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

by Johanna Evelyn

  “I could live like this.” She breathed.

  He placed his hand on her legs, relishing the closeness. She did not seem to mind, just closed her eyes. He sat watching, waiting for her to stir. She did not and he knew she had fallen asleep.

  “Juliana?” he prompted, waiting for her acknowledgement. She did not wake, and he realized that the late night, mixed with her steady rowing had probably worn her out.

  Contentment washed over him as he stared at her restful state. She was a vision. The intimacy of watching her sleep caused his heart to swell. If only this could be their reality. He would give anything to make that happen.

  The boat moved slowly towards the shore; the wind not fast enough to make much headway. The servants were probably wondering where they were, but he did not care. He doubted the image of Juliana resting like this would ever leave his mind. He’d treasure it forever even if she preferred Mr. Westcott as a husband.

  The sun moved to the western sky. It hadn’t fallen yet but would soon, given its position. He gently sat up, touching a golden curl resting on Juliana’s lovely cheek. It did not wake her, so he lightly stroked her cheek, relishing in the softness of her skin. She leaned her cheek into his hand as a small smile played on her lips. She did not open her eyes, and it took everything in him not to lean in to give her a soft kiss. Instead, he took her cheek, fanning his fingers to touch the outline of her jaw. Her eyes flew open. She sat up straight in startled surprise, almost knocking him back. She grabbed his shirt in an attempt at steadying him. When she realized her mistake, she quickly dropped her hands. She turned her head to stare at the water, before bringing her wide eyes back to him.

  “I fell asleep, didn’t I?”

  His smile stretched. “I would have let you continue, but I fear we are already past any respectable time. Your uncle might call a search party if we do not return soon.”

  “I am sorry, I do not know what came over me.” She touched the curl that clung to her cheek, tucking it back in place.

  “My early morning call, mixed with dancing all night, I daresay.”

  “Yes, well. Please do not mention this to anyone. Especially my Uncle. I am afraid I have already shamed the family enough.”

  “It shall be our secret.” He moved back onto the bench, stretching the kinks from sitting in the same position for too long.

  When Juliana sat in her seat, folding the wrinkles away, he picked up the ores and paddled them to the shore in no time.

  After he helped Juliana from the boat, they set off to the waiting carriage. Their servants were resting on a rock, engrossed in conversation. As they approached, they quickly stood.

  “I’m sorry for the late hour. We lost track of time.”

  His groom did not seem to mind. “We didn’t notice the time passing my lord.”

  Peter smiled at the cheeky smile his groom gave to Juliana’s maid.

  They were on their way home in no time. And Peter found he wished the day never had to end.

  “We had better get home before dark, or you will have caught yourself a title.” Peter teased.

  His smile dropped at the nervous glance she gave him.

  “I hope we can make it.”

  “Do not worry, we will be there with plenty of time.”

  “Good.” She took her eyes to the scenery, letting the conversation lag.

  He wished he could show her how much he cared. But her nervous glances caused him to second guess his plan to capture her heart. He could not read her, and he longed for their banter-filled relationship they shared back home. London had surely changed them both. He wasn’t quite sure if that change was for the better.

  He would have to think on a different sort of plan. And it started with breaking off his fake courtship with Patience. The thought of being able to openly show Juliana his affections warmed him through. The moment could not come fast enough.

  Chapter Fifteen

  Juliana was too restless to sit still for long. She’d never had a more wonderful day in her life, though her emotions swung from one extreme to the other. At times Peter did not seem indifferent to her as she once thought, at others, he was pushing her to Mr. Westcott. She could not figure him out. She’d spent the whole of the day trying to mull it over in her mind. It had gotten her nowhere.

  She wandered the back garden, invited her aunt on several walks around the square, and read to occupy her mind. None of it worked. Peter still entered her thoughts at every moment. She replayed the last ball they’d attended over and over again in her mind. The way his hands seemed warmer, more tender, in hers than she’d ever noticed. The way his eyes caught hers and held them. The slight press of his palm against her waist as they danced. It did not help that she’d been caught sleeping in his presence. Though waking up to Peter’s hand tenderly brushing her cheek had been worth it.

