Juliet shook her head. “Mother, please, do not make it worse!”
Eleanor ignored her daughter. “I was curious as to why you refused to allow Juliet to leave with you.” She narrowed her eyes. “And do not lie. Was it because she has no money of her own?”
Daniel’s eyes widened. “No. That’s not the reason.”
“Then why would a man who has romantic feelings for a woman not allow her to leave with him? Surely that is the action of a man who does not love her?”
Daniel raised his head and gave Eleanor a defiant glare. “I love Juliet,” he said firmly. “More than I thought was possible. That’s why I wouldn’t allow her to go with me.”
“Mother, please!” Juliet said, her voice breaking. “I beg of you, do not put him through this.”
Once again, Eleanor ignored Juliet. “Explain yourself,” she demanded.
Daniel sighed. “When I was but a young boy and came to work here, I knew where I stood. Juliet taught me that, although title and wealth separate us, love could unite us and destroy the chasm. But like you, my lady, I want the best for Juliet. And like her, I want to honor your wishes by staying away from her. I don’t regret it,” his voice croaked and he cleared his throat, “I only regret that the blood that runs through me is not noble. If it was, we could…”
“Thank you,” Eleanor said, interrupting the man. “May your journey be safe.”
Daniel nodded before giving a glance of longing at Juliet and leaving the room.
Eleanor returned to the window, unable to face Juliet, who choked back sobs that tore at Eleanor’s heart. Her thoughts went back to Anne and the promise Eleanor had made to the maid. I promise she will find happiness in life.
“I could never allow you to leave with him,” she said without turning to look at her daughter, “for it would break my heart.
“I know this, Mother,” Juliet said between sobs.
“It would crush me to wake up tomorrow morning and find you gone.” She turned, took a step to the desk, and opened a drawer. “To come into this study and find this box gone,” she removed an ornate wooden box and placed it on the desk, “which contains the title and directions to the cottage where you were born.”
“Mother?”
“It would break my heart,” Eleanor said as she walked over to stand before Juliet, “to know that the ton would whisper rumors of you running away in the night to marry a stable hand, rumors that would persist for years to come—or until another scandal took its place.”
“I do not understand…”
Eleanor placed a hand on the side of her beautiful daughter’s face. “And it would break my heart not seeing you for some time. However, although my heart would be crushed and my spirit bruised, it would never stop me from loving you.” She kissed Juliet’s forehead. “Goodbye, my sweet daughter.”
***
Tears rolled down Juliet’s cheeks at her mother’s words. “Oh, Mother!” she said as she threw her arms around the woman. “I do not understand! Why…?”
“A letter in the box,” her mother whispered, “explains everything. Forbes has sent a rider to deliver word to Lord Parsons that I have fallen ill. Now, I must go to my room, and you must prepare for what you must.”
Juliet nodded. “I love you, Mother.”
“And I love you more than you can ever imagine.” She pushed back a strand of Juliet’s hair, kissed her cheek, and left the room.
Juliet hurried over to the box and pulled out the contents. Indeed, there was a land deed to a cottage made out in Daniel’s name. Beside it was a piece of parchment with the location of the cottage and several pound notes. Juliet was stunned at it all; however, it was the letter that warmed Juliet’s heart.
My Dearest Juliet,
You have always been a raging fire, and I believe the love you and Daniel share will burn brighter if you are together. I will never admit that I allowed this, and I know you will never tell anyone the truth.
As to why I did this? It is simple. It is a promise I made to an old friend, one who gave me the greatest gift I have ever received.
You.
Juliet wiped tears from her eyes, placed the contents of the box in the pocket of her dress, and hurried down the hallway. Once outside, she ran, joy and love carrying her feet, to the stables, calling out for Daniel.
The stable door opened, Daniel rushing out with a frightened look on his face. “Juliet?” he asked in shock. “What is it? What’s wrong?”
She threw herself into his arms. “Nothing,” she said as she held the man close. “Everything is perfect.”
“What’s happened?” he asked, although he did nothing to release his hold on her.
“Dreams,” she whispered. “My dreams, your dreams, they will all come true.” Then, as she had done in the past, she kissed the man she loved, and he returned the kiss with a matching hunger as the fire banked between them. There had been a gap between a lady and a stable boy that no amount of wealth could have joined. Yet, it was not wealth that had done so. In fact, it was love, a love so beautiful and pure Juliet now understood who she truly was and the lady she needed to be.
A lady of heart and mind who gave Daniel the strength he needed to learn to read and to realize that he was a far better man than he could ever have imagined. It was that same love that, as the two walked together hand in hand to the stable, Juliet knew would keep them together. Forever.
Chapter Thirty-Two
With just a small carpetbag containing two dresses and a few other essential items, Juliet left her bedroom for what would be the last time. She stared at the door for several moments, drinking in the memories, when a door down the hallway creaked open.
“Juliet?”
Taking a deep breath, Juliet set the bag on the floor and turned to her cousin, who wore a confused expression. “Hello, Annabel,” she said, attempting to keep her voice level. It was not an easy feat. “I am leaving—with Daniel—but I am afraid I cannot take you with me.” The words tore at her heart, but they had to be said.
