by Patty Deans
CHAPTER 10
As she waited alone, Julia glanced self-consciously at her own cleavage, and fought the urge to slump. Aunt Shredda had insisted she wear this pale green muslin with the deep green velvet ribbon tied under her bosom, then Aunt Shredda begged off joining her until Clarice Howerd arrived. James had taken Glen to the billiard room. With no one left in the drawing room, she clasped her hands in her lap, and nervously waited to greet James' guests.
A chill ran through her. Should she call Ellis to put another log on the fire or could it be the fear that made her cold? Would they all ignore her and talk of nothing but London?
The knocker banged, the door opened, feet scuffled, the courteous voice of Ellis echoed in the hall as he gathered the guests outer garments. A chilly breeze from the opened door found its way into the drawing room and Julia shivered. Time stood still until Ellis appeared to announce the Trembelles.
Julia rose from her chair, walked to the door pretending bravery she did not feel, and discreetly signaled the butler to notify James of the arrival of the tall gentlemen and his two sisters. One glance at the tall well-dressed women, who had not yet had a season and she felt small and insignificant. Their dark hair, creamy skin, and perfect posture gave them an aura of sophistication. Though fearful of being awkward, she drew on all the rules of proper behavior she had been taught. "I'm Julia Calatin, Earl Hawkthorn's ward. Welcome to Hawkthorn, Lord Trembelle." After a slight bow, she turned to the woman in the pale blue gown. "I cannot tell you apart. Who is Lady Jane?"
"I'm Jane."
"Your eyes match your gown."
"Winnie likes me to wear blue. Margaret has green eyes."
Dear Aunt Shredda didn't know they had different colored eyes. What else did she miss about the Trembelles? "Please have a seat." Julia said, "Lady Margaret, you do have beautiful green eyes. You could pass for twins."
"I'm the oldest," Margaret said as she leaned forward. "I'm pleased to meet you, Lady Julia. We have been looking forward to the house party. It has been a long time, but I remember the delightful times we spent at Hawkthorn. Is Lady Loretta well?"
"She's in excellent health. She decided to be a guest and spend all her time with her old friend Clarice Howerd. I've never been a hostess before and if I slip up, please tell me."
Margaret smiled and seemed to relax. "It is not too demanding. I've been the hostess at Trembelle since my fourteenth birthday. Not too many days after our mother died."
"It must have been difficult at first. My mother and stepfather did not entertain often. I have much to learn."
"All you need do is smile, Lady Julia. Your guests will ask no more," Winston Trembelle added.
"Thank you, Lord Trembelle."
The door opened and James walked in with Glen.
"Winnie!" James shook his hand. "Understand you are taking the girls for a season. Mag, you look older. And Jane what have they done to you? When did you catch up with Mag?"
"I'm seventeen, James -- not a child." She whirled around.
"You were a little butter ball."
Jane gasped.
"You stretched out nicely," James said in a teasing manner.
"You're quite beautiful, Jane. I believe James considered me little less than skin and bones last time he saw me," Julia added.
Jane laughed. "I was just surprised James ever noticed me. He and Winnie never permitted Margaret or me to join them on their adventures." She quickly covered her mouth, and then, with a sigh, said, "Our fathers were school friends. We used to visit back and forth before our mother died."
Julia smiled. "That must have been nice for both families."
"They were happy times." A bit of sadness could be detected in Jane's eyes.
Ellis entered. The Marquess of Wattor.
James turned and shook hands with the man. "Keven, do you recognize Winnie's sisters?"
Keven shook his head. "Winnie, Winnie. What did you feed the girls?"
Keven made a leg. Margaret and Jane made their bows.
"And your hostess, my ward, Lady Julia," James turned toward Julia.
Julia curtsied. "Pleased to meet you."
So this is the man Aunt Shredda claimed would make James jealous. Keven smiled, but scarcely glanced her way. Tall and muscular, but not as handsome as Winnie. His chestnut hair and hazel eyes were spectacular. Shredda claimed he had a way of making women feel more beautiful, but he was far too clever to be trapped into matrimony.
Julia turned back to Margaret and Jane. "I've been remiss. Please let me have Mrs. Dalten show you to your rooms."