  There was the slight problem with Mr. Westcott as well. He could no longer hold her attention.

  The selfish part of her thrilled at the idea of keeping Peter to herself in Newbury, Mr. Westcott but a memory. Although the scheme with Patience had helped matters, there were still a number of young women who eyed Peter, attempting to catch his attention whenever possible.

  He need not worry about them in Newbury. He’d just have her. To tease. She pushed the thought aside.

  Her aunt swept into the room, Patience trailing behind. “Your friend is here to see you, dear.”

  Juliana stood as Patience entered, instantly on alert at the pain behind her friend’s eyes. Something was terribly wrong.

  Patience gave Juliana’s aunt a tight smile. “Thank you for showing me where Juliana is but would you mind giving us some time alone.” She dropped her gracious smile as soon as Juliana’s aunt left the room. Rushing to her side, Patience pulled out a letter, pushing it into Juliana’s hands. “A letter came.”

  Juliana looked at the crumpled note in her hand, unease settling in the pit of her stomach. “From Walter?”

  “It is signed by him, but he has such an odd request. It makes me anxious. I do not know what I should do.” She squeezed Juliana’s hand, further crumpling the letter. “Please, read it and tell me your thoughts.”

  Juliana unfolded it slowly, scanning its contents. Her heart jumped as she read.

  My dearest Patience,

  I must apologize for my behavior as of late. I would like to explain myself, but there are more urgent matters at hand.

  I’ve recently become aware that you and Lord Seton are engaged to be married, for which I wish you the utmost happiness. But I am afraid he may be in grave danger. I am working on a case involving him, the details of which I cannot disclose in this letter.

  It is of the utmost importance that I speak with you privately on this matter. Please, consider meeting me tonight at The Nightingale, a pub located in the east end of London. I will be there waiting just before dusk.

  This meeting requires the most urgent of secrecies. If you require an escort, ensure that they will not expect to be a part of our conversation.

  I cannot stress the importance of the information I must share with you. I expect to see you tonight, if at all possible.

  Diligently yours,

  Walter Longman

  Juliana’s throat constricted, her breath hitching. She read the letter again, absorbing its contents in full.

  She raised her eyes to meet with Patience’. “Whatever could it mean?” Patience’ voice came out in a high-pitched whisper.

  “I am not sure.” Juliana’s hand shook as she handed the letter back to Patience. Fear shooting through her at the danger Peter might be in, at this very moment even. “But I am anxious to hear what Walter has to say.”

  “What could possibly endanger Lord Seton?” Patience still looked very confused. “And why doesn’t Walter reach out to him himself?”

  Juliana frowned. “Perhaps he feels it would be an impertinence of some sort.”

  “And asking a young woman to meet him at a pub in the east end is not?” P
atience prompted, the pain in her voice evident.

  It was a strange request, indeed. No young lady in her right mind would venture to the east end alone. Juliana had heard the horror of peddlers and prostitutes roaming the streets.

  Patience began pacing the room. “I love Walter, and I worry about Peter, but this is too much to ask. I should ask my father to come along, at the very least—”

  Juliana shook her head. “Your father would never agree to take you to the east end. No man in his right mind would.”

  “Then why is Walter requesting I meet him there?” Patience wrung her hands in irritation. “He would not ask this; he could not ask this—unless—it is very serious. Walter is a kind, thoughtful man. He would never put me in harm’s way. Never.” Her voice cracked undercutting the boldness of her words.

  “Perhaps it is not as bad as people make it out to be,” Juliana said slowly, not believing her own words.

  “Why couldn’t he just ask me to meet him here, where it’s safe and more proper?” Patience’ voice spiked in volume and pitch.

  Juliana grasped her friend’s hands, moving her to the loveseat, trying to calm her fears. “He knows you are brave. He trusts you. I will be your escort, but whatever he has to say to you, he must say it to me as well.”

