To Save a Lady

by Lindsay Downs

  At the shop, Jolene made sure the gentlemen know they were not allowed to view the gowns being made and that they would have to wait in the front room.

  Helped out of her day dress then into the specially made ball gown, Jolene wasn’t surprised at the gasp from Julie. She then glanced in the mirror and understood her friend’s reaction.

  Yes, Brendon will love seeing me in it.

  “Mrs. Holly, you have out done yourself with this creation. How much more is needed to finish it?”

  “I will have it finished by tomorrow afternoon. Would you like me to have it delivered?”

  “If you don’t mind. Have the person setit personally in Emmy’s hands, as I don’t wish anyone to view it until the event it has been made for.”

  “I understand completely. Now, let’s get you changed then I will assist Lady Julie.”

  Patiently, Jolene waited while Julie tried on the different dresses and gowns. Much to her happiness, they would all be ready on the morrow, withthe ball gown for tonight having been delivered earlier. After Julie was in her day dress, Jolene wondered if a drive, staying in the landau, might be possible. She mentioned her suggestion to her friend and receiveda smile.

  “Then let’s inform our gentlemen and enjoy a morning outing.”

  After returning to the Hampshire townhouse, Jolene retreated to her suite while Julie retired to hers. She was curious why their particular gentleman wereensconced in the earl’s office, with the door closed.

  Chapter Twenty-Three

  After making sure his Jolene had arrived safely to the floor where her suite was, Brendon followed Thomas into the office. Taking a seat on the settee, he shared with her Brendon waited while Robert took a chair across from him.

  “As you heard earlier Thomas,” he paused and nodded to him,“has news of the investigation, so do I. It appears the Cullen’s have departed their estate and are en route to here. Also, and this has yet to be confirmed, we all thought they were growing short of funds, thus the possibility of being involved in the forgeries, that’s not so.”

  “I don’t understand? If they aren’t, then who is?” Robert said.

  “Of that, at this time, I’m not sure.”

  “Then what I have learned might help answer your questions. If you don’t mind, I’d rather wait until the ladies join us before I say any more,” Brendon uttered.

  “Very good. I’m sure they will be along soon,” Robert uttered.

  “Before they arrive, I’ve a serious question. As Brendon can attest, from the first time I met Julie I was entranced by her, and I believe she with me also. I wish to offer for her, but I’m not sure who I should speak with to receive their permission.”

  This had Brendon wondering the same thing. Currently, she was under the protection of the Earl of Hampshire, but he wasn’t family. There was one such person who was a relative, so to speak.

  “Thomas, my suggestion would be the duchess as she is Julie’s godmother and might be willing to act in that capacity. If you wish, I will arrange an interview, which most likely will be more of an interrogation,” Brendon suggested.

  “Speaking of such, have you decided when to ask for Jolene’s hand?” her father inquired.

  “Two evenings hence. I’ll request the countess invite everyone here to a small intimate dinner party. Beforehand, I’ll ask for her hand in marriage. Then later, hopefully with her having said yes, we will attend the Portman ball.”

  “That would be perfect as everything will come full circle. On the eve of offering for Kristina afterward we attended the same ball.”

  “Sir, that is precisely why I recommend the event. I learned of this from the duchess when last I spoke with her. As theladies are coming, we should change the subject.”

  Standing, Brendon waited for Jolene and Julie to enter with Kristina in the lead. He was happy all three were smiling. Stepping up, he offered Jolene his arm. She chose his hand instead. Once they were settled, he glanced over to Thomas who couldn’t take his eyes of Julie.

  Yes, she will accept him.

  “Thomas, you have some information you wished to share now that we’re all here,” Brendon said.

  “Yes. As we learned last eve, Lord Neill is related to Viscountess Cullen, but that’s not all. To begin with, he will soon be in custody for ordering the attack on Lady Julie and the threats.”

  “So, she is safe then?” Jolene asked.

