“Do not trouble yourself, my dear. I will not do anything to put you to the blush,” soothed Catherine. “I was merely jesting.” She then changed the subject with deft skill. “Now, what do you think of ‘dropping by’ two days from now? I shall write a note to Lord Ackerley this afternoon and ask him to call on me.”
“Thank you, Cathy, that would be lovely,” Julianna answered not quite honestly, but very politely, causing Catherine to grin at her friend.
“And what say you to the rout being one week from today?”
“One week?” questioned Julianna in shocked surprise. “Do you truly think you can pull it all together in a week?”
“Of course,” answered the viscountess with simple pride. “It is really quite easy when you have as good a staff as we do. The biggest job will be the invitations which I shall get Chorney’s secretary to help with as soon as you and I agree on the list.”
With that, the two ladies set their minds to deciding on the most congenial mix of people to attend a lively gathering in Lady Odelia’s honor. After another thirty minutes, Julianna declared she had monopolized too much of her friend’s time and politely took her leave with promises to return two days hence for the uncomfortable meeting with Viscount Beaufort.
Chapter 6
Julianna was shocked to see the day dawn bright and sunny. It seemed to her as though everything ought to be as grey as her thoughts. She had barely slept the past two nights since she was seized with dread over the upcoming encounter with her former fiancé, Lord Lucius Ackerley, Viscount Beaufort.
Gazing wearily into the mirror, she castigated herself for being such a hen-witted gabby over the viscount. “You are being entirely too foolish,” she told her reflection with a sigh.
“I know you are dreading a terrible scene, but keep in mind that as a gentleman he should have sufficient poise not to put you to the blush too greatly.” Seeing the quizzical look on her own face she acknowledged, “I know, I know, the last time you saw him seven years ago was uncomfortable, to say the least. Things were said that were not fit to come forth from a lady’s mouth, but you have grown up since then.”
With another heartfelt sigh, she recalled that time. Those had been the worst moments of her young life. She had truly believed they were a love match, despite the unpopularity of such sentiments amongst the ton. She had felt so betrayed that she had said many regrettable things during that final scene. Then she had refused to see him when he had come pounding on her grandmother’s door. She had never set foot in London since and had managed to avoid seeing Lord Ackerley for seven years.
Now here she was on the verge of seeing him for the first time in all those years, and she felt ill at the prospect. One could not count that time on the street a few days earlier as they barely exchanged any words. Standing in front of Catherine’s elegant townhouse, Julianna paused before ascending the stairs. Unsure if he had already arrived, she did not want to bump into him in front of the house, but it was difficult to make herself climb up and knock on the door.
“Come along, Julianna. You are not well representing the houses of Somerton or Westerley at this moment. Just imagine what the duchess would have to say over such cowardly behavior.”
That motivational speech did the trick of getting her moving. With an effort of will, Julianna finally made use of the brass knocker and was admitted by a footman immediately. He gave no indication of having seen her dither on the doorstep while he bowed her graciously into the viscountess’ receiving room.
“Lady Julianna Montgomery to see you, milady,” announced the footman before excusing himself and shutting the door on the flurry of activity that resulted.
Lady Chorney jumped up excitedly from her seat while Lord Ackerley took his time getting to his feet, stunned as he was by this sudden appearance.
Julianna made a graceful curtsy and finally managed to raise her eyelashes and survey the room. It was not playacting that caused her sudden intake of breath as she saw her old beau again. In fact, it took all the force of will she possessed to keep her reaction within bounds. At that first brief encounter, she had been too surprised to take in his splendour. No one had told her the viscount had grown even more handsome in the ensuing years, the strength of his jawline more pronounced, and just the very slightest of grey at the temples in his nearly ebony hair. Forcing her jaw not to drop open in shock, Julianna felt her stomach flutter with nerves as she gripped tightly to her friend’s hand and tried not to cause an ill-bred scene in Catherine’s parlor.
Observing the niceties, Catherine dragged her friend further into the room while she prattled on. “Julianna, you remember Beaufort. Lord Ackerley was just telling me about his work on his estates. Will you join us in a cup of tea my dear, Lady Julianna?”
