Struggling to hide his amusement, the earl fixed Julianna with what he hoped was a stern look. “What do you hope to accomplish on this visit, Lady Julianna? I understand you have a niece you are trying to marry off.”
Taken aback by the earl’s tone and question, Julianna looked at him with an elevated eyebrow. In that moment, she looked so much like her grandmother that Lord Yorkleigh hesitated to pursue his questioning.
“I cannot say that I had a particular agenda for visiting your home. In fact, my darling niece, Lady Odelia, has no intention of marrying this Season. She wishes to experience more of life before settling down to marriage. So when we received the invitation from, as it turns out, your wife,” she inserted with gentle emphasis, “we were happy to have an opportunity to rest, relax, and maybe make some new friends. Perhaps we were wrong in that expectation.” She ended her statements on such a wistful note that the earl was moved to regret the impulse that pushed him to test the woman.
The earl’s usually polite veneer resumed its place. “No, no, my dear lady, you were not wrong. My countess and I hope you will be comfortable and happy here this week. I pray you, pay no mind to a grouchy old husband that has been feeling a bit neglected over all the preparations.”
Not quite reassured by his explanation and not even fully believing him, there was nothing Julianna could do but smile graciously and continue walking.
The earl mentally kicked himself. Obviously confronting her was a bad idea and would get him nowhere. He wanted to get to know her and see if she was going to be trouble for his good friend Viscount Beaufort. Offending the woman was not going to accomplish anything.
“I understand you have been a substitute mother to your niece and nephew for the past several years.” Lord Yorkleigh tried to be conciliatory.
Julianna struggled to maintain a polite smile. She had thought the earl was a kind, intelligent man, but that was the most obtuse statement she had heard. She hated it when people referred to her as a substitute for the children’s mother. There is no way anyone could replace their mother.
“It has been my greatest privilege to have a small role in helping to raise my brother’s darlings.” There was a note of definite challenge in her voice as though she were daring the earl to question her statement.
“That is a lovely sentiment, my lady. As a new parent, I can say that it is a challenge, and I would think jumping into that position suddenly and with children the age yours must have been would be even more so than if you start off with babies.” As Philip said it he realized it was true. His admiration for the younger woman grew, and he decided then and there that he liked her. There was a lot he needed to still learn about her, but thus far he liked what he saw.
Unfortunately, she was not leaning in the same direction of learning to like as he was. Still distant, Julianna smile did not reach her eyes. “No doubt children can be a challenge at any age.”
“But rewarding none the less, or at least I hope so,” he answered with a self-deprecating smile. “Our charming baby has just passed his first year. We get excited with each step he takes and every gurgle that might be able to pass for mama or papa. I am sure that eventually we shall be setting our goals for him a little higher.”
Amusement finally showed on her face. “Eventually he will actually utter the words you are hoping for, my lord, have no fear. Of course, I missed that stage with Dee and Fletch, but the later years are exciting, too.”
Compassion softened his face as Lord Yorkleigh spoke. “It must have been a challenge for you at such a young age to come home from the excitement of London and settle into domestic duties.”
Still not feeling trustful or comfortable, Julianna decided to be honest but not to go into too many details. “There were many aspects of my Season that I did not enjoy. My parents had recently died, so I was sad and lonely. It was tragic that my brother’s wife died so young, but helping him with his children in his hour of need really filled a large void for me at the time. Children bounce back much faster than adults sometimes, and they really helped me deal with my own worries.”
Philip didn’t respond, only continued looking at her with sympathy, so Julianna continued. “Of course, I would be lying if I told you there were no challenges. I knew very little about children and had few adults I could turn to for guidance, but thankfully their mother had done a marvellous job up until then, so they were wonderful children to look after.”
After another brief, melancholic pause, Julianna continued in brisker tones, “The housekeeper who has been in service at Somerton for much of my life is still there, so I have relied heavily upon her wisdom. My only regret is that dear Fletcher and Odelia missed out on so many wonderful people in their lives. Their mother and my parents would have been so good for them to know.”
Irritated by the catch in her voice, Julianna broke off for a moment, gazing into the trees lining the path they were walking. After clearing her throat, Julianna continued in much lighter tones.
“I regret nothing about coming home to be with my brother’s family except that my own very short experience with the ton does not set me up very well to guide Odelia. I find myself constantly parroting things my mother or grandmother said to me. It has been interesting to be back in London. I was looking forward to these few days here at Yorkleigh as a respite from the social whirl.”
The look of sympathy on Philip’s face deepened at this. “And here you are being interrogated by your host. I am sorry, Lady Julianna, how ill-bred of me to bring up such painful subjects.”
Julianna had to agree that it was ill bred of him, so she made no comment. The earl continued after a brief, slightly awkward, pause.
“So since I started off on such a rude foot, I might as well continue.” This caused Julianna to laugh nervously and look at him with questions dancing in her eyes.
Philip asked, “You mentioned a moment ago that there were aspects of the Season you did not enjoy. I am surprised. I thought every young lady lived for the day she would step out into Society and loved every moment of the experience.”
