Elizabeth frowned. “Alone!” she shook her head. “That is unwise. And so dangerous! I cannot believe Neville could countenance such a thing.”
Juliette grinned in response. “I am sure he did not mean completely alone, my lady. I will be with others. Just not my father.”
Elizabeth looked over to where Shawn and Neville were standing on the terrace, holding glasses of sherry and chatting animatedly. When her husband caught her glance and turned to her, she spoke up. “Lord Ellingham, whom do you intend to send as an escort for your daughter on her mission?”
Both men looked at Elizabeth. Neville smiled and came to join her, the duke following him indoors. “I have been considering several men to act as an escort for Juliette, but have not found a man in whom I would place such trust of yet. Do you have any suggestions, my lady?”
Elizabeth looked at her husband with raised eyebrows. “I am certain we know several people who could be entrusted with this task!”
“You make it sound like going with me across the ocean will be a terrible trial!” Juliette giggled. “Am I that much of handful?”
“Not at all, my dear. Not at all.” Her father shook his head. “But a young woman like you can only be accompanied by someone responsible and trustworthy. I know of no-one I would trust.”
“This should be obvious.” Elizabeth tilted her head with a look on her face that said: You should know better.
Juliette giggled. “I know! If I had a husband, it would not be as difficult. I apologize for the lack.”
Neville shook his head again. “No, my dear. It is as it is. If anyone must make apology, it is I myself. It was selfishness on my account to keep you with me when I should have taken you into society.”
“No, father...” Juliette protested gently.
“There should be no blame either way,” Shawn chided gently. “Besides, I know of several men you could consider and trust with Juliette's care.”
Neville smiled at the Duke. “I knew that you would, Worthy. You know a great many people of all ages.”
“That I do. And as it is, I took the liberty to invite some other guests today. Very interesting fellows – you would like them.”
Juliette turned, just as the butler, Mr. Andrew, entered, followed by two men. Shawn and Neville immediately stood to greet the visitors.
“Cain Allan Hershey, duke of Ascott, and Lord Hershey, the Earl of Swansea, his nephew.”
Mr. Andrew announced the visitors, stepping aside to let the men enter. Shawn and Neville stepped forward to shake their hands. Juliette and the duchess stood.
“Your grace,” Shawn first shook the hand of the older gentleman and then the younger. “Delighted you could be here on time for dinner! Fortuitously, your travels have ended in good time.”
“Yes, our boat arrived a day early,” Cain replied, bowing at the waist toward the women. Joshua also bowed to them, his eyes sparkling. Juliette blinked.
Shawn had turned, and now made introductions. “You know my wife, Lady Elizabeth. This is our friend, Miss Juliette Ellingham, and her father, Neville Ellingham, the Earl of Worcester.”
“How do you do?” Juliette said politely, dropping a curtsey. Inside, her heart was racing.
“Delighted to make your acquaintance, my lady,,” Cain answered warmly. Joshua said nothing. He had not stopped staring at Juliette. Cain raised his eyebrow at his nephew, and turned to Shawn. “I apologize for our early arrival, your grace. It was quite astounding that the boat was a day ahead of time.”
“It is wonderful to see you,” Shawn shook his head, dismissing the man’s apology. “There is no need to apologize. We have not yet eaten. Would you care to join us?”
“A wondrous prospect!” the man said dramatically, and gave an expansive laugh. “My nephew and I have not eaten well for quite some time. Shipping fare, you know.”
Shawn frowned, and Juliette's father nodded knowingly. “Biscuits and salt pork?” he guessed.
The duke of Ascott grinned. “That was most of it, yes. Let me tell you the story.”
The party walked through to the dining-room, where the table had been laid out in readiness, the silverware shining beside beautiful porcelain plates. Juliette studied the delicate paintings on the china, trying to keep her eyes off the young lord as he and his uncle took their seats.