  “From him she is. But, a few minutes ago, Lord Lange told us that the Cullen’s are coming here, so the threat might continue. We can only wait and see.”

  “If that’s the case, will I be able to attend the ball this eve. The reason I’m asking is the gown I have I would love to wear.”

  “Yes, you may,my dear. We’ll make sure that you are well protected,” Kristina said.

  “And I promise not to leave your side the entire time. You have become much too valuable to me to lose,” Thomas uttered.

  “Thank you, kind sir, as you have become precious to me as well.”

  That was all Brendon needed to learn in regards to how they felt about each other. He was about to request foolscap when Bing stepped into the doorway.

  “M’ lords, ladies, Mr. Thomas, Her Grace, The Duchess of Clarion.”

  As he stood, Brendon became curious as to why his mother was here. Having spoken with her earlier in the day, she’d given him no indication she’d be visiting. He stepped forward, offered his arm, and guided her to a vacant seat on one of the settees.

  “Before you inquire as to my unannounced arrival, don’t. Earlier in the park, I happened to notice a couple behaving properly, I might add, but what I witnessed had me wondering something. Now, with that said everyone depart save Lady Julie and Mr. Thomas,” the duchess ordered.

  Not having had a chance to retake his seat, Brendon risked censure by laying a glare on his mother who ignored him. He offered Jolene his hand then followed her parents from the room and down to the countesses parlor. Once she was seated he took the chair across from her and Kristina.

  “Would someone mind explaining what that was all about? I don’t know about you Jolene, but I didn’t see the ducal carriage, did you?”

  “I didn’t either. Was it possible she either was in an unmarked one or strolling about in disguise as she used to do?”

  Why hadn’t he thought of that? It still didn’t answer the bigger question. Why here? Why now? And why speak only to Julie and Thomas?

  “Robert, as you are even more familiar with the peculiarities of my parents than I, please explain the duchess’actions?”

  “Excuse this interruption, m’ lords and ladies, Her Grace wishes you to rejoin her in the office,” Bing announced.

  They had been gone for no more than a few minutes, and now his mother was ordering them back. This was almost more than he could take. Brendon could feel his anger slowly increasing as he escorted Jolene back. When Jolene was settled on the settee, he joined her. What Brendon did find annoying wasthe grin coming from his mother as if she held a secret and wouldn’t say what it was. Of course, then again it would no longer be a mystery.

  “Son, Jolene, I am aware you didn’t notice me in the park and as you must have surmised, I was disguised. Remember the little old lady carrying the basket of flowers?”

  “Yes, Your Grace. Was that you?”

  “It was, and I did it on purpose. I had learned from someone that the four of you would be there, and I needed to learn for myself how Mr. Spencer and Lady Julie acted to each other. They love each other to distraction, but he has given his word he won’t offer for her until this case is resolved.”

  “So, that’s why you wished to speak with the both of them in private and now,” Brendon said.

  “Should we be extra careful in regards to Julie’s safety, from a certain young man?” Robert inquired.

  “I would if I were you, Hampshire. Who knows what one or the other might do in the darkness of night?” the duchess teased.

  “Your Grace, I’ve said it
before and will again. On my word as a gentleman, I will do nothing to cause shame on Lady Julie or the Hampshire name,” Thomas emphatically pronounced.

  “That is marvelous to hear. Now, I must be off to plan an intimate dinner for everyone here in two nights. Fear not, it will only be the eight of us followed by the Portman ball.”

  Standing, Brendon helped his mother up, then she swept, in regal style, from the office. He appreciated the invitation being announced which was accepted by all. Now, with the impending wedding of Thomas to Julie something had to be done in finding a peerage for him. He knew the perfect one when it became available, and the duke would ensure it would be bestowed on him. A gentle hand on his disrupted his thoughts.

  “It would appear we have another party marrying soon as well,” Jolene said.

  “Indeed, and son, trust me when I say soon you will be embarking on one of the greatest adventures of your life. Lady Julie, with your permission, and as you don’t have a father, might I act in that position when it comes to the marriage contract?” Robert asked.