“Well, not every lady, my lord. In fact, I would say there are many who find it trialsome. If you are a wallflower for example, it would no doubt not be nearly as enjoyable as if you were popular and danced each evening through.”
Lord Yorkleigh regarded Julianna appraisingly. “You cannot try to convince me that you were ever a wallflower.”
She blushed charmingly at this but continued. “Well no, I am from a good family and was sponsored by the Duchess of Westerley. I never lacked for partners. But there are countless numbers of reasons to not love the Season. I was homesick and missed my mama. I had just come out of mourning for my parents when my grandmother summoned me to London. It was poor timing. And to be honest, I felt unprepared for the many people with two faces. There is so much that is fake about Society. We are all so polite to one another’s face, but then so many will rip you to shreds behind your back. The duchess felt we were above such things and should take no notice of it, but as a young girl that was an impossible command to obey.”
“So you left London without a proposal and went home to help your family?” the earl probed.
Laughing lightly, Julianna tried to avoid details, unsure how much the earl would remember about her from seven years ago and not wanting to risk any reflection on Odelia. “A girl must not brag about such things, my lord, but I was not without any proposals. I just chose not to pursue marriage at that time.”
Still concerned for his friend, but convinced the young woman was not out to hurt him, the earl decided to just ask one more question before he let her off the hook completely. “If I recall correctly you were once engaged to Viscount Beaufort. Are you uncomfortable being here while Lord Ackerley is also a guest?”
Unable to prevent the blush that lightly stained her cheeks, Julianna allowed irritation to finally show through her voice. “I always thought gentlemen did not stoop to idle gossiping. I assumed that was the purview of old maids
and idlers.”
Philip chuckled at her set down. “You were misinformed, my lady. Gentlemen gossip nearly as much as the ladies do. It is just usually about different topics. I was not referring to gossip. I was just inquiring as to your comfort.” He tried to smooth her ruffled feathers.
“Well, thank you for your concern, my lord. I was a bit surprised to see that the viscount was here at the same time as us, but we get along just fine. You need not fear any ugly scenes. Lord Ackerley knows how to behave as a perfect gentleman.”
Philip noticed she was not calling Luc a gentleman, only that he knew how to behave as one. Interesting, he thought as he then made every effort to set the lady back at her ease. He was satisfied that she was an admirable young woman who would make his friend an excellent wife should he decide to pursue the connection. It was now none of his business.
“Do you enjoy riding, my lady?” he inquired politely after answering a few questions she had about the estate.
“I love to ride, my lord. It is one of the things I miss most being in London. We did not bring our mounts to Town for the Season. No doubt they are eating themselves sick back at Somerton, and we will have our work cut out for us to get them back in shape this summer.”
“Please, feel free to make yourself at home in our stables while you are here. We have several horses that are not being ridden regularly since my wife is in a delicate condition.”
“Thank you for your generous offer. Odelia and I were just this morning wondering if we would get a chance to explore this beautiful countryside.”
“I believe my wife is planning for the group to go exploring tomorrow either on horseback or in carriages. Your wish will be granted at that time.”
“I will look forward to it.” Julianna had finally relaxed and was beginning to enjoy the stroll with the earl. It fleetingly crossed her mind to wonder why he had seemed so intent on riling her, but she decided to worry about it later. She was just beginning to wonder if they should be returning to the house.
“I feel as though I have occupied too much of your time, my lord. If you have pressing obligations, please do not allow me to detain you. I am perfectly capable of entertaining myself. I should actually probably go and check on Odelia. She was to play croquet as Lord Sheasby’s partner. I might need to rescue him from her in case her chatter is driving him to distraction.”
As she said that, they rounded a curve in the path and entered a small clearing. Lord Ackerley was seated on a bench. It was hard for Julianna to think this was a coincidence.
“It is kind of you to offer. There are, in fact, several things I should be looking after. Perhaps the viscount will be so kind as to escort you to the croquet field.” Philip looked amused at the look of dismay that crossed Julianna’s face, quickly replaced with a polite smile.
“I would not wish to impose upon his lordship’s time. I can walk myself back to the house.” Julianna wanted anything but private time with the viscount.
Luc had quickly stood when the two finally arrived. He had been waiting for several moments and had begun to wonder if he was on the wrong path. He hastily stepped into the conversation. “It would be my pleasure to walk with you, Lady Julianna.”
There was little she could do other than accept as graciously as possible. Her smile a little tight, she thanked the earl for his time then accepted the viscount’s offered elbow.
Chapter 25
“Did you have a pleasant stroll with the earl?” Luc asked politely, trying to start a conversation with his now silent companion.
“It was interesting,” was all she had to offer on the subject, which caused Luc’s eyebrows to rise in speculation.
“’Interesting,’” he repeated. “That is a curious way to describe your afternoon.”
Not feeling comfortable to confide in the viscount, Julianna did not wish to go into detail. “Well, it was interesting,” she insisted then tried to change the subject. “How has your day been thus far?”
“Thank you for asking, my dear. It was quite nice. I went for a bruising gallop on one of Philip’s best horses. It helped sweep the cobwebs from my upper works,” he laughed at his own use of the cant expression. “The tedious drive out here from London and the late night last night had not left me in a fit state for company this morning. But I am feeling much more the thing after my ride.”
