Racking her brain for an innocuous topic to engage in, Julianna was at a bit of a loss, giving up when the viscount started into his conversation.
“I am so glad that we have finally found an opportunity to talk. Would it be overly bold of me to ask you straight out if you have been avoiding me?”
He barely paused so she didn’t even have to try to come up with a suitable reply to this. Without interruption he answered his own question. “Of course you would not avoid speaking with me after asking me to look into what Fletcher has been up to.”
This goaded her into speech. “I did not ask you to look into Fletcher’s whereabouts. You volunteered to do that all on your own.”
“Only after you expressed your concerns in that regard,” he retorted.
“Well, it is true that I mentioned some concerns, but I did not ask you to put yourself out, and I must apologize if that is the case, my lord.” Julianna could barely look at the viscount as she struggled to maintain her composure.
“Julianna, my dear, I thought we had become friends. It is not putting oneself out when one tries to alleviate the concerns of a friend. It is, in fact, the very definition of friendship in my opinion. It is one’s job to help one’s friends, would you not agree?”
Feeling lower and lower the longer he was kind to her, Julianna could only nod in assent.
Unaware of the turmoil she was experiencing, the viscount continued to speak although he was discouraged by her lack of response.
“I wanted to put your mind at ease. I don’t think you have any need to concern yourself over much with regards to Fletcher and Lady Abigail. While it would seem that he has a slight inclination in her direction, he does seem to be quite clear on not wanting to set up anything but bachelor accommodations for himself anytime in the near future. In fact, I would not be surprised if you found he has switched his affections to some other young lady already. No doubt he will be lavishing attention on any number of young ladies over the next few years as he does seem to enjoy their company.”
Julianna chewed her lip in thought, causing the viscount to sharpen his gaze on her lips before he pulled himself to attention. To distract himself from the sight he questioned her. “Does this cause you alarm? I thought you would be pleased by this information.”
“I am pleased that you don’t think he has fixed his attentions seriously on Lady Abigail. The trouble lies in him spreading his attentions around too much. If he raises expectations with various ladies, that could cause nearly as many problems as if he settled down too soon. Dear me, I thought Odelia would be the one to cause me worries, not Fletcher.”
“I truly do not think you have cause to be distressed about this, my lady. Every young man goes through this when he is first on the town. Remember, Fletcher is only nineteen. He has a good number of oats to sow before he becomes serious about any pursuit in life. I certainly spread my attentions around a fair bit when I was his age.” Luc thought this would demonstrate how little she needed to fear, but it had the complete opposite affect than he expected.
“That is what I am afraid of, my lord. I do not want my nephew treating any young lady in such a manner!”
Luc cocked his head and looked at her down the length of his nose, appearing very proud and unapproachable for a moment. Julianna stood her ground. While meeting his brother caused her to have some doubts about what she had seen all those years ago, he had verbally backed her into a corner and she was not backing down.
In deceptively soft tones, the viscount asked her, “Are you implying that I in some way mistreated ladies when I was a youngster?” His focus sharpened on her flushed face as understanding began to dawn on him. “You did accuse me of being a womanizer seven years ago, but I thought that was merely a way of getting out of an engagement that you had been convinced into by your grandmother. Are you trying to say that I mistreated you?” he asked in much kinder tones, although he had no glimmer of an idea what she could think he had done to her.
Julianna tore her gaze from his face and looked around rather frantically wanting help from some quarter but also desperately afraid of calling undue attention to their conversation.
“I do not wish to discuss this, my lord. Thank you for your kindness in checking on my dear Fletcher, but I realize it is highly inappropriate for me to be discussing him with anyone other than his father.” She stood to put more distance between them. “Now if you will excuse me, I must attend to something.”
Surprised by her sudden withdrawal, Luc was unable to stop her, and she cast a rather wan smile around the gathered guests and slipped from the garden. Hurrying to her room, Julianna struggled to contain her tears until she had the bedroom door firmly closed against her back. She then sank to the floor and indulged freely in a tempestuous bout of weeping.
