“Yes,” Patience said slowly, “Although—I still think of Walter. I cannot imagine being with another man. I’d rather die an old maid.”
“Come now. There is more than one amiable man in the country.”
Patience chewed at her bottom lip. “My mother wants me to pursue Lord Seton.” Agitation shown in her eyes.
Juliana had no idea why her chest constricted at the thought. She turned to Patience. “And will you?”
Patience laughed, lightening the mood. “Of course not. But she won’t stop pestering me on it.”
“And Peter won’t stop being pestered by other women,” Juliana whispered thoughtfully. As an idea sprung into her mind, a smile cracked her face.
Patience noticed. “What is it? What’s on that devious mind of yours?”
Juliana nearly skipped in scheming excitement. “You should court Lord Seton.”
Patience shifted uncomfortably. “But I’ve already said I don’t want to.”
“No—you should pretend to court Peter,” Juliana revised, in a whisper. “That way, your mother will get off your back and Peter will be able to enjoy the rest of this season in relative peace.” She looked back to her maid to see if they had been overheard. They were safe as the maid was out of earshot.
Patience gave Juliana a sidelong glance. “But what happens after the season is over? My mother would expect a marriage proposal.”
“Which Lord Seton will give, certainly,” Juliana said as giddy excitement bubbled up, replacing her earlier jealousy. “And of which you will refuse.”
Patience groaned aloud. “My parents would kill me. I’d become a social outcast.”
“Just tell them you tried to love another man but couldn’t forget your dear Mr. Longman. If they had any heart, they might accept that.”
The girls circled a stark, old trunk of a tree, they supposed was an elm. “I don’t think this will work.”
“Come now, it will be great fun. And might take your mind off your barrister, even if for just a little while.” Juliana urged. “You two already converse so well. It won’t take much convincing to spread some rumors that Lord Seton is courting you.”
Patience thought on it. “I suppose it would keep my mother from badgering me about finding a suitor for a few weeks.”
“And any woman with sense would back off Lord Seton.” Juliana didn’t know why that thought gave her such comfort. “Although, I have to admit it has been great fun watching his discomfort.”
“Why don’t you court him, then?” Patience shot her eyebrows up.
“Because.” Juliana searched her mind for a valid reason but struggled to find one. “Because I don’t benefit from the ruse. You would.”
They turned to exit the park. “Alright, if Peter agrees to it, I will, too.”
Juliana’s smile stretched, excitement at their new game pushing out any rational thought that might have warned her that this was a bad idea, and headed for Patient’s home, impatient to start their rouse.
***
“You want me to do what?” Peter asked, sure he had misunderstood.
Juliana sat in front of him in her uncle’s parlor, Patience blushing beside her.
Juliana’s smile grew wider. “Poor Patience needs a respite from her controlling mother. If you pretended to court her—”
Peter huffed out a laugh of disbelief. “This is a very bad idea, Juliana.” He looked to Patience. “I’m sorry to disappoint you, Miss Patience.”
Patience smiled, not looking disappointed at all. “There’s no harm done. It was Juliana’s wild idea.”
“It’s not wild! Peter, you’re being swarmed with women in your time of grief. This could give you the right amount of distance you need. Plus, I can’t wait to see Miss Rebecca’s face when she learns you’re courting Patience.”
Peter leaned forward, locking eyes with Juliana. “I do not make a habit of pretending around my friends.” He glared sternly at her, sure now that she had gone mad.
Juliana clenched her jaw. “It would just be for a few weeks.”
Peter sighed and looked to Patience. “And what will happen when I am expected to make an offer? What then?”
“I would refuse it,” Patience said quickly. She glanced at Juliana. “There’s a hope that my refusal to you and recommitment to my love for Mr. Longman will secure my parents’ blessing—this time.” The pain in Patient’s eyes caused Peter to soften.
This fit well into Juliana’s personality; she was loyal to a fault.
Peter lowered his eyes, looking at his hands. If this was simply a scheme to convince Patience’s parents to let her marry the man she loved—he shook his head. No matter the wrapping, it still sounded like a foolhardy business.
