by Jen Robyn
“Lord Daffordshire,” the man supplied.
Dominick turned at that. “You’re not serious,” he replied, barely concealing a smile. The man nodded. “My lady,” he continued quietly, facing her again, “It would appear you have another admirer by the name of Lord Daffy-something. Would you rather end our dance now, to no doubt literally trip over the lights fantastic with Lord Daffy here... or do you wish to remain with me to continue our dance and our conversation?”
Julianna’s smile faded into a downcast look. “And will this conversation include another public display of you trying to kiss me?” she asked softly.
For the first time since the awkward ending of their last meeting, Dominick felt a wave of compassion for her. True, he hadn’t been thrilled over what she’d done back then, but since he had been a total stranger to her, maybe it wasn’t so difficult to understand. And certainly not something he cared to dwell on, since she still sparked his interest.
“No, my lady,” he replied gently. “I promise I won’t attempt to kiss you here on the dance floor again.”
She nearly laughed. Still, the sincerity in his eyes looked real, and after giving a swift glance to Lord Daffordshire, she made her decision.
Turning to the awaiting younger man, she said sweetly, “Your offer is most kind, sir, but I’m afraid I must decline, since I’m already having a most enjoyable time with Mr. Westbrooke here. Perhaps another time, sir.”
Dominick flashed him a triumphant smile, attempting to resume the dance.
“This is scandalous, sir!” protested Daffordshire. “I hope, madam, that you realize just what ill-breeding this man must come from.”
“Ill-breeding?” interrupted Dominick, facing him again with a scowl. “Look, Sir Daffy!” he began, earning a barely concealed grin from Julianna, “If you want to dance so much, go find yourself a more suitable simpering miss. My lady has already made it quite clear that she isn’t interested in changing partners with a foul-mouthed youngster, and you can stuff that in your local society column for all I care!”
“I’d put it on page one,” Julianna suggested over her shoulder as Dominick whirled her away from the gaping man. As if cued to match their breakaway from him, the music changed to a faster tune, brightening the smiles of the other couples on the floor who ignored the flustered young man still standing there. “He was foul-mouthed, wasn’t he?” she commented after a brief silence.
“And ill-mannered,” he agreed. “I’ll be careful to make sure that my future sons have a more respectful attitude towards ladies.” A furtive smile replaced his somber look as he added, “And especially towards their mother.” Julianna found herself blushing at his words, even though he was obviously speaking in the general sense. At least she assumed he was!
They resumed dancing silently until the music stopped to change again. Seeing Lord Daffordshire and a few of his friends approaching from the sideline, Dominick quickly gestured towards a group of people on the other side. Nodding once, Julianna followed him to where they could converse without being bothered, nor bumped into on the dance floor.
“You’re not a bad dancer, Mr. Westbrooke,” she told him. “I guess your ill-breeding isn’t as bad as all that.”
“Watch your tongue, fair minx,” he chuckled, “or I won’t be responsible for what consequences my so-called ill-breeding might bring forth.” Seeing several people turn to them again, Dominick shook his head. “My lady, I have a better suggestion. Why don’t we break away to continue our conversation where there are less people, out in the cool night air of the garden, beneath the moonlight?”
Julianna knew from the moment she looked into the warm gaze of his fathomless blue eyes that she was lost. It was as if they could make her forget who she was, and she doubted she’d care if she did.
Yet after his attempt to kiss her on the dance floor, she wasn’t anxious to go anywhere out of public view with him. Drawing herself up, she tried again to speak with some modicum of etiquette, partially for the benefit of those around her who would almost assuredly be listening in.
“Mr. Westbrooke, you must have mistaken me for someone else entirely. I assure you I didn’t mean to give you the impression that I was a lightskirt.” Dominick gave a deep laugh at her words.
