“Well, thank you all for participating in my little salon,” Kitty announced. “You’re wonderful sports and talented besides.”
Ivy stood. “It was more amusing than I had anticipated, but I’ve a somewhat lengthy drive ahead of me. I’ll say good night.”
Kitty hastened over to kiss her on the cheek. “Shall we have our berry-picking party at Drake Manor the day after tomorrow?”
“I’ll have my cook prepare a picnic.”
“How exciting!”
“Cody, will you come with me to see Grandmama to her carriage?” Juliet asked.
“I’d be delighted.”
“Philip and I should see Grandmama to her carriage,” Kitty said. “We are the hosts, after all.”
Juliet shot her sister a meaningful glance. “Please stay and tend to your guests. Cody and I would be honored if you’d let us play hosts in your stead.”
A flash of comprehension came over Kitty’s face. “Why, thank you, Juliet. That’s most thoughtful.”
As Cody escorted Ivy and Juliet from the drawing room, Stephanie hoped the older woman’s departure wouldn’t presage the end of the evening. While Augustus, Philip, and Kitty fell into conversation about the berry-picking party, she tried to devise another game to keep the fun flowing. When an idea popped into her head, she excused herself to go in search of Cody and Juliet, to enlist their cooperation. The front door was slightly ajar as she approached, and Cody’s voice clearly audible outside.
“I’m glad we have a chance to be alone, Juliet, because I have something to say.”
Stephanie paused. If her brother and Juliet were having a private moment, she didn’t want to disturb them.
“Forgive me, but I must speak first.”
The note of anger in Juliet’s voice surprised Stephanie, and she edged backward.
Juliet continued, more loudly. “Your campaign to convince Stephanie of your passion for me is masterfully done, but you must rein it in.” Unable to believe her ears, Stephanie froze. “If she believes you to be completely in love, how will she feel when you set sail across the Atlantic without a qualm? She’ll know she’s been duped, and won’t ever forgive us.”
Stephanie’s temper flared, and she yanked the door open. Cody and Juliet turned toward her with shocked expressions.
“I came to see if you wanted to play charades, but I realize now we already have been.” Tears blurred Stephanie’s vision. “You’re my friend, Juliet. Cody, you’re my brother. Why did you feel it necessary to make a fool of me?”
Cody looked stricken. “We haven’t been trying to make a fool of you, I swear it.”
“We only wanted you to feel as if Augustus was yours and yours alone.” Juliet’s voice had a note of desperation.
“D-Does Lord Elbourne know your engagement is a ruse?”
Her brother reached out his hand, as if in supplication. “Stephanie, he wanted to have time to court you properly. He couldn’t do that if you thought his affections were already spoken for.”
“Lies. All lies.”
Stephanie edged backward and ran toward the drawing room. Augustus, Kitty, and Philip glanced up when she appeared, seemingly startled by her abrupt entrance.
“Did all of you know the engagement between Cody and Juliet was a ruse except me?”
Kitty and Philip exchanged an uncomfortable glance and Augustus blanched. Cody and Juliet rushed into the room, and then everyone seemed to be talking all at once. A wave of dizziness came over her and she felt like putting her fingers in her ears.
“Stop!” A heavy silence followed. “Lord and Lady Philip, I thank you for your hospitality, but I’m leaving here tomorrow morning.” She gave Cody a scathing glance. “With or without you.”
Heedless of propriety, Stephanie picked up her skirts, fled the room, and took the stairs two steps at a time.
In tears, Juliet sank onto the nearest chair. Cody tore after his sister, and Augustus seemed frozen in place.
“The evening was progressing so well,” Kitty murmured. “What on earth happened?”
Misery pressed down on Juliet like a huge, invisible thumb. “I was taking Cody to task outside for overplaying his role as ardent fiancé, and Stephanie overheard me.” She glanced at Augustus. “I’m sorry. I never meant for it to happen.”
“I know.” He shook his head. “I encouraged your ruse to continue, so this is my fault more than yours. I should have had more confidence in my ability to woo Miss Gryphon on my own.”
