The breeze blew her bonnet ribbons across her face. She pushed them away and thought of the Durmont’s ball. That night, she’d flirted with all five of those young men and danced with each of them twice. All because she’d wanted to show the ton that she no longer cared for Hawk.
Shame burned deep inside her. She’d taken advantage of the cubs and thought only about herself.
When they reached the supper box, Julianne’s pulse sped up at the sight of Ramsey taking Georgette aside. Julianne couldn’t hear them, but she surmised Ramsey was displeased that Georgette had left the box.
A few moments later, Georgette approached, and Beaufort excused himself. After he walked away, Georgette let out a loud sigh. “My brother insists I must return to my parents’ box now.”
“I suspected he was angry at you for leaving,” she said. “Will your parents be angry?”
She snickered. “They will never know. Henry was supposed to stay with me, so he’ll say nothing.”
“Perhaps you should tell your mother the truth. Let her know we consulted Hester before leaving.”
“Julianne, that would not satisfy my mother,” Georgette said. “Mama disapproves of Lady Rutledge.”
“What?” she said, unable to keep the shock from her voice.
Georgette winced. “I know how much you like her, and I do as well. My mother is a high stickler for the proprieties. Don’t let her opinion trouble you.” She paused. “I had better inform Amy and Sally that we are leaving soon.”
Julianne nodded, but inside she seethed at Georgette’s mother. High stickler, indeed. Lady Boswood ought to keep her nose firmly planted in her own concerns—such as her horrid son, who was striding toward her now. She had no intention of letting him corner her again and turned away.
She’d taken only a few steps when he called out her name. With a disgusted sigh, she halted. “Lord Ramsey, I understand you are angry that your sister left, but—”
“I wish to speak to you about that letter you wrote to your mother,” he bit out.
“My private correspondence is none of your affair. Now, you will excuse me,” she said.
“It is my affair when you make unfounded accusations about my character,” he said.
“I made my disinterest clear the last time we spoke. Soon after, I received news that your mother proposed a match between us. Obviously, you applied to your mother to further your suit. I stated my objections previously and have no wish to repeat them.”
“You told her I am a dissipated rake. Is that what he told you?”
Rapid footsteps sounded behind her. Hawk stepped beside her and stared coldly at Ramsey. “I told you to stay away from her.”
Her heart hammered against her chest. She had to prevent a confrontation. “He came to collect his sister.”
Ramsey inclined his head. As he walked past them, he left a parting shot. “I’ll wait for you, Julianne.”
“What did he mean?” Hawk gritted out.
“I’ve no idea,” she said under her breath. But of course she knew. He’d used his own mother to try and press his suit. Even in the face of her refusal, he still persisted.
Beaufort approached. “Lady Julianne, we are leaving. I will call for you tomorrow in my curricle.”
After he left, Hawk turned on her. “He is taking you for a drive?”
“Yes. He wants to show off his new curricle,” she said.
His nostrils flared. “We’re leaving.”
“But I came with your aunt,” she said.
“She’s coming with us,” he said, striding toward Hester.
“But her carriage is here and so is Mr. Peckham.”
“The driver can take Peckham home and return the carriage. You and my aunt have much to explain.”
Hawk stood in front of the mummy case and folded his arms over his chest. “Aunt, you went too far tonight.”
Hester sighed. “Marc, if you had not acted in such a high-handed manner earlier, I would have waited for your escort. Let that be a lesson to you.”
“You seem to have forgotten that I am her guardian and am in charge of her,” he said.
“Yes, yes, but I am also responsible for her. And frankly, I am disappointed that you have so little faith in me.”
“I chased after the pair of you for half the evening. And what did I find? Julianne in conversation with Ramsey, when I specifically instructed her to stay away from him.”
“Ramsey came to escort his sister back to their parents’ box,” Julianne said. Then she told him about Lady Boswood proposing a match between her misbegotten son and her. “The only reason Ramsey confronted me was because he was angry that I’d reported his bad reputation to my mother.”
“Why didn’t you tell me beforehand?” he said, his voice rising.
“I resolved the matter with my mother,” she said. “And I made it very clear I do not welcome his addresses. When you appeared, I was on the verge of walking away from him. To be honest, you only goaded him again.”
“You blame me?” he said.
“No, I’m only trying to demonstrate that I’m perfectly capable of thwarting him.”
He held up his hand. “I’ve heard enough. Matters are going to change or I will take action.”
“What are you suggesting?” Hester said.
“Aunt, I appreciate that you are sponsoring Julianne, but I cannot have you working against me. Ultimately, I am responsible for Julianne’s welfare. I am her appointed guardian, and if anything goes awry, I am the one who must answer for it. The schemes must stop immediately or I will make other arrangements for her.”
Julianne drew in a sharp breath. “Do you mean to send me home?”
“Perhaps you wouldn’t be so concerned if you abided by my rules,” he said. “I’ll leave the consequences of failure to your imagination.”
Hester let out an exasperated sigh. “Marc, do stop with the threats.”
