A Lot Like a Lady

by Kim Bowman

  His father would have enjoyed long conversations with her.

  Grey snatched his hand away and set his lips into a hard line. Alexander Markwythe certainly wouldn’t have enjoyed being the victim of the sham she’d put on for all of London to see… and judge, something the ton had been all too happy to accommodate.

  Still… Grey lifted the front cover, surprised to find something jammed between the pages. He fanned through them until he came to the page, and realized Magpie — he shook his head as an unbidden smile sprang to his lips — Juliet had used a feather from her mask, perhaps as a place-holder to keep track of the page she had been reading? His eyes flicked to the passage and he caught his breath.

  Romeo and Juliet. The balcony scene.

  His body warmed at the memory of holding her close, of the perfect rhythm they’d found when they moved together in a private and very intimate dance. He’d lost his mind over her long before that night, but during that dance, his heart had opened to let her in.

  With an almost feral groan, Grey slammed the book shut, but he kept one hand resting on top of it, imaging the feel of her satiny skin beneath his fingers… his lips. He opened his schedule book and scanned his next few days. He’d have Petry do a fair bit of rescheduling.

  Chapter Twenty

  June 3, 1813

  Haselmere, England

  Juliet laid the ragged volume containing several of Shakespeare’s plays in the trunk. She’d been disappointed that the book hadn’t included Romeo and Juliet, but had to admit it was probably for the best.

  Bristol. It seemed so far away. It would take days to reach her new home.

  She added a folded pair of breeches, though likely she’d never be able to wear them. Lord Penderton’s home was not a country estate, and he had no horses. Juliet sighed. She’d spend long hours in his kitchen in any case, so even if he had lived in the country with horses, she’d never get to ride them.

  The thud of the trunk lid when she lowered it echoed in Juliet’s soul, like the clang of a prison door, locking away her heart.

  “Is that everything then?” asked Patricia from across the room.

  Juliet nodded, not trusting herself to speak.

  Patricia walked slowly toward her daughter. “Don’t cry, darling. I’ll miss you, too, but the time apart will do us both good.”

  “I only wish you were coming now, Mum. Instead of at the end of the month.” Juliet sighed. “It’s a bit frightening, the thought of being among people I hardly know.”

  Patricia shook her head and laughed softly. “Certainly this cannot be the maid who spent part of the London Season among strangers.”

  Juliet’s face heated. “This will be different. I won’t be pretending to be a lady.”

  Patricia lifted the edge of her apron and dabbed at Juliet’s tears. “There now. This will be far better because you will be yourself and you may just find that people love you for that far more than you being some hoity-toity lady.” She stepped back and swept a critical eye over Juliet. “Please tell me you will not be wearing men’s clothing to travel in. I raised a daughter, not a son. And it would be unseemly to arrive in your new position looking like a hoyden.”

  With a sigh, Juliet shook her head. “Have no fear, Mother. The duchess gave me an old dress of Annabella’s to wear. I think she’ll be glad to see my back.”

  Juliet’s mother pulled her into a fierce hug. “The duchess is beside herself with worry for her daughter. You know that’s why I cannot come with you to work for Lord Penderton at this time. The Duchess of Wyndham has been very kind.”

  “I know.” When Patricia released her, Juliet stepped to the cottage door. “I’m going to go to the stables for a last visit to the horses to say goodbye.”

  Patricia broke into laughter. “Go on with you. Have a care for the time. The duchess has given me the evening off so I might share supper with you on your last night here.”

  Juliet slipped from the cottage and hurried across the grounds to the stable. When she ducked through the entrance, she had to blink until her eyes grew accustomed to the dimness. She pulled in a breath, drinking deeply of the smell of hay and horse.

  Old Toby raised his head. An odd expression of pained sadness crossed the head groom’s wrinkled face. “I weren’t sure ye’d be stoppin’ by.”

  “I had to come say goodbye to the horses.” Juliet tweaked the battered leather cap on top of the man’s cap. “And to you, of course.”

