“Juliet, whatever is the matter?” he whispered.
She took a few deep breaths, gathering her thoughts or perhaps gathering her strength. When she finally spoke after several agonizing moments, her voice came out quiet and shaky. She did not look at Solomon either, keeping her eyes on her hands clasped tightly in her lap.
“I cannot hold it in any longer, Solomon. Dancing with you tonight brought back all my old feelings though I’ve been trying so desperately to suppress them.” Juliet squeezed her eyes shut as the words slipped out, as if she could not bear to see Solomon’s reaction.
Indeed, Solomon’s face had frozen as he’d listened, his body stuck in shock as his heart and mind raced. Could she really mean what he thought? When he heard a tiny sniffle come from Juliet, Solomon pulled himself back to reality, to the woman before him. She deserved an answer.
“Is that really such a bad thing?” Even Solomon’s voice shook slightly as he asked his question. Her answer could change things between them forever.
Juliet whipped around to face Solomon, tears welling in her eyes. “Yes, it is! I broke your heart and I can never be forgiven for that.”
Solomon’s heart broke again, but not in the same way that it had been broken before. This time it broke for the anguish in her voice, the tortured expression on her face. At one point in time, Solomon would have thought her heartless for doing what she’d done. In fact, believing that she’d never cared for him had been the only thing that helped him slowly begin the healing process. He’d needed somewhere to direct his anger and pain. Juliet had been the natural target.
Now Solomon could see that he’d been wrong the whole time. It would be impossible to act out such self-loathing as he saw before him if she’d truly been as callous as he’d once thought. His heart broke to think that she’d lived with this guilt for four years.
He took her hand in his now, his fear suddenly made irrelevant. He knew she needed this. He rubbed small, comforting circles on the back of her hand for a moment as she stared at him in surprise, a glimmer of hope slipping out with the lone tear that tumbled down her cheek.
“I forgive you, Juliet. Truly, from the bottom of my heart. I forgive you. I was angry and uncomfortable when you first came, but I’ve overcome all that now. I know I wasn’t perfect in the past and I apologize for whatever I did that made you think we couldn’t be right for each other. I cannot suppress my feelings anymore either.” Solomon paused, taking a deep breath. He wanted to say those words so badly, even though he’d fought against them for so long.
“No matter what I do, Juliet, I’m drawn to you. Not a single day has gone by that I haven’t thought of you in the past four years. Surely it must mean something for you to show back up in my life in such an unexpected way at a time when I needed you most.”
“Do you really mean that?” she asked breathlessly, eyes pleading with him for confirmation, pleading for her prayers to be answered just as Solomon’s had.
Solomon leaned forward, bringing himself closer to her than he’d been in years, even closer than they’d been in the orchard or that day out in the snow when she’d held onto him to keep from slipping—even closer than when they’d danced together. The frantic, anxious pace of his heart had been replaced by a deep, natural rhythm. It told him with each beat that somehow, beyond his wildest dreams, he had finally found his way back to the woman who always had and always would own his heart.
He cupped her cheek in one hand and kissed her forehead, reveling in the feeling of her soft skin against his lips. Now that he’d felt it again, he realized just how much he’d missed this—missed her. How many times had he done exactly this whenever they could snatch a second alone? Could he really be kissing her again? Solomon wanted to believe in it so desperately yet somehow everything about him, about her, about the room that enclosed them seemed so otherworldly.
“I mean it with everything I am.” Solomon leaned back as he spoke, keeping his hand on her cheek, so he could look her in the face as he said those incredible, miraculous words. Her lips pulled up in a small smile, trembling slightly, but he had no doubt of the joy dancing in her soft blue eyes. “If you are willing, I would be very eager to revive our relationship, to make things the way they were before. Only if you are willing, of course.”
Juliet’s smile grew wider, seeming to take up Solomon’s entire field of view. Her smile was all he could see. “Yes, I would very much like that.”