Juliet wiped moisture from her cheeks. “What should we do now?”
Philip cleared his throat. “It’s best to let the storm pass, I think. Then, Augustus must start over with Miss Gryphon if he still wishes to make her his bride.”
“I do.” The earl frowned. “I just don’t know how to rebuild her trust.”
Kitty gave him a sympathetic look. “Take it from someone who knows, Augustus. You rebuild it one day at a time.” She crossed over to her husband and melted into his arms.
Augustus nodded. “If you’ll excuse me…”
As he left, the earl refused to look at Juliet. She could scarcely blame him. Not only had she helped ruin his chance of happiness just now, but she’d also destroyed her friendship with Stephanie. On a more visceral level, once the Gryphons departed Constance Hall, she’d likely never see Cody again. A knife seemed to pierce her heart, and she wasn’t sure she could bear the pain.
She stood. “I think I’ll retire.”
“Perhaps things won’t look as bleak tomorrow,” Kitty said.
For once, Juliet couldn’t even feign optimism. Without another word she fled upstairs, wondering if Stephanie would let her in if she tapped on the door. When she reached the corridor which led to her and Stephanie’s rooms, however, Cody was leaning against the wall next to his sister’s door. He straightened as she approached and came to meet her, a wretched expression on his handsome face.
“She won’t speak to me.”
Juliet hung her head. “I’m so sorry. Part of me is glad she knows the truth, but, Cody, I…”
Almost of its own volition, her hand reached out toward him. He grasped it and pulled her into an embrace. In the next moment, he was kissing her lips as if he were a drowning man and she was air. She clung to him, even as tears squeezed from the corners of her eyes. Finally, he just cradled her in her arms.
“I had to kiss you one last time, querida.”
“I’m glad you did.”
Their lips met again, and Juliet never wanted his caresses to stop. Then, inexplicably, a dog whined at their feet. As Cody and Juliet looked down in surprise, Texas stared up at them, wagging her tail. Stephanie stood several feet away, a stunned expression on her face. Cody and Juliet sprang apart.
He cleared his throat. “I didn’t see you there.”
“The dog needs to go out.” Stephanie shook her head. “What are you two doing?”
Juliet felt as if her head had been dipped into a cup of hot tea. “S-Saying good-bye.”
“Yes, that’s it exactly. We were saying our farewells.” Cody’s face was flushed a dull red. “Might not have another chance tomorrow.”
“But I thought your engagement is a ruse.”
“It is.” Cody and Juliet spoke over one another.
Stephanie opened her mouth to say something, but then closed it again. “The dog must go out,” she repeated.
“I’ll fetch Robin Hood and go with you,” Juliet said. “We’ll let them out into the garden.”
“Right.” Cody gave them a curt nod and tugged on the sleeves of his jacket. “Good night, then.”
“Good night,” Juliet said.
He strode off down the hall and Juliet rushed to retrieve Robin Hood from her room.
While the puppies watered the roses nearby, Juliet and Stephanie sat on a stone bench near the entrance of the garden with a lantern between them. Although Juliet was still horribly embarrassed about what had passed between her and Cody in the hallway, she forged ahead in an effo
rt to mend her relationship with his sister.
“I understand how you might feel betrayed—”
“You don’t understand at all.” Stephanie scowled. “My father yanks me away from everything familiar and brings me to England to marry me off to a nobleman. Don’t you think I see how everyone in London was sneering at me for my accent and strange manners? And then you come along, all perfect and ladylike and…perfect, and I feel like an ox. Cody admires you, Augustus draws your portrait, and I’m on the outside. And now I realize you’ve all treated me like a child with your silly games and pretend romances! How do you expect me to act?”
Juliet sighed. “Before you arrived, Augustus and I had assumed we would become betrothed. I confess, when I learned about the arranged marriage, I was very disappointed. In fact, I cried all night. That day on Rotten Row, I lied to you about my lost dog. I’ve actually never had a dog.”
“I knew it!”
