Ballad of the Innocents

by Monroe, Jennifer

  “See her in.” The sound of Lord Parson’s voice sent a shiver down Juliet’s spine. How she despised his superior tone!

  She walked past the butler into what appeared to be the sitting room. Blue wallpaper with red, yellow, and blue flowers decorated the walls. The furniture was covered in blue and white fabric, and the tables were a deep rich mahogany. All very impressive.

  The most imposing feature in the room, however, was Lord Parsons, who stood before a large cart filled with decanters. In his hand he held a bottle of wine.

  “Wonderful!” he exclaimed as he poured some of the wine into one of two glasses before him. “My Juliet has finally arrived. I knew you would return to me of your own free will, just as I said you would. When I received your letter, I admit that I felt a great sense of satisfaction.”

  He filled the second glass with the red liquid, returned the cork to the bottle, and then picked up the glasses.

  Everything inside Juliet wanted to yell, to scream, but her anger would only hinder, not help, her plan. “Is that so?” she asked, pleased her anger was not reflected in her voice. “A simple request for an audience caused such a reaction?”

  Lord Parsons laughed. “Indeed, it did,” he said. “In fact, I found myself able to sleep peacefully for the first time in two years because of it.”

  How this man was able to sleep at all with such a guilty conscience was beyond her. No, he felt no guilt for what he had done; he had been quite clear about that!

  She accepted the glass he offered her. “Thank you.” If anything was to be achieved, it would be done with civility.

  “Please, take a seat,” the viscount said, motioning to the sofa.

  Although she would have preferred one of the two chairs, she took the place he offered, unsurprised when he sat beside her.

  “You look quite fetching in that dress,” he said. “Much better than that garment you have been wearing as of late.”

  Before she could stop herself, her eyes widened in shock. How could he have known what she wore? She had been in nothing more than her shift when Daniel was taken away!

  He chuckled. “Forgive me. I took it upon myself to make observations before sending the magistrates to collect the stable boy.”

  “You spied on me?” she asked, wondering how she could be surprised by anything this man did. “How long were you watching me?”

  “Long enough. I had to be certain you had not gone mad after being forced to live such a drab life. The dresses you wore, the company you kept, anyone with less resilience than you would have succumbed to some level of lunacy after the life you once lived.”

  Not wishing to listen to his assessment of her wonderful life further, she decided to redirect the conversation. The sooner she resolved this problem, the sooner she could leave this man’s presence. “I understand you have told lies about Daniel,” she said. “He did not steal from you, nor did my uncle witness such a crime.” She stifled a sigh. Perhaps that was a bit too direct.

  Lord Parsons took a long drink of his wine. “I selected this from my wine cellar especially for you,” he said as if she had not spoken. “Please, drink.”

  Juliet hesitated but then took a sip. “It is quite good,” she said. That was the truth, yet the emphasis she put on her words was not. It was as good as any wine she had drunk at Scarlett Hall. And Lord Parsons would not detract from the topic she wished to discuss. “It does not change the fact you lied concerning Daniel.”

  The viscount gave a dismissive wave of his hand. “What is a lie? It is merely words one says to hide the truth.” He rose and walked over to the unlit fireplace, his back to her. “You have lied, have you not? Quite often, in fact.” He took another drink of his wine, and when he placed it on the mantel, it was nearly empty. “Do you deny this?”

  “Everyone lies,” Juliet replied, making every attempt to keep her anger controlled. “However, we do not tell such horrific lies as you told about Daniel. Not when a person’s life and wellbeing are at stake!” So much for controlling her anger!

  Lord Parsons gave a hearty laugh as he turned to face her. “Horrific lies I have told?” he asked. “Was it not you who accused your own father of a most sinister act? Does the man not rot in prison because of your lies?”

  His words were like a punch to her stomach, stealing her breath and leaving her without words of rebuke.

  “How does it feel to have your own hypocrisy thrown back at you?” he asked with a smile the devil himself could have worn with ease.