Why is this so painful and difficult? she wondered. What if I really did make a huge mistake seven years ago? Can I admit to him what I have done? I can’t even imagine how angry he will be. No, I must continue to keep him at arm’s length. Surely he will soon give up. It’s not as though I have given him any reason to wish to pursue me, she thought with despair as the tears continued to fall.
Allowing the indulgence for only a moment or two, Julianna forced herself back under control, stemming the flow of tears. Standing up, she shook out her skirts before striding briskly to the dresser where a pitcher of wash water awaited her needs. Soaking a cloth with the cool water, Julianna pressed it to her heated cheeks and endeavoured to erase any trace of her spilled emotions.
She scrutinized her face in the looking glass and decided that no one but the keenest observer would notice that she had been crying, and she doubted very much that even the keenest observer would be looking all that closely at her. To be on the safe side, though, it would be best if she did not dally too long in her room or her absence would be remarked upon.
Hurrying back down to the gathered guests in the garden, Julianna could see that the croquet game was still underway. Thinking she had not been noticed she slipped back amongst the milling group. So intent was she upon blending in, she jumped when the countess approached her and spoke softly.
“Is everything all right?” Emily inquired making sure no one could overhear.
“Of course, thank you, my lady. I am having a lovely time,” she lied with a straight face before quickly turning to the truth. “You have such a beautiful home. The gardens and paths through the orchard are so inviting.”
“I am happy to hear you are enjoying your surroundings,” Emily replied, perceiving the polite lie. “I am sorry to be so inquisitive, but I noticed you hurrying to the house a few moments ago. Is there anything I can help you with?”
Emily had seen Julianna and Luc talking and had hoped the viscount was furthering his suit. Philip had told his wife about Luc’s request to join the house party and she had been delighted to include him. But when Julianna had hurried away from him Emily had wanted to run after her. Not wanting to draw unwanted attention, she restrained herself but could not help sticking her nose into the other woman’s affairs.
With a warm blush staining her cheeks Julianna tried to brazen it out. “No, no, my lady, all is well. I merely needed to relieve nature.”
Seeing the moisture still climbing to the corners of Julianna’s eyelashes, Emily was not convinced but did not wish to embarrass the girl further and allowed her to sidestep the issue. “Well, if you are sure all is well, please come and keep me company over here in this sunny spot while we wait for your niece to finish winning her game.”
Despite her uncharacteristic reluctance, Julianna accompanied the countess to a bench and sat with her to watch the players. She fervently hoped the countess was not going to continue her husband’s inquisition.
With a triumphant shout of glee Odelia finished the game, winning by a couple of strokes. Flinging her arms around Lord Sheasby, she gave him a tight hug before doing a little victory dance. Quickly recovering due to Julianna’s censorious eye upon her, Odelia blushed pr
ettily.
“I guess it is not very proper to be so happy about beating the others, is it?” she asked Lord Sheasby as she looked at him with a sheepish grin.
“That is quite all right, my dear. It is perfectly charming to see such enthusiasm. It is contagious, I must say. I have not enjoyed anything quite this much in about a decade,” he declared as he was joined by his wife. His own excitement about their win caused him to lean over and give his wife a smacking kiss on the cheek. Never one for public displays, Lady Sheasby blushed and grinned crookedly at her husband.
All the spectators had applauded and crowded around the players, congratulating them all on a game well played. When the hubbub had died down a little, Lady Yorkleigh directed everyone into the morning room for a snack and a warm cup of tea or something stronger before everyone separated to make their preparations for that evening’s supper and entertainments.
The next couple days flew by. The ride to explore the surrounding countryside was a delight for Julianna since she missed the life she enjoyed on her brother’s estate. It was the bright spot for her since most of the time she found herself to be nervously looking over her shoulder watching for Lucius, trying to avoid any more awkward conversations with him.
