“What kind of flower is this, Miss Richards?” Pearl asked, her eyes tracing the shape of the soft white petals.
“These are all roses in this garden.”
Pearl frowned at the flower before her. “But I thought roses were red.”
Juliet smiled and gently placed a hand on Pearl’s shoulder, slowly turning her to face the rest of the garden. Dozens of bushes stretched before them, bearing flowers of various colors. “Many roses are indeed red, Pearl, but they also come in other colors like these white ones here. Do you see the red ones over there? And there are a few pink ones just starting to come up on that side. There might even be some yellow ones as well.”
As Juliet kneeled down next to Pearl, teaching her about the lovely flowers surrounding them and carefully helping her feel the fragile petals, Solomon found himself transported into the future. He could see Juliet doing exactly this with their own children someday.
Solomon’s chest suddenly swelled with a nearly explosive happiness. He could hardly wait for those days, the days he’d thought would remain nothing but dreams, nothing but possibilities that had been stolen from him.
Juliet gave Pearl a gentle push between her shoulder blades, encouraging the girl to run ahead of them and explore on her own for a while. She skipped away happily, pausing every so often to smell a flower, her long light brown curls trailing behind her.
Solomon offered Juliet his arm once more. It happened so quickly that had he not been watching her so intently Solomon would have missed it. Before resting her hand upon his forearm, Juliet glanced from side to side as if she worried someone might see.
She was still the governess after all, so walking arm in arm with her employer in the rose garden might look strange to others. Juliet seemed even more aware of this fact than usual. Her body felt tense as it brushed against Solomon with every step they took.
“Is everything alright, sweet one?” he asked quietly, though he was sure no one else occupied the garden but them. Pearl was too far ahead by now and too occupied by the roses to pay them any mind.
Juliet’s head turned so quickly to look at him that her carefully secured bonnet threatened to come loose. She relaxed ever so slightly. “Yes, I am quite alright.”
Solomon glanced ahead at Pearl once more before dropping his voice to a whisper. “Has everything been going well with Pearl’s lessons?”
“Yes, very well indeed,” Juliet insisted. “Pearl is a brilliant child. I couldn’t be happier with her progress.”
Juliet gazed ahead at the girl with that same hint of sadness Solomon had noticed earlier. This greatly perplexed him, but he did not want to risk upsetting Juliet by prying too deeply if she insisted everything was fine.
“Are you sure you are alright, Juliet? You promise to tell me if anything bothers you?”
Juliet stopped and turned to face Solomon, taking his hands in hers. “It’s all still sinking in. I can’t believe this is really happening,” she whispered, that same hesitant smile on her face.
He could hear the sincerity in her words, but Solomon could still sense that she hid something from him. A sick feeling bubbled up in his stomach. This reminded him too much of last time—the same signs of the end coming though he’d been too oblivious then.
“Solomon? Do you feel ill?” Juliet asked, her brows turned up in concern. Solomon shook his head and smiled. His face must have changed to reflect the terrible dread that had swept over him.
“I’ve never been better,” he assured Juliet. And he truly felt it—aside from that little voice in the furthest corner of his mind that told him to be careful, that something was wrong. “Will you join us all for lunch today, since Henry and Mr. and Mrs. Williams leave tomorrow morning?”
Solomon noticed the way Juliet quickly swallowed, the corner of her mouth pulling down in a half frown for the briefest moment. “I wonder if it wouldn’t be quite strange to have a governess eat with you all. Besides, I usually eat with Pearl or eat alone when you or the countess ask for Pearl to eat with you. I wouldn’t want the poor dear to be lonely. I’m perfectly content with that arrangement.”
“I assure you it will be just fine.” He squeezed her hands and gave as encouraging a smile as he could muster. “We’re all old friends and Henry is your family, after all. It would be so lovely to eat together like in the old days. I’ll have Mother’s lady’s maid keep Pearl company while we dine.”