“I’m far from perfect. In fact, I was keenly disappointed not because of my adoration of Augustus, but because I wanted to marry better than my sister. I’ve always been jealous of Kitty.”
Stephanie gasped. “You can’t be!”
“Yes, I can. I know it speaks dreadfully to my character, but I must be honest with you.”
“And all this time, I’ve been jealous of you!” She laughed. “If only we can get your sister to be jealous of me, we’ll have come full circle.”
Juliet giggled. “I think the best course of action is to be happy within ourselves. That way, we’ll have no room for jealousy.”
“I suppose not.”
“At any rate, after I saw Cody, I realized something was lacking between me and Augustus. And after Augustus met you, he realized the same thing.”
“Are you telling me the truth?”
“Augustus and I never even kissed. I’m not sure it even occurred to us.”
“I can’t say the same for you and Cody.”
Juliet’s blush returned. “I shouldn’t have let your brother take liberties, but I couldn’t seem to help myself. Please don’t tell him I said so, but he’s the most attractive man I’ve ever seen in my life.”
Stephanie made a sound of disgust. “And yet he won’t propose? This is why I advised you to steer clear of him.”
“Yes, I know, but I don’t regret anything. Next Season, I’ll just have to look for a man who interests me the same way.” Despite her words, Juliet didn’t believe such a man existed.
“So you think I should give Lord Elbourne another chance?”
“Absolutely. I wish you’d give all of us another chance. We’ll try not to let you down.”
“Let me sort it out tonight and I’ll let you know my decision tomorrow.”
“Fair enough.”
They called their dogs and returned to the house. As Juliet readied herself for bed, she hoped Stephanie would decide to stay at Constance Hall. If she did, however, Juliet wouldn’t be able to look Cody in the eye ever again.
Chapter Twelve
Pretense
WHEN JULIET ENTERED the dining room for breakfast the following day, Augustus, Kitty, Philip, and Cody were assembled, but Stephanie had not yet arrived.
Juliet nodded, careful to avoid Cody’s gaze. “Good morning.”
“Good morning,” Kitty murmured.
Augustus gave her a wan smile, his eyes puffy from lack of sleep. Juliet slid into her chair without further conversation, and the room remained deathly quiet until they heard footsteps approach. When Stephanie sailed into the room, the gentlemen lurched to their feet until she was seated.
She picked up her napkin and glanced around the table. “Good morning.” She paused. “I spoke at length with Juliet last night, and we cleared up some misunderstandings. Therefore, I’ve decided to stay.”
The tension in the air evaporated. Cody’s fist, which had been resting on the table, unclenched.
“I’m terribly relieved,” Kitty said.
Juliet found she’d been holding her breath, and let it out slowly. “So am I.”
“It would have grieved me terribly to have driven you away,” Philip added.
“Yes, thank you for staying, Miss Gryphon,” murmured Augustus. “I can’t tell you how sorry we all are about what happened.”
“After careful reflection, I’ve concluded your hearts were in the right place. Nevertheless, I don’t wish to be deliberately misled again.”
Cody shrank from his sister’s level glance. “I wouldn’t dream of it.”
Stephanie’s dimples deepened. “Well…I suggest we put this behind us for now.”
As the meal progressed, Juliet noticed Cody was uncharacteristically subdued. In addition, he seemed as eager to avoid speaking with her as she was with him. The ensuing awkwardness was unavoidable, she supposed, but regrettable. The rest of their visit at Constance Hall would be strained unless they found a way to forget about the night before. Perhaps her journey to Little Brambleton would help put things in perspective…if Kitty remembered to invent some way to occupy Stephanie. Although Juliet would like to take her friend into her confidence, Violet’s misfortunes weren’t her secrets to tell.
“Our berry-picking party will take place tomorrow, but I’ve made no fixed plans for today,” Kitty said. “Stephanie, would you care to show me how to make a corn husk doll this morning? I haven’t any corn husks, but perhaps we might substitute strips of fabric. I’d love to describe the craft to my church circle.”