“I’m not going along with this, Juliana,” he stated firmly.
She frowned. “You, my dear Lord Seton, are no fun.”
“And you have too much of it,” Peter countered. “At other people’s expense, I might add.”
“The only expense would be your own, Lord Seton, with all due respect,” Patience broke in, loyalty to her friend pushing past her earlier discomfort. “Juliana is only trying to help the both of us have a more enjoyable season.”
Peter pressed his lips together, trying to calm his unease. “And if I decide I’d like to court another young lady?”
Juliana shrugged. “Then court her, I suppose. We’ll end the scheme.”
He still didn’t like it, but he also didn’t like the way Juliana looked at him, expectant. If he said no, he would ruin her high spirits. Besides, he didn’t really have plans to court anyone. Not this year.
“Alright,” Peter sighed. He locked eyes with Patience and stood, bowing low and taking her soft hand in his. “Miss Patience, I would like to court you under the guise of protecting both you and me from unwanted romantic interests. As soon as I make an offer, you are to refuse. I reserve the right to end the faux courtship any time I choose. Are we in agreement?”
Patience smiled, her cheeks growing slightly pink again. “We are.” She smiled demurely.
Peter squeezed the back of her hand lightly before straightening and turning to Juliana. Her eyes were bright with merriment. “Someday some poor man will have to deal with your demands for the rest of his life,” he said wryly.
“For the time being, that unfortunate man will have to be you,” she returned with a giggle.
He suddenly had the urge to repent of this scheme and wash his hands of the whole business. But staring into Juliana’s shining eyes gave him a pleasure he was not expecting. Despite his earlier teasing, the man who caught her affections would be a very happy man indeed.
“Come now, you must take us to Gunter's for some of their famous ice, I have not yet been, but have heard the most delicious things about it,” Juliana persuaded.
“Because I do not have a stack of things to do already,” Peter said dryly.
“Come, you came to London to enjoy its pleasures and forget about your new responsibilities. This will be the perfect start to your faux courtship.”
Peter held his arm for Patience to take, a smile forming as he did so. “Miss Patience, I would be honored if you would accompany me to Gunter’s. You may invite your friend along if you desire.” His smile was barely concealed, and Juliana beamed from the corner of his eye.
Patience gave him a grin before taking his offered hand, letting him help her from the settee she shared with Patience.
The girls made ready, and he stepped onto the streets, a girl on each arm. The walk was just a seven-minute stroll, but they caught the eyes of many as they paraded down the crowded streets of his summer residence.
This woman would be the death of him. He took his eyes to Juliana, her blonde curls poking from under her newly purchased bonnet. He had no idea how he was so easily persuaded by her, as he’d never had this problem before. You’ve never seen her as a woman before, a voice inside chided. He took his attention to Patience as they walked into Gunter’s Tea shop, resolved to
pay as much attention to Patience as possible. He could be true to this game, no one would ever accuse him of shirking his duties.
Waiters started across the street to open carriages, where people were dressed to show off their gowns, bringing them their ice and other treats. The patrons rested under the shade of trees, wanting to be seen instead of going inside to mingle. There were many people Peter knew already, outside. It seemed Gunter’s was a popular spot for the beau monde. He stepped into the tea shop, scanning the room for people he might know when a waiter ran to them, guiding them to a small table. The crowded shop smelled brilliant with the scent of confections dancing in the air.
Juliana took a seat next to Patience. He slipped in next to her as she watched the waiters bring molded ice shaped as various fruits to other guests, the outside lightly frosted causing it to look decidedly refreshing.
“This place is packed with the cream of society.” Juliana brought her focus to Peter in wide eyed excitement.
“It is one of the few acceptable places to sit with a man to dine in public. And the food is an exceptional treat.” Peter offered.
“You sound as if you’ve already enjoyed the delicacy.” Juliana studied him, a new look of interest forming in her curious eyes.
“I brought my mother,” he said quickly, avoiding the subject of his previous season’s admirers. He had no idea why the thought of her knowing his former attempts at lovemaking rattled him.
