Jeeves stared intently at his master for a couple of seconds but he was well enough trained not to reveal the shock he was feeling at that moment. He recovered quickly.
“It would be my earnest pleasure to show you around our humble quarters, milady,” he declared with a flourishing bow.
Offering the crook of his elbow, Jeeves took Julianna over to a series of stalls. “Pardon me for saying so, milady, but you must take care when you ride out on any of Beaufort’s mounts. The viscount isn’t known for choosing sedate horses to ride.”
Julianna released a tinkling laugh. “Never you worry about me, Mr. Jeeves. I have been riding since before I could walk. The viscount has promised me some spirited mounts, and I look forward to setting them through their paces.”
Julianna was then thoroughly entranced by the beautiful horses stabled there. The two men stood back and admired as she quickly brought the horses under her spell. The usually skittish stallions were soon eating from her hand and allowing her to pat them gently through the railings of their stalls.
Turning back to the men with an enchanting smile of gratitude, Julianna was gracious in her thanks. “Thank you, Mr. Jeeves, for taking the time to show me around. I look forward to seeing you again very soon.” Then turning to Luc she continued, “I do believe, my lord, it is time I should be getting home. No doubt Odelia will already be there and will be wondering what has become of me.”
Luc bowed in acknowledgement, turned, and helped her back into his high phaeton. Jeeves stood with a couple of grooms watching them drive away.
“If you had told me this morning that his lordship would be instructing me to allow a woman into his stables I would have told you you’d had too much to drink. Never in all my days would I think to see the likes of that!” Jeeves declared with vehemence.
One of the grooms grunted in agreement while the other was even more upset. “I had to work here a full year before he’d let me drive any of his matched teams! And he’s going to let that little chit come and go however she pleases? If that don’t beat all, I don’t know what does!”
Jeeves figured he knew what was in store. “Just you wait and see. Must be looking to get leg-shackled.”
The groom wasn’t so convinced. “Nah, she seemed a little long in the tooth for that, wouldn’t you say?”
Jeeves wouldn’t be swayed. “She wasn’t so old as that. And really there’s no other explanation for him letting her into his stables. He’s trying to turn her up sweet. Mark my words, he has to be moonstruck to be bringing a female to my stables.”
The grooms couldn’t disagree with Jeeves’ logic and merely grunted their agreement as they turned to continue their work about the stables.
“Thank you so much for a lovely afternoon, my lord.” At his censorious look Julianna quickly substituted. “I mean, Lucius.” Quick to move on, she continued. “Thank you for offering to check on Fletcher for me. And for offering me the use of your horses. I really appreciate it.”
Luc instinctively wanted to reject her gratitude but didn’t know how to respond, so he just hopped down and hurried around his carriage to assist her to alight.
“If I do not see you sooner, I shall see you tomorrow evening.”
A thrill shivered up Julianna’s spine as the viscount leaned over her hand and placed a warm kiss upon her wrist. With haste, she snatched her hand back before he could sense her melting emotions. Silently cursing her own crumbling defenses, Julianna gracefully hurried up the stairs while a footman held the door open for her. She paused momentarily on the threshold to turn and wave casually while the viscount watched from the street.
Julianna kept her smile in place as she ran up to her room, only allowing it to waver as soon as she had closed the door behind her. She almost slammed it but caught herself in time, not wanting to draw any undue attention to herself until she had managed to get her roiling emotions back under her control.
Pressing her back to the closed door she slid down in a pool of fabric as she allowed the tears to flow down her cheeks unchecked.
Why is he being so nice to me? Can I trust him? He very nearly broke my heart seven years ago. Why am I taking such a risk? But he seems so kind, generous, and mature! Maybe it is time I forgive him and give him a chance. She paused as her thoughts ran wild. Can I turn a blind eye to such behaviour?
Still unresolved, but more optimistic than ever about her future, Julianna stood up, dried her tears, straightened her skirts, and left her room in search of Odelia.