Juliet pursed her lips together in a tight smile. She nodded, but her reluctance was etched clearly on her face. Solomon reminded himself that Juliet indeed occupied a strange position—hopefully, one that would come to an end soon. In the meantime, he resolved to be understanding and accepting of her awkwardness and reassure her as much as possible.
Solomon drew her arm through his once more. “We should follow after Pearl lest she get herself into some sort of trouble, as any Catley child is wont to do.” He smiled once more, his heart softening as Juliet briefly rested her head upon his shoulder.
After a few moments of walking in silence, each occupied by their own thoughts, Solomon decided to reignite their conversation with a safer subject. “Well, Juliet, now that we know we still have the same opinions on the best horse colors, might I ask if your opinion on Shakespeare’s works remains unchanged as well?”
Juliet sighed, the rigidity in her spine easing slightly as she scrunched her nose. “I’m afraid that Romeo and Juliet will forever be my least favorite play of Shakespeare’s. Just because I bear the same name as the heroine does not mean I should like it, yet everyone seems to think I should when they first meet me and ask my thoughts about the play.”
Solomon chuckled. He knew her answer very well. He’d made the mistake of asking if she liked Romeo and Juliet during one of their first meetings and she had quickly put him in his place for making such an unfounded assumption. Solomon had known immediately that this young woman carefully formed her own opinions and stood by them, unafraid to share them though she did so with equal measures of playful wit and charming grace.
“Dear Juliet, you are being quite unfair,” he teased. “It is one of the greatest love stories of all time.” He held a finger up in the air as if he’d just made a grand revelation. He’d seen Henry do that exact thing when he felt compelled to debate topics of literary merit or share important details from his own works.
Juliet smiled softly and whispered, “That is because Shakespeare never had the chance to meet us.”
Solomon’s heart fluttered and every misgiving he’d felt earlier vanished. He stared back at Juliet and saw love in her exquisitely sky blue eyes. Everything in Solomon’s body urged him to lean down and kiss her, but Juliet herself blocked the impulse when she tossed her head up with a huff.
“My favorite Shakespeare play is A Midsummer Night’s Dream now,” she announced with complete confidence, slyly watching Solomon from the corner of her eye.
He still longed to kiss her but, for now, Solomon allowed himself to enjoy the ease with which they conversed and teased and laughed just as they'd done years ago. Juliet never lacked for something interesting to say or some humorous observation to offer. She couldn’t be quite so carefree and playful in her role as governess, but Solomon knew she would soon be free to be exactly who she wanted to be.
As they continued through the garden, arm in arm, with happy and spirited conversation flowing between them while Pearl amused herself, Solomon had never felt more certain of the truth.
This was how it should be—how it should have always been.
Solomon glanced up once more at Juliet seated across from him at the dining table a few chairs down. She must have felt his gaze for she looked over at the same moment and gave him a small smile. He still could hardly believe that he was having lunch with Juliet, just like they’d done so many times in their past. It felt almost surreal, as if he’d gone back in time. He had to keep checking that she was still there, that this was indeed real.
“My wife and I would like to thank you both o
nce again for inviting us to stay,” said Mr. Williams. “This beautiful property has inspired us to make a scent based on Palgrave Castle when we return home.” He smiled cheerfully as he took another bite of ham, every word sincere.
Mrs. Williams’ normally sharp and observant eyes softened as she watched her husband speak. She admired both her husband’s creativity and his amiable nature. Mr. Williams noticed his wife’s expression and they shared a sweet smile, able to convey their feelings without words. The two clearly loved each other very much and it touched Solomon. If the Williams and the Neils could have that, why couldn’t he and Juliet? Surely they deserved it after everything they’d been through.
“I wish we could stay longer, but I so miss our darling May,” Mrs. Williams added. “Though we may have to fight my father-in-law to get our daughter back. He dotes on his grandchild too much for either of their good.” She and Mr. Williams both chuckled at the thought. “I know you do not travel much these days, my lady, but we would be happy to have you stay with us if you ever find yourself in Brighton. I think you would get along very well with my grandmother if she were to visit at the same time. The same goes for Lord Overton, of course—and anyone else he may wish to invite.” Mrs. Williams cast a pointed glance at Juliet as she said the last part, her eyebrow arching up in a knowing way.