How Solomon wanted to kiss her on the lips, to lift her off her feet and spin her around the room! He held himself back, contenting himself with gently brushing back a strand of curled hair. They needed to become reacquainted first. There would be plenty of time for all the rest later.
Juliet bit her lip, eyeing Solomon with something like mischief. He tilted his head and opened his mouth to ask her what she schemed, but, before he could, she had flung herself into his arms. Instinctively, Solomon wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. She did the same, her fingers clutching the back of his coat. “I’m so very, very happy,” she whispered into his shoulder.
“As am I, sweet one.” The sound of her old nickname, the special name she adored, felt so natural on his lips. She giggled and nuzzled her face even deeper into the crook of his neck. “Well, shall we kick things off by returning to the ball? It seems only fitting since we had our first meeting at a ball all those years ago. I would be honored if you would dance the next set with me.”
Solomon leaned back, keeping his hands on Juliet’s waist. He never wanted to let her go again if he could help it, and he would certainly do everything in his power this time to hold on for as long as possible.
Juliet simply nodded happily, her grin widening still more. Solomon chuckled as he brushed back another loosened strand of hair. He stood, immediately missing the warmth of her presence, but she took his hand as soon as he offered it. They left the gallery arm in arm, happier than either of them had been in years.
Henry did not say anything as they emerged back out into the hallway. He spied their blissful smiles and gave Solomon a questioning look. Solomon would have to explain later but, for now, he felt that their expressions spoke loudly enough. They made their way back to the ballroom slowly, Solomon and Juliet purposely taking their time, enjoying every moment they had to absorb this newfound joy, a joy that felt so fresh yet so familiar.
The sound of the ballroom crushed Solomon as soon as they entered. The quiet of the gallery, only his and Juliet’s voices filling the space, had been so perfect and peaceful. It had been all he’d known for those precious few minutes. He’d almost forgotten what a party with all its music and chatter and shoes clicking upon the wood floor sounded like.
“Oh my dear, there you are!” They heard Mrs. Williams' voice before they saw her, but soon enough her tall frame and orange hair followed, appearing before them like a ghost. She looked Juliet up and down as she extracted her friend from Solomon’s arm, dragging her away. She must have witnessed Juliet’s hasty exit. Though Solomon wished to reclaim Juliet, he was thankful that she had such lovely friends who looked after her so well.
“So?” Henry asked.
Solomon did not look at his friend. He only watched Juliet, her happiness radiating from her as she shared the news with Mrs. Williams. “I am overjoyed to announce that Juliet and I will be resuming our courtship.” He smiled, a beautiful warmth sweeping over his entire body. “If I’ve been given a second chance, surely it must all work out this time.”
Solomon finally looked over when he felt his best friend’s hand come down heavy on his shoulder. Henry grinned so widely that almost every tooth showed. The look shocked Solomon as even Henry’s most joyous expressions usually erred on the side of a conservative smile. He’d only seen Henry look happier twice: as he’d stood at the altar with Cecilia and on the day Solomon had arrived at Gatherford Park to be introduced to his godson.
“I’m so thrilled for you both,” the baron exclaimed almost loudly enough for the nearby guests
to overhear. At that moment, Solomon could not have cared less who heard.
“Am I being a fool, Henry?” he asked quietly after accepting Henry’s hearty congratulations. As he did with many things, Solomon had rushed straight in without taking any time to think what consequences there might be. Henry knew this very well and often reprimanded Solomon for his tendency to act before thinking. He trusted his best friend to tell him the truth always but especially now.
Henry chuckled and slapped Solomon on the back. “You are indeed a fool most days, but not today, my friend.”
Chapter 9
Warm sunlight filtered down through the branches above Juliet. She closed her eyes, enjoying the subtle heat on her skin while Pearl’s sweet voice filled her ears, offset by Rosamund’s low, playful tone. Pearl and Rosamund had become fast friends during the Williams’ stay at Palgrave Castle and Daniel absolutely fascinated the girl with his explanations of perfume making. He’d even promised her that he would create a scent just for her and name it Pearl, which had thrilled her to no end.
