Set title

by O’Donnell, Laurel

  While Oliver dearly wanted the book, he was reluctant for his project with Julia’s father to finish. For the life of him, he didn’t know how to proceed with Julia when his need for the research ended. He didn’t care for the idea of not seeing her on a regular basis, but what other excuse was there for continuing to visit her?

  The answer that came to mind had his steps faltering until he reminded himself of his purpose. He returned his focus to the man walking ahead of him.

  Such questions—and possible answers—were best left for another day.

  ~*~

  After sitting with her father for a time, Julia started down the stairs in search of her aunt. She wanted to discuss whether she thought they should have the doctor pay another call. While her father had certainly improved, he wasn’t regaining his strength very quickly. Perhaps her expectations were unreasonable given his age.

  A commotion in the foyer had her pausing on the step. Unless it was Oliver calling on them, she didn’t want to visit with anyone.

  But the deep voice echoing from below had her gasping in surprise. She hurried the rest of the way down to see if her ears had deceived her.

  “Jonathan?”

  Her brother turned and gave her a grin. “Surprise.”

  “We didn’t expect you for months yet,” she said as she hugged him. Part of her wished her younger brother hadn’t returned quite yet. Not until their father was better. The two of them had an uneasy relationship to begin with. She didn’t want Father upset, nor did she want her brother to see how fragile their father had become. That would only make Jonathan feel as though he should stay home, putting an end to his freedom and chaining him here, which would only make him resent Father more.

  “We’ve enjoyed our travels but were ready to come home, at least for a time.” He drew back, his gaze studying her. “You look well. Tell me all your news.”

  His golden brown eyes were so much like their mother’s. She couldn’t help but wonder if it hurt Father to look at him. But she worried it was more than that. Jonathan was tall and broad shouldered with dark brows framing his unique eyes. A narrow nose and full lips also had elements of their mother, but none of his handsomeness reminded her of their father.

  “First come into the drawing room and share your travels. Father and Aunt Matilda will be so pleased to see you.”

  His smile stiffened, snuffing some of the light from his eyes. “And I them. Where is Father?”

  Julia sighed. “I’m sorry to tell you that he’s been ill. He’s upstairs resting.”

  “Is it serious?”

  She hesitated, wondering how much she should say.

  “Jonathan.” Aunt Matilda rushed into the room, arms open wide to hug him tight for a long moment before studying him more closely. “I thought I heard your voice. You look marvelous.”

  “As do you, Aunt. How is it that you never look a day older than when I last saw you?”

  She laughed at his blatant flattery. “You haven’t changed a bit, I’m pleased to see.” She glanced briefly at Julia before returning her focus to Jonathan, her expression sobering. “It’s unfortunate your father isn’t feeling well enough to greet you.”

  When Jonathan’s gaze swung to hers, Julia searched for the right tone and words. “Father was quite ill, I’m afraid.”

  “We worried we might be losing him not two days ago,” Aunt Matilda added.

  “Why didn’t you send for me?” Jonathan asked. “You should’ve sent word.”

  “It came on very suddenly,” Julia explained, deciding not to share how often he felt poorly. They’d be sending Jonathan messages almost monthly if they contacted him every time Father was ill. “He’s slowly recovering now, gaining strength each day.” At least she hoped so.

  “What’s important is that you’re here now.” Aunt Matilda reached up to pat his cheek. “Such a handsome man you’ve become. Sit and tell us of your travels. Didn’t you last visit Greece?”

  Aunt Matilda and Jonathan chatted for some time about the exciting places he’d seen, many of which her aunt had ventured to years ago. It was only Julia who had nothing to add to the conversation. She hadn’t gone beyond England’s borders. Her father didn’t care to travel abroad, and she hadn’t wanted to leave him for any length of time. She couldn’t squelch the feeling that she’d missed out on some amazing experiences.

  As though suddenly realizing how quiet she was, Jonathan turned to her. “Tell me what’s been happening here. How is the Season? Anything of note that I need to know about?”