With a gulp of air, Julianna smiled wanly at her former fiancé as he bent briefly over her outstretched hand. Almost forgetting what her friend had asked in the rush of heat she felt as his warm breath brushed over her knuckles for the briefest of seconds, Julianna blinked owlishly at Catherine.
“Oh, yes, tea. Yes, please,” she stammered almost incoherently before dropping into a chair.
There was a moment of strained silence as Catherine rustled back to her seat and poured Julianna the offered refreshment. Lady Chorney then took pity on her two nervous visitors and began an inconsequential flow of breezy social chitchat. As she commented about the weather and the various balls she had attended that week, her two guests were visibly gathering their scattered wits. Slowly they joined in the conversation.
Despite knowing beforehand that she was going to see him that day, Julianna was unprepared for the effect the sight of Viscount Beaufort would have on her wits. Ever since she fled from London, she had prided herself on being a poised woman. But here she was acting like a complete ninny. She called herself to task for such missish behaviour, forced her disordered thoughts under control, and joined Catherine in making social small talk.
“Lord Ackerley, I apologize for my tardiness in expressing my sympathy on the loss of your mother. I know it has been some time now, but losing a parent is always a deep pain that never fully vanishes.” Julianna saw the slight clench of his jaw and remembered belatedly that it had been a rather complicated relationship. “How are things on your estate? I trust all is well at Beaufort?” she inquired tentatively, trying to put her roiling emotions behind her and make another try at polite conversation.
Somewhat relieved that she had finally broken her silence and surprised at her poise, the viscount struggled to contain his uncalled-for anger. Ackerley responded, “All is well on my estate, thank you for asking. And how is your family?”
Unsure which family he was referring to she replied vaguely at first. “Well, thank you.” After a brief pause, she continued more informatively. “We are in Town for my niece’s debut. Hart’s daughter, Odelia, is making her first bow to society, in fact, she has already been presented at court, so she is officially out now. I am to be her chaperone.”
Luc was surprised to have a laugh burst from his lips. “It is hard to see you as a chaperone. How can you be her chaperone when you still need one for yourself?”
A light blush stained her cheeks as she replied dryly, “Hardly the truth, my lord, but it is kind of you to say so.”
Happy to see her guests relaxing a little, Lady Chorney stepped in to direct things along her chosen path. “My husband and I will be hosting a rout with Lady Odelia as guest of honor next week. Do say you shall come, my lord.”
Surprised that this invitation would be extended in front of her, Julianna froze for the briefest moment but then forced a polite smile to her now bloodless lips as she turned her startled eyes between her friend and her old beau.
Luc felt blindsided by the compassionately protective feeling sweeping over him at the sight of Julianna’s pale face. He was impressed with her composure despite her obvious surprise at the turn of events. He admitted to himself that he had thought it was a set up when she arrived at the C
horneys’ door while he had been invited for tea, but it was clear that she had not expected him to be invited to her niece’s party. Luc did not want to feel compassion for the woman who had once torn his life apart.
Looking coldly at Julianna, Luc accepted politely, but hauteur was evident in his tone. “I would be delighted to attend. Send me the details, and I will be sure to put in an appearance.”
Used to how cold and calculating the viscount could be with anyone he considered not his friend, Catherine was not completely shocked by Lord Ackerley’s reaction, but she was somewhat taken aback by just how frigid he sounded since she considered herself to be one of his closest associates. She had counted on him to be nice but now was feeling bad that she was putting her dear Julianna through this experience.
Then Julianna surprised everyone present, including herself. “Do try to squeeze it in, my lord,” she said in coolly composed tones. “I am certain Hart would be pleased to see you. Of course, with your, no doubt, busy schedule we would understand if you were unable to be present.”
With a sardonically lifted eyebrow, Lucius acknowledged she had won this round. They were all happy when Lord Chorney suddenly entered the room at that moment. Despite his air of preoccupation, he was, as usual, dressed and groomed as though he had just left the gentle ministrations of his valet. A smile bloomed on Catherine’s face as she admired his still handsome features despite the passage of time and the grey beginning to accumulate in his hair.
