A Friendly Alliance: A Regency Romance (Heirs of Berkshire Book 1)

by Johanna Evelyn

  “I have. Her letters are brief. I take comfort in knowing she gets many social calls.”

  “I’m glad to hear it.”

  They settled into silence, dancing around each other, exchanging hands, and taking careful steps.

  “Will you host a party upon your return?” Juliana never took her eyes from him as she asked her questions.

  “Certainly not, but my mother certainly will.” Peter smiled slightly. His mother, grieving or no, would love to host a party. It was what she lived for.

  “I would enjoy that very much,” Juliana said.

  There was something wrong with their conversation. It was too formal, too stiff. Nothing like their usual banter.

  “You’re assuming already that you’ll be invited,” he teased.

  Her mouth dropped open in mock offense, and already he saw her mood lighten. “I will take your lake if you don’t invite me.”

  “You’ve claimed it as your own already.” He reminded her.

  “Yes, but you’ve never acknowledged the fact.”

  Peter laughed. This felt better. This was natural. Patience was getting inside his head, making him second guess his attention to Juliana.

  But he couldn’t deny he craved her touch whenever her hands left his. On an impulse, he asked her a question. “Will you go riding with me tomorrow morning?”

  Juliana drew in her brows. “How, Beast is at home.”

  “Driving. I meant driving.” Juliana was making him tongue tied.

  She smiled. Where will you take me, Hyde Park I suppose, at the fashionable hour.”

  The thought of having the Ton scrutinize his every move with Juliana made him second guess his plans. “No. Let us go at an unfashionable hour and drive just out of town. I grow tired of the city and would like to stretch my legs.”

  Juliana lit with excitement. “Can we? I long to see the country.”

  “I will ask your uncle and pick you up at eight in the morning.”

  Her radiant smile never wavered the rest of the evening. He found he couldn’t wait to be alone with his dear childhood friend.

  Chapter Thirteen

  At eight o clock sharp, Juliana met Peter at the door. He’d secured permission with her uncle the evening before, as long as she brought her maid along. Peter smiled affectionately as she slipped on her gloves.

  “Where have you decided upon going today?” Juliana asked.

  “I shall tell you on the way.”

  “It can’t be a secret.” Juliana shot her brows up at him. It was not like Peter to keep her in suspense. No that was not right, Peter loved keeping her in the dark.

  “No, but I like to raise the suspense. In case you do not like where I plan to take you.” His teasing smile relaxed her.

  “I shall enjoy anywhere you choose, as long as you are with me.” She did not miss the pleased expression at her answer.

  “Let us not suspend our wait any longer then.”

  Peter helped Juliana into the phaeton while his groom helped her maid into the jump seat where a basket lay on the floor, causing very little room for its occupants.

  As Peter wound through the city, it did not take long for them to be out of familiar territory for Juliana.

  “Can you tell me now, where you are taking me?”

  He turned to her with a smile, before looking back to the street. “I thought you would like to travel north since you have not been this far before.”

  Juliana lit with excitement. “Do you have a particular destination?” She would trust Peter to take her anywhere but was curious as to where they would spend the day.

  “We are going to Hampstead Heath. It is a bit of a drive, but I have packed us a picnic and there are some ponds that I thought would remind you of home.” His smile broadened at her excited exclamation.

  “Oh Peter, I cannot wait to see it, perhaps there will also be some ducks to remind me of my friends from home.”

  Peter laughed. “Perhaps.”

  The ride indeed took the greater part of the hour, but Juliana hardly noticed as Peter kept her occupied with his tales from his past visits to London. She no longer felt there was a part of him she’d missed at having to stay behind when she was young.

  He pulled alongside a grove of trees when they’d traveled the park for just a little. They’d traversed a hill, and upon the break, she could see far and wide. London was but a small dot from where they stopped.

  “The view,” she breathed in reverent awe.

  “I thought you might like it.” He hopped from the carriage before helping Juliana alight. His groom was already down, awaiting orders from his master.

  “Stay with Miss Gibbon’s maid. We will be back in time for lunch.”

  The groom nodded and her maid smiled in amusement, not seeming put out that Peter wished to be alone with her.

  Peter took her arm and led her away from the carriage, where a trunk of a tree had been placed. “I do not wish to sit just yet. The ride was long. I would like to stretch.”

  Peter smiled, standing next to her. “The season is halfway through. I confess I wish we could go home sooner.”

  She turned to him, studying his features. She wondered why he was here in the first place. “You do not need to stay. I am sure your mother longs for your company.”

  “Who would keep you in place?” he teased.

  She had to wonder if her father hadn’t sent him to watch out for her. It would be just like him. Juliana didn’t like the idea. She’d gotten it in her head that Peter had chosen to be with her.

  “Mr. Westcott would make sure I did not get into too much trouble.”

  “Mr. Westcott would lead you headfirst into trouble. The man has no sense, especially when it comes to you.” Juliana wondered at his irritated response.

  “He is not as bad as all that. He has much more sense than Lord Pincock.” She giggled, thinking on all the times she’d avoided the man’s company. “He smells better at the very least.”