Juliet smiled, eyes still closed, as she reflected on how much Pearl had grown since she’d first arrived in the fall. The girl now spoke with confidence and played happily. She was full of energy, curiosity, and imagination. She also did very well with her French lessons, something Lady Overton had thought would be too soon for Pearl, but Juliet had wanted to challenge her. It had proved to be a positive challenge. Unfortunately, Pearl still detested arithmetic.
The terrors of arithmetic had been banished for today. Today, Juliet, Rosamund, and Pearl enjoyed the orchard as spring finished settling in. Small green leaves popped up with greater frequency on the branches above and small blooms would soon follow. Juliet had been taking Pearl outside for lessons under the sun now that all the snow had melted away.
They’d chosen a spot for their picnic, laying a soft blanket over the prickly grass and placing the basket full of food on one corner. Rosamund had eagerly accepted Pearl’s invitation to join them on the condition that Pearl diligently practiced her French before they paused for lunch. Juliet was glad to spend more time with her friend before she went back to Brighton, but at the present moment she was particularly glad that Rosamund had taken over the French lesson temporarily, encouraging Pearl to have simple conversations in the new language. While the ladies spoke French in the orchard, the men had gone off fishing at the pond.
Juliet had not felt this happy in a very long time. She had finally accepted her strange role in the household. It certainly helped that Pearl was such a lovely child and bright student. And, of course, she and Solomon had finally made amends after all these years of pain and these past few months of tension. The dance a few days ago still swirled through Juliet’s mind like a dream she did not want to forget.
For now, she needed to return to the present. Juliet opened her eyes and watched Pearl and Rosamund eagerly chatting, Pearl doing her very best to incorporate the French phrases she’d learned so far while Rosamund offered corrections. Juliet adored the way Pearl approached each new challenge and did not give up even on her most difficult or disliked subjects.
Juliet really did love Pearl. She finally felt free to admit that to herself. She hoped she would be part of Pearl’s life for many years to come, guiding her from schoolroom knowledge to lessons on poise and manners before eventually making her debut in Society. Then after that...Juliet could not be sure what would come next.
“All done with French! Miss Richards, can we have a tea party with Mrs. Williams soon before she leaves?” Pearl asked, her hands clasped together before her chest as she anticipated her governess’s answer.
“Why, what an excellent idea!” Rosamund cheered, giving Pearl a crushing hug that sent the girl into a fit of exhilarated giggles.
Juliet laughed, too, and raised her voice to be heard over the cacophony of happy sounds surrounding them. “Yes of course we can, Pearl. That’s very kind of you to suggest it for our guest.”
“Yay!” Pearl jumped up to her feet. “Did you hear that, Mrs. Williams? A tea party!” She skipped around Juliet and Rosamund, her smile bright with excitement.
“But!” Juliet interjected after letting Pearl enjoy herself for a moment. The girl pouted and sat back down between her governess and her new friend. “You must hurry and eat your sandwich so we can start your reading lesson. After that we can make all sorts of plans for our tea party.”
Pearl sat up straight and nodded eagerly, taking a bite of her sandwich as soon as Juliet put it in her hands, chewing as quickly as her little mouth would allow. Juliet was just about to remind her to chew very thoroughly lest she choke when footsteps approached on the nearby gravel path.
Felix the footman appeared before them with a gleaming silver tray clutched in his gloved hands. Everyone paused, surprised by his unexpected appearance. Felix set the tray down on an unoccupied corner of their blanket.
“His lordship requested that this tray be sent to you at this time. You will find a pot of chocolate and pastries for your enjoyment,” he announced stiffly. Juliet did not have time to thank him as he quickly walked away, casting a displeased glance over his shoulder.
