Her aunt must have realized she had overstepped by drawing suspicion upon Adela, Marigold, and Syd. “I will not listen to any more of this nonsense! Get out. All of you. Get out!”
Gory cast Julius a pleading look.
He nodded. “Havers, we’ll await you in the lobby.”
Taking Gory firmly by the elbow, he led her out and did not let go of her arm until they reached the lobby. “What a waste of time,” he muttered.
“How was it wasteful? Havers now has an understanding of the workings of our miserable family. My aunt did not take long to toss me into the fire, did she? I knew she would accuse me. She would have done so whether I stood to inherit a fortune or not a single farthing because she hates me that much. Am I so unlikeable, Julius? I know I am odd, but…”
She was going to upset herself if she thought too hard about it.
Especially about being strange and unlikeable, which she was if those in the ton were to be believed. But this was also the reason why Julius would never fall in love with her, was it not? He tolerated her and protected her because of her ties to his family. From time to time these past few days he had referred to her as ‘love’ instead of merely calling her Gory. But he used the endearment mostly out of pity. She would never hear serious words of affection escape his lips or ever receive a marriage proposal from him.
Not that it should matter to her because she was betrothed to Allendale and everyone believed she would marry him in a few days.
But how could she bind herself to him now? That he was a viscount was of no importance to her. She did not care about his title. This was not the reason she had agreed to marry him.
A sharp pang suddenly shot through her head. “Oh, ow!”
Julius grabbed her as she faltered. “Gory! What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know. Ow.”
“Again? That does it, I’m taking you home.”
“But–”
“No. Your body is warning you that it is about to give out.”
“It is doing no such thing. I think it is a memory trying to surface.”
“Do not force it, Gory. Let me get you safely home and back in bed.”
“But the memory is right there. If only…I… It’s about my wedding, and– Ow! There it is again.”
“Blast it, Gory. I’m taking you home. Not a word of protest.” He lifted her in his arms, drawing everyone’s attention as he carried her to their waiting carriage and deposited her gently on the seat bench.
“Why did you do that? I could have walked to carriage on my own. Now, everyone in the ton will be gossiping about us.”
“So what?” He dismissed her concerns with a shrug and turned to the driver. “Hastings, do not allow Lady Gregoria to move from this spot. I’ll be right back.”
After tossing her a warning glower, he marched back inside to leave word for Havers that he had taken her home.
Well, not to her home.
They were returning to the Thorne residence.
Another pang shot into her temples, almost blinding her with its sharpness.
Julius returned at the very moment she cried out and doubled over.
Drat.
What miserable timing.
Now he was going to fuss over her like a mothering hen.
“Bloody hell,” he muttered, jumping in beside her and rapping on the roof to signal Hastings to drive off. “Do not dare tell me you are fine.”
