Secrets of Scarlett Hall Box Set: A Clean & Sweet Regency Historical Romance Collection
Page 48
“Do not worry for me, dear sister,” Juliet called out. “Although he is a brute, his strength serves a purpose. Plus, Mother will protect me from him.”
Lady Lambert spun around and glared. “Juliet!” she gasped. “Conduct yourself as a lady! You are embarrassing not only me but yourself far more than you realize.”
“I am sorry, Mother,” Miss Juliet murmured.
They stopped at another door, and Lady Lambert opened it and stepped aside to allow Daniel to carry his burden inside.
“Place her on the bed.”
He gazed at the bed for a moment. It was massive, almost as large as his entire room, with heavy drapes tied back to each corner post. Several pillows were piled up at the head, and he laid Miss Juliet into them with as much care as he could. He tried his best not to touch the blanket, but his hand brushed the smooth fabric, and he wondered what it would be like to be covered in something so exquisite.
“I hope your injury isn’t too bad, Miss Juliet,” he whispered before he stood back up and looked around at the rest of the room.
What he saw was as formidable as the bed itself. A vanity with a large mirror sat against one wall between two large windows, perfume bottles lined up on one side and a variety of jars on the other. A wardrobe sat on the opposite wall, and a chest at the end of the bed would have been too big to hold everything he owned in the world.
Miss Juliet let out a heavy sigh. “I may lose my leg and forever be stranded in this room. I shall grow old and wither away…”
“I believe it would be best if Juliet remain quiet and rest,” her mother said, interrupting her daughter. “Let me walk you to the door.”
Daniel gave Miss Juliet a fleeting smile before following Lady Lambert out into the hallway and down to the foyer. However, rather than taking him to the door that led outside, she continued to the drawing room.
“Lady Lambert,” he said as the baroness walked over to the cart of liquor bottles once more, “might I ask something?”
“Yes, of course,” the woman replied. “What is it?”
“If I’m to lose my position, I understand. I’d just ask if I could have time to say goodbye to the others.”
Lady Lambert turned and gave him a shocked gaze. “Lose your position? Whyever would that happen?”
He shrugged, suddenly uncomfortable. “I don’t know. I thought with Juliet being hurt…” he allowed the words to trail off when she walked over and offered him an entire decanter of brandy. Not only because it was brandy, but because the bottle was worth more than his boots!
“Take it,” she said when he hesitated. “Please. It is a gift of celebration for you and Elizabeth.”
What an odd comment, he thought. Why would this woman be happy for him and a woman who did not exist?
“Thank you,” he said as he took the bottle, although a bit of guilt tugged at him at accepting on such terms. “I’ve never owned anything so…nice.” It was true, for although she paid him fairly for his work, he had never spent even a farthing on himself, except on necessities such as a new shirt when he needed one. Otherwise, he saved everything he earned.
“As to your work here,” the woman continued, “I see no reason you should not remain. If that is what you wish, of course.”
He nodded emphatically. “Oh, yes, I would.”
“I believe that, in time, Juliet shall marry Lord Parsons. What do you believe? Will he be a good suitor for her?”
Daniel did not know much, but he knew that a stable boy was the last person a lady went to for advice. And the question she asked did not sit well with him for all too many reasons.
“Surely for all she has spoken of the man,” Lady Lambert continued, “you must be pleased he will be joining her for the season?”
A strange sadness came over Daniel, and he could not for the life of him understand why. “I didn’t know that,” he replied.
“In truth, neither did I,” Lady Lambert said. “However, if Juliet wishes the man to call, I am certain they will see each other often while they are in London.” She walked over to stand in front of Daniel. “Then she will be happy.”
“Well, if she’s happy with him, then that’s all that matters.” Silence filled the room, and Daniel cleared his throat. “It’s the same as I feel for Elizabeth. I hope one day to win her heart.” He was unsure why he lied. Perhaps it was hearing the stories Miss Juliet had told over the years that propelled him to embellish on his story.