Outside the drawing room Mrs. Dalten waited to escort the ladies to their rooms and Ellis patiently awaited the gentlemen. As soon as they left, James asked, "Julia, what do you think of Winnie?"
"Friendly. His sisters are attractive."
Glen chuckled. "In London he is considered a catch, Julia."
"Because he is heir to a dukedom?" Julia raised her eyebrows.
James winked at Glen. "That helps. It is believed that he is handsome and has a full purse, and most important he loves the country."
Julia shrugged. "I assume, with assets so highly valued, love is not considered important."
"I want you to marry a man you love...t'would not be against him to have a title, money and princely looks," James raised his eyes to the ceiling as if he believed she had lost her senses.
"He did like my smile. I liked his, too!" What she liked even more, at that moment, was James' frown.
"That's a start, Julia," James soberly replied.
Ellis announced, "Earl of Howerd, Countess Howerd and Lady Virginia.
James took the countess's hand. "It's been a long time since last I saw you, my lady."
"I see you have matured nicely, Jameson."
"May I present my ward, Lady Julia."
Julia controlled herself...smiled and curtsied to the beautiful woman. "I'm glad to meet you, my lady. Aunt Shredda has been waiting for you."
"I'm eager to see her. Does she have her usual room?"
James grinned. "She would have no other room."
The countess smiled. "Mrs. Dalten spoke to me on my way in. She promised to bring tea to Lady Loretta's room." Looking over her shoulder at the young man and woman, she said, "Take your time, children."
The Earl of Howerd grinned. "You needn't be surprised that mother calls us children -- she doesn't want to admit her age."
Julia snickered. "It's much the way James thinks of me." Aunt Shredda is right. Gabby was neither short nor tall, neither handsome nor ugly, but he laughs a lot, and has a gentle way.
The Earl of Howerd took her hand. "We will get along fashionably, my dear. James has one year on me and constantly yearns to be younger."
"Gabby, don't fill her with any nonsense. She imagines enough on her own. Forgive me, may I present my unruly ward, Julia. And Gabby's sister, Lady Virginia."
Julia could hardly nod at the blonde. No one could doubt Virginia is a beauty in the eyes of the ton.
Lady Virginia chuckled. "Men are always silly. Come, Lady Julia, show me my room. I believe we shall become fast friends."
Flattered, Julia took Lady Virginia's arm and led her to the next floor. "Your room is near mine. Do you live in London most of the year, Lady Virginia?"
"Yes. Let's start out sounding like friends. Please call me Ginny."
"You may call me Julia."
Mrs. Dalten met them on the stairs. "Lady Julia, would you like to have tea in your room?"
"Send it to Lady Virginia's room. I'll join her for tea."
"Yes, milady." Mrs. Dalten bowed and returned downstairs.
After a bit of idle chatter while Lady Virginia's maid had completed hanging her dresses, Julia and Ginny settled on the fireside chairs in front of the fireplace with a cup of tea.
"I feel I already know you. I met your mother once and you are even more beautiful. I turned fourteen when I met her and couldn't wait to have a season. Even though a widow, she appeared to be th
e belle of the ball. I watched from upstairs, hidden behind the potted lemon trees."
Talking of her mother brought a smile to Julia's face. "I used to watch from behind lemon trees, too. Mother liked balls, but I believe she liked translating better."
"I hear James is taking you for a season next year. Ask me anything. I've been through three. Unsuccessfully, according to my mother and brother. Gabby doesn't want to look for a wife until I'm married. But if he fell in love...and that is what I want for him...he'd marry."
"Fustian!" I sounded like James. Speaking softer, she added, "You must have had offers. You are beautiful and James called you a nonpareil."
"I've had offers," Ginny admitted wistfully.
"You didn't like any of the men."
"There is only one man I want," Ginny reluctantly admitted.
"Goodness! Why hasn't he asked you?" Aunt Shredda...guessed right about Virginia.
"He is my brother's friend and doesn't even notice me."
"James?"
"Not James. Do you love James?"
After a long breath, Julia shook her head. "Not a bit."
"What a shame -- you look so good together."