  Juliet refused to allow this man to win! She set her glass on the table and placed her hands demurely in her lap. “My husband will likely be found guilty and hanged from the gallows.” Saying these words caused her heart to ache, but they had to be said. “I do not want that to happen, nor do I believe it will satisfy your revenge.” She stood and raised her chin once more. It was time to put her plan into motion. “Is it land you desire? Or perhaps new business ventures? My family has a vast array of wealth, and I can see it shared with you.”

  Lord Parsons’ laughter filled the room. “Your family’s wealth is shoes and dust rags,” he said. “Robert was your father and Eleanor Lambert’s lady’s maid your mother. You have nothing of value that you can offer me.” He retrieved his glass and then took three long strides to tower over her. Juliet had to stiffen her back to keep from cowering. “Yet, I know your worth, for you have always been pleasing to my eye.”

  It was worse than she could have imagined. However, she had promised to do whatever she could to see Daniel freed. “If you wish to seek your indulgences in me, then do so. But only if you promise to have my husband released from prison and the charges brought against him retracted. I know you have the power to do so, and the courts will listen to you if you decide to show mercy.” Pushing down her pride further, she added, “Please, I beg of you.”

  How saying those words hurt!

  I will say or do anything! she reminded herself once more, knowing full well she might be forced to turn the words into a mantra if she was to see her plan fulfilled.

  He reached up and brushed a thumb against her cheek to remove a tear she had been unable to keep from escaping. “There is no need to beg,” he whispered. “And what you say is true; those in the local courts are close family friends, dating back generations. I cannot promise he will be released, but I can promise to do what I can to see that he is shown mercy.”

  Juliet could not help the suspicion that grew within her. “Then you will speak to the magistrates? You will do this for me?”

  “I will leave this very day,” he said with a wide grin. “This I will do for you, yet I want something in return.”

  She did not have to ask what his request would be, for she already knew.

  Anything! she said silently again.

  Placing a hand on his arm, she looked up at him and batted her eyelashes. “I know you desire me,” she said in a sultry voice. “If that is the payment you want, for Daniel’s release, I agree.”

  Chapter Six

  Lord Hugh Parsons had been delighted when Juliet arrived. Now, looking down at the woman who had haunted his dreams for the past two years, he felt a sense of pride. She had played right into his hands. Her desire to see the stable boy saved from a death sentence had forced her to offer herself to him.

  He suspected she thought he wanted only to take her to his bed and have his way with her. The idea was indeed tempting, of course, and for a moment he considered accepting, but he dismissed it. An afternoon filled with pleasure would not satisfy his overall lust, nor would it appease his anger for what she and that stable boy had done to him. In fact, it would take years before he would be relieved of that shame.

  “I do not want you in my bed,” he said, removing her hand from his arm and returning with his empty glass to refill it.

  “Then what is it you desire?” she asked. “Land? Business? Money? Please, I can offer whatever you want.”

  He laughed. “Oh, my dear Juliet,” he said as he poured himse
lf another glass of wine. “I want the same as I have always wanted - to buy you the finest gowns and adorn you with the most lavish jewelry. To allow the ton to see your beauty as I walk with you on my arm.”

  “But I am already married, my lord,” she said. “To my Daniel, the man I love. I cannot, nor will I ever, marry another.”

  “As I have told you before, I care nothing for love, for it is nothing more than a peasant’s dream. I speak of your hand in marriage, to make you my bride, my wife, and to have you residing here with me. If you agree, I will speak to the proper men and ask that your stable boy’s life be spared.” The look of utter shock pleased him. She deserved to be hurt for what she did to him!

  Although he had been surprised at her calm thus far, her anger now was not surprising. “You truly are mad! Do you not know what you are asking? I am a married woman! I love my husband! And yet you ask me to marry you? Even if I agree, which I do not, I am already married.” The last was said with harsh punctuated words.