  Toby’s brow pinched into a frown and he slid a glance to the front of the stable before smiling at Juliet. “Silly Bob’s been stomping about back there.”

  Juliet inclined her head. “Well, then I’ll have to stop and see him first.”

  Purposely, she kept her step light even while her aching heart weighed her down. The pale bay indeed was stomping in his stall but he soon calmed when she offered him a carrot.

  Cracker nudged her hand looking for a second carrot and Juliet experienced a pang when she realized how like Adair the chestnut gelding was. He dipped his head close for a rub between the eyes and she closed her eyes and breathed in his horsey scent.

  Toby appeared at her elbow. “Excuse me, miss, but I have an errand to run. I shouldn’t be long but in case you’re gone when I get back, well… I wanted to tell you goodbye.”

  He probably had no errand. More likely he didn’t want to see her walk out of the barn for the last time. Well, she’d just as soon not have an audience for that, herself.

  “Goodbye, Toby. I shall miss you.”

  Toby took up one of Juliet’s hands in both of his gnarled ones and squeezed. Then he pressed a kiss to the back of her hand and hurried from the stable. Juliet followed his exit with her gaze, tears burning behind her eyelids.

  “Don’t cry,” she whispered to Cracker, though she was well aware she had just admonished herself.

  The sound of a whinny and the clumping of a horse’s hooves on the soft floor of the stable drew Juliet’s attention. Donald, the younger of the estate’s two grooms, entered through the front door leading a prancing horse. When he tossed his fine head, a long silky mane fluttered like black silk.

  Juliet shook her head. Why, he looks like…

  It was Satin! Had Grey sent him out to the estate, perhaps for more training? Even as her heart leapt and her feet led her toward the horse, her good sense halted her steps. No. Grey wouldn’t have sent Satin out to the estate. He’d have brought the horse along himself.

  “Watch it, miss!” warned Donald. “This one’s touchy, ‘e is.”

  Juliet couldn’t move. Grey was here at Wyndham Green. That little tingle of awareness she’d experienced off and on all day suddenly made sense. She looked between the front and rear stable doors. She had to get out of there.

  As she began to ease herself away, Satin whickered a greeting.

  ****

  “I cannot tell you how much I appreciate your coming to deal with Mr. Dawes, your grace. I certainly was not looking forward to confronting him.”

  Grey finished spelling out Harper’s name before he looked up. Regina sat stiffly on the edge of a high-back chair with her hands folded in her lap. The red brocade fabric covering the chair was worn shamefully thin.

  He glanced around the sparsely furnished drawing room, so stark and different from the last time he’d seen it, and tightened his grip on the quill. Dawes had caused a lot of damage, but he wouldn’t have been able to had Grey been less immersed in his own grief.

  A maid slipped into the room and Grey’s pulse quickened. From his seat at the mahogany secretary’s desk, he followed her movements as she quietly retrieved the silver tea service Regina had used to serve him refreshments. The efficient woman was older, more sedate than the maid he’d hoped to see and he bit back a sigh.

  Pushing thoughts of Juliet aside, he returned his focus to the matter at hand, with a smile for his sharp-eyed stepmother. “Please… call me Grey.” A lump of sorrow filled his throat as he again heard himself begging Juliet to call hi
m Grey. Now he understood why she’d found it so difficult.

  Clearing his throat, he centered his focus once again. “I assure you, I never expected you to confront the man. It was my responsibility, and I was glad to do it. I should have brought him before the magistrate, but I think our family has suffered enough scandal.”

  “I should never have been so weak in my loneliness as to befriend him. I believe my taking up with him caused far more damage than anything you might have done.” Her shoulders fell and she averted her eyes toward the window. “I cannot tell you how sorry I am for being blinded to his true motives.”