“It is not a threat, Aunt,” he said. “I’ve reached the limits of my patience. You delight in playing these games, but I will not tolerate it any longer. There will be consequences if you thwart me again.”
Hester pushed up from the sofa. “Insolent puppy to speak to me in such a manner.”
He gave her a stern look. “You brought this on yourself.”
After his aunt lumbered out of the room, Julianne turned to him. “How could you speak to her in such a harsh manner?”
He sat beside her. “My aunt’s judgment is questionable at the best of times. And I don’t approve of the influence she is having on you.”
“Hester has been very kind to me and given me the benefit of her wisdom. Everyone else may think her too bold, but she speaks the truth, and I respect her for it. She has helped me when I’ve been confused and sad.”
He frowned. “Why did you not come to me?”
“Because you do not listen. You make pronouncements and never realize that your words have the power to wound.”
A stinging sensation rippled along his arms. She’d insinuated he’d hurt her. When she dashed her hand beneath her eyes, he swore under his breath.
He offered her his handkerchief. She snatched it and dabbed at her eyes. Then she sniffed and lifted her chin in a gesture that reminded him of her mother.
“We’ve been at cross purposes too long,” he said.
She balled his handkerchief in her hand. “I know I’ve given you cause to worry. But you have to change, too. You make autocratic decisions, but I should have a say in my life.”
“You want to test your wings and be independent. I understand that need, but I made a solemn promise to your brother. I have to answer to him.”
“I will answer for myself,” she said tersely.
“It isn’t just about you and me,” he said. “If I look the other way and something goes wrong, I will be responsible. The damage could lead to a lasting rift between our families, but that pales in the face of what my feelings would be if I failed you.”
“Then let me be responsible
for my own actions,” she said.
“I would if I knew that you would use caution. But you’ve taken risks that could have ended disastrously. You think you’re invincible, that nothing terrible could ever happen to you. But one wrong decision could ruin your life.” He paused and added, “I’ll be honest. The prospect scares the hell out of me, because I couldn’t bear it if something bad happened to you.”
She turned away and fisted her hands in her lap. “What do you want?”
“All I ask is that you conduct yourself the same way you would if your mother and brother were present. In return, I promise to listen and give you a say in your life, within reason.”
She released a shaky breath.
“Can we start afresh? As friends rather than enemies?”
She moistened her lips. “Yes.”
The temptation to tease her was on the tip of his tongue, but he bit back the urge. In the not-so-distant past, he never would have hesitated. He wanted to go back in time when things were simpler between them, but she was no longer the impish girl who had willingly joined him in mischief.
“I will call tomorrow,” he said.
Julianne rose with him. She curtsied. He bowed. Their parting was stiff and formal. He walked out, thinking he would prefer divisiveness to this cold chasm between them.
But she’d agreed to friendship. The gray cloud that had dampened his spirits lifted. He would charm her and make her laugh. She would be his friend, not his ward. Then she wouldn’t feel this need to rebel against him. For the remainder of the season, he would make the most of their time together. He would win his Julie-girl back, if only for a little while longer.
He bounded down the stairs, only to remember she’d agreed to take a drive with Beaufort tomorrow. Well, hell. He couldn’t object to a ride in an open curricle. They would be in full view of everyone who cared to parade around Rotten Row at the fashionable hour. It was perfectly within the bounds of the proprieties.
As he walked to his carriage, Hawk tried to think of a good reason to prevent her from going. Beaufort was a male and therefore a threat. He might turn over his curricle while staring at her bosom. Or drive into a tree while imagining her naked. Damnation, the cub would have to help her up into the curricle. Hawk gritted his teeth at the thought of Beaufort touching her.
Bloody hell, he had no right to refuse. No right to anything except to be her guardian. Because she deserved better than a man with a shameful past.
He climbed into his carriage and slapped his hat on the seat beside him. A few minutes later, the carriage rumbled away. He stared out the window into the darkness. Tonight the hollow sensation in his chest seemed as wide as the Thames.
Chapter Fourteen
A Lady’s Secrets of Seduction: Give your heart only to a man who truly loves you.
Julianne rose before dawn and wrote her final chapter.
If you have followed the Secrets of Seduction, but your beau has still not proposed, you must ask yourself how long is too long to wait. Only you can answer that question. But if a man truly loves you, he will not risk losing you to another. Give your heart only to a man who loves you so much he cannot live without you.
The first rays of sunlight spilled into the room. Chill bumps erupted on her arms. She had completed the pamphlet.
From that first fledgling introductory paragraph to the very last sentence, she had poured out her thoughts and beliefs. And ended the pamphlet with the only advice that truly mattered.
Her eyes watered a little as she stacked the pages and tied a string around the manuscript. She was almost reluctant to send her work out into the world. Her heart squeezed as she considered the possibility that the publisher might reject it. But she had come this far, and she must have the courage to face the final verdict.
The cheery early morning sunshine disappeared, and driving rain pelted the windows in the afternoon. After a short rest, Julianne walked into the drawing room.
“Ah, there you are, dear,” Hester said. “I hope you are feeling refreshed.”