Solomon’s mother coughed slightly before giving an uneasy smile. “That is so very kind of you, Mrs. Williams. I would have loved to see you in Brighton if I had the energy for such long trips. But alas, I am not as young as I used to be, so I shall leave the travel to you all with your energy and enthusiasm.” Solomon watched the dowager countess carefully as she spoke. Even if she’d had any desire to travel, he doubted she would stay with a talented and successful family of artisans no matter how much she enjoyed their company. It simply wasn’t done.
The older woman coughed again and turned her attention to Henry, carefully glossing over the less than subtle implication of Mrs. Williams’ offer to Solomon. “My dear Henry, you must be so eager to return home to Cecilia and Joseph.” Mother’s expression softened as she gazed at her nearly adopted son. She had always adored Henry and often praised Solomon’s sense in befriending such a handsome, intelligent, well-mannered gentleman.
“I do miss them very much and, of course, I want to be there to support Cecilia as much as possible during this time.” Henry gave them a longing smile, his thoughts no doubt full of his family as the day of their reunion drew nearer.
Solomon had thanked Henry many times over for coming to the ball and staying a while longer even though he would have much rather been at home with his pregnant wife and their child. Henry had known that Solomon needed his support at his first event without Ambrose, not to mention during the weeks when his tumultuous feelings for Juliet had threatened his sanity.
Solomon reminded himself to thank Henry again before he left. He had been instrumental in their relationship the first time and he had been just as important this time, giving Solomon the courage he needed to follow his heart.
“I am so thrilled that another Neil child is on the way!” Mother cried, clasping her hands over her heart. She had only met Joseph a few times in his two years of life, but she thought him to be the most perfect child she’d ever met—aside from Pearl, of course. “I hope to experience the joy of welcoming another grandchild soon,” she added quietly, though not quietly enough that it could escape anyone’s notice.
Though he had never been prone to blushing thanks to his natural albeit sometimes disproportionate confidence, Solomon felt a very uncomfortable heat creeping up the back of his neck and into his face. He knew very well that his mother longed for him to settle down, but she rarely said it aloud. He could hardly believe that she would fuss about it now at lunch in front of their guests.
Of course Mother wanted him to marry and produce an heir. Thus far, Solomon had convinced her that he was still young enough and could put off that business for a while yet, so she had not bothered him about it too often. That future was much closer than he’d once thought.
“I am sure your prayers will be answered soon, Mother,” Solomon replied, unable to stop himself from glancing at Juliet as he spoke. Juliet already had a fierce blush from the countess’s earlier remark, but it deepened into a very becoming shade of red now.
Solomon noticed the way the countess also glanced at Juliet. She did not look thrilled about his silent yet all-too-obvious statement. He hadn’t specifically told Mother about this new development between him and Juliet. He’d also never told her that he’d been very close to marrying her once before. He’d thought it would be too cruel to get her hopes up until the engagement was settled and they were all but ready to walk down the aisle. Mother had been so disappointed and heartbroken for Solomon when his near engagement with Miss Woolmer had fallen through. Solomon had vowed at that moment to keep his relationships to himself until he was absolutely certain of the woman.
Anyone with eyes could see how he and Juliet felt about each other, though. He knew Mother at least suspected something between them and now, it seemed, she had received confirmation of her suspicions. Indeed, everyone at the table looked back and forth between Solomon and Juliet. When Solomon glanced at the governess once more, he could immediately tell that she looked quite uncomfortable.
“Mother, what—”
“Miss Richards, how has Pearl been doing with her lessons?” Mother quickly interrupted Solomon’s attempt to change the subject, keeping the focus of the conversation on poor Juliet, who now looked like she desperately wished to melt into the floor. “I imagine it must be tiring but meaningful work. So few are capable of handling it with your enthusiasm and grace. Some people seem made for the profession and I daresay you are one of them, Miss Richards.”