  She marched toward him, that lovely fire fanning the flames of his desire. Oh, but it was difficult not to drag this woman upstairs this very moment! But no, he had to hold strong. There was too much at stake to lose control now.

  “You speak of parading me around on your arm as some sort of acquisition, yet the ton will be well aware that I was married before.”

  “The ton knows you left town,” Hugh replied. “The truth as to why still evades them. Do not believe I am a fool who has not already considered this. No, we will concoct a story of some sort explaining your absence. Perhaps a sick aunt? You have used that excuse before if I recall.” His anger returned and he narrowed his eyes at her. “Yes, you gave that excuse, and I believed you like some sort of fool. And to think that this entire time you were with that boy!”

  “The man I love,” Juliet corrected. “Whom I will never see again. Goodbye, Lord Parsons. I will speak to the magistrate myself and pray he has the decency you lack.”

  She went to move past him, but he grasped her by the arm, causing her to cry out in pain. “Listen to me very carefully, Juliet,” he said in a low threatening tone. “Think about what I am offering you.”

  “I will never consider it!” she said. “I would rather die first.” She attempted to break free, but he took hold of her other arm.

  “I know your lineage,” he growled at her. “Think of what would happen if word got out about who your true parents are. Think of what that would do to your precious family.”

  Juliet’s shock was delectable. “You would not dare!”

  “I do what I deem necessary,” he said. “Consider my offer, for I am the only one who has the power to save the life of the man you call your husband.” He released her, expecting her to run weeping from the room.

  Instead, she looked up at him, those fox-like eyes on him. “If you love me, why would you hurt me and those for whom I care?”

  Her innocent words brought a smile to his lips. “You never listen,” he admonished. “I told you before, and I shall tell you again. I do not love you, nor will I ever. You are simply a possession I wish to own that I can show off to others. Much like a new stallion or an exquisite painting.” She shook her head and hurried to the door, and he called out after her, “Let me know what you decide, for time is short and his life hangs in the balance.” He gave a hearty laugh. “Forgive the pun.”

  With a glare of defiance, Juliet opened the door and hurried away. The sound of the outer door slamming shut made Hugh chuckle. He refused to chase after her, nor would he bargain with her, for he already knew the outcome.

  With his intervention, Juliet would learn there was no hope for the stable boy. Her only chance of saving him, or so she would believe, would be to return to Caprice Hill Estates and agree to his terms.

  It would only be a matter of time before the woman became his wife, the stable boy dead, and his new business ventures in place. All had been planned well in advance and no matter what Juliet decided, he was prepared.

  With his glass in hand, Hugh made his way to the study.

  “Did she accept your offer?” the guest who waited within asked.

  “No,” Hugh replied as he closed the door behind him. “Which I predicted she would not. But do not worry, I suspect she will return soon enough with a change of heart.”

  Josiah Parker rubbed his hands together. “Good. Like her mother, she will pay for her sins.” He rose from his chair, his smile wide. “Soon, all the children will suffer, and you, my friend, will increase your fortune even as I regain my own.”

  Hugh nodded and took another gulp of his wine. Parker had been stripped of his position upon the death of his mother, all because of Lady Eleanor Lambert, Josiah’s brother.

  It had been Parker who approached Hugh, offering a way to not only see that Juliet became Hugh’s bride, but also to see that he got his revenge on that brainless buffoon of a stable boy.

  “My name is still valued despite what my sister did to me,” Parker said, a gleam Hugh recognized in the man’s eyes, for it was very much like that which Hugh himself saw in the mirror every morning. “Soon, I will introduce you to those who will increase your wealth tenfold. All you must do is keep your promise to me.”

  “Oh, have no doubt,” Hugh said, a smile playing at the corner of his lips, “Juliet will soon be my wife and Scarlett Hall will crumble to the ground, taking with it all the good names of all of Lady Lambert’s children.”

  “And the lady herself,” Parker replied, his grin as evil as the man himself.