Cain began a harrowing tale of adventure as the wine was served. He and his nephew had barely escaped death on several occasions, it seemed; confronted first by hostile tribesmen unhappy to have visitors, and then by wild animals that did not care whether the two men were natives or not. Their hazards culminated in a missed opportunity to board the ship they had originally intended to meet – the passage that would have arrived the following day.
“As it is,” Cain sighed, “it was miraculous! We missed a galleon and caught a clipper! That is why we arrived ahead of time.”
They all laughed.
During the story, Juliette allowed herself to glance at the young Joshua, studying him covertly as they ate their dinner. He seemed a quiet young man. In fact, he said nothing while his uncle spoke, except to corroborate some fact now and again.
“And there we were, what? A mere twenty leagues before the ocean, when we saw the galleon set sail?”
“Yes, Uncle,” he nodded gravely.
“Luckily!” the older man agreed. “Or perhaps the clipper would not have seen us. We were capering about on the shore like so many madmen! Waving and hallooing and carrying on...”
Joshua laughed. Juliette was amazed by how it instantly brightened his somber face. His smile was a thing of gentle beauty, that transformed him. He is a handsome young man, she thought, her stomach tingling deliciously with her own daring. His blond hair and blue eyes fit well with the features of his face, which was narrow and fine-boned. He was tall, with wide-shoulders and a strength that belied the delicacy of his features, his artist's hands. Juliette found it strange that he so rarely spoke. I wonder, she thought, if I can break that silence. I would like to see him smile.
He seemed to sense her watching him, for he gazed up at that moment. As his sapphire eyes locked with hers, surprised, Juliette felt a certainty possess her. She would make sure she broke that wall of mystery and learn to know this somber, handsome man. It felt like a promise.
The rest of the dinner passed amiably, the talk flowing between the duke of Ascott and her father, each telling stories of their travels. Juliette's father was a naturally quiet man, and she delighted to see him so engaged.
I am so glad we came here, she thought. I am so glad we met these people. They feel like part of the family.
CHAPTER FOUR
EARL JOSHUA ALLAN HERSHEY
EARL JOSHUA ALLAN HERSHEY
Juliette leaned back on the chaise-lounge, listening to the laughter drifting across from the card-table as she sipped a glass of syllabub.
The duke of Fairbanks, her father and their two new acquaintances sat around the table playing Polignac. Their game was animated as they teased each other on their successes and losses, each holding a fan of playing-cards out of one another's inquisitive gazes. Outside, the sun had set, leaving a red glow on the horizon, and a fire burned in the grate, warm enough to banish the chills of the early spring evening. Juliette gazed longingly at the evening garden, the branches of the vast oak-tree whispering in the spring breeze beyond the windows.
I feel so odd after that look, she thought. It was as if Joshua's sapphire eyes had changed everything, weaving into the fabric of her and making it anew.
When she turned back to the room, she caught the duchess' eyes on her. She sat in a delicate upholstered chair across from Juliette's place, a piece of embroidery on her lap as she selected a new skein of cotton for her needle.
Juliette had not stopped thinking about the young lord, and decided to take her chances to find out more. “My lady?” she said softly.
“Yes?” the duchess was threading her needle as they talked, and looked up frowningly.
&n
bsp; “That young man, the duke's nephew...how long have you known him?”
Elizabeth leaned a bit closer to Juliette. “Not that long, I must admit. The young earl is well known in some parts, but he has rarely come to Fairbanks.”
“How is he well-known?”
“He is noted for his charitable works, like his uncle and his father before him. The young man was raised more by his uncle than his father, as his father spent so long away from home. Both of the earl’s parents are dead now.”
“How long have they been gone from him?” Juliette asked, fascinated. Her hands were clutched together in her lap. She could not help it – every word about the young man was part of a story she longed to hear.
“Both passed three years ago, almost four now, actually. Both in the same year, poor youth. The duke of Ascott has been a friend of my husband since they were young men at the academy, so we have seen him many times over the years. This is only the second time I have personally seen the young earl.”