Mother returned her attention to her plate, scooping up another bite of ham, while everyone else at the table showed a wide range of reactions. Clearly the countess intended to remind Juliet of her place more than to praise her skill. Henry, never one for confrontation, furrowed his brow and quickly took a long sip of coffee. Mrs. Williams’s jaw clenched and her eyes shot daggers at the countess whom she’d just invited to her home moments ago. Mr. Williams took his wife’s hand and gave an almost imperceptible shake of his head. Solomon would have to thank them both after lunch for their discretion in handling such an uncomfortable situation.
And, of course, poor, poor Juliet looked nearly mortified. Solomon glared at his mother, barely biting back his urge to confront her then and there. Juliet caught his eye, silently pleading with him to not make a fuss just now, so he held himself back.
The same could not be said for Mrs. Williams. Solomon knew enough of the outspoken woman to know that she rarely backed down, especially when one of her dearest friends needed her. It did not surprise him when he saw her pull her shoulders back and tilt her chin up, readying herself for an attack. Everyone else at the table could only brace themselves.
“I think Juliet is the type of woman who is suited to any position she desires,” Mrs. Williams announced proudly with just a hint of fire. “She has the talent and determination to succeed wherever she might find herself, not to mention the heart to care for all the people in her life whom she loves so dearly.”
Solomon applauded her restraint, for he could see her true thoughts churning behind her blazing brown eyes. She did not appreciate her friend being spoken down to in that manner employed by well-bred ladies when they wished to criticize without being openly rude, something Mrs. Williams detested.
“Yes, I am sure you are quite right,” Mother coughed, taking a quick sip of tea. She eyed Mrs. Williams carefully, sensing that she should tread carefully around this woman lest they end up causing a very embarrassing scene.
“Ah, Lady Overton, did Solomon tell you about our fishing excursion the other day?” Henry asked, his voice straining to sound normal. “I’m afraid I have quite an embarrassing tale to tell.”
Solomon caught his best friend’s eye
across the table and gave him a thankful smile. His debt to Henry had grown tenfold in this moment as the baron offered himself up as an amusing distraction.
The conversation soon moved to safer waters, but Juliet remained silent for the rest of the meal, barely lifting her eyes from her plate though she seemed to have lost her appetite almost entirely. As soon as they finished eating, Henry suggested that they move to the drawing room. Mother quickly announced that she would retire to her rooms for the afternoon. She left first, leaving everyone else to linger awkwardly in her wake.
Mrs. Williams tried to get around the table to Juliet, but she gave an uneasy smile and mumbled, “I’m sorry I cannot join you in the drawing room. I must go collect Pearl and get on with our day.” She’d slipped from the room before anyone could protest.
Solomon flew around the table and surged through the door. Juliet had already put quite a bit of distance between herself and the dining room, but Solomon quickly caught up with her.
“Juliet, wait!” he called out, grabbing her hand. She jolted to a halt and turned to face him, her expression heartbreakingly ashamed. “I’m so very sorry for my mother’s strange comments today. I will sort it all out with her, I promise.”
The young woman tried to smile, but Solomon could see how much effort it took to even make the attempt. “Please don’t trouble yourself over it, Solomon. Perhaps she does have a point.”
Solomon almost reeled back as Juliet’s words hit him squarely in the chest. “Well, Mother is right about you doing a wonderful job with Pearl and being a very important person in her life. But that does not mean you are only meant to be a governess. She’ll see that soon enough.”
Juliet ripped her hand out of Solomon’s and he suddenly found himself grasping at nothing. “Juliet, please—” he began, hating the pathetic pleading tone in his voice, but he followed her gaze and understood. She’d noticed an approaching maid at the other end of the hallway.
Her cheeks went from pink to white in a split second. “I must go teach Pearl now,” she whispered as she turned away from Solomon, hurrying down the hall toward the stairs.
Embracing The Earl's Dream: A Clean Regency Romance (Resolved In Love Book 4) Page 15