by Patty Deans
The rattle of the doorknob sounded behind him. Julia slipped into the library, and sat in the chair across from him. Something about the way she looked down on him in his chair made him liken her to a queen.
In a majestic voice, Julia stated, "We must include Robert in more of our plans."
He could not stop himself from wanting to obey her command, believing in his heart she stood for the best. Yet, compelled to hide his feelings, he raised an eyebrow, and chuckled. "What do you have in mind?"
"Perhaps lunch." She leaned closer. Forfeiting her royal stature, she switched to a wide-eyed child about to reveal a secret. "Oh, James, Christmas is special to children. Robert has never really experienced this kind of joy. Everyone is so happy and singing."
"I will see he is included in everything suitable to his age." James could not help but smile at the brightness of Julia's smile, and the light of happiness that beamed from her eyes. He suddenly realized that neither of his wards had been exposed to the warmth of Christmas. It had dwindled when his mother died; only the balls continued until the Old Earl's death.
He watched her settle back in the chair.
"What are your plans for tomorrow, my lord?"
"Upon my honor! You're not my servant, Julia. Call me James. You certainly do not hesitate to call me James when you are angry."
Julia's eyes twinkled and her grin grew impish. "James, James, what are your plans for tomorrow?"
"We might show our visitors the town."
Her face fell, and she gasped. "Surely they have been here often in the past and seen town."
"The ladies were children then. They've grown up, and young ladies always like to visit shops and purchase a bonnet or some silly thing."
"The gentlemen will accompany us?"
"Never! You do not understand. The men like to do a bit of hunting or racing around the grounds like we did years ago."
"When you were boys?"
"We have been men for many years."
"And the ladies?"
"Virginia is the oldest and I believe she is twenty or one-and-twenty. The men are closer to thirty or more."
"The men have outgrown town."
"I say! Julia, take the women to town. The men want to talk. It has been five years since we have been together."
"Of course. I do not mind you having time together, but this is a house party. I believe we must entertain all our guests. Surely many of the ladies do more than shop."
James laughed. "We will ride with you occasionally. We will break our fast with you. We will dance with you." He watched her raise her eyebrows. "And do not think for one minute I do not know you have learned to dance. And I expect you to dance with every gentleman. You, Julia, are not only the hostess but must try your luck at luring men to your side."
She stiffened her back; the queen reappeared, her chin raised, and her lips sealed.
Trying not to laugh, James asked, "Have you found any particular man who appeals to you?"
Her eyes snapped and he saw her suck in a breath. "I need to see more of them than I have. Obviously I will have to wait for my opportunity to be with them."
"Tomorrow...today you will be in their company except for the morning. I suppose most of the ladies will be having breakfast in their rooms."
"I told them when we serve breakfast in the little dining room and suggested they ring the kitchen if they wish their breakfast in their room. I did not make them commit to a choice, but if I had known the old buddies of Eton needed to be alone in the morning I certainly would have."
"Do not worry, Julia. No one will be down in time to eat with us. I am sure an early riser such as you will not be up at dawn tomorrow. Late night and all that rot."
"You can never be sure of ladies, my...James."
"Perhaps an early breakfast might give you a look into the men's morning dispositions."
"Men do not show their true colors when they first meet a lady. They save that fiery temper for later. Of course, you are the exception, James. In twenty seconds, no one would doubt you can throw fire across the countryside."
"Why must I repeat myself? That monster lived only in the imagination of my grandmother! A silly creature created by a poisoned pen, and I never knew the Old Earl's countess. All I ever heard about the countess was her father, a diplomat, forced her to speak and read twelve languages fluently." He frowned. "It seems nearly impossible a man as determined and practical as the Old Earl could find happiness with a scholar."
"I think the Old Earl a romantic. He fell in love with a beautiful woman."
"You're bamming me! The Old Earl didn't have a romantic bone in his body when he caught me riding over his fields. Nor did he spare my backside."
"James, I am sure he is a romantic." She bit her lip as if to keep from saying more. Besides, all she knows of grandfather is from hearsay. "Perhaps after his wife died he was easily upset."
"By George! He stood for no nonsense from anybody. His wife loved reading and writing. She created fiction. And fiction is exactly that, fiction! A dragon is a mythical monster. There never was and there never will be one!"
Julia rose from her chair, smiled at him with eyes full of teasing. "If there were, I don't expect he'd admit it." Striding across the Aubusson rug she left him to his private thoughts.
"You little minx. I should have drowned you!" He spoke in the direction of the fire.
The library door opened to a slit. A sweet feminine voice said, "How right you are!" The door slammed shut.
James roared with laughter.
The door opened once more, Glen walked in. "What did you do to Julia?"
"What makes you think I did anything to her?"
"Saw her peeking in the library door and heard what she said."
"She agreed with me. I should have drowned her."
Glen frowned.
"Why are you not in bed?" James demanded.
"My leg does not like standing around too long so I have been exercising it a bit. Don't ask me to join you for a drink, for I am on my way upstairs to bed."
Still unable to stop smiling, James said, "Goodnight, Glen."