“Catherine, my dear, I did not realize we had guests, how remiss of me,” he began calmly as he greeted his wife with a chaste kiss upon her cheek before turning to their guests politely.
“This is my dear friend, Lady Julianna Montgomery, the Earl of Somerton’s sister,” introduced the viscountess.
“It is my pleasure to meet you. I knew your brother fairly well before he retired to the country to raise his children. I am so sorry about your sister-in-law. It is such a tragedy to go so young.” The viscount expressed sincere sympathy bringing an unexpected lump to Julianna’s throat despite the years that had already passed.
“Thank you, my lord. I am very happy to make your acquaintance. It is so generous of you and the viscountess to host a rout for my dear niece. My entire family is aquiver with nerves over her foray into Society. Now that court is behind us, it will be quite lovely for her to be able to get some experience in a smaller, congenial setting before she attends other, larger occasions, and of course, her own formal ball.”
“No thanks needed. I should actually thank you. My wife dearly loves to entertain, so she is delighted for any excuse.” The viscount smiled indulgently at his pretty wife before turning to their other guest.
“Luc, my boy,” he boomed heartily. “What are you doing here eating such useless things our cook enjoys preparing for my wife’s tea?”
Everyone laughed, and much of the tension that had been accumulating in the room dissipated.
“I really must be going,” stated Julianna before anyone could resume their seats. “Thank you for the tea, Catherine, I shall catch up with you again soon. It was lovely to meet you, my lord. And a pleasure to see you again, Lord Ackerley,” she concluded with as much sincerity as she could force into her voice, not quite meeting his eye as she hurriedly excused herself before anyone could dissuade her.
As the door shut on Julianna’s quickly retreating form Lady Chorney turned on her other guest.
“How could you be so mean in front of my dear friend, Ackerley?” she demanded heatedly. “’I’ll try to squeeze you into my busy schedule,’” she misquoted sardonically. “What was that supposed to mean? It is to be a rout for heaven’s sake, not a ball. You cannot just drop by for a few moments, or it will be remarked upon. Either come or do not, but I will not allow you to cause a scene to darken this poor young woman’s Season whatever your issues might be with her aunt. She is a sweet young girl and surely she is at enough of a disadvantage entering Society without her mama at her side. She needs help and encouragement, not any of your highhanded set downs!”
Surprised by her vehemence and slightly ashamed as it was, Lucius tried to defend himself. “You do not know the entire story, Catherine. It is rather complicated.”
“I do not give a flying fig how complicated it might be nor which details I may not be privy to. When you are in my drawing room, you will ensure that you have proper behavior toward any other guests I may have,” she declared.
“Yes, my lady,” he answered meekly with a twinkle finally appearing in his eye.
Robert had remained silent during this exchange, but at that final statement he burst out with a laugh. “Whatever did you do to earn such a tirade from my usually sweet wife?”
“Not much, Robert, I swear to you! I merely did not want to commit myself to attending your rout next week.”
“Why ever not, my boy? You always come to my wife’s entertainments,” Robert stated with some confusion.
Luc hesitated momentarily before answering starkly. “I was once engaged to marry Lady Julianna, and the association did not end amicably. I cannot say I would look forward to an evening spent in her company.”
Determined to be a loyal friend to Julianna despite her husband’s close association with Lord Ackerley, Catherine plowed into the unknown waters despite a momentary hesitation. “Well, I do not know what you did to make her end the engagement, but you must be civil now. You must decide for yourself what you think is best for your own peace of mind, but I will not tolerate you making a scene at my party. You are usually a lovely guest to have. That is why I wanted you, but if you are going to put either Montgomery lady to the blush then I do not think I will welcome your presence.”
Somewhat chastened but definitely amused by the uncharacteristic anger from his hostess, Luc finally agreed to attend. “And I promise I shall be on my very best behaviour. Have no fear, my lady.”