  “Not especially,” she said. She couldn’t think of anything she’d done or seen that compared to his travels. Her lack of anything memorable to share left her feeling unsettled.

  But she swallowed back the regret. After all, staying here had been her choice, and it had freed Jonathan, allowing him a chance for happiness. She wouldn’t trade that for anything.

  Their childhood had not been especially joyous. Not with their parents’ tumultuous relationship. Once Jonathan had gone away to school, she’d realized it was his chance to escape the difficulties of their family. Their mother had been gone for several years, but that had not resolved the past or changed their father’s melancholy.

  Jonathan’s gaze narrowed, clearly not pleased at the idea of her having nothing to share. It was an old argument—one she rarely won. He accused her of allowing her concern for Father to keep her from living. She defended herself as best she could, unable to tell him of the guilt that held her here or how she did it in part to free Jonathan to do as he wished.

  Hoping to hold off the disagreement, she searched her mind for news of any sort. An image of Oliver immediately came to mind, heating her cheeks.

  “Your father’s been working on a new project,” Aunt Matilda said. “Perhaps you could share that with your brother.”

  Julia hesitated. Speaking of that meant mentioning Oliver. She would rather not, but her aunt had left her little choice. “Yes, he’s working with an expert in medieval texts, Viscount Frost, in an attempt to uncover clues from an old book. I’m certain he’d love to discuss it with you.”

  Luckily, an appreciation for books was one thing her father and Jonathan had in common. In the past, it hadn’t been enough to bridge the gap between them, but she hoped her brother’s anger had eased during his time away. Jonathan had long since grown impatient with Father’s melancholy and pining for Mother. His impatience was nearly always expressed in anger.

  “I don’t believe I know Frost.”

  “He’s here quite often.” Aunt Matilda sent Julia a meaningful look. Julia chose to ignore it. “I’m sure you’ll have a chance to meet him.”

  Her brother glanced back and forth between her and their aunt as though sensing there was more to the story. Julia did her best to hide her embarrassment. Her relationship with Oliver—if there was one—was nothing she cared to discuss. Not when it was so new and...uncertain.

  “I’m going to let Alfred know you’re here, Jonathan,” Aunt Matilda said as she rose from her chair. “He’ll be thrilled. Then perhaps you can speak with him for a short while. He still tires quickly, but he’ll be so pleased to see you.”

  She gave him one last smile and left the room.

  “She’s acting rather oddly,” Jonathan said as he watched Aunt Matilda leave.

  “I think she’s worried about Father,” Julia said. “We both have been. Are you staying long or do you plan to venture abroad again?”

  “I think I’ll enjoy some of the Season before leaving again. Several friends are planning an extended trip to Italy.”

  “Italy?” Why did that make her heart hurt a bit? She wanted him to go and enjoy himself. And she refused to be envious of her brother. How ridiculous was that? “That certainly sounds like an adventure.”

  Jonathan continued talking, this time about his friends, some of whom she knew.

  She couldn’t help but reach out and squeeze his hand. “It truly is so good to see you. I’ve missed you.”
r />   He took her hand in his, his expression growing serious. “Julia, I worry about you.”

  “Why?” she asked reluctantly, not wanting his pity.

  “Caring for Father seems to be taking all your time these days. Don’t you want more?”

  The lurch of her heart at his words surprised her. The blasted thing seemed to have a mind of its own of late. It took all of her will to settle it back down again, to keep from blurting out things that would gain her nothing, to keep her true emotions from showing. She’d chosen this life. She would sacrifice everything to help her father and brother be happy.

  If only she could quiet the voice of doubt that had recently sprung forth. She was certain she had Oliver to blame for it.

  “I’m quite content.” Yet the words rang hollow to her ears. She hoped her brother was too distracted to note the off-key ring. “Father deserves happiness as well.”

  Jonathan leaned forward, his eyes never leaving her face, so much like her mother’s that it was as if she were talking to her. “You can’t give him that. No one can.”