“I’ve had them too.” Patience joined the conversation. “The Pineapple ice is the best, but they don’t always have it available.”
Juliana turned to her friend. “I would love to try the pineapple. I have never tasted it’s flavor.”
“Oh, you will love it. The cream in the ice makes it smooth on the palate.” Patience smiled broadly.
A waiter stopped at their table. “Are you ready to order my lord?” There was no trace of a guttural accent as he spoke, the waiters in this upscale Tea having been more educated than most.
He turned his attention to Juliana. “Would you like to try the pineapple?”
“If they have it.” She smiled at him.
He nodded before taking his attention to Patience. “Do you know what you would like?” he asked with an adoring smile.
A slight blush colored Patience’ cheeks. “I’ll have the raspberry,” she said quickly, turning her attention to Juliana.
He turned back to the waiter. “Two pineapple ice’ and one raspberry. I would also like a plate of Shrewsbury Cakes.”
Juliana scolded. “You still have a penchant for Shrewsbury cakes?”
“Indeed. They are better than the biscuit.”
Patience broke in, defending Peter. “Shrewsbury cake goes very well with the ice’.”
“I will have to take your word then, dear Patience.” Juliana smiled at her friend.
Peter instantly knew she was just trying to tease him. How the tables had turned.
The waiter moved away, and Juliana cried in delight as Mr. Westcott moved his way to their table. “I find myself astonished to spy you in here as I walked past. I just had to come in to see how you enjoyed the fine tastes of London.”
“Do sit and join us, dear Mr. Westcott.” Juliana smiled and pointed to a seat next to Peter.
“I don’t wish to intrude.”
“Nonsense. We would love to have your company, isn’t that right Lord Seton.” She turned her expectant eyes to Peter.
He nodded in agreement. “Of course, relax with us. It is Juliana’s first time in coming here.” Peter tried to force away his annoyance at being interrupted by Mr. Westcott. With Peter supposedly courting Patience, it would mean Mr. Westcott could give his attention to Juliana. The thought did not sit well with him.
Mr. Westcott pulled out the last remaining seat, sitting next to Peter and Juliana. Mr. Westcott turned his chair towards Juliana. “How are you liking London?”
“It wasn’t what I expected. Saving your good company and of course Patience, I’m not sure I would have survived.”
Peter looked affronted at Juliana. “What am I, chopped liver? I rushed to London to save you from the bane of society, and this is the thanks I get!” He was only half jesting.
“I was talking before you came to London.” She took her laughing eyes to Mr. Westcott.
He returned her smile with an affectionate grin. “You are old news, I dare say, at least where Miss Gibbon is concerned. With the new title, I’m sure you’ll find more suitable admires. Can’t have them all, good man.” He joked to Peter.
Juliana turned excitedly to Mr. Westcott, bringing him in on their secret. “Lord Seton has his eyes on Miss Patience.”
Patience’ eyes widened. Peter placed his hand over Patience’ to comfort her at the announcement. She was probably not prepared for the sudden reveal of the game.
“Really? Quite extraordinary. I would have thought you would give it more time with the death of your father so soon.” Mr. Westcott seemed truly surprised.
“Yes, well it was my mother’s idea. She’s got it in her mind that a wife would bring some much-needed sunshine to Alder Court. Can’t argue with a grieving widow.” Peter did not like having his actions open to scrutiny, especially by this man who so clearly had an interest in Juliana.
“You mustn’t blame poor Lord Seton. Patience really is an extraordinary girl. He couldn’t help himself to her charms.” Juliana defended him.
Mr. Westcott didn’t seem to be buying Juliana’s explanation. Compared to Juliana, Patience paled, though she was beautiful in her own right. “Her charms far exceed her beauty.” Peter smiled at Patience.
Patience seemed to lighten, showing him a small smile before the refreshments were placed in front of them.
“You must order some ice for yourself,” Juliana said to Mr. Westcott.
“No, I’ll have some refreshment at my club. I was on my way when I spied you through the window.”