“I didn’t believe that for a moment,” he told her, with a grin. “And may I reassure you in return, my lady, that I am not some rake who is planning to ravish you.” She blushed at his words, but remained silent. “I merely thought it would be more pleasant to go outside and avoid the local gossips. We should then be able to elude their loose tongues which will no doubt be wagging about us otherwise.”
Despite any attempt to remain serious, Julianna felt a bubble of amusement well up within her, which finally escaped as a soft laugh. As he extended his arm to her with a smile, she took it gratefully and followed where he led. Part of her wondered if there was in fact any exit at all. Yet it soon became clear that Dominick was familiar with this place, since after leading her around one mirrored corner, they found an open doorway leading to the aforementioned garden.
Julianna was relieved to see several other couples outside watching the stars, comforted that at least they wouldn’t be all alone. Releasing her arm, Dominick leaned nonchalantly against the waist‑high stone wall where the flowers curled over it, and turned to face his quiet companion.
He wondered for a moment whether or not she was aware that he knew exactly who she was from before. After all, while she’d remembered his name, he hadn’t heard any mention of their last meeting together. For that matter, she didn’t seem entirely convinced that he was the same Dominick she’d met before.
Perhaps, he considered, it might be interesting to see how she’d react as if this was their first meeting. As such, it would have the advantage that she hadn’t stomped on his foot... at least not yet anyway!
And this time, he would find out who she was.
“Now then, my lady,” he said smiling, choosing his words carefully, “Although you seem to have the psychic gift of knowing the names of new people, I find myself a bit more hard pressed to do the same. Would your name be Rose perhaps?”
“No,” she laughed, “though I shall take that as a compliment. My name is Julianna Sherborne.”
“Julianna,” he whispered, the tones echoing lightly. Ah, he thought triumphantly. At last I finally have your name, o’ fiery one who has haunted my thoughts relentlessly for the past few months! But almost immediately, his soft expression that hid these thoughts soon reached deeper within to become something more. Julianna. He’d never met a woman by that name before, and it seemed in a way like her… unique. “So tell me, Miss Sherborne, do you make it a habit to race after your suitors, or do I have the rare privilege of such an honor?”
She blushed slightly through a smile. “If you please, I’d prefer it if we could simply get past that awkward introduction.”
“Not awkward at all,” said Dominick, grinning. “As a matter of fact, I feel some thanks are due for your giving me a reason to escape that endless hall of mirrors. Not that you would have any such difficulty I’m certain, Miss Sherborne, since any man with half a brain would gladly chase after you to partake of your company for an evening.” Leaning against one elbow on the wall, he caught her gaze and saw her blush again. “I couldn’t help noticing that you were alone earlier when I first saw you. So tell me, did some clumsy oaf foolishly leave you to mingle about on your own, or did he simply disappear to drink several glasses of port in the back room with the local tavern barmaid?”
Having merely spoken the last in jest, he was totally unprepared for her reaction. Julianna’s face grew pale, and moments later, she burst into uncontrollable tears. At this sudden change, Dominick’s leisurely expression turned serious with concern.
“Dear heaven, Julianna, I’m sorry,” he whispered honestly. For all that had happened during their first meeting, the last thing he’d wanted was to make her cry! Quickly reaching for his handkerchief, he stepped for
ward to gently dab the tears from her eyes. As her sobs continued, he muttered an oath to himself. “It would seem we share the trait of awkward actions.”
“I-It’s not you,” she sniffed, wiping her eyes with her hand. “I did come here all alone.” Although I’m not sure quite how, she thought, giving him a forced rueful smile. “I’m sorry that this fact seems to have reduced me to nothing less than a blubbering fool.”
“You most certainly are not that,” he insisted, holding her shoulders firmly for a moment before releasing her. “But I can see that something must have triggered this sudden unhappiness, so tell me not otherwise.” She nodded absently, trying unsuccessfully to stifle her tears. “Come with me,” he said gently, taking her hand in his and leading her down the nearby garden steps.