"I am...I...don't dislike him." Julia realized she did not know how she felt.
Ginny nodded. "I understand."
"Would you like to rest before dinner?"
"I expect it would be a good idea. Country hours...Around four?"
"Right. Country hours," she answered remembering James' words.
Julia sighed, relieved that all but Becca had arrived and were safely tucked into their rooms to rest. On the way to her room, Julia wondered if Aunt Shredda knew who Ginny loved. There were three of her brother's friends besides James here at Hawkthorn. Julia intended to discover which one Ginny favored, and help her capture the mysterious man's heart.
***
The vicar's daughter, Rebecca Olivar arrived at three o'clock. Ellis let her run up to Julia's room and knock on her door as usual.
Julia opened her door the minute she heard the knock. "Becca, I wished you could have come earlier. I did appreciate that you sent a note not to wait for you. You have an hour before everyone will meet in the drawing room."
Becca shrugged. "Baskets had to be filled for papa to take to the sick. The women of the altar society were slow today. Filled with the Christmas spirit and gossip. Telling about the gifts they made for their families."
"I should have asked Mrs. Dalten to send someone to take your place. Why didn't you ask?"
"How could I, when the Hawkthorns have done so much for me. Milly came over to measure me for a gown that I never expected. Well, I still cannot believe I own such a gorgeous gown! Lady Loretta is very generous and she told me all about my room. I never even dreamed I might be invited to a house party at Hawkthorn. I used to run wild over here with my brother and James. I chased after them and their friends, loving every minute." Then Becca sighed. "I am too excited to make sense. I have never been to a ball before. I do remember Mama talking of dancing at the Hawkthorn manor."
Julia laughed. "I've never heard you so excited. This is first Christmas ball in years. My uncle didn't entertain -- he read books."
"Papa likes books better than anything, too. Your stepfather and Papa were always good friends. James and my brother went to school together. I am rambling, Julia."
"I must admit, I'm enjoying your rambling. It's different than playing chess with you."
"You're a good opponent."
"I'm improving. Aunt Shredda has planned dancing, a picnic, a play and of course all the activities. Just like the Old Earl used to. I wish I'd known the Old Earl."
"Me, too," Becca whispered. "Mama used to talk about the Old Earl and all the high society lords and ladies that visited Hawkthorn before she married Papa. I have only a vague memory of the Old Earl's funeral. Mama met Papa at Hawkthorn. It would be really romantic to meet at Christmas. Waltzing together. Saying yes to a proposal under the mistletoe."
"Oh, Becca, I doubt any of James' friends are the marrying kind of men that a woman really wants."
"Once I fell in love with one of my brother's friends. It made my brother and James laugh and call me a silly dreamer. They insisted I was too young to fall in love," Becca confessed.
"That's the last thing I want to do," Julia declared. "Becca, don't believe those romantic books of Aunt Shredda's. I don't think men fall in love."
"Oh, Papa loved Mama. You must not give up hope."
"Come on Becca, let me take you to your room."
With a nod, Becca grabbed Julia's arm. "Julia, don't you remember how we used to pretend a prince would come to Hawkthorn and take us to his castle?"
"We should have read only Shakespeare. He is not nearly as unrealistic as those fairy tales."
"I was lucky when your stepfather insisted you sit in on Papa's classes with the boys. I think Papa let me sit in because he thought one female alone improper."
Julia sighed. "I wish I could have gone on to Eton."
James walked behind them soundlessly. "You would have been a sight in Eton."
Julia jumped and turned to face James. "You should wear a bell. Or at least whistle."
Rebecca curtsied. "Good afternoon, my lord."
James gasped. "Becca? When did you grow up?"
"While you were away," Rebecca answered.
Julia laughed. "What do you want?"
"Expect everyone down in the parlor by four. Your duty, Julia."
"Go on. I'll be down in thirty minutes."
James left and Julia turned to her guest. "Come on. We are keeping country hours. You might as well get ready to meet the men, and get your disappointment over with. They should all be in the drawing room very soon."
Julia opened the door to Becca's room and nodded to the waiting maid to go to the kitchen for tea.
Becca entered and saw all the dresses and a riding outfit. She stood with her mouth open.