Odelia had so much to relate with enthusiasm about her own afternoon out riding with Mr. Landon she barely seemed to notice her aunt’s distraction as she discussed at length whom she had seen and how everyone had looked.
“Are you quite all right, Aunt Julianna? You have barely uttered a word in the last ten minutes.”
With a start, Julianna realized it was true. Forcing her tumultuous thoughts back under control, she smiled warmly at her niece. “I am perfectly fine, my dear. I’m glad you had such a nice time with the baron. Does it seem likely that he shall come around to take you riding again?”
“I knew you weren’t listening!” Odelia declared with surprise. “I just told you five minutes ago that he is taking me out again tomorrow.”
“Really? Are you sure?” Julianna blushed to her roots at the evidence of her lack of wits. But then she thought of something much more important. “Tomorrow? He wants to take you out again so soon? Are you sure that’s wise, my dear? You told me yourself that neither of you are serious about any relationship with each other. If you go out riding with him two days in a row you are sure to set tongues to wagging about your behaviour.”
“I thought of that, but we had such fun together so we agreed on a solution. He’s going to bring a landau, and Mr. Jackes and Abigail will also join us so there will be less to remark upon by any old biddies who wish to gossip about me.”
“That was shrewd thinking, but please have a care about your own feelings as well as Mr. Landon’s. At this moment you both think you don’t have feelings for each other and you each profess not to want to pursue serious relationships at this time. But from what I have witnessed these things can change quite quickly.”
“I am sure you’re right, Jules, but I am equally sure that it will not happen to me, at least not with Mr. Landon. He feels much like a brother to me, except that he never insults me. He is, in fact, the perfect companion for a Season in which I don’t want to accept any offers.”
“Just be careful, Dee. You aren’t a child anymore. And I noticed that once again I’m not invited along upon this excursion. Is that by design?” she asked with a teasing lilt to her voice.
“Perhaps,” Dee teased back.
“Well, I may not be along on every excursion, but I will be keeping an eye on you.”
Odelia ran to her aunt and gave her a swift, warm hug. “I know, Aunty. That is the best part. I do try to be careful, but I feel like you are my safety net. You will catch me if I start falling into too much trouble. Thank you for being here with me.”
“I would not want to be anywhere else,” Julianna answered with feeling as she returned her niece’s warm clasp.
Chapter 16
Julianna had felt like a schoolgirl as she and Odelia giggled their way through their preparations for the evening the next day. She had gone to visit the viscount’s stables early that morning. She had been too keyed up to sleep late even though she knew she would pay for it the next morning. The stable hands had raised their eyebrows at her presence but it hadn’t taken her too much cajoling to get them to saddle up one of Ackerley’s horses for her. One of the grooms had insisted on accompanying her on her ride. She was disappointed not to have the ride completely to herself, but she had to acknowledge that she had given her word to the viscount.
They had enjoyed an exhilarating gallop, and Julianna returned home feeling more happy and positive than she could remember feeling for a very long time, at least since they had come to Town. She was giddy
with excitement over seeing Viscount Beaufort again. And she was looking forward to whatever interesting amusements were to be on offer at the Westfields' that evening.
She was keenly aware of the rustle of her skirts as she descended the staircase. It felt like all her senses were much more sensitive than usual and she was glad to be wearing gloves. This evening it was Julianna’s turn to impatiently wait for the rest of her family in the front hall.
But she didn’t have to wait over long. As prompt as usual when it came to anything touching on politics, Hartford strode with purpose down the same stairs seemingly preoccupied with his own thoughts. Until his eyes fell upon his sister. A low whistle came from his mouth.
“Lady Julianna Montgomery. You certainly are a sight this evening.”
“A sight?” she asked in horror. “Whatever do you mean?”
