“Annabel, your mother sent a letter, as well. Your parents are returning from their trip and shall be here in a fortnight to collect you.”
“Thank you,” Annabel said, although the sadness in her tone was unmistakable.
Juliet reached over and took her hand. “Will she be able to return again soon?”
“I know nothing of their plans,” her mother replied. “However, you know you are always welcome here anytime you wish.”
“I do, thank you.” Annabel rose and embraced Juliet’s mother. “I have always felt as if this were more my home than my own.”
Juliet’s heart hurt seeing her cousin in such pain. In truth, her parents sickened Juliet. They might be her uncle and aunt, but the manner in which they treated Annabel was disgraceful. Yet, if the next few years were anything like the previous, Annabel would return within the month.
Although glad Annabel found comfort in her mother’s arms, Juliet could not help but feel a bit of envy, for her mother had her eyes closed, and Juliet wished it was she being held and loved rather than Annabel.
That was just silly! Her mother loved her, and she had no right to be jealous over her cousin, a girl who received little or no love from her own parents.
When the embrace broke, her mother looked at Annabel. “Soon, it will be your birthday, the most special of them all. I may bring you something from London in celebration, even if it is in the fall.”
“Thank you,” Annabel said with a weak smile. “But I do not deserve it.”
Her mother looked first at Annabel and then at Juliet. “You are both good girls,” she said, and Juliet felt relief in being included. “I am proud of you both.”
Juliet’s heart went out to the woman, and as her mother turned to leave, she rose from the couch.
“Mother,” she said.
Her mother stopped and turned around. “Yes?”
Juliet wished to tell her mother that it was fine about Robert. That she, Juliet, had been selfish in times past. However, that no longer mattered. What did matter was that, although she was angry at the woman, she was still her mother. “I love you.”
“And I love you,” she said. “Both of you.”
After her mother left, Juliet took both of Annabel’s hands in hers. “And I love you, Cousin.”
Annabel threw her arms around Juliet. “As do I.”
“Now,” Juliet said, taking Annabel’s hand once again, “Mother is to leave us for a week with a chaperon, which means…” She allowed the words to hang in the air.
“We must behave as the ladies we are?” Annabel asked.
Juliet laughed. “Of course not! It means we must plan a grand adventure!”
This made Annabel laugh as well. “And what do you have in mind?”
“A campfire and brandy,” Juliet replied. “Would you like that?”
Annabel nodded so quickly, Juliet worried the girl’s head would fly off.
“Good. Then we must begin planning right away!”
Juliet had no idea where their adventure would take them, but she knew it would be better than staying inside the house with a chaperon doing the terribly boring activities she was certain the chaperon would insist upon. Embroidery? Not if she could help it!
Chapter Nineteen
Sitting beside Annabel in the drawing room, Juliet understood she had to give her best impression to the chaperon, who was due to arrive soon. They sat rigid of posture with hands neatly folded in their laps as if practicing good behavior beforehand.
“I do hope she is not cruel,” Annabel whispered. “Caroline told me of a chaperon she had who made her do the servants’ work.”
Juliet snorted and rolled her eyes. “My dear, Caroline is nothing short of a bald-faced liar. Do not worry; this woman will not control what we do, and certainly not to that extent.”
Annabel looked down at the floor. “She also told me that I am rather plain,” she whispered with a sad sigh. “And that my parents wish to leave me behind because of the embarrassment they would otherwise be forced to endure because of it.” A tear rolled down her cheek, and anger rose in Juliet.
“When did she say this?” she demanded, ready to rush over to the other girl’s house and gouge out her eyes.
“Oh, it was some time ago,” Annabel said wiping at her eye. “I know I should not listen to her, but a woman with so many friends does make one think.”
Juliet leaned over and hugged her cousin. “I did not want to do this, but I am afraid I must.”
“What?” Annabel asked, her innocent eyes wide.
“I have told you not to listen to that girl, have I not?” Annabel nodded. “And I have told you how beautiful you are, yet you continue to not believe me. You leave me no more choice. I am sorry.”