  “I would consider it an honor if you did, m’ lord.”

  With lunch over, Brendon bid his adieus with the promise to return later for dinner followed by dancing at the ball. After returning Thomas to his station, Brendon retired to his townhouse to rest for several hours and review post which had arrived. What was going to make this event so unique was that it wouldbe Thomas and Julie’s first but assuredly not their last.

  Marching into his office, he wasn’t surprised at the stack of letters. Sorting through them was easy. Invitations went in the fireplace. That left three. One from his man of business, a note from the groom following the Cullens, and finally one from his stable master.

  He opened the first, and as he read what the excellent man had written he smiled. Everything for Jolene to manage the finances of the different estate was in the process of being set up. Once the vows were said and registry book signed, then she would have everything andthen some as had been agreed with Robert.

  The next wasn’t so encouraging.

  Marquis of Lange,

  As ordered, I have been following Viscount Cullen and his wife along with several other grooms so this could reach you in a timely manner.

  From reports I’ve received, neither are pleased their daughter, I would prefer not to write the exact words they were overheard speaking, has been found and that she would be taken care of once and for all.

  If I hear of any other dangerous news before reaching London I will be sending another groom with the warning.

  Your humble servant,

  Ewan

  He had to reread the letter a second time for the words to sink in. What had him the most furious was that they had publicly stated harm would come to Julie. Brendon set it aside then took up the last one. The mare he’d bought at Tattersall’s had arrived in excellent health and was starting to be trained for the marchioness. It would be ready upon his and his wife’s arrival in a few weeks. That one he put in the desk drawer, stood, picked up the one regarding Julie, and retired to his suite. There he rested, reading, until it was time for him to bathe and dress for the evening.

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  In a pastel-blue ball gown she took a final glance in the mirror, smiled, then delicately draped a matching shawl over her shoulders and started for the suite door then stopped midstride. Jolene turned back and slipped over to her dressing table. Rifling through her jewelry box, she lifted out a topaz necklace.

  Stepping into the hall, Jolene was met by her mother, a curious look in her eyes on seeing what she held.

  “As Julie doesn’t have any jewelry, I thought she might appreciate this as it will go nicely with her gown.”

  “My dear, that is very thoughtful of you.”

  Giving her mother a smile, Jolene rapped a gloved knuckle on her friend’s door. When it opened, a heartbeat later she swept in only to be met by a crying Julie. Jolene turned to Suzy.

  “She’s completely panicked about the ball. It was all I could to do bathe, dress, then do her hair,” the maid whispered.

  Jolene not only felt sorry for Julie but had experienced the same emotion herself.

  “Pass the word to Bing that Julie and I will have our dinner here. Then, go speak with Cook and order two light dinner trays,” Jolene directed.

  “Yes, m’ lady.”

  Even before Suzy left, Jolene stepped over to her friend, sat beside her, then patted her hand before handing over a handkerchief. In silence, she consoled Julie until the tears finally slowed then stopped.

  “Suzy told me you were worried about the ball? Believe me when I say, you’ll do wonderful. I’m sure there will be many gentlemen wishing to partner with you.”

  “Jolene, thank you for those encouraging words. I’m sure you never felt like I do now. As for dancing, I will only partner with my Thomas.”

  “My dear, would you believe if I told you that before my first ball I wanted to hide in my suite and not come out until it was over. It took my mother to convince me that after the first few minutes I would start to enjoy myself. I didn’t believe her, but as it turns out she was correct.”

  “But Jolene, didn’t you have your first ball a few weeks ago?”

  “No, my first one was about ten years. The earl and countess, actually at the time they were viscount and viscountess, decided to have a ball for the children of the peers.”

  “What did the ton think of the idea?”

  She saw Julie starting to relax which brought a smile to her lips.