The earl laughed with genuine amusement. “I truly am a backward oaf. I apologize profusely, Jules. I meant that in a good way, truly. You will be the most elegantly beautiful woman there this evening, I promise you. Seeing as you are my sister, I almost never think of you in that way, but I have a feeling I will soon be fielding requests for your hand.”
Gratified by her brother’s clumsy compliments, Julianna blushed a little as she laughed along with him. Then they both turned to watch as Odelia and Fletcher descended the staircase together.
Fletcher was again in a gentlemanly mood and he had waited at the top to offer his elbow to his sister. They made a remarkably handsome pair as they slowly descended. Odelia was in her looks that evening and would surely be a hit at the ball.
In fine spirits and in charity with one another, the family waved to the footmen and were whisked away in their carriage for the short ride to the Westfields'.
Impatient as always, Odelia complained. “We should have walked since it’s only a couple of streets away. Now we have to wait for this entire line up to move so we can get down in front of the house. It truly is silly.”
Fletcher was also fidgety, but he answered her with reason. “I have to agree that it seems silly, but it really wouldn’t do to be seen walking to a ball. You have to arrive with your slippers in pristine condition. Besides, when it’s time to go home, even though it’s only a couple of streets over there is no way you could walk there safely.”
Odelia could not argue with the truth of his statements so she merely harrumphed in her corner, tapping her toe in impatience as they slowly inched forward.
Finally it was their turn to descend from the carriage. The four Montgomerys made an elegant, stately entrance as they climbed the stairs to the Westfields' elaborate home and were announced to their hosts.
Despite her slightly hectic color from excitement, Odelia managed to keep herself contained, Julianna was proud to see as they made their bows and curtsies to the earl and countess. They only had time to say, "hello" before the next guests were announced and they had to move on into the overflowing rooms.
The four family members quickly separated pursing their own personal interests, although Julianna made every effort to remain close to Odelia throughout the evening. The two ladies made their way to the ballroom since the youngest Montgomery loved to dance and had already promised her hand to several gentlemen before they had even arrived.
As Odelia was swept onto the dance floor by her first partner, Julianna responded to the imperious wave of Lady Hearst.
“There you are, my dear. It has been several days since we have seen each other. How are you?”
“I am well, Lady Hearst, thank you for asking. And might I ask how you are feeling? We were sorry to hear you were under the weather on the evening of my grandmother’s dinner party,” Julianna responded with something less than the full truth.
Lady Hearst answered with sadness. “I was so disappointed to miss the Duchess’ dinner, let me tell you. But I was glad that my son and daughter-in-law were able to take Abigail with them so she did not have to miss out despite my inconvenience. My darling daughter did such a good job describing everything that I feel almost like I was there. Although, I must say, her description of all that the duchess served to her guests made me hungry for days.”
Julianna couldn’t help but laugh at the older woman’s words. “It is true. The food was delicious. The duchess never scrimps when it comes to what to serve to her guests.”
“You are looking quite lovely this evening, my dear. If I hadn’t heard you say otherwise, I would believe you were setting your cap for some gentleman. Have you changed your mind about searching for a husband at this late date?”
Julianna gritted her teeth at the older woman’s rude observation. She knew she was obviously older than the debutants, but she was surely far from her dotage. Despite her irritation she managed to keep a smile on her face and after some politely inane conversation excused herself without causing an ill-bred scene. As an “older” single woman, despite the place her birth gave her, Society would not look kindly on her expressing her true feelings to such women as Lady Hearst.
Quickly cheered by the attentions of several kind gentlemen Julianna was able to push her irritation from her mind, at least for now. The early part of the evening passed in a happy blur as Julianna alternated between dancing with attentive and handsome lords to visiting with her lady friends. Her active mind managed to enjoy the attentions while also keeping a close eye on Odelia’s progress through the evening, as well as watching out for the arrival of Viscount Beaufort.
Despite her vigilance she was momentarily distracted by a conversation with her dear friend Catherine when she looked up and spotted Luc in the crowd. Her cheeks warmed as he caught her eye upon him. Smiling more rakishly than usual, he turned in her direction after tossing some words over his shoulder.