"Aunt Shredda had a few dresses made for you. Milly is anxious to dress you. Aunt Shredda chose the colors and materials. It delighted her to do it. Please be happy with her choices."
Becca wiped the tears from her eyes. "I have stitched and patched this week only hoping I would pass. Father never thinks of clothes; there are always so many who need more than we do. How can I be so selfish? I guess Lady Loretta has an even bigger heart that anyone suspected."
The maid knocked on the door with a pot of tea and porcelain cups. Julia had her place the tray on the bed stand and dismissed her.
"Aunt Loretta will be pleased. Now drink a cup of tea. Milly will choose your dress for tonight. Be down by four -- I need your support to be a good hostess."
Becca nodded, tears glistening in her eyes while she gazed at her new clothing.
"Cold water helps reduce the damage of tears," with those words Julia closed the door.
***
Becca looked beautiful in the blue dress when she entered the drawing room and headed straight for Julia. "I thanked Lady Loretta for my clothes. Oh, how wonderful everything is. I won't forget a moment of this Christmas."
"You're sweet, Becca," Julia paused when she noticed Becca's startled look.
Glen had entered the room, immediately every guest crowded around him. It surprised Julia that introductions were unnecessary among the group. Everyone remembered Becca as a girl. They insisted on calling her the tagalong.
Aunt Shredda nudged Julia. "Time to announce the evening meal," she whispered.
With a nod, Julia motioned to Ellis, and he announced dinner.
James held out his arm to the dowager countess. The duke led Aunt Shredda to her seat. Julia paired the others haphazardly leaving Glen to be her escort. He smiled charmingly as she took his arm. What fun it would be to practice flirting with a man totally uninterested in romance.
Dinner went well, she listened to the men's exaggerated tales, and laughed at their jokes. But, too late, Julia recalled Aunt Shredda pointing out the importance of catching the mal
e guests' attention. She'd failed. She had contributed nothing.
At last the men were left to their port, and Julia escorted the ladies to the drawing room. Conversation among the women amounted to mostly gossip from London. After Becca spoke to Aunt Shredda, thanking her again for the clothes, she took a chair that seemed to sit aside from the group. Julia watched without an idea of how to whip up enthusiasm. She'd failed as a hostess, totally conscious of Aunt Shredda's frowns.
Then suddenly Virginia stood. "Julia, do you play the pianoforte?"
She shook her head. "Becca does."
"Good. Lets sing carols. You will play, Becca, won't you?" Virginia's voice had a soft pleading sound.
Becca smiled and went over to the pianoforte, and perused through the music. "I know a lot of carols by heart."
Margaret smiled. "I think we should start singing carols at the top of our voices, otherwise my brother will never finish his port."
Julia laughed. Aunt Shredda clapped. They gathered around Becca, and after less than ten minutes, the male members of the house party joined them.
Servants hastened to put out the punch and the candies cook had made. Julia began serving the wild berry punch to the women first then to the men. They held their cups and sang to their hearts content. It seemed more like the Christmases written about in books than anything she or Robert had ever experienced. Is this what the Old Earl called celebrating the holiday?
When James came and put his arm around her, he whispered, "How very clever of you, Julia. You have brought the Christmas spirit to Hawkthorn."
She should have admitted that Virginia and Becca deserved the accolades, but his praise warmed her heart as much as his arm warmed her body. Certainly it was no sin to enjoy a bit of praise from a dragon. She must reward Virginia and Becca, her talented friends, for saving the evening from becoming insipid.
***
The bells of the French Gilt clock, perched on the library mantle, struck midnight. James slumped in the high-backed wing chair by the blazing fire. The three-quarters empty goblet of port rested in the palm of his left hand. He drummed a monotonous beat on the cloth arm of the chair. During dinner, Julia had forsaken her role of hostess and he could have wrung Aunt Shredda's neck. Why she didn't take over and help Julia to become a part of the party he couldn't understand. Or was it his fault? By some miracle she brought the party to life with Christmas carols. She brought Yuletide into the hearts of everyone at Hawkthorn. Just a few minutes ago, he heard imperturbable Ellis humming a carol in the kitchen.