  She opened her mouth to argue as her aunt returned.

  “He is sleeping,” Aunt Matilda announced. Then as though she felt the tension in the room, she paused, glancing back and forth between them. “Is something amiss?”

  “Nothing that hasn’t been addressed previously.” Her brother rose, his lips pressed into a thin line. “Saint Julia, the martyr, can share with you what she chooses. You both should know that I’ll only be staying a few days. After that, I’m moving into a place of my own.”

  Julia rose, hands clenched. “I hardly think caring for Father makes me a martyr.”

  “It does when you use it as an excuse to keep from living. But we’ve had that conversation before.” He gave a quick nod. “I’m going to get settled while Father’s sleeping.”

  “What was that all about?” Aunt Matilda asked after Jonathan had shut the door behind him.

  “He doesn’t understand why I choose to stay with Father.”

  Her aunt’s continued regard had Julia lifting her chin. Surely her aunt wasn’t going to find fault with her as well.

  “Sometimes I have to wonder if you understand it, Julia. Do you?”

  Julia closed her eyes. “I thought I did. But of late, I must confess I’m not as sure.” She nearly cursed herself for allowing the truth to escape.

  Her aunt was standing directly before her when Julia opened her eyes. “A good man makes a woman question everything.”

  Even as Julia opened her mouth to protest, her aunt wagged her finger back and forth. “No. Do not say one word. We will continue this conversation another day.”

  Julia sat back in her chair, wishing for a few minutes of peace. But with everyone’s words circling in her head, not to mention her roiling emotions, she didn’t know if that was possible any longer.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  “Thieves, it must be remembered, are a complete fraternity, and have a perfect organization among themselves.”

  ~The Seven Curses of London

  Julia ran her hands along the satin edge of her white gloves, wondering what could be taking her aunt so long. She’d asked Julia to meet her in the drawing room as they’d soon be leaving for the Strickland’s ball but still hadn’t come downstairs.

  Though Julia worried about leaving her father when he was abed, Aunt Matilda advised her that Jonathan had volunteered to keep her father company. Julia thought it more likely their aunt had guilted him into doing so. Either way, she had serious reservations about the wisdom of the arrangement but hadn’t protested. She welcomed the chance to look at something outside the walls of her home after the worry of the past few days.

  Deciding something must be wrong, she rose to see if all was well with her father when her aunt glided into the room, her vivid burgundy gown a striking statement.

  “You look lovely,” Julia said as she took her aunt’s outstretched hands.

  “So do you, my dear. You need only release that perpetual look of worry you’ve worn of late.” She reached up and tapped the spot between Julia’s brows.

  Julia smiled in response, moving her brows with the hope of eliminating the pucker that threatened to become permanent.

  “Much better,” her aunt declared. “You are hereby ordered to wear that smile the remainder of the evening.”

  “I’ll do my best, but are you certain Father—”

  “Do the two of you truly intend to leave me here?” her brother interrupted.

  “You’ve made it clear you think we are spending far too much time watching over Alfred,” Aunt Matilda responded. “I can only surmise it’s your turn to do so.”

  Julia gasped in surprise at her aunt’s blunt words. “Oh, I could—”

  Aunt Matilda squeezed her hand even as she sent her a meaningful glare. “No, no. Jonathan is here now, and I know he’d like to do his part to help. Wouldn’t you, Jonathan?”

  Though Julia couldn’t see her aunt’s expression, she knew her mood all too well. That tone brooked no argument.

  Within a few short minutes, Jonathan trudged up the stairs, muttering to himself as the footman closed the front door behind Julia and her aunt.

  “Good heavens. You’d think we asked him to perform surgery blindfolded. All I suggested is that after all the time he spent frolicking about while you and I tended your father, he might like to do his share. Or at least a small part of it.”

  Julia couldn’t help but chuckle. “I can only imagine his reaction.”

  “I know he loves your father, but at times, he has an odd way of showing it.”

  Julia had to agree. If she knew of some way to bridge the gap in their relationship, she’d do it.