Embellish? he scolded himself. You outright lied to a lady!
Much to his relief, Lady Lambert smiled. “You do care for her, do you not?”
He nodded. If he spoke, he would confess it all. Lying never came easy to him, but now was not the time for repentance.
“That is wonderful,” the woman said, her smile widening. “Simply wonderful!”
Why was this woman so happy that he had an interest in someone? Well, if it meant him keeping his position, he would boast of this imaginary woman forever.
“Now,” Lady Lambert said, “allow me to walk you to the door.”
Soon, Daniel was outside, a bottle—no a crystal decanter!—in his hand. When he returned to his quarters behind the stables, he sat down on a low stool and tried to unravel the riddle that made up the events of the evening.
There was Lord Parsons, who Miss Juliet claimed had tried to buy a kiss from her. Then Daniel had told a bald-faced lie right to Lady Lambert that he cared for a woman who did not exist. And, between all that, Miss Juliet had fallen, and both he and she had told lies about how that had come about. Then there was Miss Juliet touching his arm like she did, and mother and daughter both giving him bottles of drink…
He sighed. None of it made sense as far as he was concerned, and he stared at the crystal decanter, the nicest thing he now owned. Blowing on the inside of the metal mug he took down from a hook on his wall, he poured the smallest amount of brandy, returned the stopper, and placed the decanter on a shelf as if it would break by simply setting it down.
As he sipped at his drink, he shook his head. Although he tried, he could not solve the riddle of all that had happened this night.
Chapter Three
Since Juliet was young, she had anticipated her debut to the ton during her first London season. However, fate had played a horrible trick on her in the form of a fall in the stables, and now she would be unable to attend. Her life, now overwhelmed with misery, consisted of lying in bed and missing out on everything that was happening outside her bedroom door.
She was angry at Hannah, who had faked an illness the previous year in order to miss going to London. Now, that same sister would be leaving today with their eldest sister, Isabel. Together, the two women would attend the finest parties, buy the most exquisite of dresses from dressmakers known worldwide. And Juliet would be stuck here at Scarlett Hall.
This was supposed to be Juliet’s time to be introduced into society, to be admired and complimented on her beauty. Yet, none of that would happen because of her injured foot, an injury that had come about by her own silliness in a weak attempt to fall into the arms of Daniel the stable hand.
Her plan had been simple. She would lure the man to the loft, where they would share in the wine she had brought. The shock of his refusal to do as she ordered had not only embarrassed her, but it had caused her to lose all awareness of where she was, which, in turn, had caused her to fall from the ladder. She had not expected to break her ankle in the process!
When Doctor Comerford had suggested bed rest, she had been angry, but now her anger turned to jealousy as her sisters entered her bedroom to bid her farewell. They wore beautiful traveling dresses—Hannah in green and white print and Isabel in a blue that matched her eyes—and beamed with excitement. Isabel was positively glowing, and Hannah offered a half-smile. Oh, why had she encouraged Hannah to go? In the beginning it had been to lend aid to Isabel and her mother, but now Hannah would be experiencing everything that Juliet could not. And the woman did not even want to go!
Juliet swiped at the single hot tear that escaped her eye. “I know.” She turned to Hannah. “The amount of attention the men would have given me would have elevated you in status.”
“Perhaps,” Hannah replied before taking a seat on the bed beside their cousin Annabel. Isabel joined her on the opposite side. “I am going to miss you, and just as Isabel said, it will not be as fun without you there.”
Juliet sighed as she looked at her sisters. They were kind, and she could see the pain in their eyes. The pain of knowing that the most beautiful daughter of the Lambert family was to be left behind. It would not be the same without her there, that much was certain. For wherever Juliet went, be it a party or a shop in the village, she was the focal point of both men and women alike. It was a burden brought on by her beauty and station, and one she carried with as much grace as she could.