She barely noticed any of this, as he led her to a vacant bench and she sat down beside him. Reaching forward to clasp her hand tightly in his, he turned compassionate eyes upon her. She was staring at the ground, the tears still apparent on her face. What in the universe has made you so unhappy? he wondered. Or more accurately, who is the culprit?
Obviously a fool.
While Julianna was being unusually quiet for a change—which nearly made him smile—he took the time to appraise his silent companion, not having had much chance to do so openly while amidst the crowd.
She was beautiful.
Even with her warm brown eyes sorely reddened by tears, she was still breathtaking. Her auburn hair was long and curly, despite the more popular trend of short hair that many other women here sported. Privately, he decided this style suited her better anyway.
While Dominick was fairly tall, Julianna was only about five-foot-five, giving him the impression she was like a sprite, especially when they were standing face-to-face. Even her large animated eyes contributed to this sprite-like appearance. But then, he reflected, he’d never had anything against pretty sprites!
She was reasonably slim, but not emaciated like some women he’d seen who weren’t to his taste at all. Julianna had a healthier quality about her, and the gown she wore certainly complimented her rather pleasant curves. When her eyes lit up with amusement and her face glowed, as he’d seen earlier, she was even more beautiful.
How he wished he could kiss away the crystal tears in those eyes now, so that she was once again smiling and happy as she’d been before.
Dominick resisted the urge though, forcing himself to remember that he was still a relative stranger to her, and the last thing he wanted to do was to anger or frighten her. However, finding out the cause of her unhappiness was something he intended to do right now.
“Tell me all,” he said softly.
He could sense it wasn’t easy for Julianna, but slowly the words came. At first, she started with only the briefest account of the betrayal she’d felt by Roger. But whenever he caught her pausing, Dominick would gently ask her more questions, thereby helping her to relay what had happened. He didn’t force anything from her, and soon she appeared to be warming to him, allowing him to put his arm about her comfortingly during the conversation.
At some point during her story, she leaned her head upon his shoulder, relaxing completely against him while she spoke, her trust warming his heart as he listened. Likely, some of what she was telling him, she’d been keeping to herself until now.
She went on to tell him that thanks to Roger, and several other mishaps with men beforehand, it left her feeling resigned to either marry the wrong type or remain alone forever.
After hearing this, Dominick hugged her closer, whispering against the top of her head that surely neither would happen. It was only after she began crying again that he realized the true reason for her unhappiness.
Julianna was lonely. She clearly couldn’t bring herself to believe that all men weren’t like the wrong ones she’d known, especially after what had happened with Roger, whom she’d trusted since she was very young.
For all her twenty-five years, she’d never known anyone different.
She was little more than an innocent.
Julianna knew nothing of this line his thoughts had taken towards her. She only knew that for a few moments, she felt safe and cared for, and it was a feeling she was reluctant to let go of. Since she’d been staring blankly ahead most of the time during her explanation, she completely missed seeing the changing expressions that flashed across her attentive companion’s face.
Especially his dark looks at any mention of Roger.
Although having never met the man, Dominick felt a surge of anger and dislike towards this Roger Collins. He’d preyed on her trust to get what he wanted, and when that hadn’t worked, he immediately turned to another. And then when his latest amour hadn’t worked out, he saw nothing wrong with pursuing Julianna again, even though he wasn’t fully detached from the other woman.
If only he had the opportunity to do something about the ungrateful bastard. Thankfully, Roger hadn’t called her after his betrayal earlier this day, which could only have caused her more grief. If he were to show up again for whatever reason now, Dominick would certainly like to grab the insensitive blackguard by his collar, and…
Sighing once, he refocused on Julianna.
“I know I was a fool to believe him,” she murmured, “but he always sounded so enthusiastic with his promises that I kept giving him more chances. And to think, for years I kept hoping he’d come back, like some lovesick child. I was a fool even then.”