  “Now then, we have a lovely ball to attend,” her aunt continued as they settled into the carriage. “We are not going to worry about him or your father for the next three hours. You are ordered to have fun along with keeping that smile on your face.”

  “That sounds wonderful,” Julia said. “I’m not certain how many days have passed since either of us has left the house.”

  “More than I care to count. I gave Jonathan that Seven Curses book to discuss with your father. It ought to keep them both occupied for as long as your father remains awake.”

  Julia wasn’t certain how to react to that. “The book shares some rather alarming information. It’s not exactly light reading.” She’d read several chapters and been both engrossed and appalled by the details shared by the author but had yet to finish the book. She found she needed time to consider the material presented as she read.

  “Which is why it’s perfect. How can they possibly argue over those topics? There can be no denying how atrocious the curses are. They have to agree on them.”

  “Yes, but that doesn’t mean they’ll agree on how best to deal with the problems.”

  “Hmm.” Her aunt scowled. “I suppose I didn’t think it through, did I?” With a shake of her head, she added, “They’re both adults. We’ll hope they find some way to bond over the subject.”

  “Viscount Frost and Captain Hawke have a strong interest in the book.”

  “Oh? I can only guess how they approach the problems the author brings to light. I don’t suppose it’s by discussing it to death.”

  “Perhaps their military backgrounds make them determined to take action when they come upon such things.”

  “That might be. Or perhaps it’s because of the type of men they are, which might be why they joined the military in the first place.”

  Julia nodded. Her aunt had a valid point. Oliver and the captain had much in common.

  After a brief ride, the carriage drew up before the elegant mansion. Every window was ablaze with lights.

  “I can’t wait to see how Lady Strickland decorated the ballroom this time,” Aunt Matilda said as she alighted. “I understand that last year her husband nearly had a fit at how much she spent.”

  “She can be rather extreme, can’t she? But I have to
admit she has excellent taste.”

  “She doesn’t believe in half measures, that’s for certain.” She looped her arm through Julia’s. “Now don’t forget. You’re not to spend even a moment worrying.”

  “Are you reminding me or yourself?” Julia asked with a smile.

  “Both of us.”

  They greeted their hosts and several acquaintances then stepped into the ballroom.

  “Oh my,” Aunt Matilda said as she stared at the décor.

  “Indeed.” Julia had a difficult time keeping her mouth closed as she glanced about the massive room transformed into a Grecian ruin.

  The walls were painted a pale shade to mimic marble, complete with cracks and crumbled corners. Tall columns matching the Pantheon graced the edges of the room. Life-size statues draped in togas added to the effect.

  “Can you believe it?” Julia asked.

  “She’s outdone herself once again. Her husband is going to have an apoplexy when he sees the bills for this. Can you imagine the expense?”

  Julia shared a chuckle with her aunt. “It’s just as well Jonathan didn’t come. He would’ve been appalled at all this after seeing Greece for himself.”

  “Let us find something to drink,” her aunt said. “I’m quite parched. I hope they’re serving something stronger than lemonade.”

  As they eased their way through the crowd, Julia paused to greet several acquaintances, losing her aunt in the process. Though she searched for her, she couldn’t find her.

  Giving up for the moment, she accepted an invitation to dance from the Duke of Serenton. He was a nice enough man, though a bit older than she. One dance partner led to another, and soon she had to pause to find something to soothe her dry throat.

  The evening was warm, and the ballroom even more so. The doors to the garden were open wide, inviting the night in but no breeze eased the heat.

  She knew better than to expect to see Oliver here, but that didn’t keep her from searching. Then again, how could she possibly find anyone in the crush?

  “Lady Julia?”

  She turned to see Lady Samantha near. “What a lovely gown,” she said with a smile. Her gown was not especially pretty, but Julia always tried to find something pleasant to say to the woman. She had a sharp tongue, which she’d used far too frequently on Lettie before her betrothal to Captain Hawke. Since then, she’d shifted her focus elsewhere.