“Nonsense!” Percival scoffed, waving his hand again. “You used your influence to rid us of that rogue and his dastardly schemes. And while I doubt we shall be able to return to Cheshire anytime soon, at least my family can sleep soundly, assured the threat of scandal won’t follow us here. My lovely daughter Helen—her prospects will not be tainted. Come inside, Your Grace, for that alone, luncheon is merited. My better half is eager to meet you also.”
With a nod, Julian fell into step beside Ester, her hand resting lightly on his arm as they followed Lord Kendrick crunching across the gravel drive toward the entrance of Loughton Grange.
For Julian, it should have been a moment of unbridled joy. One in which he gained fresh insights into the woman he had chosen, meeting and winning over her family. Yet, as he walked beside her, a bittersweet pang tugged at Julian’s heart. This was more than just a meeting of families. It was the first time since leavingthe harsh household of Doctor Hakesmere that he found himself on the cusp of trulybelonging.
CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE
Julian descended the grand staircase of Loughton Grange to a vision of loveliness. Ester awaited him at the foot of the stairs. Her light summer dress flowed elegantly over her figure, leaving her delicate shoulders bare. The curve of her lips held a fervent smile, one that promised welcome but also whispered of secrets. Julian smiled in return. He was privy to those secrets.
As he descended the last few steps, his hands instinctively sought the leather gloves he no longer wore, an old habit hard to break. Ester ascended two stairs and took both of his hands in hers. Julian could not help but experience a momentary frisson of fear. It was a bold act. At least to him.
“There is nothing to fear. And never was. Remember?” Ester reminded him gently.
“I do… but still, it is difficult to override the instincts of a lifetime.”
Her grip on his hands tightened, her eyes locking with his. “Then hold my hands tighter,” she whispered. “Touch my neck, my shoulders.”
She cast a quick glance around, ensuring they were alone, before lowering her voice to a sultry murmur, meant only for his ears. “Touch my chest. Anywhere you please. It will not harm me... Quite the opposite.”
Ester’s smile was now far from secretive. It was suggestive and alluring. The smile of a woman who knew how to arouse passion in a man. Or at least in this one. That smile was quite the most intensely erotic expression that Julian had ever witnessed.
Eyes quickly skimming the hallway, he leaned forward and stole a kiss. Ester rose to her tiptoes, eager for more, pressing her mouth firmly against his as Julian began to pull away. Perched precariously on the stairs, she began to overbalance. Without hesitation, Julian’s arm shot out, catching her by the waist, pulling her body flush against his. Ester had her eyes closed and was laughing softly. She opened them as he caught her, holding her up by his strength alone.
She bit her lip as she glanced up at him with that same intoxicating allure. Keeping one iron-strong arm about her waist, holding all of her slight weight, Julian reached up to caress her face with his hand, his fingertips trailing tenderly along the smooth curve of her cheek. His touch moved with deliberate slowness, followed down the graceful line of her jaw before descending to caress her throat. The world around them seemed to fade.
“Well, if you two aren’t the perfect pair of lovebirds! I have never seen such a charmingly matched couple!” came a young, female voice from above.
Julian, startled, nearly lost his hold on Ester, who in her own attempt to step away, found only thin air beneath her feet. A peal of laughter escaped her lips as she clung to Julian for balance.
“Helen! You impossible creature!” she exclaimed, laughing, “you frightened me witless!”
Julian glanced upward to see a young lady gracefully descending the stairs, her gown of pale blue modestly covering her figure. Her hair, a more vivid shade of bronze than Ester’s, framed a face of unmistakable resemblance—delicate features, a sprinkle of freckles, and that same dainty button nose. Even without the introduction, her likeness to Ester would have betrayed her as Miss Helen Fairchild, the youngest daughter of the Fairchilds.
“A pleasure to meet you, Miss Fairchild,” Julian began with a wry smile. “I must apologize for…” Realizing how he must’ve come across, Julian released Ester immediately, who stepped back onto a firmer footing.
For a moment, Helen’s mischievous expression faltered, and she half-raised her hand to her lips. Julian realized that his expression and tone probably gave little away concerning what they were doing. He regretted alarming the young girl immediately.
Ester promptly ascended to the landing on which Helen stood. “Do not be troubled, dearest,” she reassured her sister, pulling her into a brief but affectionate embrace. “His looks may be dark, but I assure you, his heart is all kindness.”
“Forgive me, Miss Fairchild, or may I call you Helen?” Julian began again, “I fear my manners have grown quite rusty after spending too many years away from the ton. Your sister has graciously pledged to help remedy that,” he finished with a smile.
Helen slowly relaxed. She gave an elegant curtsey where she stood, smiling sweetly.
“You may indeed, Your Grace,” she replied, a twinkle in her eye.
“Julian, if you please,” he said, lowering his voice conspiratorially. “While no ears are here to take offense, I confess I am not yet accustomed to being addressed by a title. It feels most unnatural.”
Helen’s brows rose in astonishment. “Do your staff not address you by your title, then?”
“I have only three,” Julian explained. “And at least two of them tend to make a point to avoid me,” he chuckled.
“Three?” Helen exclaimed, her astonishment turning to amusement. “Why, Father employs three men just to manage the stables alone! When I have my own household, I shallhave none at all. Well done, Julian! Servants are quite the anachronism, I fear,” she said with a mischievous gleam.
“Helen, you cannot say such things to a Duke!” Ester chided lightly but laughed all the same.
“Not a bit of it,” Julian responded warmly. “Your view is refreshing and progressive, Helen. Perhaps the world will be a better place with more people like yourself.”
Ester's smile was a candle beside the sun compared to the grin that appeared on Helen's face. She bounded down the last few steps playfully.