Juliet frowned as she watched him go. Most of the household staff had grown accustomed to her. They no longer gave her mean looks, though they still did not speak beyond professional necessity. Until the ball. She had been the target of more disgruntled glances ever since the news had made it around the house that she had been asked to attend the master’s ball. Juliet had come to accept that they would never be friendly, but she had been so relieved that they no longer seemed offended by her mere presence. That had all been undone a few days ago. She tried not to let it bother her too much. Now that she and Solomon were together again, she need not worry about being lonely.
“It looks like you and Lord Overton are off to a good start,” Rosamund teased with a raised eyebrow.
Juliet smiled, a light blush spreading over her face. “I still can’t believe it’s really happening,” she whispered, taking the pot and a cup to distribute the surprise treat. The first she poured for Pearl, who could barely contain her excitement at the prospect of chocolate.
As Juliet handed a cup to Rosamund and picked up the last cup for herself, she noticed a carefully folded note that had been hidden under the stack. Her heart leapt as she snatched it and unfolded the small piece of paper.
I hope your treat arrives on time and that you all enjoy it. Chocolate horses come second only to actual chocolate, don’t you think?
The note made Juliet smile so widely that she feared her face would be sore the next day. Though it had been brief, it had spoken so much about her and Solomon’s new relationship. He’d remembered their conversation during their first dance and brought it back in this sweet gesture infused with his charming humor.
Juliet noticed the way Rosamund eyed her slyly, but she did not question Juliet about the note. Juliet’s blush spread as she folded the message, tucking it away in her notebook that contained her lesson plans.
“Well, it looks like we shall have a chocolate party for now instead of a tea party!” Juliet announced as she finished pouring her own cup. Pearl squealed with delight as she eagerly gulped down the drink.
With Pearl sufficiently distracted, Rosamund turned her full attention to Juliet. “How did Lord Overton know we would be here at this time?” she asked, a touch of mischief hidden in the innocent question. Juliet knew her friend well enough to know that any attempts at lying or deflecting would be immediately swept aside. Rosamund could be very persistent when she wanted to, and she nearly always wanted to. Besides, Rosamund was the only person in the world Juliet could freely speak to about her joy other than Cecilia.
“He’s come to know our schedule and he knows we like to take a lunchtime lesson in the orchard when the weather is nice.”
“How very thoughtful and sweet!” Rosamund chirped. She took a sip of chocolate with a loud, satisfied sigh—quite unladylike, but very like Rosamund. Ju
liet had always admired her ability to truly be herself, no matter what Society might think. Rosamund’s bravery in going against her parents’ every wish and marrying a merchant—a man she loved dearly, but who did not make an appropriate match for a baron’s daughter—had greatly inspired Juliet to choose her own path. Even if her parents and Society as a whole disapproved.
And why should Juliet feel ashamed of her choice? Being a governess was an honorable and rewarding occupation, as she’d come to learn many times over during her time with Pearl. She absolutely loved it in all its triumphs and challenges because it meant that she could make a difference in someone else’s life.
It had also brought her back into Solomon’s life, giving her a miraculous chance to repair what she had so foolishly broken.
“Rosamund, he is so wonderfully thoughtful and sweet and charming and caring. In a word, he is perfect,” Juliet sighed happily. Even those words just barely scratched the surface of Solomon’s unique mind and complex personality. If she had to explain every part of the earl that so endeared him to Juliet, it would take her days, even weeks or months.
“Goodness, I haven’t seen such a lovestruck woman since Daniel and I first started courting. Of course, I am still quite lovestruck, but it has settled into a very comfortable, familiar kind of sensation. He feels like home.” Rosamund gazed wistfully into her cup of chocolate, her memory taking her to those exciting early days of their relationship. Juliet had watched it all unfold and had clapped harder than anyone else at Rosamund’s and Daniel’s wedding. At that time she’d thought she could only experience the happiness of love through her friends. Now she was in the midst of her very own love story.
Embracing The Earl's Dream: A Clean Regency Romance (Resolved In Love Book 4) Page 13