  “Please…” He held up a hand. “Don’t waste another moment worrying about that scoundrel.” Grey slid the paper across the desk to her. “I have already had the accountant replenish the estate funds and noted the amount in the ledger. My London steward has also found a new manager, and Mr. Harper will be arriving with him in a week’s time to train him in his duties. His name, credentials, list of duties, and pay are noted there for you, as well as a list of positions that will need filled, such as two gardeners and another footman.” He smiled, enjoying for a moment the performance of such a mundane task. “Would you like to conduct interviews here or should I have Mr. Harper deal with it before he comes?”

  “I think I can see to it, if you don’t mind, your g—Grey.” She glanced up and returned his smile, tapping on the paper he’d given her without looking at it.

  He let out a sigh and leaned back in his chair. “Which brings me to your second request. Annabella.”

  Tears filled Regina’s pale green eyes and a sob slipped from her lips. She covered her mouth with her fingers and blinked a few times. When she spoke, her voice was barely audible. “I have been unable to locate her or discover her whereabouts.”

  Grey rose and walked around his desk to sit in the chair next to Regina. Gently, he took her hand in his. It was thin and fragile, and the only thing about Regina that gave away her vulnerability. “Why did you wait so long to contact me?”

  “I… I suppose I didn’t want to bother you with the tantrums of my daughter. I feel we have caused you enough imposition as it is. And after Juliet —” She broke off, eyes wide, her face tinted with red spots of color. “I’m sorry, Grey. I… I’m sorry.” She stared toward the window again and he followed her gaze, wondering if she really saw the white lace curtain that fluttered in the light country breeze.

  He waved his hand, feigning indifference. “Think no more of it. The important thing now is that we locate Annabella.”

  “I heard tell that Vicar Hamilton has married and he has gone on his honeymoon.” Another sob escaped. “Oh dear, I threatened Annabella with arranging a marriage to the vicar if she refused to go to London. And one of the kitchen maids said she saw Annabella in the man’s company. Now I fear she may have married him out of spite for me.”

  Grey had his doubts about that but he kept silent. “I have a man in London I use for discreet investigations. We will find her and bring her home.”

  They stood at the same time. Grey took Regina’s hand and placed a kiss on the back. He strolled to the door, but paused before opening it. “Regina, why did you never tell me the damage I had done?”

  She straightened her back and clasped her hands in front of her. “Pride. I know it might be a silly reason, but I had done nothing to warrant the ton treating me with such coldness. I certainly wasn’t going to try and earn their acceptance. Despite what you might think of me, status never motivated my marrying your father.” A soft smile played at the corners of her lips and a faraway look entered her eyes. “I loved him. Very much so. We had a splendid time together. He made me very happy. And at first, I missed him so much I didn’t pay attention to what was happening around me. Probably wouldn’t have if it hadn’t been for Annabella. When I realized how bleak her future had become, I knew the only way to give her a chance at a marriage with a respectable man was for her to be seen in your company. That was my only motive. Just to see my daughter happy.” Her voice broke on the last word and she lowered her eyes to the floor.

  “She is lucky to have you.” Grey drew a deep breath, preparing for the customary ache when speaking of his father, surprised when none came. “And so was my father.”

  Tears streamed down Regina’s cheeks. “Thank you.”

  “If only you had not inherited such a fool for a son,” Grey added, smiling.

  At his words, Regina laughed, a soft, subdued chuckle, barely audible. Nothing at all like Juliet’s loud guffaws.

  He stiffened. His heart hammered against his chest, refusing to let him push thoughts of the golden-eyed beauty aside. Grey needed to get out of the house before he did something foolish. Like ask after her.

  “If you will excuse me, Regina.” He yanked open the door. “I shall be taking my leave now.”

  Stepping across the threshold, he pulled the door closed behind him and leaned back against it until he got his terrible shaking under control. A bee buzzed in and out of one of the purple flowers on the sweet-smelling vine over the door. Grey pulled in a long breath and straightened. Time to go home…back to London and the life he’d made for himself there. He pushed away from the door and crossed the yard to where he’d left Satan.

  Chapter Twenty-one

  “What do you mean you took him to the stables?” Irritation crackled like a hundred insects swarming over his skin. Was it too much to expect he’d conclude his business and come out to find his horse where he’d left him?