“I do have to admit…” Juliet clamped her mouth shut. It was not fair to make her sisters suffer any longer. She did love them and she regretted allowing her anger to get the best of her. Her mother had scolded her often as of late, telling her that she needed to mature. Although Juliet had ignored most of the advice the woman had given, she had to admit that, in this, her mother was correct. “I admit that I am happy for you both. May the season be the best ever.”
“You are too kind,” Isabel said before leaning over and kissing Juliet on the forehead. “We really should be on our way. I believe Hannah needs to speak to Mother.”
Juliet looked at Hannah, who gave a nod. Hannah had been caught sneaking out of the house, and Juliet had found it extremely amusing. Hannah always acted the innocent, but it was a relief to learn she was not as prudish as Juliet had always thought.
After a few more hugs and goodbyes, the others left Juliet alone with her thoughts. She sighed and leaned back into the mountain of pillows behind her as Daniel came to mind, and she recalled how it felt to be in his arms.
Her goal that night had been to catch his eye, and although she had accomplished her task, it had come at a great cost. Yet, was it enough? She wanted more from the man, but she could not for the life of her figure out what that something was. Perhaps it was a kiss. She could not help but grin as she thought of him kissing her. The poor man would be so overjoyed! However, she would soon grow tired of his ongoing thankfulness.
Despite how appealing kissing the man was, she reminded herself that she was making every attempt to obey her mother’s wishes, which came down to one single command. Behave. That was easy for anyone else to say, but for Juliet, she knew she had an impish bone, one that had brought mischief to her at every turn since she was a very young child. Now, as a woman of eighteen, she knew it was high time to put those ways behind her.
Glancing at her wrapped foot propped up on its pillows, she sighed. The doctor had insisted she remain in bed for several days before she could be up and about. He had suggested she use a convalescent chair, but that would require the presence of someone to push her about at all times. Therefore, she had convinced him that she would be better served using a pair of crutches. Her mother had been beside herself at the thought of her daughter using such primitive accessories, but Juliet would not be reliant on another person to move about!
Having an entire week in bed gave her plenty of time to think, and she found her mind thinking of her past and, more importantly, her future. Since she was missing the season, and the doctor had ordered her to be off her feet for several weeks, she had convinced her mother that she would attend any local parties. Although few men remained in the country, most having gone to London themselves, a few she deemed handsome enough remained.
Yet, none compared to Daniel.
It was a shame, really, for if he had money and came from rich stock as she did, perhaps they might have had a future together. However, the man was a child of servants, and she the offspring of the best of society. No, it would never be a successful match, and she found it saddened her somehow.
The door opened, and Juliet smiled as her cousin Annabel returned to the room.
“Oh, Juliet,” Annabel fawned, “it pains me to see you in such distress!”
“Fear not. The pain in my foot is nothing compared to the pain in my heart, which comes from knowing that my sisters care nothing for the sacrifice I made in order to ensure their safety.”
“The highwayman,” her cousin whispered in awe. “You are so brave.”
Juliet smiled. Not wishing to reveal the truth to her sisters and cousin, she had told them a tale of a highwayman she saw sneaking onto the property. Following the man to the loft, she found he had disappeared and had called out for Daniel to save her. However, rather than waiting for him to help, she had made the attempt to climb down on her own, thus leading to her fall and subsequent broken ankle.
“I am brave,” Juliet replied with a sigh. She looked over the dress Annabel wore. “That dress. Is it new?”
Annabel nodded, her blond curls so much like Isabel’s bobbing. A year younger than Juliet, her resemblance to Isabel was almost uncanny with her elegant face and pretty blue eyes. “Your mother purchased it for me. My parents were upset, especially Mother.”
Juliet nodded as her cousin lay on the bed beside her.
“Mother does spoil you,” Juliet said. “And for good reason. Your parents do not realize what a wonderful daughter they have.”
Annabel turned a bright pink. “Thank you,” she whispered, although the pain in her eyes was evident. “I hope you do not mind the company. I may be here for a few weeks.”