“He does charitable work?”
Elizabeth smiled, amused that, out of all the details, Juliette had focused on that one. It did not surprise the Duchess, since Juliette and her father were also known for charitable work. Juliette seemed like a good match for the reserved young man to Elizabeth. “Yes, he does,” she replied.
“What does he do?”
Juliette's instant question made the duchess bite back a smile. She did not want to embarrass the young girl by noticing her interest. “His work is much like your father’s work, except that the Earl is more likely to stay within the borders of our own country.”
“Did he and his uncle not just return from a venture?”
Elizabeth nodded. “Yes, they did. The Earl must have started accompanying his uncle – I was not informed of it until they both returned.”
“He seems very quiet,” Juliette observed, smiling. “The others are all talking and laughing with each other, but he keeps apart. Although he laughs sometimes, he does not join in.”
“It seems to me he is an observant young man.”
“Certainly,” Juliette agreed. “But there seems something sad about him, as though he avoids conversation, rather than simply wishing to observe it.” She could not quite lay a finger on what she meant, but the young earl seemed wounded. It was there in his quiet manner, lurking behind the big sapphire blue eyes.
Elizabeth shook her head. “I do not believe it is avoidance that causes him to be so quiet.”
“He is...enigmatic,” Juliette sighed.
Elizabeth turned towards the table, watching the young man. Joshua’s eyes were sharp as he watched the play of cards, and Elizabeth could practically see him thinking. Aside from that, she could not discern much further. Juliette was right: he was a deep one.
“I am afraid I do not know him well enough to agree or disagree with you,” she conceded. “I know the duke his uncle well, and he is a fine man with a generous heart. He raised the young Earl, so I am certain that he leans toward the same behavior.”
Juliette pondered the thought. She had also inherited many traits from her father, based on his behavior and beliefs. She still felt there was something odd about the young man, but couldn’t quite put her finger on what it was.
As she sat gazing at him, he turned his head and met her eyes. She immediately dropped hers. She could feel her cheeks start to burn as she blushed a deep red. She dared to glance back up a moment later, but he had looked away. His face had not changed.
She felt a little confused by his interest in her. She felt an answering interest in him herself, and wished she knew more about him. “How old is he?” she asked.
Elizabeth thought about it for a moment, calculating in her mind. “I would say he is about four and twenty. Not very much older than you.”
“I wonder if his uncle would allow him to accompany us to Africa.”
Elizabeth raised her eyebrows in surprise. “That is a wise suggestion. Though I am surprised you suggest it, you do not know him very well. Would you not wish a traveling-companion better known to yourself?”
“I must admit I do not know him,” Juliette nodded. “Though...” She wished she could add, though I would wish to, but it did not seem proper and so she let the sentence trail off.
Elizabeth grinned. “You are intrigued by him, aren’t you?”
Juliette tried to hide her own grin unsuccessfully. “I would like to know him more, I admit.”
“I will speak to the duke about it tonight and see what he thinks. If he believes it to be a good idea, he will speak to the duke of Ascott. They may have other commitments for the next few months. And it will be a journey of almost a year, would it not?”
“Father said the entire trip will take five months, depending on the situation there. If there is great strife, I might be held down longer. If it is calm, I will return earlier.”
“If there is strife in Muambo when you arrive, my dear, what in Heaven’s name would become of you? You are not a soldier.” The duchess looked distressed.
Juliette laughed, looking down at her own small frame. “It is true. A soldier I am not. I would not be able to do much to defend myself or others. But I have other skills – I can take care of children, perhaps, or the wounded.”
“At your own risk.” Elizabeth sounded disapproving.
Juliette nodded. “Yes, but I accept that. I have so many advantages, but these people have nothing. How could I refuse to aid them, even at my own risk?”
“Well,” the duchess sighed. “I will speak with the Duke tonight and see what he thinks.”
“Perhaps we can enquire now?” Juliette asked hopefully. “Are not the duke and his nephew staying with you this evening?”
