symbolism suddenly struck him as perfectly ironic. He had nothing whatsoever to offer Juliet Beaucroft. Nothing at all.
The morning of the berry-picking party dawned with such promise, Juliet knew the day would be one to remember. The ladies climbed into the carriage for the journey, while the gentlemen rode horses alongside. During her visit to Cousin’s Cottage the previous day, Kitty had discovered Prudence was doing a little better and therefore she and Kirkham were added to the group.
The carriage paused outside their home for the viscount to see his wife to the carriage, and then mount his own horse.
Prudence’s complexion had recovered its brilliance, Juliet noticed, and her good humor had rebounded as well. She’d equipped herself for the day with a wide broad-brimmed hat and had brought a pillow to sit on in the carriage.
“And I’ve left off my corset altogether,” she confided, bringing her fingers to her lips.
Ensuing peals of delight from the other ladies brought Philip riding over to tap on the carriage. “Is everything all right in there?”
Kitty lowered the window long enough to shout, “Never better!”
The caravan passed through the village, and a few minutes later the train station was in view. Juliet was reminded of her intimate conversation with Cody the prior day and the emotional aftermath that had ensued. By the time they’d returned to Constance Hall, fortunately, she’d composed herself. As for Cody, he’d assumed such a polite, gentlemanly demeanor, it was as if nothing had ever passed between them. Pangs of regret haunted Juliet, but she tried to ignore them as much as possible. Never again would she enjoy the rakish flash of his mischievous eyes or the touch of his lips…but it was better this way for them both.
Although Kitty had given her and Cody a puzzled glance or two over lunch yesterday, she said nothing. Fortunately, Augustus and Stephanie were so wrapped up in each other, they didn’t notice anything amiss. In the afternoon, Juliet found a moment where she could speak with her sister about Violet privately. To forestall any concerns, she related her serendipitous journey with Cody in an almost a humorous fashion, saving her more serious demeanor for Violet’s plight.
“So Mr. Gryphon intends to appeal to his cousin’s better nature once more?” Kitty shook her head. “I’m not sure Lord Gryphon possesses a better nature, but for Violet’s sake, I hope I’m wrong.” She peered at Juliet. “Have you and Mr. Gryphon quarreled again?”
Juliet forced herself to laugh. “Quite the contrary, really. We’re getting along famously now that we’ve no silly ruse to promote. I like him very much and have every reason to believe he and I will be great friends for the remainder of his time in England.” Considering her inner turmoil, she was surprised at how plausible her explanation sounded.
“I’m glad to hear he wasn’t petty.”
She waved her hand, dismissively. “Not at all. Cody apologized for speaking out of turn, and gave me credit for my kindly manner toward Violet. I assure you, our fellowship couldn’t be more amiable.”
“Do you think your attraction toward him has waned?”
“I’m embarrassed I ever mentioned it.”
Indeed, Juliet was embarrassed to have mentioned it, since her attraction to Cody was raging worse than ever. She wasn’t exactly sure why she wouldn’t confide the truth of the matter to Kitty…except she didn’t want her sister to resent the man for breaking her heart. Her sister would never understand Cody was already in love with the Republic of Texas.
Juliet was distracted from her reminiscences when Prudence began waving a silk scarf around. “I brought this along so we can play Blindman’s Buff.”
“What a wonderful idea! I love playing Blindman’s Buff!” Stephanie exclaimed.
“Perhaps we all should have thought of a different game to play,” Juliet said.
Kitty shrugged. “We can always play horseshoes, I suppose.”
“I asked Cody to bring a length of rope.” Stephanie’s announcement was met with puzzlement. “I want him to demonstrate his expe
rtise with a lariat.”
Prudence’s eyebrows rose. “That should be interesting.” She paused. “Your brother looks an awful lot like Lord Gryphon, did you know?”
Stephanie laughed. “Indeed, several people have mentioned it.”
“He’s frightfully handsome, nonetheless. He should do well next Season, if he wishes to marry.”
“Cody will likely return to Texas before then.” Juliet gave Stephanie a mischievous glance. “Perhaps long before, should a certain happy event take place.”
As Juliet had anticipated, her remark sparked conversation about engagement etiquette and customs, as well as the differences between weddings in Texas and those in England. A smile graced her lips all the while, but inwardly she felt like crying. If she could keep up this pretense of disinterestedness until Cody’s departure, it would be a miracle.
Chapter Thirteen
Impossible
CODY HAD BEEN SO CONCERNED about missing the train to Little Brambleton the day before, he’d barely paid attention to his surroundings. Today, as he rode ahead of Lord Philip’s carriage, he was able to fully appreciate the beauty and charm all around him. Back home in the Piney Woods where his ranch was located near Nacogdoches, the land was untamed, largely covered with many different species of trees, and somewhat sparsely settled. Here in Grovebrook, however, the bucolic countryside had all been claimed and cultivated to some degree or another. Nevertheless, he enjoyed watching flocks of sheep grazing on emerald green grass. The fields burgeoning with wheat seemed to whisper as the wind rustled through the stalks. Albeit a tad too civilized for his taste, English countryside was admittedly lovely. Especially since it contained a particular English rose named Juliet.
For a few moments, he tried—and failed—to imagine her in Texas. A man with money could certainly purchase all the niceties a lady might expect as the wife of a rancher, but he couldn’t duplicate the same sort of elegant society she had in England. It might be different if he intended to live in New York City or even Farmington, Connecticut, where Stephanie had attended Miss Porter’s School since it opened in 1843.
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