Juliet turned her head to stare at her cousin. “Your parents are leaving again?” she asked in shock. It was true Juliet’s mother always spoiled Annabel, but Juliet understood why. Annabel’s parents were often away traveling the world. They preferred to leave their only child either with a governess or with the family of her father’s brother. She was in attendance at Scarlett Hall so often that she was considered more a sister than a cousin most of the time.
“Well, I do not mind,” Juliet said. “You will be able to assist me in the coming months. In exchange for your help, we shall adventure.”
“An adventure?” Annabel asked. “What sort of adventure?”
Juliet grinned as she reached under her pillow and produced a bottle of wine. “My innocent cousin,” she said, “we will not have just one adventure, but many.” She removed the cork and took a sip directly from the bottle before passing it to Annabel.
The girl hesitated only a moment before taking a drink and passing the bottle back to Juliet. “I cannot wait! I think my life is due some excitement.”
Juliet sigh. “So is mine,” she said, her mind drifting. “Although, I must admit, after Daniel carried me to my room…” She allowed the words to hang in the air, and her cousin gave an expected gasp.
“Carried you to your room?” she asked as she sat up in the bed and stared wide-eyed at Juliet.
“Oh, yes. Did I not tell you?” Juliet asked, and Annabel shook her head. “It was at his insistence. And I was shocked when Mother allowed it. Although I am thankful for what the man did, it was humiliating the way he stared at me.” She felt that all too familiar mischievous bone take over as Annabel’s face filled with shock.
“How did he stare at you?”
Juliet glanced around the room conspiratorially. “With lust,” she whispered. “Drool dripped from his mouth, and he was breathing heavily. Thankfully, Forbes was able to compel the boy to leave.”
For some time, Juliet elaborated her tale of Daniel and his rescue of her, and when she spoke his name, it did not escape her notice that her cheeks burned hotter each time.
***
The following morning, Juliet, with the help of Annabel and her mother, rose from the bed and stood on her uninjured foot. She accepted the crutches, which had been delivered the night before, and placed one under each arm. It took her sever
al attempts, but soon she was moving around the room with relative ease.
“Very good,” her mother said as Juliet showed off her new skill. “You seem to have little issue with them.”
“It is simple, really,” Juliet said. “Now I can be free once again to explore the grounds and not be confined to my room.”
Her mother gave her a reproachful look. “I am uncertain you should…”
Juliet sighed. “I promise I will take the best of care, and Annabel will be with me. If I find traversing the grounds too difficult, or if I feel it will be overly dangerous, I promise I will ask Annabel to bring me out with the convalescence chair.”
“Oh, very well,” her mother conceded. “By the way, I will be going into the village today. I shall not be back until dinner, so do spend your time wisely.” Her raised brow told Juliet exactly the meaning of her words, which was to keep out of trouble.
“I will mind Annabel,” Juliet said with a grin. “Do not worry about her behavior.”
Her mother’s smile had a strange sadness to it, and the woman placed a hand on Juliet’s shoulder. “You were once a tiny spark, but now you are a raging fire.” She shook her head. “I will see you this evening.”
As soon as she was gone, Juliet turned to her cousin. “Whatever did she mean by that?” she demanded. “I would expect such words from Hannah but most certainly not from her.”
Annabel shrugged as she picked up one of Juliet’s bottles of perfume. “I believe she means to say that you are wild.”
Juliet snorted. “I may not be as tame as other women, but I am by no means wild.” She paused. “Am I?”
“I do not think she meant it as an offense,” her cousin replied. “In fact, I am certain of it. What she means is that you are a wild fire lighting up the rooms in which you walk. Perhaps in that way you are untamable.
Juliet considered this for a moment. “Yes, that makes sense. It is my spirit combined with my beauty that was once a spark that has now turned into a raging fire.” This made her smile all the broader. “I do feel bad for being so beautiful…and for the men who will fail in their attempts to tame me.”