  “Yes, well,” Peter grumbled.

  “We should try to figure out the mystery.”

  “What mystery?”

  “About why old Lord Pincock smells of candle wax.”

  Peter smiled. “He probably uses candles to count all the money he’s collected from each of his marriages.”

  “I think you’ve hit on something. He does seem very interested in the largest dowry!”

  “I am afraid that puts you, my dear Juliana, in his crosshairs.”

  “I’d rather be dished up than marry that odious man!”

  Peter laughed out loud at her slang. “Well put. Fear not, I am sure your Mr. Westcott might save you. Though I’d be careful of him as well.”

  “If you are implying he only likes me for my money, think again. I am sure he has some very good prospects in front of him.”

  “He is a second son, trust me, the Westcott estate could not hold up his marriage. If he does not marry money, he will be forced to work for his income.”

  “Mr. Westcott has more going for him than you imply. He will make any woman a fine husband.” She did not know why she was letting Peter ruffle her feathers. She did not wish to marry Mr. Westcott.

  “I would say you’d better stake your claim fast then, but I’m afraid you have already let the whole of London know of your preference for the man. You danced too many times with him last evening.”

  “I will keep that in mind. He has not yet made me an offer, but I am sure it is coming soon, as he is not the sort to play with a woman’s affections.” She stalked off into the trees.

  Peter did not seem to care that she paid attention to another man. She wondered if he’d grown an affection for Patience. They spent much time together. The gossips had already begun to speculate when the marriage would be announced. The thought caused her throat to tighten. She closed her eyes and wrapped an arm around a tree, willing away the image of Patience in his arms.

  A hand touched her shoulder and Peter’s soft voice pierced her soul. “I am s
orry, dearest Juliana. Whoever you choose will be a very happy man. If Mr. Westcott is your choice, I will say ne'er a word against him.”

  She let out slow calming breaths. Peter’s concerned voice upset her even further, for if he could be so calm at the prospect of her wedding another, he did not have those feelings for her.

  She held her eyes closed as she gave him her response, afraid he would see her pain at his words. She knew now that Peter could never know her affection for him. “Will you please give me a moment?”

  “Of course.” She heard peter’s quiet footfall as he retreated back to the overlook.

  She would not lose her friend over her feelings. Peter’s friendship was too precious, and if he preferred Patience, she would find a way to be happy for them.

  She gave him one more fleeting thought before tucking her feelings away, ready to enjoy the day, alone with Peter.

  When she walked back, Peter had a blanket waiting, a game of piquet next to him as he relaxed in the sun.

  “If you would like, I can set up your parasol.” He took in her figure and she sat quickly, feeling uncomfortable at his assessment of her.

  “If I am not liked because I have enjoyed a day in the sun, I had best stay clear of that gentleman, for I cannot see myself stopping my habit of walking to my lake even after marriage.”

  “You will marry a man with a lake then? Or do you plan to stay regularly with your father?”

  “Both, I daresay.”

  “You had better make sure your husband does not object to your trespassing. If I cannot like the man you marry, I do not see myself sharing it with you any longer.” A small smile peaked onto his face.

  She scrunched her eyes, moving the deck to him with her fingers. “Let us settle this once and for all. If I win the game, I get full possession of it. If you win, the lake is yours.”

  Peter’s smile broadened. “When are you going to learn I will always master you in sport?”

  Juliana lifted her chin. This is not a sport; this is a lady’s game.”

  “If I felt you were a true lady, I might be concerned. Besides it is no more a lady’s game than I am eager to run to Gretna.”

  Juliana tried not to be offended. “I shall just have to prove you wrong.”

  “By all means, try. But I am also fond of my lake and will not give it up easily.” He fanned the deck, placing Juliana’s cards in front of her.

  She picked them up quickly, moving around the cards before turning to him with a confident smile. Peter might boast, but she held cards that would help her win. She placed the card in front of him with a triumphant smile. A thrill shot through her as Peter stared at her with a confident look of his own. The game was on, and she could only guess who would be the victor.

  ***

  Peter sat up, concentrating hard on his cards. Math came easy to him, but he knew well that Juliana could be a formidable opponent. He could not let her win. He would not mind giving her the lake, but the thought of her returning to it over and over with Mr. Westcott on her arm drove him to distraction. That lake held a special place in his heart because of Juliana. They’d played there often and confided with each other when they were both still very young. She knew his innermost desires and thoughts. No, he would not lose the lake, or Juliana to the honorable Westcott.

  Peter loved watching Juliana’s emotions flicker across her face as she played the game. He suddenly had visions of what his life would be like if she became his. She knew the neighborhood and was well loved for her energetic yet caring personality. There wasn’t a soul he knew that wouldn’t drop anything to help his Miss Gibbon. She would fit his household like a glove and would not be missed by her father if she were so close.

  He needed to make a plan to ease Mr. Westcott away from her affections. The first thing to do would be to stop teasing her. It was natural, and he liked to think she enjoyed their playful banter, but he had a side to him she wasn’t acquainted with. He was a strong capable man, ready to do whatever it took to show her the fact. But first, he would win the game.