After James studied the jumping flames in the grate, he eased himself out of his chair. Shaking his head, he muttered to himself, "My dear Julia, I must go to bed early to meet you at dawn for another round of verbal sparing. And to think I planned to compliment you on Robert's fine manners. Instead you drive me crazy and my temper flares. But you must admit, at least to yourself, I am not a dragon. Never was! Never will be!"
CHAPTER 11
The next morning the gentlemen broke their fast at dawn. True to his word, James had them off riding soon after.
Later in the morning after all the ladies had breakfast either in their rooms or in the small dining room, Aunt Shredda ordered the Landau be brought around.
"Come, come, ladies. This may be a small town, but we have the finest milliner. She often sells bonnets to a well-known London modiste."
Virginia climbed into the carriage following Jane and Margaret. "I heard about these bonnets. I believe I could guess the modiste."
Becca added, "Our town openly relies on Lady Loretta to introduce all visitors to the unique shop."
Aunt Shredda with footman's help joined the laughing girls.
Julia, who had begged off, waved goodbye from the front porch. Becca winked conspiratorially at her. With a sigh of relief and preening with pride that she had avoided James this morning, she dashed up the stairs to the nursery to visit Robert.
Miss Harper declared, "Lady Julia, the Earl of Hawkthorn asked I have Robert ready early this morning. I believe he joined the hunt."
"Of course, I must have forgotten." Torn between irritation at not being informed by James and being pleased that Robert had been included in the group activities, Julia made her way to the library. At first she worried whether James could handle a six-year old, but with a heavy sigh she assured herself that Robert could handle himself. Though disappointed at missing time with Rob
ert, she decided to prepare her strategy as a hostess. Her first priority was to find out whom Ginny loved and get them together.
The fire blazed in the quiet library and she sat in the high-backed chair James had used last night. In the quiet morning sunlight she evaluated the relationships that had begun long ago at other Hawkthorn house parties before she'd ever heard of the manor. She took out a sheet of paper and began to pen her observations. Whom did Ginny love?
1.Handsome Winnie talked to Becca about her father and the church, but only because she sat on his right. They appeared to be no more than casual friends with a smattering of past knowledge about the other.
2.Glen talked to Jane to be polite. He treated her much as he did Robert, a sweet child to be listened to and encouraged.
3.Gabby talked to no one but his host and Aunt Shredda. He ignored his sister. Could he be shy?
4.Keven talked to Ginny about the latest operas without showing a mote of interest. And Ginny treated all men with a bit of indifference. Keven did glance now and then at Winnie. But what did that signify? Was he interested in Jane?
5.James ignored everyone but Glen and the countess. The countess spent as much time talking to Aunt Shredda as she did to James. But Glen agreed with whoever talked to him. Glen obviously wished himself elsewhere. Was he bored or tired?
Completely baffled, she set her pen down.
A shaky voice quivered through her thoughts. "It will untangle if you put your mind to it." She looked up to see the familiar mist twirling into the room. Abruptly the Old Earl stood directly in front of her. She couldn't be dreaming.
"How would you go about sorting things out?" she murmured hardly loud enough to be heard, and feeling a bit silly talking to an apparition.
"You might start with Rebecca and Glen."
"Do you believe they suit? She is so industrious and he seems unflappable. He is so content with his life."
"She loved him as a young girl. Followed him around and he never tired of her attention. Taught her to ride and swim. Her brother had not one whit of patience, stiff- rumped."
Julia smiled at his colorful language. "I'll do my best with Glen and Becca. But I have had no hint they are interested in each other. Neither has mentioned the other's name in my presence nor have they attempted to sit together."
"I just gave you a hint. Don't you believe me?" The ghost looked indignant.
"It's worth a try, though I have little faith I can put forth your ideas." Before her words were out of her mouth he faded away. "Will I ever find who is right for Ginny? Oh, dear, I hope I'm not talking to myself." She shook her head. "Am I so distraught I've adopted Robert's ghost?"
Ellis appeared at the library door. "Lady Julia, did you call."
Gracious me! "I'd like a scone and a cup of tea," she blurted out. Did Ellis hear her talking to the Old Earl? Whatever will he think? Does he know about the Old Earl? She needed to be more prudent, and take care of the guests properly.
Her thoughts turned to James and what he said last night. Somehow she must deal with each of the men in a way that would force James to see she could capture a man's attention. For starters she would begin with Glen. Maybe he is the one for Becca and then maybe he is the one for Ginny. How can the Old Earl know? A translator takes one line at a time. Perhaps, it would be prudent to take one gentleman at a time.
***
After the success of last night's formal dinner, Julia felt unprepared for the muddle tonight. Aunt Shredda and the countess were late. James stood off from his guests as though he had forgotten them. Only Margaret and Jane seemed happy chatted like magpies, batted their eyelashes, flirted with their fans, and constantly asking about the ton. They were determined to know everything about Almack's.
Jane prattled on, "We all bought new bonnets and I'll want to show mine off when I get to London. Now, how many of you gentlemen can I depend upon to take me for a ride in Hyde Park, or a walk in Green Park?"