“But I do not understand,” Annabel said, her voice choked. “I thought Daniel agreed…”
Juliet took Annabel’s hand. “That is not the reason. Our circumstances have changed. However, I promise to write to you, and if you ever need me, I will return as quickly as I can.”
Annabel threw her arms around Juliet. “I will miss you,” she whispered. “But I am happy for you.”
“And I will miss you,” Juliet said, kissing her cousin’s cheek. “Mother will take care of you. You will always be safe her. You do believe me, do you not?”
Annabel nodded. “I do. I have nothing to fear.”
Juliet smiled and picked up the bag. “Now, go back to bed before I change my mind and sell you to a gentleman of the ton.” This made them both giggle, each covering her mouth to stifle the sound.
“Do write to me.”
“I said I would,” Juliet said, feigning annoyance.
Annabel hugged her once more before returning to her room and closing the door behind her.
Juliet stared at the door for several moments before heaving a heavy sigh and making her way down the hallway. How she wished she could take her cousin with her, but what kind of life would one such as Annabel live in a tiny cottage? It had been unfair of Juliet to offer to take the girl, for her cousin had a wondrous life ahead of her; Juliet’s mother would see to that.
At the bottom of the stairs, Forbes stood waiting, his tall imposing figure giving her pause. Would he attempt to stop her from leaving? Cause a scene and wake the entire household in the process?
“Miss Juliet,” he said in his deep baritone. “I will miss you.”
Juliet stared at him in shock. “You know?”
The man nodded. “Do not worry; I will not tell. However, I could not allow you to leave without first saying goodbye.”
Juliet embraced the man. “Thank you, Forbes. I will miss you. I do ask one thing, not for myself but for Mother.”
“W
hatever you request, I will do.”
“Please be certain she is happy.”
Forbes smiled. “Rest assured that there is nothing I will not do to see your mother happy,” he said.
He turned to open the door for her, and she stepped out onto the stoop. The future was frightening—as well as full of excitement. From this day forth, life would be much different from the life she had known, and she could not wait to live it.
As she made her way to the stables, the door opened and Daniel exited, leading two horses—one her Penelope—saddled and already laden with several bags. The first light of day broke across the horizon as she gazed at Daniel’s smile.
“Allow me,” he said, taking her carpetbag and tying it behind her saddle. When he turned and gazed down at her, she wondered if she would be able to remain standing. “I love you, Juliet. Are you sure this is what you want?”
She turned and looked up at Scarlett Hall. “This house is so magnificent that I once desired one like it for myself. Now, however, I have come to realize that it was not the many rooms and the size of the place that made it great, but rather the love inside.”
He put his fingers under her chin and turned her to face him. “I couldn’t agree more,” he whispered. “It’s a gift no money could ever buy. Don’t you think it’s a wonderful gift?”
The world seemed to disappear as Juliet stared into the eyes of the man she loved. “Yes,” she replied readily. “Such a wondrous gift.”
She took Penelope’s reins from Daniel, and he helped her mount. As they moved toward the drive, she glanced at the front of the house and was surprised to see a lone figure standing on the stoop, a heavy wrap on her shoulders. She was not the woman who gave birth to her, but Juliet admired and loved her more than anyone would ever understand.
Her mother raised a hand, and Juliet did the same, keeping it raised until the woman, and Scarlett Hall, disappeared from sight.
With a sigh, Juliet rode beside Daniel, off to their new life. Together.
***
They traveled four days, riding through the countryside and speaking of their future and their marriage.
“I am surprised,” Juliet said, attempting to suppress a grin, “that you would wish for four children.”
“Is that too many?” he asked, concern filling his tone. “I suppose you only want two.”
Juliet pretended to think for a moment. “I hope for a dozen,” she said with a firm nod. His jaw dropped, and she added with a laugh, “One for each month of the year.”
He gave her a chuckle. “You, Miss Juliet, are nothing like other ladies.” She raised a brow at him, and his eyes widened. “That is…you’re far more beautiful in every way.”
She smiled. “And you, are the most handsome.” Then she turned up her nose and pursed her lips. “However, you are a pitiful horseman.”
Before allowing him to respond, she heeled Penelope, who launched forward, Daniel shouting with frustration from behind. With tears of happiness in her eyes, she laughed as he raced his horse beside hers.
“I don’t know what I’m going to do with you,” he chided playfully.
“I have a wonderful idea,” she replied, glancing over at him. “Marry me!” She urged Penelope to go faster.
“I plan on doing just that!” he shouted back at her as his larger and heavier Irish Hunter overtook Penelope.
She giggled; he had only won the race because she allowed him to do so. Although, she would never admit it.
They slowed their mounts as the road curved, passing several small cottages with sheep dotting the land. Then Juliet saw the most precious of cottages, whitewashed with a heavy thatch roof and door and window frames painted red. Behind it sat a small stable.
“Is that our new home?” she asked, looking at the directions her mother had left for her. “I did not expect it to be so wonderful!”
They dismounted beside a tree, where they tethered the horses, and hand in hand, they walked to the front door. Juliet closed her eyes and brought to mind the story her mother had told her, imagining the woman standing at this door so many years before.
