by Fiona Miers
Julia frowned as Maria hastily left her bedchambers. She placed her hands on her hips and waited impatiently. A short while later, Maria re-entered with several dresses draped over her arm.
“Where did these come from?” Julia asked and shut the door.
“There were Lady Arabella’s old dresses, which she had worn a few times already and had no interest in wearing again. They simply hung at the back of her wardrobe. It was sad, as they were lovely pieces,” Maria said and lay the garments out on Julia’s bed. “A few days ago, Lady Arabella asked me to alter them for you to wear, in case the occasion arose.”
“And now it has,” Julia said, and lightly touched the beautiful material on the bed.
The different textures against her fingers sent shivers down her spine and she glanced at Maria.
“They are yours to keep,” the maid said.
“I will thank her upon my return,” Julia said, her heart aching in her chest. What a simply wonderful gift.
Maria nodded and turned to survey the various choices. “Now, which one do you prefer for a picnic?”
“Something light and cool. It is rather warm out,” Julia said.
“Perhaps this one?” Maria suggested as she picked up a simple white cotton dress with intricate embroidery on the seam and the bodice. “Paired with your straw bonnet?”
“That is perfect,” Julia said with a smile.
The anxious feeling in the pit of her stomach had now flourished into excitement, and she now looked forward to the picnic more than ever.
AS SHE MADE HER WAY down the stairwell and towards the front entrance, the manservant at the door glanced at her. “The carriage waits for you, Miss.”
“Thank you,” she said, frowning.
She had not been under the impression that a carriage would be prepared for her to trip her to Finlay Hall. In fact, she had been prepared to take the garden path directly to the neighbouring estate.
The door opened and Julia stepped outside and was more than pleasantly surprised to see Robert standing outside beside a carriage.
“I did not expect to see you here,” she said, her breath catching in her throat.
“You didn’t think I would allow you to travel to the estate by your own means?”
“My legs are perfectly capable of walking. I planned on using the path,” Julia said.
“I would not have allowed that,” he said gallantly. “You are my guest and it is my duty to ensure you are treated as such.”
“You are very kind and thoughtful, Robert.”
“Is Arabella on her way?”
“Oh, she will not be joining us, regrettably.”
“Is she all right?” he asked, extending his arm so Julia could take his hand.
“Indeed,” Julia said. “But the thought of being in the warm sun the entire afternoon in the company of only young people did not appeal to her. She did, however, give her blessing that I come alone.”
And Julia had made sure that a manservant would stand guard over Arabella while she was away.
“I am grateful to her for that,” Robert said as he helped Julia into the carriage. “Although Thomas will be gravely disappointed to lose his partner for the afternoon.”
Julia giggled happily.
Robert joined her in the carriage and ordered the driver to get moving.
“It is lovely to hear you laugh, Julia. I have been somewhat concerned for you. And Arabella, of course.”
“I have taken your advice,” Julia told him with a smile. “I avoid any contact with Freddy. I want no part in his conversations. And it has made him take a step back.”
“I am happy to hear that. Please do not hesitate to remove yourself from the estate if you feel unsafe. My offer stands until the end of time.”
Julia’s breath caught in her throat as she gazed upon Robert, his words resonating deep within her. Sitting beside him, close to him, brought forth an array of feelings she’d never thought to experience. Bubbly, happy, warm feelings in her belly.
Upon their arrival at the estate, Robert offered her his arm, and Julia took it without hesitation. He led her to a pretty spot on the back lawn next to the lake. His three brothers were there as well as Abigail and Emma. It appeared to be a very casual and relaxed gathering. Linen blankets were laid out on the grass, and the men and women sat on them, surrounded by trays of different cheeses, breads, biscuits and grapes.
“Julia,” Abigail called out with a welcoming smile and rose to her feet.
Abigail embraced her and invited Julia to join them on the blankets.
“How lovely that you came to join us, Julia,” Emma said.
“I am grateful for being invited, Emma,” Julia said, and watched as Robert sat beside her, but not too close.
“Are you not going to introduce me, Robert?” a gentleman asked from across the vast linen blankets.
Julia glanced across at him and realised that it was the youngest of the four brothers.
“Of course,” Robert said and turned to her. “Julia, may I introduce you to my youngest brother, Thomas Melton. Thomas, this is Miss Julia Gould.”
“Oh, the lovely young lady you cannot stop speaking of?” Thomas asked with a mischievous twinkle in his eyes.
“Thomas, you should know better than to say such things,” Emma said with a playful scold.
Julia smiled and looked expectantly at Robert.
“I merely said...” Robert began to stammer, and Julia placed her hand on his shoulder.
“There is no need to explain. Your younger brother seems like he enjoys teasing and provoking you.”
“They all do, in fact,” Emma said.
“In that case, Robert is lucky to have me here to defend his honour,” Julia said.
“That is no fun at all,” Thomas said, in mock disapproval, but the others chuckled happily.
The rest of the afternoon with Robert’s family was wonderful, filled with good food, lively conversation and laughter. It warmed Julia’s heart to know that neither the duke and duchess, nor the other brothers thought differently of her after the disastrous night caused by Freddy.