“Oh, that must have been quite lovely,” she said, envy evident in her voice.
“Would you like to go for a ride? I would be happy to go with you. I am sure the earl would not begrudge you the use of one of his horses.”“You are correct. In fact, he has already offered me carte blanche in his stables. But I really should check on Odelia. I am supposed to be her chaperone, after all.”
“Do you never get a chance to look after your own interests?” Luc asked with almost fierce intensity.
Taken aback by his tone, Julianna endeavoured to keep things light. “But it is in my interest to watch over her. I adore my niece and want only her happiness.”
“But what of your happiness?” Luc persisted.
“That makes me happy,” Julianna insisted, quickening her pace.
“Hold up, Julianna,” the viscount called, grabbing her arm to prevent her from getting away. “Why are you running away from me all the time? There are so many things piling up that I wish to discuss with you.”
Starting to feel a bit panicked, Julianna tried to shrug out of his grip, but he kept his hold firm on her arm. “I am not running away, my lord,” she answered maintaining formality despite his use of her given name. “I just really do feel duty bound to ensure Odelia is fine.”
“If she is perfectly content, then will you go for a ride?” Luc persisted, wishing to spend more time with her.
“Lord Yorkleigh mentioned that the group will be going for a ride tomorrow, so I think I will wait until then, but thank you for the invitation.”
Nearly growling in his frustration at Julianna’s efforts to keep him at arm’s length, Luc released the grip he had forgotten he still had on her arm. “Well, then, allow me to walk with you as you go to check on her.”
“Thank you, I would be happy for your escort,” she was forced to answer with polite correctness.
They fell silent for several paces while Julianna wondered how much more complicated her life could get.
“So what will you do if she is comfortably ensconced in her game of croquet?” Luc asked, curiosity making him persist.
Drawing a deep breath to curtail her impatience with the man, Julianna turned to look searchingly at the viscount. Deciding that his stepping out of the social bounds meant she could as well, she countered his question with one of her own. “Why do you ask, my lord?” Despite her desire to put him off his questioning, she was unable to completely leave the social niceties behind.
Luc chuckled quietly at this vocal parry. “I am asking because I would dearly enjoy having a conversation with you. Since you seem intent on avoiding that for some strange reason, I would like to spend time with you even if you do not wish to talk. So in asking what you will be doing with your time, I am trying to ascertain if I could do it, too, whatever it may be.”
Unable to resist, Julianna grinned at Luc, finding his detailed answer amusing despite her desire to avoid him. Regaining seriousness she again questioned, “But why?”
“Why do I persist despite your obvious reluctance?” he countered.
At her weak nod, he answered her as honestly as possible. “I really don’t have an answer for that, my dear. I must be a glutton for punishment. I must admit to you that I have never found myself in the position of needing to work so hard for the attentions of a lady. You are driving me mad with your warmth one moment followed by cool reception the next. But I feel compelled to get to the bottom of it. I am almost certain there has been a serious misunderstanding underlying all this angst.”
A hot blush splashed across Julianna’s cheeks and she stumbled to find a response to this statement. At a loss, she merely
shook her head in abstract denial of his words. She hoped fervently he would let the matter drop. That was a fruitless hope as it turned out.
“You did not answer my question, my lady. I hesitate to point out your lapse in protocol, but one really must keep up appearances,” he tried to ease her discomfort by jesting about the matter, but he truly did wish to spend time with her and needed her to spell it out for him if she was going to absolutely refuse.
Her blush deepened in her confusion before she remembered that he had asked her what she would do if Odelia were occupied.
Giving in to what appeared to be inevitable, she turned to the viscount and smiled as graciously as possible. “If we arrive to find she is happily engaged in playing croquet with Lord Sheasby then I believe I will find a bench in the sunshine and enjoy a conversation with you, my lord.”
“Oh, well, I might be otherwise engaged, my lady,” he teased her before squeezing her arm in appreciation for her capitulation.
Regaining her backbone, Julianna teased back. “Well, if you have an appointment or some other engagement, no doubt I will be able to find someone to keep my company while I await the outcome of my niece’s game. Your escort has been deeply appreciated since I doubted my ability to find my way back to the house along this well-marked path.”
The viscount could not help laughing at her cheek. “You, my lady, have some nerve.”
Retaining her blush, Julianna countered, “You seem to bring out the very worst in me, my lord.”
Silently rejoicing over her apparent thawing toward him, he smiled at her in genuine amusement and decided to stop pressing the matter. There would be time enough to pursue a conversation when they got back to the house and saw how the croquet players were doing.
They walked in companionable silence for a few moments as they neared the house. They could hear a commotion, as they got closer. When they came to the end of the path and entered the clearing, they were surprised to see many of the guests milling around, cheering on the players. Odelia and her partner, the amiable Lord Sheasby, seemed to be in the lead by a small margin, but the few players near them in score seemed just as determined to catch up and defeat them. The other players had given up the game as a hopeless cause and had joined the spectators in cheering on those still in the race.
Sweet Surrender Page 24