“Juliet?” Daniel asked, his voice filled with concern. “Are you all right?”
She opened her eyes and turned to him. One day she would tell him the story of her birth, but today was not that day. Today, they would be making new memories, not reminiscing on the past. “I am wonderful,” she replied, taking his hand and pulling him to the door. “Come! Let us explore our new home!”
The house was more than they could have ever wanted and more. It had a small kitchen, a sitting room, and two small bedrooms. “It is perfect.”
Daniel was looking around as if in shock. “This house is grand,” he said. “Far better than I thought…” He looked down at her. “It’s perfect.”
“It is,” she replied. “It is a home in which a woman once lived, a woman who had dreams for her daughter.”
“Is that true?” Daniel asked as he glanced around again.
“Yes. She dreamed her daughter would be happy, and her dream, much like my own, has come true.”
***
Mrs. Juliet Haskins, formally Miss Juliet Lambert, was doing amazing things with her life. For one, she was keeping house. How one actually did such a thing was beyond her, for most often she simply moved the furniture from one place to another. She swept and mopped the floors, cooked meals—not wonderful meals to be sure, but at least after two months of marriage she no longer served food so blackened it was inedible—and washed dishes afterward.
Despite her unfamiliarity with the life in which she now found herself, she could not have been happier.
The sound of hoofbeats came to her ear, and she smiled as she watched her husband ride up the drive. Daniel had found work in a stable at a manor not far from their home, and he enjoyed his work as much as he did while at Scarlett Hall, or so he had said. With the wide smile he wore every day when returning home, Juliet had no doubt he spoke the truth.
Daniel dismounted, his cheeks covered in rough stubble and his dark hair falling over his brow. However, it was his handsome smile that she adored above all else.
“I was told a lady lives here,” he said as he walked toward her. “A lady who enjoys adventure and is like no other lady in existence. Is this true?”
“It is true,” Juliet replied with a laugh. “For I am she. And who, may I ask, are you?”
“Some call me a stable boy, but that is only partly true.” He put his hands around her waist and pulled her close. “For I am a man in love with the most beautiful woman in all of England.” He lowered his head and kissed her. The kiss had passion and urgency, and she returned it with the same exuberance as he gave.
When the kiss broke, he kept his hold on her, not allowing her to move away—not that she tried. “As a matter of fact,” he said, “that woman wrote me a letter.”
Juliet frowned. “Letter?”
He smiled, reached into his coat pocket, and produced a folded piece of parchment. He unfolded it and began to read:
My Dearest Daniel,
I know in my heart that, one day, you shall be able to read this letter, and if, for some reason, I am not there with you, know that I am truly proud of you.
Please know that you hold a special place in my heart and that nothing can ever keep us apart.
With love,
Juliet
“You were right, Juliet,” he said, pulling her close once again. “Nothing can keep us apart.”
She placed her arms around his neck. “Nothing,” she agreed. “And it is our love that will always keep us together.”
Chapter Thirty-Three
Scarlett Hall June 1806
As their horses came to a stop outside the familiar stable beside Scarlett Hall, Juliet stared up at the grand house. She and Daniel had received the letter of invitation three weeks prior, and she would not miss Hannah’s wedding reception for the world.
The new stable hand, a boy several years younger than Da
niel, came to take their horses.
“It has been only two months,” Juliet said as she and Daniel made their way to the house, “but it seems like years.”
“Do you miss it?” Daniel asked, and she did not miss the twinge of concern behind his words.
“I could lie and say that I do not. However, I love our home more.”
Daniel smiled. “I’m glad.”
The door opened, and Nathaniel came bounding down the steps. “Juliet!” he shouted before lifting her from the ground and twirling her around in his arms. “I am so happy to see you!”
Juliet laughed. “As I am you,” she replied. The boy had grown much since she had last seen him. “You remember Daniel?”
Nathaniel nodded. “I do.” He put out his hand, and after some hesitation, Daniel shook it firmly. “It is good to see you again.”
“Thank you, my lord,” Daniel replied quietly.
Nathaniel raised his brows. “You are my brother-in-law. You have no reason to be so formal. My name is Nathanial, not ‘my lord’.”
Daniel’s cheeks reddened, but he nodded. “As you wish, Nathaniel.” He stumbled over the name, but Juliet’s brother did not seem to notice.
When Juliet’s mother joined them, Juliet threw her arms around the woman. “I have missed you so,” she whispered as tears filled her eyes.
“Not more than I have missed you,” her mother replied. She took a step back and placed her hand in Juliet’s. “You look happy.” She wiped the tears from Juliet’s cheeks and laughed. “Are you happy?”
“I am,” Juliet replied, and she could not have been more truthful. When she turned to her husband, she was surprised to see him looking at the ground.
Her mother stood before him. “It is good to see you, as well,” she said and then surprised Juliet by embracing him. “Please, both of you, come in.”
They followed her mother into the house and glanced around the foyer. “Where are my sisters?”
Voices of Shadows Past: Secrets of Scarlett Hall Book 3 Page 27