Augustus glanced over. “Forgive me, Kitty, but might I request Miss Gryphon’s company instead? I intend to sketch her likeness, if she’ll agree to sit for me. I feel morning light is most conducive to a beautiful drawing.”
Stephanie seemed pleased. “Why, I’d love to sit for you, if you don’t mind a few fidgets. It’s difficult for me to be still for long.”
“I’ll let you move every fifteen minutes, but you’re still allowed to breathe.” He winked.
“Of course, I don’t mind.” Kitty slid Juliet a meaningful glance. “Stephanie and I can fashion corn husk dolls some other time.”
Juliet seized her opportunity. “Philip, I’ve some errands to run in Grovebrook, if I might borrow the gig?”
He nodded. “Absolutely. Well, Cody, would you care to accompany me to the church? Two of my tenants have a disagreement with one another, and I must mediate.”
“Actually, I have a matter of pressing business this morning,” Cody said. “I can’t put it off any longer.”
“I’ve some letters to write,” Kitty said. “We’re all happily occupied, then.”
After breakfast, Juliet fetched her hat and handbag, and then went in search of Kitty. Her sister was alone in the drawing room, at the writing desk.
Juliet glanced around. “I’d expected to see Augustus and Stephanie here, hard at work.”
“They’re outside, sitting under the oak tree, and I couldn’t be more pleased. How did you convince her to stay?”
“I had no choice but to tell her the truth.” Juliet rolled her eyes. “I’m on my way to Little Brambleton. If I’m not back in time for lunch, please make some excuse for me.”
“All right, but you really ought to take a maid along. Mama would draw and quarter me if she knew I’d allowed you to go alone.”
“I’ve worn my dowdiest gown so people will take me for a governess.” She kissed her sister on the cheek. “Please don’t worry.”
Juliet hastened from the house, eager to catch the nine o’clock train. Philip had asked the coachman to bring the gig around, so she was on her way in short order. When she reached the station, she brought the gig to the nearby livery stable and paid the proprietor to care for the horse until she returned in several hours. Shortly thereafter, she’d purchased her ticket and waited on the crowded platform for the train to arrive. When it finally came to a stop, she hastened toward the back where she was more likely to find an empty compartment. Indeed, the very last one was completely unoccupied, and she settled in. After the train bega
n to move, she breathed a sigh of relief. With no stops between Grovebrook and Little Brambleton, she had the compartment to herself and wouldn’t have to make stilted conversation with strangers.
Not more than a half minute after the train left the station, however, a man appeared in the corridor outside and opened the door.
“Sorry, miss, but everywhere else is full. Do you mind if I join you?”
Shock registered on the man’s face as he recognized Juliet. Although she was equally astonished, she managed to find her tongue before he did.
“You might as well sit down, Cody, before you’re accidentally flung to the floor.”
Juliet and Cody stared at one another for several long, awkward seconds. If he weren’t wearing an almost comically stunned expression, she would have thought he’d followed her onto the train. As it was, she was forced to conclude their meeting was an unhappy coincidence.
He sank down onto the opposite seat. “What are you doing here?”
“I might ask you the same thing.”
“I’m on my way to Little Brambleton to speak with Violet Haver.”
“That’s me as well.”
“Why didn’t you ask me to accompany you?”
She bristled. “You’re not entitled to know every bit of my business.”
Although she’d thrown down a gauntlet, he chose not to pick it up.
“No, I suppose not.” He shook his head. “You were right about Zachary. He’s a bounder and a lout, and I don’t think anything I said during our time together made the slightest bit of difference to him.”
A pang of guilt made Juliet avert her gaze. “At least you tried, which is more than I’ve done for Violet. By now, I’m sure she’s convinced I’ve abandoned her.”
“If she’s anything like my cousin, I don’t blame you. Not anymore.”
“There’s one big difference between Lord Gryphon and Violet though, isn’t there? She’s to have a baby, whereas his only concern is himself.” Juliet gestured toward her bag. “I brought a little money for her today, but I probably should have sent it right when I received her plea.”
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