Unconvinced, Catherine merely replied, “See that you do,” with a slightly disgruntled harrumph.
Chapter 7
“I think you have outdone yourself, Maizy. My hair looks perfectly glamorous. I hope you did an even better job with Odelia, since she is the one we are all working so hard for.” Julianna couldn’t help being delighted with her looks that evening. Despite her nerves, even she had to admit she was looking her best.
“I think you ought to quit worryin’ yourself over that youngster, milady. She has been ready for her debut for years. She is looking pretty as a picture this evening, if I do say so meself. Despite her constant squealing I managed to get her hair just so. She could barely sit still she was that excited.”
Sharing a conspiratorial grin with the maid, Julianna allowed a chuckle to escape. “We are all doing our best for our favorite young lady. This is going to be the first time all four of us have attended the same gathering. While our own formal ball will be Dee’s official introduction to Society as a whole, this is going to be her first big event so it is very important that it go smoothly for her.”
“You needn’t worry so, milady. Your family are all perfect and lovely. It will be exactly as you wish. I’m certain of it.”
Grateful for her maid’s loyal enthusiasm, Julianna told her not to wait up and then quit the room.
Julianna was full of pride as she smiled at her family in the close confines of the carriage. Her brother and nephew looked less than pleased to be on this particular ride, but Odelia was grinning her delight. After settling into the carriage, Julianna looked everyone over critically. She noted they were all dressed in their best finery, not a single hair out of place. She smiled with satisfaction.
Their own ball was just a few days off, so this evening would be an excellent lead in for Odelia. It would set the tone for Odelia’s Season and it appeared as though the night would be a huge success, provided, of course, that nothing went wrong. She knew her friend had put a great deal of effort into ensuring everything went smoothly. And the earl had finally realized his responsibilities and had been prevailed upon to att
end. Julianna breathed an almost imperceptible sigh of relief for a moment before her nerves tightened once more as she thought of the coming evening to be possibly spent in Lucius’ company. Dread and determination crept up her spine in equal measures.
The carriage drew to a stop. A footman handed the ladies down from the carriage, and then Hartford and Fletcher escorted them up the stairs to be announced. Squaring their shoulders, their aristocratic history sitting lightly on them, the Montgomerys looked around their surroundings almost haughtily, their blue blood very evident to all onlookers. Then Hart sheepishly bowed away, Fletch saw an old, school chum and broke into a boyish grin, and Julianna smiled lovingly at her niece and nephew, thus breaking the veneer of unapproachability that had momentarily surrounded the small family.
Catherine came forward to greet her guests of honor while eligible young men queued up behind her clamoring for an introduction to the pretty young lady.
“Welcome, ladies, it is so lovely to have you in our home. Odelia, my dear, you look absolutely ravishing this evening. I do declare you shall break hearts throughout the ton this Season. And Julianna, I have never seen you look as good as you do this evening. I do think you shall be setting some hearts aquiver yourself.”
Julianna and Odelia both blushed charmingly. Julianna maintained her composure, of course, and complimented their hostess on the results of her obvious efforts. “Everything looks wonderful, Catherine. You are clearly an expert. Thank you so much for hosting this evening.”
“Please, do not even mention it. Entertaining is one of my greatest joys. Now, come and let me introduce the two of you to some of my other guests.”
Thus began a swirl of activity for the next hour or so as Odelia and Julianna met and made conversation with a careful selection of the most fashionable and influential Society had to offer. Viscount Chorney was not one of the very wealthiest men of Society, but clearly he was comfortably well off. Their London house was a townhouse to be sure, but it was on the rather large side. Lady Chorney could actually boast a ballroom, albeit a small one, but for tonight’s entertainment the ballroom was kept closed. She had decided a select group for conversation would be best to acquaint Odelia with the ways of the ton. So it was into the drawing room that she first ushered her guests. Catherine’s piano and harp were set up in the room for the use of any of the guests who wished to demonstrate their skills. She also had a couple of musicians to provide entertainment until the guests got up the nerve to try their hand.
Sweet Surrender Page 5