Annabel’s eyes went wide. “I do not understand,” she said, her voice filled with worry.
“Tonight, I shall write to every eligible man of the ton and inform them that the highest bidder shall have your hand in marriage.”
Annabel made an attempt at gasping, but her giggles won out over it.
“When you see the amount of wealth I acquire as they fight over you,” Juliet continued, “perhaps then you will finally believe me.”
Annabel was outright laughing by this time. “I do believe you,” she said between gasps. When their laughter died down, she added a quick “Thank you.”
“And do not worry about Caroline,” Juliet said. “No one speaks ill of you without me getting revenge.”
Annabel smiled, and Juliet turned as the door opened. Her mother and another woman, perhaps of the same age as her mother, with a severe blue dress that reminded Juliet of the headmistress at Mrs. Down’s School for Young Girls and a smile that curdled Juliet’s insides. Annabel jumped to her feet, and Juliet was not far behind.
“Girls,” her mother said, using her formal tone that indicated her expectations of both of them, “this is Mrs. Helen Jarvis.”
Juliet gave the woman a deep curtsy, Annabel doing the same, each also giving a polite greeting.
“Mrs. Jarvis has already been shown her room. Please make her feel welcome in our home.”
“I am certain they will,” Mrs. Jarvis said in a gravelly voice. “You look a bit tired, Lady Lambert. If you wish, I can speak with the girls alone and you may retire for the evening.”
“I do feel a bit weary,” Juliet’s mother said. Juliet wished the woman would remain; she was uncertain what she thought of this new chaperon in whose care she had been placed. “I will see you early in the morning before we leave.” The woman left the room.
As soon as the door closed, Mrs. Jarvis eyed Juliet and Annabel as if she could determine who they were by a simple gaze. “Will you not invite me to sit?” Her request was more a demand than a question.
“Oh, yes, please,” Annabel said. She indicated one chair, but Mrs. Jarvis took the other, and Annabel shot a quick glance at Juliet.
Juliet fixed her smile on her face and took the seat beside Annabel on the couch, never taking her eyes off the older woman.
“Are either of you ladies being courted by a gentleman at the moment?” Mrs. Jarvis asked.
What an odd question, Juliet thought, but then she thought of Daniel. Yes, I am being courted by a stable boy. She had to stifle a giggle at how the good Mrs. Jarvis would react to such a statement. Instead, she replied, “I soon will be courted by Lord Parsons. However, the man is away for some time and not due back until summer.”
“Wonderful!” the woman said with a crooked grin. “I will not have any gentleman in the house while your mother is away. Instead, we shall enjoy doing embroidery and any other activities permissible to ladies such as yourself.”
Juliet wished to ask what the woman meant, but she was unable to.
“There is too much risk going into the village, and your mother has already told me to be certain the two of you stay within the confines of the house.”
“We cannot stroll around the property?” Juliet asked in surprise,
not liking the idea of being a prisoner in her own home. “Not even the gardens?”
The older woman narrowed her eyes at Juliet. “You will see that I am strict but not unfair. We may schedule an outing in the gardens if you wish to visit them.”
“Schedule?” Annabel asked, sounding as every bit as shocked as Juliet. “Are we to schedule our day in advance?”
Mrs. Jarvis chuckled, not a pleasant sound. “Indeed, Miss Annabel,” the woman said as she rose from her seat. “Part of what is expected of me is that I see that you are kept busy.” She walked over to the liquor cart. “No alcohol, either,” she snapped. “A drunken woman is a foolish woman.” Despite her words, her fingers traced over the stopper of one of the decanters as if in longing.
Juliet shot a glance at Annabel, and both of them shook their heads in wonderment. When Mrs. Jarvis turned back around, they straightened once again.
“It is late, and a lady needs her rest. I shall see you both in the morning.”
Juliet wanted to argue but instead she stood, an idea forming in her mind. “Thank you, Mrs. Jarvis. I look forward to the week ahead, as does my cousin.”
Annabel shot a look of confusion, which Juliet returned with a stern stare. As they walked toward the door, Juliet looked over to see Mrs. Jarvis gazing once again at the liquor cart.