Robert glanced at her from time to time, and it made her heart pound in her chest at the thought of him admiring her. He did not appear to be someone who would lead her on, and she was beginning to hope that there would be more between them.
As the sun set later that evening, Robert and Julia got in the carriage and headed back to Kinsley Hall.
“I truly had a lovely afternoon with you and your family, Robert. Thank you for inviting me,” she said.
“It was my pleasure. I’m glad you had an enjoyable time. I apologise for my brothers if they said anything to embarrass you. It was not their intention. I am their intended target.”
“It came across that way,” she said with a laugh. “Why do they tease you so?”
“I have been known to be... inarticulate around beautiful young women. I tend to stutter and fumble over my words.”
Julia dropped her head and stared at her hands. Had he really just said that? And surely it could only mean one thing. Robert had always found it easy to speak to her, so it was obvious that he did not find her beautiful or attractive.
“But with you, it’s different,” he said quietly.
“Different?” she asked, lifting her head to meet his eyes once again.
“You set me at ease, and I cannot explain it.”
“I feel the same about you. Your manner is calming to me.”
Robert smiled and pursed his lips for a moment. He hesitated then leaned in closer, his hand brushing her cheek. “You are the most beautiful woman I have ever seen, and I can only think of one reason why I am so at ease with you.”
“And what is that?” she asked in a breathless whisper.
“That you and I are woven from the same thread,” he said.
Julia parted her lips as Robert leaned in closer to her, their lips meeting in a sweet and gentle moment that set her heart alight.
Chapter Fourteen<
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As Robert arrived back at Finlay Hall, his feet did not touch the ground. He felt light and jovial as he made his way to the great hall where his brothers and Emma were seated. Emma and Thomas were engaged in a spirited game of chess, while his brothers sat comfortably on their own chairs, sipping whiskey.
“We were not certain whether you would return home this evening, brother,” James said with a grin.
“Why would you say that?” Robert asked with a sigh.
“You did take a rather long time. Does she not live at the neighbouring estate?” Thomas asked with a grin.
Robert pursed his lips into a thin line but did not respond. He had expected his brothers to tease him about Julia, as he had not spent time with a woman in their company for a long while.
“I am delighted that you invited Julia. She is a lovely young lady,” Emma said.
“I am glad that I invited her as well. I enjoyed the afternoon much more than I anticipated,” Robert said. “She is lovely, indeed.”
Thomas and Emma exchanged glances and a smile formed on Abigail’s face.
“What?” Robert asked.
“You seem to be much more at ease around Julia. More than I have ever seen you in another woman’s company. Besides mine and Abigail’s, of course,” Emma said.
“Indeed. You did not stutter once,” Charles said.
“Why is that?” James asked.
“I don’t know,” Robert said and approached the chess table.
“I have a rather clear idea of why,” Thomas said with a grin. “It is rather obvious.”
“Indeed,” Charles said, sipping from his glass.
“The lovely Julia seems to have a positive effect on you, little brother,” James said.
“Are you in love with her?”
“Of course, he is not. If he were, he would not be able to say a single coherent word to her.”
“That is quite enough, all of you. Can you all not merely accept that perhaps Robert has rid himself of his fear of women?” Emma asked.
Robert coughed, not appreciating the way the conversation had shifted. “I would not refer to it as fear—”
“Crippling and debilitating terror, perhaps,” Thomas interrupted with a chuckle.
Robert glared at Thomas before he reached for Emma’s queen and shifted it across the chessboard. Thomas’s eyes widened for a moment and his shoulders slumped.
“At least I can play chess better than you can, little brother,” Robert said and stepped away with a smug smile on his face.
Over the years he had learned to simply brush off the things his brothers said, and it made him more resilient to their mockery. Some things, of course, still upset him, especially if his brothers crossed a line.
“But in all seriousness, Robert,” Emma said as she and Thomas began to reset the chess pieces on the board, “you do seem very much at ease in her company.”
“I am,” Robert said simply. “She is a lovely woman and I enjoy her company very much.”
Once again, Emma, Thomas and James exchanged glances, and Emma turned to him.
“Are you in love with her?” she asked.
Robert was taken aback by her direct question. “That is an absurd question.”
“And why is that?” Emma asked. “It is as good a question as any.”
“I am not in love with her. I barely know her.”
“Which gives you all the more reason to spend more time with her,” Emma said. “And of course, she is always welcome here at the estate.”
“There are plenty of places that could provide you and Julia with the privacy desired as well,” Thomas said. “Right, James?”
“I don’t know what you’re speaking of,” James answered with a sly grin.
“Please, do be a little more respectful, Thomas and James.” Charles said from behind them and stood from the chair on which he’d sat. “I do agree that it is rather strange that Julia does not turn Robert into a stammering fool. Obviously, it means that Robert is comfortable in her presence, but it does not necessarily mean that he is in love with her.”
“Thank you, Charles,” Robert said, glad to have the support of his oldest brother.