  ***

  If a woman loves her husband, was there any limit to what she would do for him?

  This was the question that plagued Juliet’s mind as she alighted from the carriage upon her return from Caprice Hill Estates. The once welcoming walls of her childhood home felt stifling, and she needed time to consider her options before speaking to her mother.

  A gentle breeze rustled the tiny hairs that peeked from beneath her hat, tickling her face and cooling the heat of the summer as she neared the stables. It had not been her intention to go there, but now that she was, memories flooded her mind.

  The first time she had seen Daniel, she was but twelve. Something about him held a great interest for her as she watched him perform his duties. As the days became years, she began teasing him in hopes that he would notice her as more than the young girl she had been.

  As she opened the stable door, the familiar smell of straw and horses assaulted her. She stepped inside the cool corridor that ran the length of the building, stalls lining either side.

  A young man, perhaps a year younger than she, stood from where he sat squatting over a saddle and wiped his brow. He turned and, upon seeing her, gasped. “Oh, forgive me, Miss,” he said with a quick bow. “I didn’t see you there.”

  Juliet gave a small laugh. “You have done nothing wrong,” she said with a kind smile. “Please, do not allow me to keep you from your work.”

  The man smiled and ran a hand through his dark hair, reminding her so much of Daniel it pained her. He went to a nearby stall and began brushing the chestnut mare Juliet had ridden on her journey there. “Are you needing the horse already, Miss?” he asked. “I can see he’s saddled right away if you need me to.”

  “No, that is not necessary?” Juliet replied. “I am afraid we have not met. What is your name?”

  “It’s Peter, Miss. I’ve been here at Scarlett Hall for nearly two years now.”

  “And do you enjoy working here?”

  Peter nodded. “I do, Miss. Lady Lambert is so kind and she pays a fair wage. With my living quarters here, I’m able to save up money for my Emma.”

  Juliet raised her brows. “And for what are you saving, if I may ask?”

  He gave her a sheepish grin. “I want to marry her. My da doesn’t think I’ll be able to afford it, but I know I can.”

  “You are correct,” Juliet said. “If that is your dream, then do not give up on it. No matter what anyone says.”

  He ga
ve a heavy, dreamy sigh. “For Emma, I’d never give up.”

  Juliet could not help but smile before she turned to allow the man to continue with his work. As she made her way back outside, she thought about what Peter had said, for it only confirmed what she had been thinking. Of course, she would never give up on Daniel! Yet, what was she to do? Her threat to speak to the court would never be successful – she was a woman, after all – which left her only one option.

  The thought of being with any man other than Daniel sickened her, but his life was worth far more than any pain she had to endure. Yet, at the same time, if he were freed, they would be forced to live apart.

  “Juliet?”

  Startled, Juliet turned to see her mother walking up behind her.

  “What did Lord Parsons say?” her mother asked as she threaded her arm through that of Juliet.

  “It is as I feared,” Juliet replied with a sigh. “He wishes that I divorce Daniel and marry him. If I do so, he swears to go to the magistrates and ask that they show Daniel mercy so he is not hanged.”

  The image of her wonderful Daniel hanging from the gallows flickered in her mind and it took all her willpower to force the image back into the recesses of her mind. Nothing could come of such thoughts, not when there was still hope.

  “I fear I have no choice. Lord Parsons holds too much influence over those in the courts.”

  They walked toward the gate, each step a burden as the direness of the situation weighed heavy on her.

  “Many times I have done what I could to keep my children safe,” her mother said. “Things about which I possibly can never tell you. This is the first time I am at a loss as to what to do. I have never been so exasperated at being a woman!” Then her mother shocked Juliet by adding, “If I thought taking the man’s life would put an end to this, I would not hesitate to do so.”

  Juliet stopped and turned toward her mother. “I will not lie,” she said. “I have thought the very same.” She looked down at the ground as shame filled her. “I lied to see Robert sent away for a crime he did not commit. Am I evil?”