Once outside the drawing room door, Juliet indicated the stairway, and Annabel nodded. “She is a monster!” her cousin whispered when they were at the bottom of the stairs. “We cannot survive an entire week beneath her watch!”
“I agree,” Juliet replied. “However, we must find a weakness in the woman; one we can exploit. I refuse to spend an entire week sewing handkerchiefs.”
They both giggled before heading toward their rooms. When Juliet arrived at hers, she walked over to the window and gazed out at the night sky. The week had presented a perfect opportunity to spend time with Daniel, and she would see that it happened. Somehow.
***
The following morning, after bidding her mother and Forbes farewell, Juliet found herself along with Annabel in the parlor as they leaned over their embroidery. It was a task she loathed, and by the look of agony Annabel attempted to hide, the girl felt the same.
However, it was more than the act of sewing which bothered Juliet. It was the manner in which Mrs. Jarvis spoke without succession, as if her entire life story was in need of sharing. Twice, Juliet had to stifle a yawn as the woman rambled.
“It was then that I told Harold I could not marry him,” the old woman said, her hands clasped tightly at her breast as if she were an actor on a stage. “I did love him as a friend, but it was Lord Collins who held my heart.” She gave a dramatic sigh and took up her needle once more. “Sadly, I came to learn that Lord Collins had an interest in another woman.” She said this with a light shake to her head, although she sounded bitter. “Notice that I did not say ‘lady’, for she certainly was not.” She gave a derisive sniff before her eyes grew wide. “Forgive me for raising my voice. It is unbecoming of me.”
Juliet’s curiosity was piqued, and she chewed her lower lip, her mind piecing together what Mrs. Jarvis had said thus far, much like piecing together a jigsaw puzzle. She was quite good at piecing together jigsaw puzzles.
“It appears that this woman,” she emphasized the word for Mrs. Jarvis’ sake, “was a horrible person. And as to this Lord Collins,” she gave a sniff that outdid that which Mrs. Jarvis gave, “it seems he somehow fell under her spell. At least that is what I have gathered from what you have told us.”
“Yes!” Mrs. Jarvis said, placing her embroidery in her lap. “It was quite unfair of him. Honestly, it was as if I had disappeared from existence when he laid eyes on her.”
Juliet rose and poured a glass of sherry as Mrs. Jarvis continued speaking. If the woman were to accept it, perhaps they could get her to drink more. The hope was to get her into a state that she fell asleep.
“And here you are,” Juliet said with a click of her tongue, “a woman of great wisdom, and this woman, she is with him living in love.”
Mrs. Jarvis gave a sad nod. “It is exactly as you say.”
Juliet offered the woman a comforting smile. “I would suspect that the mere thought of this woman makes you both angry and sad at the same time.”
“Indeed, it does,” Mrs. Jarvis replied. “I was the perfect bride for him, and it was certainly not she.”
Juliet walked over and offered the older woman the glass of sherry. “Here, this should help you cope.”
The woman eyed the glass for a moment. “Oh, I cannot drink while watching over the two of you.”
Juliet squatted beside Mrs. Jarvis. “The pain you feel? I see it in your eyes. Do not drink for me, nor for Annabel. Drink for the hurt this other woman has caused. And most importantly, for Lord Collins.”
Mrs. Jarvis eyed the glass once more, but then she accepted it with a firm nod. “Yes. A sip and nothing more.”
“Of course,” Juliet replied with a small smile. “Just a few sips.” She winked at Annabel as she retook her seat.
“If you were married to Lord Collins,” Annabel said, “what would his life be like? Would it be far better than the life he currently leads with this other woman?” Juliet suppressed a grin, proud of Annabel’s questioning.
The older woman pursed her lips. “The woman, who does not deserve to be called by name, was promiscuous and known to be most inappropriate with many men.”
Juliet gasped, feigning surprise. “No! This cannot be. Such women certainly do not exist, do they?”
“It is true,” Mrs. Jarvis replied. “Such debauchery does take place. It is why I keep such a strict eye on those I look after.”