“Yes, thank you.”
Hester handed her a letter. “A footman brought this for you an hour ago.”
Julianne read the short missive from Beaufort and laughed.
“What do you find so amusing?” Hester asked.
She folded the note. “Beaufort apologized for the rain. I’m sure he’s disappointed. He was so anxious to show off his new curricle.”
“And perhaps a certain young lady?” Hester said.
Julianne sighed. “He’s such a nice young man, but I don’t have tender feelings for him. And I fear he hopes for more.” She regarded Hester. “I don’t want to wound him.”
Hester patted her hand. “My dear, he is one of five young men, and none of them can claim exclusivity where you are concerned.”
“You know my history with men proposing to me. I didn’t realize that my flirting gave those twelve men the wrong impression. But I know better now.”
“You do not hold tender feelings for any of them?” Hester asked.
“I consider them all friends,” she said, “but friendship is all I can offer.”
“Well, then, I have a bit of news. Your manuscript was delivered.”
Julianne drew in a long breath and released it slowly. “Now the waiting begins. Is there any indication as to when the publisher will respond?”
Hester shook her head. “No, but in the meantime, you must enjoy the festivities and try to put the pamphlet from your mind.”
“I can scarcely think of anything else,” Julianne said. “I don’t know how I’ll bear the suspense.”
“The pamphlet has come to mean a great deal to you,” Hester said.
“I struggled so hard to find time to write it that I did not stop to consider my feelings,” she said. “Now I find myself on pins and needles, hopeful and fearful at the same time.”
“No matter what happens, you will always know that you persevered. I know that would not be much recompense in the case of bad news, but I am proud of you.”
“Thank you. That means the world to me,” she said.
When a footman brought the mail, Hester sifted through it. “There is a letter for you, Julianne.”
She caught her breath. “It is from Mama. Please, please do not let it be bad news about Tessa and the babe.
Hester broke the seal on a letter. “Is all well at home?”
She breathed a sigh of relief at her mother’s first paragraph. “Yes, Tessa is well. Her feet are a little swollen. Mama says Tristan teases her when he finds her walking about barefoot.”
“Soon, the little one will enter the world,” Hester said. “You will be an aunt.”
“I can scarcely believe the time is drawing near.” She returned to reading the letter. Of course, she wasn’t surprised that her mother had written to Lady Boswood and disapproved of the match with Ramsey.
Truthfully, she was still a bit uneasy about Ramsey, but she’d made her displeasure clear to him more than once. Granted, she couldn’t entirely avoid him because of Georgette, but she would make only the required acknowledgments whenever she met him in public. Above all else, she would not allow him to draw her into a private conversation ever again.
She returned her attention to her letter, but her mother’s next words made her stomach a bit queasy.
You have shown excellent judgment, daughter. I trust that you will continue to avoid men of disreputable character.
She winced. Hawk had been right about the risks she’d taken this season. If she’d been discovered drunk that first night, the society dragons would have flayed her alive. Her family would have suffered. Hester would not have escaped unharmed, either. In all likelihood, her brother would have blamed Hawk for failing to protect her. Even though Hawk had exasperated her with his rules, she couldn’t deny he’d never shirked his guardian duties. In truth, he’d devoted the entire season to her.
Yesterday evening, he’d asked if they could be friends rather than enemies. Of co
urse she’d agreed, but deep down, she knew they could never go back. Everything between them had changed.
She didn’t even feel like the same person she had been only a few short weeks ago. That day she’d arrived at Ashdown House with her brother, she’d been so full of fanciful illusions about her feelings for Hawk.
Since that day, she’d discovered there was much she’d not known about him. It was strange how she’d known him for years but had seen only the carefree charmer. Now she knew that was only one facet of his character. She’d learned he insisted on being in control at all times. More than once, he’d expressed fear that something bad would happen to her.
She’d attributed his fear as a direct response to things she’d done, but all along she’d thought his reactions unreasonable. He was particularly obsessive where Ramsey was concerned.
The fine hairs on her neck stiffened. Something bad had happened to Hawk. She felt certain that it involved Ramsey.
One week later
Julianne sat on the window seat with the cubs at Lady Amstead’s card party and tried to focus on their witty tales of their misadventures at university. But it was all she could do to contain her joy. This morning, she’d received the wonderful news that her pamphlet would be published in a fortnight.
She glanced over at Hawk. He sat at one of the card tables, shuffling cards. His long fingers made her think of the way he’d caressed her breast. Remembering the sensations, she became all too aware of her nipples tightening and imagined him touching her again. She gazed at his angular face and those full lips that had devoured her, leaving her hungry for so much more. After he dealt the cards, Hawk returned her gaze from beneath thick black lashes. His seductive expression mesmerized her. She felt as if she were falling under his spell.
A hand waved before her face, breaking the enchantment. Beaufort laughed. “You were miles away.”
Her face heated. “You caught me woolgathering.” She really must stop thinking such wanton thoughts.
How to Seduce a Scoundrel Page 18