  He placed his winning card on top of hers and watched as her brow furrowed in disappointment. “Do not worry, I will still allow you onto my property if you choose your husband wisely.” It was too tempting not to give a little tease.

  She huffed before standing and flattening the wrinkles of her dress with her hands. When she brought her eyes back to his, the sorrow in her eyes made him second guess his treatment of her.

  He stood briskly, moving to her side. “I will stop teasing if you wish. Of course, you will always be welcome to my lake or anywhere else on my property that you desire. I did not mean to cause offense.”

  She turned to the view of the city. “I am not upset about your teasing.”

  “What is it?” he asked gently, moving close and staring down with affection in his eyes.

  She gulped, turning her eyes to his. “My father—” she paused, and he knew instantly where she was going with this. The thought agonized him. But he had to comfort her even knowing by doing so, he might lose her forever.

  “Mr. Westcott resides in Berkshire. He is not so far from Newbury. And he is not tied to his family home as I am. If he loves you enough, he will go wherever you ask him.”

  Her eyes brimmed with tears, not spilling over. It took everything in him not to pull her into a comforting embrace.

  “What profession does he intend?” Every question asked was like a dagger to his happiness.

  She shook her head, wiping away the unshed tears. “I do not know. Let us talk of other things.” The sorrow in her eyes did not leave. He had to wonder if she had a fight with Mr. Westcott.

  “Are you ready for some refreshment?”

  She smiled at him with a nod. “I am famished.”

  “When we are done, I shall take you to the ponds I spoke of. It is but a few minutes’ drive from here. I would love to show you the gardens at Kenwood House. They have a wonderful orangery, but I’m afraid it will be too late if we stop there.”

  “I would love to see the ponds.”

  He took her hand in his, squeezing it before moving to his carriage to get the luncheon his housekeeper had ordered for them. After his groom carried it to the blanket, Juliana kneeled before it, opening its lid. She arranged the dishes, then filled his plate with his favorite things, handing it to him before making a plate of her own. His heart filled as he watched her take care of him. She even knew his favorite foods. She fit so comfortably into his life. He wondered what it would take to get her to see it.

  He set the plate down, shrugged out of his coat, and untied his cravat. When he lay on the blanket, his arm propping his head, Juliana held back a smile.

  “I thought it was highly improper for a lady to spy on a gentleman in his underclothes.”

  His lips turned up at her teasing.

  He’d swam in the lake that day solely to work out his misgivings of going to London. When Juliana had interrupted him, he’d found teasing her to be the balm he needed to prepare himself for the event.

  “Do not worry, I shall leave the rest of my clothing on for you—this time.” He smiled at the blush that rose to her cheek. Maybe Miss Gibbon was not as impervious to his attention as he imagined. The thought caused a thrill to flash through his body. He would need to investigate this new information thoroughly before making new plans for his future.

  Chapter Fourteen

  After lunch was packed up, they moved back to the carriage, taking the short ride to the ponds. Peter could not get enough of Juliana’s excitement at being around water. He imagined she would make a great fish if it was proper for her to actually swim, though he knew she broke conventions often enough.

  As they walked to the water’s edge, Juliana threw small chunks of bread near the fowl. Quickly, they were bombarded with ducks clambering to catch the food. He breathed in the clean air, relishing the reminder of home.

  “They appreciate the treat I think.” Peter looked at Juliana’s profile.


  As she turned to him, his breath caught. The sun glittered off her golden curls making her look as if she’d just dropped from heaven.

  Her smile turned to him, happiness showing through every feature on her face. “I think so.”

  He had a sudden impulse to be on the water with her. “There is a little dinghy just over there, would it interest you to have a paddle on the pond before we head back?”

  Juliana took her eyes to where he pointed, then back to him. “Are you sure no one will mind?”

  “There is no one here at the moment to tattle.” Hopefully, they would not run into anyone they knew from London. Rowing on an intimate lake might be construed the wrong way. It could look bad since he was supposed to be courting Patience.

  “Only if I can row.” She skipped toward the little boat.

  He trailed behind, watching her excited movements. Funny how such actions had never caused his heart to feel light before. One trip to London, watching how he could easily lose her had hanged things so fully. She waited for him as she neared the boat. He took her hand, steadying her as she stepped in. She sat as he pushed off, jumping in as the boat glided into the water. He sat quickly, taking the ores and slicing them into the water.

  “You promised I could paddle.” She leaned forward, placing her hand over his.

  He chuckled, relenting to her wishes. She took over the rowing, slowly pulling them to the middle of the lake.

  “I shall not let you row us back. We will not make it home before nightfall.” His smile broadened at her scowl.

  “Just sit back and enjoy the scenery.” Her smile shone through, showing him she enjoyed his teasing.

  He moved to the bottom of the boat, resting his back on the flat board that resembled a seat.

  “What are you doing?” She giggled at his relaxing.

  “I am sitting back to enjoy the scenery.”

  “I did not mean for you to take my words literally.”

  He rested his legs next to hers, challenging her to put him in his place. She just grinned, bringing the ores back into the boat and matching his position. He let out a laugh as she turned her face to the sun, sighing in contentment.