For his part, Lucius spent those couple days intently observing the Earl of Somerton’s baby sister. He was becoming more and more convinced that Julianna would make an excellent wife. She was lovely, composed, and kind. She was always polite to everyone she encountered from the lowliest scrub maid to their host, the Earl of Yorkleigh. It was driving him crazy, and so he told the earl.
“I ask you, why do I have to be so perverse as to fixate my attentions on this woman? There are any number of eligible, beautiful, kind young ladies available. Why does it have to be her? She can barely look at me, even though she is always excruciatingly polite if I can ever manage to pin her down to a conversation, but then she somehow always manages to slip away, and I am left standing there like a noddy wondering how it happened.”
The earl nodded in sympathy. “She is quite lovely, and I fully understand your fascination. I have no comforting words of advice for you, my friend. When I fell in love with my countess I believed her to be the least eligible option to be my wife, but in the end that did not deter me in the least. When the heart sets its mind on something, it is very difficult to dissuade it. If it is any comfort, the fair Julianna is doing her polite best to avoid me as well. But I was inexcusably vulgar towards her, questioning her parenting and her intentions with you. Did you perhaps wrong her in some way?”
“That’s just it, Philip, I have no recollection of doing so. I would like to think she was slightly unhinged in her upper works, but there is no other sign of diminished sanity.” This statement caused both gentlemen to laugh for a moment before the viscount continued morosely. “I guess I have two options. I can either give up and get over her, or I can convince her to consider me as an option for her future. Unfortunately, she is likely to be around during the Season for at least the next year or so since Lady Odelia has been quite open about wanting another Season before settling down. And I need a wife. It would be much more difficult to get over her if I have to see her often. But I am not convinced I will have any more luck with convincing her than I would have with getting over her.” Lucius heaved a disconsolate sigh before continuing. “It is a conundrum.”
Philip tried to cheer his friend. “Well, tomorrow is the last day of our house party, and my wife has planned a small dance to include some of the surrounding gentry. You can either make a last ditch effort to secure your lady’s affections, or perhaps you could meet another eligible young lady who might catch your eye.” The earl laughed before presenting a third option. “Or you could meet a young lady and try to make Julianna jealous by showing her what she is missing out on.”
“You are a genius. Nothing else seems to be working. Maybe I should try that!” Luc declared with glee.
Looking hesitant, Philip cautioned. “I was joking. Make sure you do not play fast and loose with any of my guests, or my wife will call us both to task.”
“No, no. I will be careful. I would not want to find myself caught in the parson’s mousetrap by mistake, have no fear. I will think on this. There might be a way.” Luc got up and walked away in the midst of the conversation, lost in thought about possible ways to secure his lady’s attentions, leaving Philip behind laughing good-naturedly at his friend’s dilemma.
That afternoon, before the guests went to change for the evening’s activities, the countess had arranged for any of the guests who did not wish to rest to enjoy some archery lessons or target practice for the few who were already proficient.
Facing the target that had been set up, Julianna eyed it with what almost felt like anger. Unsure why she was feeling so out of sorts, she pulled back on the bow and let the arrow fly. Her hand hesitated briefly on its way to her quiver for another arrow as she heard the viscount’s deep voice ring out across the field.
“Your aim is a wee bit off,” he chuckled as he headed to collect his own arrows.
Eyes narrowing, Julianna’s aim settled on him. The smile faded from his handsome face as he realized she was taking aim at the center of his chest.
“I usually have exceptionally good aim, my lord. Do you care to comment further?” Even Julianna didn’t recognize her own voice as it dripped with uncharacteristic venom.
Plastering a placating smile onto his suddenly paler face, Luc tried to backtrack. “I apologize sincerely, my lady, I was merely jesting at your expense. Pay me no heed.”
“Gladly,” she answered as she forced her aim back to the target. Letting her arrow fly, it thunked into place, dead center of the target. Most of the guests had not noticed the byplay between Julianna and Luc, but there was a smattering of applause at her accomplishment.