Juliet gave the woman a warm smile. “I admire your strength,” she said.
Mrs. Jarvis took another drink of her sherry, this time much more than a sip. “This has a wonderful flavor,” she said as she swirled the liquid in the glass.
“Oh, yes, it does,” Juliet replied. “Mother says three quick drinks makes the flavor all the better. Although, I have never had such drinks pass my lips.”
“Hm,” Mrs. Jarvis murmured. “If Lady Lambert deems it worthy, then so shall I.” She took three quick drinks before pursing her lips as if in thought. “She is right. It does have a much bolder taste.” She gave the glass a disappointed look—it was now empty—and then turned her attention back to Juliet and Annabel. “Where was I?”
“Your life with Lord Collins,” Annabel replied.
“Oh, yes. At first, the man would never…” As she spoke, Juliet took the glass from the older woman’s hand, refilled it, and returned it. Mrs. Jarvis barely took notice as she continued with her story.
Soon, her words began to slur, and Juliet knew her plan had been successful thus far.
“I believe we will nap this afternoon,” Juliet said with a forced yawn, which caused Mrs. Jarvis to yawn, as well. Annabel nodded her agreement.
“I believe I will do the same,” Mrs. Jarvis said, frowning at her empty glass. When she stood, she wobbled a bit on her legs. “I believe I may have caught a slight fever.”
Juliet and Annabel rose, and Juliet rushed over to place her hand on the woman’s forehead. “I could have dinner sent to your room, if you would rather.”
“That will not be necessary,” Mrs. Jarvis replied. “However, it is kind of you to suggest it.”
“Perhaps this will quell the illness,” Juliet said, taking the decanter of sherry and handing it to Mrs. Jarvis, whose eyes widened with anticipation. “Mother says a lady may drink without worry when she is feeling ill.”
The woman gave no hesitation as she took the decanter from Juliet. “Are you certain you girls will be all right alone for a few hours?”
“Oh, most definitely,” Annabel said. “After our nap, I wish to begin a new embroidery pattern. If that is acceptable, of course.”
Mrs. Jarvis patted her hand. “Do not be silly. That is more than acceptable. I shall see you when I have wok
en from my nap.” She swayed out of the room, the decanter clutched against her chest.
Once she was gone, Juliet turned to Annabel. “That was successful this time, but I do not believe it will work again.”
“What are we to do?” Annabel asked. “Endure the days with her?”
“Not at all.” Juliet took her cousin by the hand. “We will find something else to distract her. Each day will be a testament of our wisdom.”
Annabel grinned. “I like that.”
“However, tonight is our night,” Juliet said with a grin. “Tonight, we will sneak out under the cover of darkness and go on an adventure.”
Chapter Twenty
Daniel knew the one thing he cherished in life could also be his undoing, and that was Juliet. She and Annabel stood before him, bundled in their overcoats and muffs as he attempted once again to dissuade them from their plan.
“I don’t think it’s wise,” he said. “If your chaperon caught us, I’d be hanged by the rafters. What about highwaymen?” He hoped this would frighten them enough to convince them, and when Annabel gasped, he knew he was halfway there.
Unfortunately, Juliet simply laughed. “Have you forgotten that I chased a highwayman into this very stable?” she demanded. “It was I, fearing for the safety of my sisters and not having a care for my own life, who went in search of him and fell and was hurt for my troubles.”
Daniel gave her a worried glance. “I don’t think it’s a good idea,” he repeated for the third time since the two women had come to him with their plan of leaving the grounds.
Juliet’s shoulders slumped and she tilted her head. “Perhaps you are right,” she said with a sigh.
She glanced up at him, her fluttering lashes causing his heart to hurt. How could he say no to her? However, he had to make the right choice for them. The safe choice.
She sighed again. “I never thought you were one to break a promise.”
With her best interests in mind, he went to speak, but as her lower lip pouted, he could no longer deny her wishes. “I won’t argue,” he said, although he wished he could have clamped his mouth shut instead. “If you want to go…”
Voices of Shadows Past: Secrets of Scarlett Hall Book 3 Page 18