  “I-I-I’m very sorry, your grace. Lady Charity come out ’n said I were to take the stallion to the barn.”

  That old biddy! I might have known. What game was the old aunt about now?

  “But I instructed you to keep him here.” The insects began to sting as they worked their way over his neck. “I should dismiss you for disobeying.”

  The groom gasped and swayed slightly, his face a ghastly white and his eyes bulging. “Please, your grace. I’m so very sorry. I’ll fetch him for ye right away.” He took a step in the direction of the stable.

  “Never mind. I’ll do it myself.” Grey stormed off toward the horse barn. He’d had about enough of his stepmother’s old aunts, the both of them. I should go find Lady Charity and demand to know what she’s playing at. Inform the woman of her place. He snorted. As if she’d ever kept to that.

  He kicked a pebble and watched with satisfaction as it struck the stone fence, bounced, then tumbled into the overgrown grass. Disgusted his beloved home had gone so uncared, he cursed. Dense foliage, once pristine and neatly trimmed, now overran the walkways. Weeds and thistles smothered out the once lush green grass.

  As he rounded the side of the house, the roses blooming over the gate nodded in the wind, sending their fragrance to torment him. The pink blossoms mocked Grey with their gentle beauty, and his building annoyance had him ready to pull the blasted things out and burn them.

  With a loud sigh, he forced the unreasonable thought aside. His mother had planted them and loved them so much, it would be like trampling on her grave. But he wanted to be gone from this place. Wanted to be away from her.

  Caught by surprise at the sudden image of the tawny-eyed girl with the golden hair, Grey slowed his pace, collected himself. He should feel relief at having avoided the scheming witch. True, retrieving Satan inconvenienced him, but enough to justify his anger?

  Mayhap annoyance at not being able to give the girl a proper dressing down troubled him more than he’d thought. He hadn’t confronted her about her deception. Hadn’t heard her melodic voice laughing. Hadn’t stared into those amazing cat eyes. Hadn’t felt—

  Grey kicked the dirt again, sending up a puff of dust, and slapped his gloves against his thigh. What did it matter to him if he ever saw her again? She’d made her choice clear when she’d slipped out of his house like a common thief.

  But she wasn’t a thief, was she? Juliet might have slipped out but she hadn’t taken anything with her, had made sure his mother’s pearls had be
en returned.

  He needed to get out of the country and back to London. Perhaps he would get away for a while, go hunting in Scotland.

  Grey paused to take in a deep breath, filling his lungs with the crisp, fresh country air. Yes, getting away was the best thing. He’d make arrangements as soon as he returned to his townhouse. Maybe he’d marry one of the ladies he’d been escorting of late and it could be their wedding trip. He had arranged to take Mary — or was it Martha — to the opera next Thursday. He got along well with her father, the Earl of Tanners, so it would be an agreeable match.

  Especially as she had dark brown hair and dark eyes.

  Long ago, Grey had resigned himself to the future his position dictated. He started walking again. Yes, he could see no reason his life would not continue as society deemed. He’d marry into the appropriate family, produce an heir to carry on the title, and…

  Then what? What would his life be like? He’d never considered it before now… never gave it a moment’s thought before her.

  Juliet… the breeze seemed to whisper her name as it rustled through the elm trees lining the lane. Of its own accord, Grey’s hand stole into the pocket of his long coat, seeking and finding the necklace he’d secreted there before leaving London. He stroked the pearls, his fingers easily picking out the size and shape of each. He’d planned to give them to the maid, hoping perhaps she could use them to better her life. After all he had no need of the fiendish things. He’d certainly never give them to anyone else after admiring them against her golden skin.

  So why didn’t you leave them at the house for her? Regina would have seen to it Juliet received the gift.

  “Because you hoped to see her, you old gudgeon,” he muttered.

  A black and white bird settled on a low branch of a nearby gorse bush and began to scold, its fury nearly matching his own.