She gave a short strained laugh, oblivious to the way Dominick’s jaw tightened at her words, and her tone changed to sharper bitterness. “I guess there’s no mistaking his insensitivity now. In one breath he said he wanted to meet with me again, but the whole time he was still with Marilyn. Seems like I never learn not to trust him.”
Dominick suddenly turned her to face him, resting his hands gently against her cheeks.
“Listen to me,” he replied, gazing into her eyes. “Stop tearing yourself down. This man was nothing but a user, and you certainly weren’t in any way responsible for his callous behavior. If anyone’s a fool around here, it’s not you, but him. You’re a beautiful, intelligent woman with a good heart and a soul that shines. And when the right man comes along, if he has any brains, he’ll realize how fortunate he is to have such a loyal, loving treasure for a companion. Don’t ever let anyone tell you otherwise, Julianna, because if they do, they’re not worthy of your favor.”
She found herself speechless, and all too conscious of his eyes upon her and the gentle touch of his hands upon her face. Was he serious about there being cool air out here? she wondered absently, feeling as if it was warm and summery instead.
“I wouldn’t worry on that count,” she said finally. “Even before Roger, most of the men in my life have left me strictly alone, and those that might not have weren’t ones I’d care to associate with.”
He smiled at that. “And what kind of man would interest you, Julianna?” he asked softly. She turned away for a moment, considering this. His expression became knowing. “Ah… a knight in shining armor to sweep you off your feet. Not a bad idea, but wouldn’t that be a bit awkward if taken too literally?”
Julianna whipped back to stare at him with surprise. It was as if he’d just read her mind! Were her thoughts that obvious on her face?
She was about to inquire further, but as she opened her mouth to speak, he leaned forward to capture hers with his own. Her surprise becoming shock, Julianna pushed both hands against his chest to force him back, but his hold on her was stronger. So much for his claim of not being a rake!
Despite her protests though, she found that Dominick wasn’t hurting her at all. His arms were securely around her, but he wasn’t kissing her so as to bruise her mouth. In fact, she was finding it increasingly pleasant the way his lips lingered on hers with each kiss. So similar to the other Dominick of a few months back. And even though this couldn’t be the same one she’d met before, she was obviously attracted to him all the same.
Even if this
Dominick was a rake, he seemed a gentle one of his breed.
When he sensed her calming down, his one hand loosed its hold slightly to stroke her back, sending tingling sensations throughout her spine.
Slowly, her hands reached up to rest on his shoulders, this time successfully breaking the connection between them. His eyes stared deeply into hers, as if he could read her soul, and the look nearly frightened her, but she willed herself not to give in to that.
“You’re trembling, my lady,” he whispered, his mouth mere inches from her own.
“I am?” Her heart was beating too fast for her to realize it.
“Yes, you are.” He smoothed back a few loose auburn strands from her face. She shut her eyes and smiled as his hand brushed against her cheek, the soft touch of his fingertips causing her breath to still... just before a gentle wind caused her eyes to snap open again. Dominick was standing now, one hand extended towards her. “My lady, may I escort you back to the affair above?”
A peculiar choice of words, Julianna mused. Now that her rational thoughts were returning again, she blushed, furious at herself. In another few minutes, there might have been an affair here all right! She turned away from his offered hand, wishing the ground might swallow her up before he noticed how red her face was.
“No, thank you, my lord,” she replied softly. “But I would prefer it if you would leave now to rejoin the others on your own.”
He shook his head with a smile. “I wouldn’t advise it, my lady. There are always rakes aplenty at these gatherings, and I wouldn’t want you to be subjected to them.”
Her eyes flashed angrily as she abruptly stood to face him. “You mock me, sir?” she demanded. “Just who are you to warn me against rakes, when you may well be the master of them! I’ve dealt with your type before, Mr. Westbrooke, and I don’t take kindly to being taken advantage of. False pity, combined with kisses, are not a winning combination with me.”
He was silent, his expression unreadable.