Juliana turned to the waiter. “Will you please bring an extra spoon?”
“Sharing your dessert isn’t the thing.” Peter scolded.
The waiter promptly returned, placing the extra spoon in front of Mr. Westcott. “I know we are not in the country, but do you not think it bad manners to eat in front of friends?” Juliana scooted her ice, so it lay in between her and Mr. Westcott.
Mr. Westcott chuckled slightly. “Far be it from me to deny our Miss Gibbon. Perhaps I will just take a taste.” He took a small wedge from her ice before tasting the sweet concoction and placing the spoon in front of him.
“Now Miss Gibbon, do not let me halt your pleasure any further. Go ahead and enjoy the rest.” He slid the ice in front of Juliana with a pleased smile.
Peter hoped Juliana realized the tone she was sending Mr. Westcott. This was tantamount to a pursuit, and Mr. Westcott didn’t seem to mind in the least.
He forced his attention to Patience as he took a bite of his ice. But Juliana’s happy enthusiasm toward her ice made it hard for him to concentrate on his intended for very long.
When the treats were eaten, and the conversation waned, Peter helped Patience from the table. Taking her arm, they took the lead. Peter forced his thoughts to menial matters as Julianna tittered behind, hanging on Westcott’s every word.
Chapter Eight
Peter walked into the brightly lit ballroom, the noise of laughter and chatter buzzing in his ears. The wealthy hosts and hostesses in London hadn’t slowed the parties or balls. This being the biggest event yet. He was suddenly thankful for the scheme Juliana had come up with. Being forced to mingle, flitting from partner to partner would be excruciating.
He scanned the room looking for Juliana. She was an anchor for him in his time of grief, a ray of sunshine he could always look forward to. And her friend Patience had stepped in to help Juliana in her time of need. For that, he would be eternally grateful. It helped that he enjoyed her company, as well. The two girls were like long lost sisters. Thick as thieves. He smiled thinking of the time they’d
spent at Gunter’s. It had been a diverting afternoon, even if Mr. Westcott had interrupted the outing.
Peter spotted Juliana through the crowd, in a pale blue gown, her light hair pinned up behind her head. Her eyes found his and she smiled.
Before he had time to return it, a woman stepped into his line of vision. He blinked, glancing down at her. She wore long feathers in her hair and looked to be at least ten years his senior. He knew her from somewhere, he just couldn’t quite place it. Waiting for her to remind him of their introduction, he kept silent.
“Good evening, Lord Seton.” The woman curtseyed with a feigned look of sorrow. “May I offer you my deepest condolences.”
“Thank you.” He gave her a slight bow, trying to stamp down his annoyance at being thwarted in his attempt to go to Juliana.
She straightened, scanning his face. “You do not remember me?” she asked with a laugh, her features instantly changing. “Lady Latisha Allen.”
Ahh, Miss Rebecca’s mother. He should have guessed. The two women shared the same eyes. “Oh, yes. Forgive me.” He had become acquainted with Miss Rebecca only briefly last season, simply because they ran in similar social circles. Rebecca had been too wrapped up in a now-married earl to allow him much conversation. Her attempts at knowing him now annoyed him slightly.
Lady Allen smiled the way a fox would before attacking a coop of hens. “I wanted to ask a special favor of you tonight.” She placed a gloved hand on the arm of his evening coat. “Rebecca would be delighted if you would reserve at least two dances for her this evening. The poor girl has so many suitors, and I believe you would be a breath of fresh air.”
Peter knew the trap she was laying before him. He cleared his throat. “I thank you, Lady Allen, for the kind compliments. But I am looking forward to dancing most the night with Miss Patience Hawthorne. We have recently begun a courtship.”
Lady Allen’s eyes widened. “You will dance exclusively with Miss Hawthorne?” She removed her hand from his arm, placing it to her breast. “But what about all the other fine young ladies who may not get the chance to dance? Surely you should think of them?”
A Friendly Alliance (Heirs of Berkshire, #1) Page 5