Her fingers suddenly feeling nerveless at the audacity of what she had just done, Julianna looked around with a rather wan smile.
“Would someone else like a turn?” she asked as she stepped away from her position. Another guest stepped forward to take her place and Julianna forced herself to hurry over to intercept the viscount.
“Lord Ackerley, please, wait a moment,” she uttered in urgent, but low tones as he made to walk away. “What I just did was unspeakable.”
“I would have to agree with you there, my lady. Now if you would excuse me, I have somewhere I need to be.”
Refusing to meet her eyes, Luc tried to brush by her, but Julianna stood her ground. “I am terribly sorry, my lord. I cannot even explain what got into me. I have never done anything so utterly foolish in my entire life.”
“Actually, I believe you have, but pay it no mind. No harm was done.”
Julianna was not satisfied with his cryptic reply but had to allow him to pass if she did not want to cause a bigger scene than she already had. With a resigned sigh, she watched him walk away before returning to the small group still practicing with the bows and arrows. She waited for Odelia to be finished and then the two of them retired to their rooms to prepare for the evening.
Chapter Twenty Six
The next day most of the guests spent in quiet pursuits. The gentlemen went out riding, hunting, or fishing while the ladies wrote letters, did needlework, or pursued art projects, leaving their hostess free to finish preparing for the additional guests that evening. Julianna had enjoyed the stay at Yorkleigh despite her discomfort with Lord Ackerley’s presence and was sad that it was nearly over.
All day Julianna felt as though she had exchanged roles with Lucius. She was terribly unnerved about her deplorable behaviour the previous day at the archery practice. Wishing to apologize further she had hoped to engage him in a conversation that morning but he had managed to evade her. She was left with conflicted, tumultuous feelings with regards to the handsome viscount.
Julianna spent the afternoon in quiet contemplation, writing some letters to friends and working on her embroidery. Odelia hated working with a needle so she sta
rted out with some painting, but then decided to entertain the ladies with an impromptu piano concert while some joined in with singing.
By late afternoon all the ladies, and even some of the gentlemen, were in their rooms getting ready for the evening’s gathering. Despite her newly acquired sophistication, Odelia was excited about the anticipated entertainment. She loved to dance and had enjoyed making new friends at Yorkleigh.
“Even Lord Sheasby has asked me to save him a dance,” Odelia told her aunt with a delighted grin. “I think I have my dance card filled already and we haven’t even set foot in the ballroom.”
“Did you really get the gentlemen to sign a dance card?” Julianna asked with mild curiosity.
“No silly, it was a metaphor.”
Julianna laughed with delight. “I am so happy you are having a good time here. I believe it is a positive commentary on your character that you can be so adaptable to your surroundings.”
Dee rolled her eyes at her aunt over this comment. “You did not raise any spoiled brats, dearest aunty. Even my brother is pretty easy to please. And surprisingly he makes friends wherever he goes, too. He is even friends with your viscount.”
Julianna’s face burned hot, red all the way to the roots of her hair. “Lord Ackerley is not my viscount. What makes you so sure they are friends?”
“Do you mean besides the fact that we saw them together at the theatre? His lordship was talking to me about Fletcher yesterday.”
“He was? When?”
“After you hurried away to see if Lady Yorkleigh needed your help with anything.” Odelia grinned cheekily at her aunt, revealing that Julianna’s efforts were not so well hidden.
Smiling sheepishly, Julianna asked, “Was it terribly obvious?”
“No, not to other people, just to the viscount and me. But it does make me wonder why you never want to be around him. He really is terribly nice. We had a lovely conversation about his Grand Tour when he was Fletch’s age and how much he is enjoying getting to know my brother. It was funny. Hearing about Fletcher from him made me want to spend more time with him myself. Fletcher that is.” Odelia was quick to explain seeing the bemused look on her aunt’s face.
Sweet Surrender (Ladies of Mayfair Book 3) Page 25