  “At first, they thought my parents were crazy, but then again, father was known to push the baby carriage around Hyde Park. In short order, the grand dames embraced the idea, and the ball was a success. Now, to help calm you and set our gentlemen to worrying I’ve ordered light dinner trays for us.”

  “I appreciate you doing that. If you’ll excuse me, I wish to splash cool water on my face.”

  “Yes. Then when you come back, I’ll put this necklace on you. By then our trays should arrive.”

  Just ahead of their dinner Jolene wasn’t surprised her mother appeared. After explaining what Julie had been going through, she understood and promised not to say anything to Thomas, only inform him that she wished to relax with Jolene before the ball.

  With their simple meal finished, Jolene led her friend down to the countesses parlor. She was happy to find the others waiting for them with Brendon and Thomas smiling.

  “Ladies, welcome, and we are pleased you have joined us. Also, to save His Lordship and Mr. Spencer from getting into trouble let me say you both are beautiful. Equal to my countess,” Robert announced.

  “Thank you, m’ lord,” Julie replied.

  “Then, shall we be off for a certain young lady is desirous to partner with a particularly handsome gentleman,” Jolene teased, bringing a hint of pink to Julie’s cheeks.

  When Brendon lifted her pelisse off her shoulders Jolene smiled up at him when several ladies gasped at the beauty of her gown. She was pleased the sound was repeated when Thomas lifted Julie’s cape off. What she found even more interesting, the lustful leers from several rogues. This she pointed out to her escort. Brendon’s response much to her happiness, was toglare at them. They backed down.

  After being announced she let Brendon escort her to the dance floor. No sooner had her feet touched the parquet then a waltz started.

  “M’ lady, may I have this dance?”

  “And every waltz they play tonight.”

  Settled in his arms, anexperience she greatly enjoyed, Jolene let him swirl her around the ballroom. Pointedly, she ignored the few glowers from matrons while relishing the smiles from others. Several times she caught a glimpse of Julie and Thomas. What made her happy, they were smiling at each other.

  When the music ended, Brendon returned her to the settee her mother had claimed. Settled beside her Jolene waited for Julie to join them. She found it interesting when Thomas joined her father and Brendon behind the divan to h
elp keep a watch for certain gentlemen. Rogues and those who might present a problem.

  As the evening progressed, Jolene enjoyed four more waltzes in Brendon’s arms. She even tried to encourage Julie to have more that the requisite two with Thomas.

  Returning to the townhouse, she bid Brendon good night then from the top stoop watched the coach take him to his. To her happiness, he had promised to join her for luncheon before a drive around the park. As he had told her, “Since the one today was without danger, save the duchess spying on us, I don’t see any reason we shouldn’t enjoy the day.”

  Sweeping in, she was met by her father. Julie had already gone up to her suite escorted by Thomas and under the stern glare of Kristina.

  “Are you out?” Robert inquired.

  “I am. Several of my contacts, as you are aware, are only available at this time of night. I’ll take Samson.”

  When she swept into her suite, Jolene went straight to her armoire, withdrew a black dress and put it on the bed. She smiled to see her collie wagging his tail mightily.

  “Yes brat, we’re going out shorty.”

  “His Lordship is aware?”

  “He is, Emmy, so I suspect either Eustace or one of the footmen will be following us but from a distance.”

  Changed and with her hair in a losebraid hanging down her back Jolene, with Samson at her side, slipped silently into the hall. Much to her surprise, Julie was also there, dressed the same with Thomas in dark clothes.

  “So, you are going to be the ones protecting me tonight. Who is keeping an eye on the both of you?”

  “Eustace will be joining us in the mews. We’ll be far enough behind so no one will believe we are with you but close enough in case there is trouble,” Thomas said.

  “Julie, you are going? Why?”

  She shrugged her shoulders which brought a frown to Jolene’s lips. Since it was getting on in time, Jolene turned on her heel and taking the servant stairs down and out to meet her brother. What she didn’t expect nor want was to find Brendon was there as well.