Turning back to Catherine so as to finish their conversation and not to appear overly forward, Julianna did not realize there were two gentlemen approaching her.
“Malcolm, what a delight to see you here,” greeted Lady Chorney with joy.
Julianna turned around at the low response, a smile of welcome touching her pretty face. She was stunned with a moment of confusion, but she then felt all the blood drain from her face at the sight of the two nearly identical looking men standing before her.
Lord Lucius Ackerley was smiling warmly at Julianna, but his look quickly turned to puzzlement as he noticed her moment of distress. She, of course, quickly recovered and appeared to be her usual composed self, if perhaps a bit stiffer than was her want.
“Lady Julianna, might I present to you my half-brother Mr. Malcolm Mansfield? Mac, this is Lady Julianna Montgomery.”
Malcolm bent over Lady Julianna’s cold hand with a rakish flourish, pressing a smacking kiss upon its back. He gazed at her shrewdly through slightly narrowed eyes, worried about his brother’s renewed interest in his former fiancé. Determined to ascertain her worthiness of his beloved brother, Malcolm endeavoured to engage her in conversation.
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Lady Julianna. How are you enjoying the Season thus far?” Malcolm began with a seemingly innocent question.
Holding tight to her composure and refusing to look at the viscount, Julianna answered through tight lips. “It has been quite lovely so far, thank you for asking.”
“I understand you have been in the country for several years and have only recently returned to the pleasures the ton has to offer.”
Julianna’s distracted gaze sharpened at his suggestive wording, but she remained composed and polite. “I am here as a chaperone to my niece who is making her debut this Season. We are enjoying the pleasure of attending various dinners and balls and are looking forward to seeing more of the city as the Season progresses.”
Luc could see what his brother was doing, and while he appreciated the concern that motivated it, as a grown man he could look after himself. He was surprised to see the distress well hidden in Julianna’s eyes and hoped it was not disgust over his brother’s obvious lack of nobility.
Ho
ping to ascertain the reasons for her distress, Luc tried to engage Julianna in conversation.
“How are you enjoying your evening thus far, my lady?”
“It is quite lovely, thank you, my lord. It was a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Mansfield. Lady Chorney, if you will excuse me, I must find my niece. Good evening.” Before they could stop her, Julianna had turned on her heel and disappeared into the crowd.
Luc turned to Catherine for an explanation. “What happened to her, Lady Chorney? We had made such progress in our friendship over the past week or so. Now she looked like she could barely tolerate the thought of my presence.”
Malcolm stepped into the conversation with angry words and a tight voice. “No doubt it is my baseborn presence which unsettled the earl’s sister. I know the Earl of Somerton has trouble with me being included in certain political conversations.”
Dismissing his brother’s comments Luc teased Malcolm despite his concern about Julianna. “The earl objects to your politics, not to who your mother was. I don’t think the earl has even noticed we are brothers. But it did seem Lady Julianna was troubled by you in some way.”
It was now Malcolm’s turn to tease. “Perhaps she found me irresistibly handsome and was unsure how to handle such hot emotions.”
Catherine stepped into the conversation at this point after laughing at Malcolm’s comments. “I see you are as humble as ever Malcolm. I have known Lady Julianna for years, and she is one of the least arrogant members of the aristocracy you are ever going to meet. It is one of her most appealing qualities as a friend when you are not connected to earls and dukes. Of course, I am sure she has never been fellow guests with the likes of you, but I don’t think it was that. If you two will excuse me, I think it best if I go find her.”
When Luc made to protest his own desire to search for her, Catherine waved him to silence. “If you go there is a greater chance of a scene, or at least, of some unwanted gossip. If it is something completely unrelated to you, she will search you out later and apologize. Otherwise, you can call on her tomorrow and ascertain for yourself what is going on.”
Sweet Surrender Page 14