“But it does imply that she is of importance to Robert and in turn, is important to our family. And she will be spoken of with respect,” Charles continued.
“Agreed,” Emma said.
“Very well,” Thomas said and turned to Robert. “I did not mean to be disrespectful to your future wife.”
Robert sighed, Emma shook her head, and Charles approached Thomas, smacking him against the arm.
Loud footsteps sounded down the hallway, which made them all turn.
Robert’s Clerk-of-Chambers, Mr. David Pyne, walked beside their manservant, carrying a leather satchel.
“David,” Robert said and approached his clerk with an outstretched hand.
“Robert,” David said and shook Robert’s hand. “I apologise for interrupting your time with your family.”
“Do not apologise, David.”
“There is something of importance I must discuss with you, Robert.”
“Of course,” Robert said with a nod. “This way to the study.”
He hastily escorted David to the study, as the tense expression on the clerk’s face was cause for concern. Robert had asked David to locate all the information he was able to about Freddy Montclair, and looking at the weight of the satchel hanging from David’s shoulder, it appeared he had found a lot of it.
Once they were inside the study, Robert closed the door and turned back to his colleague. David removed the files from the satchel and placed them on the desk.
“Robert, you will not believe what I found.”
“Tell me.”
“As you are already aware, he is in deep debt with various creditors, as well as a few gambling houses,” David said.
“We expected nothing less of him,” Robert said with a nod.
“Prepare yourself for what is to come,” David said and paged through the ledgers in his hand. “The damning information about the depths of Freddy’s downfall are far darker than we imagined.”
Robert’s frowned but he nodded in agreement.
“Freddy’s inheritance was significant, but it did not last very long. He has wasted the entire fortune he inherited from his father on gambling, prostitutes, and alcohol. His father did not bat an eye at this behaviour. His mother coddled him until he became a selfish bully who treated her with disdain until her death. Of course, his debts have accumulated over the years, and he is in deep with some very dangerous people. I am quite surprised that he has not been arrested yet,” David explained.
“Is there a way to issue a warrant for his arrest? He evades the creditors regularly and is under the impression he will be safe at Arabella’s estate.”
“His behaviour and the amount of debt in his name certainly warrants an arrest. Action from the authorities would be the only solution,” David said. “I will speak to Judge Halpert and explain the situation. I have plenty of witnesses who can vouch for the non-existent integrity of Freddy Montclair.”
“Thank you, David. That would be much appreciated. If you require my signature on anything, I would be more than willing to provide it.”
David nodded and retrieved another document from the satchel, this time handing it to Robert. “I managed to obtain Arabella’s will from her attorney, Gregory White. He was very cooperative when he learned that Freddy was in Weymouth. He does not care for him much either.”
“There is only one person who cares for him, and that is Freddy himself, it seems,” Robert said and paged through Arabella’s will.
His brow furrowed as he read through the will, then he glanced up at David.
“Indeed,” David said with a nod, aware of what Robert read in the will.
“Most of Arabella’s land and her estate is to be inherited by Lord Garrison Montclair, Arabella’s nephew, which I can understand. He is of close relation to her,” Robert said a
nd continued to read.
His eyes widened and he looked up from the pages. “She is leaving a sizeable sum of money to Julia as well as her townhouse in London?”
“Indeed,” David said. “According to Mr. White, she changed it very recently.”
“Is Julia aware of this?”
“I highly doubt it. And at the moment, it is none of our concern. You should not inform Julia of this.”
“Of course. This information is confidential, and it would be a breach of trust if I were to speak of it to anyone except Arabella,” Robert agreed.
“Indeed. I must go. I have much to do this afternoon, and it is a long journey back to London.”
“You are going back?” Robert asked.
“Only for a few days. Shall I leave these here?” David asked, motioning to the stacks of paperwork on the desk.
“Yes, thank you. I shall move them to my chambers in due time,” Robert said. “Allow me to see you out.”
“There is no need. I will manage.”
As David left the study, Robert looked at the will once more and a smile formed on his lips. Despite Julia only being a distant relative of Arabella’s and the fact that Arabella was not particularly fond of many people, she had truly developed a special affinity for Julia. She truly cared for the young woman.
As did Robert.
Chapter Fifteen
The bright flowers of Aunt Arabella’s garden surrounded Julia, warming her heart. She enjoyed being outdoors, especially on such a lovely, sunny afternoon.
She’d brought her basket to the garden to pick flowers for her bedchambers. Despite the insistence of the maidservants who were more than happy to perform the chore for her, Julia loved doing it herself. The peace and quiet in a tranquil setting were bliss, and there was no better place to be at Kinsley Hall.
She’d listened to Freddy and Arabella’s arguments the entire morning and had quite frankly grown sick of it. She didn’t wish to have anything to do with their quarrels and would stay as far away from him as possible.
Her thoughts were still immersed in the wonderful memory of Robert, the laughter they shared and the kiss in the carriage. Her feelings for him grew with every second that passed, and she’d realised this morning that she would be devastated to return to Dorchester, while Robert was in London. Perhaps she would be able to visit him in town if her father would permit it.