"Surely you can find someone younger than us to take you!" Gabby shockingly replied.
"Gabby, I presumed you would drive me through Hyde Park on several occasions."
"Why would you assume that?"
"Do you expect any man to knock down my door, if I appear unable to attract any titled gentleman to drive me through Hyde Park?"
"Jane, I fear you do not understand. They would more likely avoid you if they see me driving you through the park. I wager they would immediately suspect you were dangling after an old man with stuffed pockets. It would be better if Winnie took you."
With a sigh of disgust, Jane rolled her eyes. "Winnie is no fun. And being my brother he would scare everyone off. You are a much better choice."
Winnie looked at Jane. "That will be enough. You will not ask anyone to drive you. It will be me who drives you, or no one. And that is not because I would enjoy you nagging me, but it is the proper behavior."
James laughed. "Might as well calm down, Jane, and see what happens. Maybe Julia will be joining you for a season."
Margaret's eyes lit up. "That would be quite the thing. We must plan together before the holiday is over. Winnie never took us to London during the season. Now tradition forces him, but he still does not wish to."
Winnie, his lips pressed in a firm line, started to get up. "I will not for one minute -- "
"Men just act that way. Don't they Aunt Shredda?" Julia interrupted trying to calm Winnie's attitude.
"My dears, we will have a talk. There is so much to see and do during the season." Aunt Shredda fluttered her handkerchief. "We must make a list of every place we desire to visit. The season always has its surprises."
Margaret sat forward. "Lady Loretta, are you telling us that you will help us with the season? Not having a mother makes it seem quite frightening."
Aunt Shredda reached across Keven and patted Margaret's hand. "Don't worry, I'll be there. And the young men around this table will also be available, not to mention many of your mother's old friends. No one will let you flounder. These rascals may tease you, but they will defend your honor."
The last course had been removed and Julia quickly led the women to the drawing room, leaving the men to their port. Though Margaret and Jane did not settle down easily they were no longer worrying about their coming season when the men joined them for carols and cards.
Afterwards the party moved to the ballroom where Aunt Shredda played a few merry tunes on the pianoforte to give Margaret and Jane a feeling of dancing.
James organized it so that Margaret, Jane, Virginia, and Becca danced a round with each of the four men. When Aunt Shredda played a waltz, Julia led Glen on to the dance floor.
"There is no reason why you should not dance, too." She insisted.
"I can't waltz with my leg."
Julia smiled, took his hand. "Of course you can. Shall I lead or will you?"
Grinning he reluctantly took her in his arms. "Can't you ever take no for an answer?"
"You dance well."
"If you don't mind limping to music."
When he started to pull away she grabbed his arm. "You forgot yourself and you were waltzing. You don't want to admit it, do you?"
"Julia, you should have joined the army. You could coax a mule over the next hill. But this mule is quitting."
She shrugged. "We will try again tomorrow."
***
Ten minutes before midnight, James stirred the fire in the library, anxious for Julia to arrive for their scheduled midnight meeting. At a knock at the door he frowned. "Enter."
Ellis appeared from behind the door. "A lad from town wishes to see you, milord."
"Bring him to me."
The door opened once more. A young man stepped into the room, removed his hat and bowed. "Mi lor', Lady Loretta asked if we would play for you this week. My cousins and I are musicians from the neighboring village."
"Did she engage you for tomorrow night?"
"She asked us to see Lady Julia, but 'tis too late to call on her. We were just passin
' by. Played for the Squire tonight. If' you require musicians, we can play."
Julia walked in, her head jerked up at the sight of the late night guest. "Nice to see you, Milton."
Bowing in her direction, he said, "Good evening, Milady. Lady Loretta asked me to call on you."
"Are you and your cousins free to play for our house party?"
"Anytime, Lady Julia."
"James would you object to having a bit of music after supper tonight?" When James frowned, she added, "It is past midnight, James."
James chuckled. "Delighted, my dear."
"That settles it, Milton. See you tonight about seven."
With a bow, Milton strutted out of the library.
"He's a fine boy, James, and I am glad you don't mind having them play. They entertain at the parties here in the country."
James indicated she sit in the high backed chair she occupied last night. He relaxed into his chair, took out his snuffbox, and took out a pinch of his favorite blend. "I believe his uncle and father before him played around the country before the lads did."
She shrugged her shoulders. "Sorry, James. I forgot the Earl of Hawkthorn grew up here. So you knew them before you left for the army?"
"I believe you are right."
"You do not have to be subtle."
"I considered myself obvious." Must she always be out of humor with him? He swore that she would find fault with a fat goose if he served her one himself.
She grinned. "And about yesterday morning, Robert told me about his great adventure with you."
"I let him shoot a bird."
"Robert didn't tell me that." A frown settled on her face. "Robert knows nothing about guns. He might have been hurt. I thought you only went riding."
"Robert is going to be taught to hunt and ride well. It is expected of him. You need not fuss about him. Remember I am his guardian and I want him to grow up to be the best man he can be. Incidentally, I have engaged a male tutor that is well versed in Greek. He will start after the first of the year."