  Patience’s hand fluttered to her chest, then rubbed against her throat. “I don’t like this, Juliana.”

  “Do you love Walter?” Juliana hoped she was doing the right thing.

  Patience pressed her lips together. “Yes, of course, I do.”

  “And you trust him?”

  Her friend’s green eyes met hers, and the fear ebbed away momentarily. “Yes.”

  “Then we have no reason to doubt him.” Juliana shuddered, imagining her and Patience venturing to the east end alone. Patience might trust Walter, but Juliana barely knew him. She cleared her throat. “Perhaps we should bring Peter along—”

  “The letter said—”

  “Yes, but Peter should hear if he is in danger, do you not think? And I’d feel much safer if he were with us.”

  Patience nodded, biting her lip. “Yes. I suppose Walter can’t expect to send such a heavy letter and have us arrive without Lord Seton.”

  Juliana stood. “Let’s go to Peter now.”

  It was already afternoon. They had little time to convince Peter to come along.

  On their walk to Peters townhome, Juliana realized he would never let them come with him. If he went, he’d go alone. But she didn’t share this with Patience, who seemed eager to see Walter again, even if in unsavory circumstances.

  When they arrived at Peter’s home, he was absent. This concerned Juliana more than the idea of having to wander to the east end alone. What if he was already harmed? Bleeding to death in a dark alley? Kidnapped and held for ransom? A protectiveness surged over her. If anyone harmed her Peter, she did not know what she would do with herself.

  Patience stared at Juliana, both of them standing in the entry of Peter’s townhouse, the butler waiting for their response. “What should we do?”

  Juliana clenched her teeth. “Can we leave behind a message?” she asked the butler. “It is very important.”

  “Yes, of course.” The butler gestured with a little nod of his head. “Come this way and you can scribble him a note.”

  Moments later they were in Peter’s library, scrawling a quick note.

  Beloved Peter,

  Patience has received some upsetting news from Walter Longman. He has requested her presence for a private audience at The Nightingale, a pub on the east end. Yes, we understand it is dangerous, but we are highly concerned about the information he is eager to share with us. It cannot wait.

  My dear Peter, we are worried that Mr. Longman’s news concerns you. He has informed us you could be in grave danger. Watch yourself and tread carefully. Patience and I will return shortly after nightfall.

  Yours,

  Juliana

  She folded the letter, entrusting it to the housekeeper who had scurried into the room to replace the butler. “Be sure Lord Seton gets this as soon as possible, please.” She hoped the housekeeper could sense the urgency in her voice.

  “Don’t you mind. I assure you he will receive it as soon as he steps foot through the door.”

  Juliana exchanged a glance with Patience. “Are you ready?” Juliana was already thinking better of their plan, but Peter might need them. She must be courageous.

  “Let’s just pay Walter a quick visit.” Patience’ voice held a note of insecurity.

  As the girls exited the townhome, Juliana found a hackney immediately.

  They stepped inside, ordering the driver to take them to The Nightingale.

  He gave them a reproving look. “You sure you be wanting to go into that slum?” The driver took in their fine clothing, a skeptical expression marring his face. “Tis not safe for any Lady, especially one’s unaccompanied.”

  “We are sure.” Juliana handed him a Guinea.

  The cab driver widened his eyes but hopped on the carriage without further word, moving the horses forward.

  The girls sat silently on the drive over. Patience wringing her hands and Juliana continuously swallowing to wet her dry throat. As she glanced out the window, she forced her beating heart to slow.

  It couldn’t be too bad. As long as they stayed in public areas, no one would dare touch them. She had survived a visit alone to Westminster, after all. But that had been in broad daylight in the west end.

  Patience interrupted her thoughts. “Something still bothers me about the letter.”

  Juliana turned to stare at Patience. Her unease caused Juliana’s heart to sink. “Walter said he’d heard of an engagement between Lord Seton and I. He wished us happiness. Did he not receive my letter explaining that we weren’t actually—” she trailed off, bunching the fabric of her dress in her fists. “He must think me terrible.”