“Yes. The duke's estate is long hours from here.”
“Are they only staying for the night?”
“No, my dear,” the duchess said reassuringly. “They will be here for a fortnight. That leaves plenty of time to consider the Earl as an escort, as well as the others that my husband has in mind.”
Juliette looked at Joshua again. His eyes were on the cards, his mind given to the game. He was clearly focused elsewhere, and Juliette was surprised that the notion piqued her. She laughed at herself. What did she expect, that he would stare at her all evening? But his standoffish manner and silences were disconcerting, she had to admit.
“I think I will retire now,” the duke of Fairfield said, looking at his watch. He looked gray with tiredness, and Juliette was surprised she had not noticed earlier how haggard he was.
“Of course, my friend. We should leave,” her father said. Juliette felt quite upset. She wished she could stay. Her father cast a glance across at her, and she nodded.
“We should leave,” she said, though every word hurt her chest. She stood and walked towards him without looking back to check if Joshua were watching.
That night, Juliette lay awake in bed thinking about the young Earl. The way he sat so quietly through everything, nodding sometimes. The way he stroked the hair back from his high brow. His eyes.
She smiled into the darkness.
She had not spoken directly to him, fearful that he would not speak back to her. She had, however, spoken to his uncle over dinner, who was more than happy to regale Juliette and the rest of the group with tales of his harrowing adventures around the world. He had saved men, women, children, and animals from imminent death on several occasions, seen amazing landscapes, sunsets, sunrises, waterfalls and more. He had discovered new places where seemingly no one, at least not an English man, had been. He’d met Indian tribes in America, Australian aboriginal tribes and Mongolian tribes in Asia. He was filled with knowledge and Juliette tried to soak up as much of it as she could.
“What do you know about the tribes in Africa?” she asked at one point, noticing how her question made Joshua glance at her, suddenly. She couldn’t help thinking he looked handsome in his smart black jacket and black trousers. Even his shoes were shiny and perfect. She wondered how he ha
d managed that, when they had been on a ship just a day before, without adequate provisions or facilities.
“That is the continent we just left,” Cain had answered, giving the reason for Joshua’s intense look at Juliette. “It is a fascinating place, inhabited by many different types of people.”
“That is where I will be traveling to in the next few weeks,” Juliette had revealed.
Joshua’s eyebrows had gone up at that. He said nothing, but his eyes darted to his uncle. Cain saw the look and waved his hand in his nephew’s direction. “You mustn’t be alarmed, young Joshua. I am sure the young lady’s father has taken into account all forms of danger.” He had given Neville a questioning look, which made Juliette's breath stop. Ask, she had thought silently, though she was not sure who she addressed: her father, to ask for their help, or Joshua, to offer his assistance.
“Yes, we have,” Neville spoke up. “We are looking for an escort for my daughter. All other provisions have been taken care of – I travel there often enough myself, preaching to the native tribes, and giving succor to their afflicted.”
“Well, I am graced by two missionaries in one go. Remarkable!” Shawn grinned.
“It is a most unexpected occurrence,” Neville observed. “Two godly folk in your house at once!”
“Whatever do you mean?” Shawn asked, grinning at him. “Do you suggest my home is usually a den of dissolute people?”
Neville faltered for a moment.
“I…I only mean that, while you know many missionaries, I have never met one here in your home before. And here, in your affluent and beautiful manor, it seems odd almost, to meet people who do such humble things.”
Shawn laughed. “You are tripping over your tongue, my dear sir. I had not planned you both to visit at once, so it is a remarkable occurrence, but one I am proud to have hosted.”
“It is,” her father had said thoughtfully. “And one which could benefit both parties.”
At that cryptic statement, Juliette had felt her heart contract. Did he mean to suggest Joshua might come with them?
Regency Romance: The Earl’s Unexpected Journey Of Love (The Fairbanks Series - Love & Hearts) (Historical Romance Fiction) Page 3
