He realized Havers was worried about the same thing, for Julius spotted him amid the crowd, studying everyone who passed through the church doors.
Nor did Havers give more than a curt nod to acknowledge their arrival when he and Gory walked in, a sign that he was on the job.
Julius took a moment to scan the crowd, as well.
People from all walks of life were ambling in. Finest nobility, well-heeled gentry, commoners and those of the servant class took seats in the pews after greeting Gory.
Lady Easton’s sister and her husband made an appearance.
This did not sit well with Julius, for he still had his doubts about them. But Gory greeted them politely and did not appear to resent their presence.
Instead of having them removed, Julius remained on heightened watch while they asked after her, expressed their remorse over what Lady Easton had tried to do to her, and then moved on to take their seats. “I can order them tossed out,” he whispered in Gory’s ear.
“No, they’ve always treated me fairly. Have they not been shamed enough by my aunt? They’ll go to see her next, assuming the magistrate will allow their visit.”
“You are kinder than I would be.”
“Havers is convinced they were not involved and that is good enough for me. Besides, I’ve been treated badly most of my life and refuse to do the same to others.”
The Easton head butler, Jergins, walked in with a contingent of family servants.
Gory noticed them and waved them forward with a welcoming smile.
Mr. Barrow was also in the crowd, his gaze on the receiving line, especially on those who were inching closer to Gory.
Julius felt a chill run up his spine.
Was something going on?
He glanced at Gory who appeared regal as she graciously offered a gloved hand to each person passing on the queue.
Octavian and Leo, must have sensed something was off, as well. While their wives spoke with Farthingale relations, Huntsford Academy staff, and generally mingled, Leo took up a position near the head of the queue while Octavian planted his large frame immediately to the right of Gory.
Julius was standing immediately to the left of her, so that those on the queue passed by him first. His attention was on people’s hands rather than their faces. He intended to flatten anyone brandishing anything that glinted metal.
Octavian leaned over Gory’s head to speak to him. “Switch places with me.”
“No.” He knew Octavian meant to be the one standing in front of Gory and able to stop anyone suspicious from grabbing her, but he was not about to give up that role.
Octavian emitted a soft growl. “Your arm is in a sling.”
“It is fine. Gory made me wear it.”
She glanced up at him in surprise. “I made you wear it?”
“I wanted to wear it because it was important to you. We’ll discuss it later. I’m busy right now.”
Her eyes widened as she stared up at him again. “You are busy? What is it that you are doing other than standing beside me?”
“Protecting you, which is what Octavian wants to do, but I am not conceding my spot to anyone, not even to my brother.”
She pursed her lips and frowned at him. “What are you not telling me? Is there something more I should be worried about?”
He raked a hand through his hair. “No…that is, I don’t know. Havers and Barrow are here, but not for friendly reasons. Look at them. They are obviously on the lookout for someone.”
“Who?”
“I don’t know, love. Octavian and Leo noticed it, too.”