  Juliana took Patience’s hand in hers, squeezing her clammy palm. “Perhaps he did not receive it?” Now that Patience had brought up the concern, she began to wonder at it as well. Maybe he did not care for Patience as much as everyone believed. Why mention the relationship at all, if not out of spite?

  The streets became more crammed with buildings the closer they came to their destination. People loitered in the streets, wrapped in rags. She took in the smudges on their ruddy faces. The sun had begun to set, casting deep shadows in alleyways. Men and women alike leaned suspiciously against stone walls, watching the people go by. One woman leered at her as the carriage rumbled past. They were clearly out of their depth.

  Juliana shuddered, but they were nearly there, they could not turn back now. They’d go in, uncover Walter’s disturbing news, and leave straight away. If Walter was a gentleman, he would escort them back home, especially as it would be after sundown. The thought did little to comfort her as they slowly weaved further into the gutters of London.

  Juliana’s mind turned over scenarios for Peter’s plight. Perhaps he had not realized he was in debt with some notorious swindler? Maybe there was a plot to kidnap him for his money. They all seemed wildly inaccurate, fantastical. She burned to know what secrets Walter held.

  The carriage rocked as the driver pulled to a halt. He opened the door, squinting at them skeptically. “You ladies sure this is where you want to be?” His Cockney accent seeping through with each new word he uttered. “Mighty rough part of town, in’nit?”

  Nerves cramped Juliana’s stomach. “Yes, we are sure.” She tried to put on a brave face. “We are meeting a friend.”

  “Ah,” the driver sneered, helping them down from the carriage and waggling his brows suggestively. “You’re meetin’ a ‘friend.’ Tis, not my business what a lady does in the night.”

  Patience had reddened considerably but Juliana’s temper flared. “We’re no light-skirts,” she snapped.

  Juliana tipped the driver with a copper token, irritated at his suggestion. “Would you please wait around for a half hour at
least? This shouldn’t take long.”

  The driver tipped his hat. “You be most generous, mum. I’ll wait around a bit.”

  “Thank you.”

  Taking Patient’s arm, they turned to face The Nightingale, a tiny pub crammed between two buildings, crouching dark in the shadows.

  Juliana couldn’t imagine why Walter had wanted to meet Patience here. She was beginning to question her friend’s choice.

  A dark thought entered Juliana’s mind, so twisted that it lodged in her brain, unable to banish it away. What if this were punishment for Patience being with another man?

  Juliana knew it was ridiculous. The man Patience loved couldn’t be that mean spirited, especially when he knew he was far inferior in status and wealth compared to other men in Patience’s company. Maybe that was the problem.

  Taking a deep breath, Juliana led Patience to the entrance of The Nightingale.

  The moment they walked through the open doors, the scent of whiskey and gin assaulted their senses. Raucous laughter shattered Juliana’s eardrums, making it hard to focus. Her eyes swept the small pub. She caught a woman in an incredibly revealing dress, serving alcohol to a man who grinned at her like a pastry treat in the bakery window.

  Juliana looked away in disgust. “Do you see him?” she asked eagerly, wanting this over as soon as possible.

  “No.” Patience’s grip had tightened on Juliana’s arm, constricting the blood flow.

  A short woman approached them, hands on her hips. “Can I help you, ladies?” Her scowl deepened as she studied their fine attire.

  “We’re looking for a Mr. Walter Longman,” Juliana explained, hoping this woman would have some answers.

  The woman snorted. “Never heard of ‘im.” She looked the girls up and down. “Methinks you lot are far from home.” She waved her hand, dismissing them. “Out with ya.”

  Juliana and Patience exchanged glances. “He’s not here?” Patience’ voice twisted in disappointment. “I don’t understand. Why would he—”

  A hand snaked along Juliana’s waist, pulling her to a dark figure. She jumped back, gasping as panic set in. A man covered in filth, ogled them. “Come to make some quid, my pets?” he asked through a rotting smile.