His temper flared and he couldn’t help his reaction. “Why don’t you do us both a favor and be quiet!” He raised his voice and slammed his closed fist down. “I see you have not changed. You’re still a spoiled brat.”
She was infuriating him. Why couldn’t she just listen.
“I’d rather be a spoiled brat than a selfish ass who would end an engagement in a meager three-lined letter as an explanation for his abandonment.” Red mottled her cheeks.
“That’s enough!” Karrington growled at her. “Lady Julia, if you cannot control yourself, perhaps you should retire to your rooms.”
“Livie, can you ask your husband whose side he is on?” Julia stood and glared at Karrington then Henry.
“What are you, in nursery strings?” Heartford threw his napkin down and rose, glaring at her.
They locked eyes on opposite sides of the table. His last words swirled around the breakfast room like a wild tornado.
Chest heaving, lips parted, blue eyes frantic, and he could tell that she wanted to launch at him. He wanted her too, so he could kiss the sneer from her lips. She was breathtaking in her anger. He knew he deserved it, but what choice had he had at the time but to flee?
“Let’s all calm down. Mr. Edwards is our guest, and we should conduct ourselves appropriately. Julia, Heartford, sit down.” The duchess’ tone was firm, and they both immediately followed her instructions.
Julia slumped down into her chair, her breathing escalated as if she had run through Hyde Park. Henry’s body vibrated with his own turmoil for the situation he now found himself in.
Though he knew she would not acknowledge it, Henry rejoiced in knowing that they still had passion for each other. Even if she were being so damn infuriating. He would take her anger over anyone’s pity.
“Forgive me, Your Grace. I will try not to upset Lady Julia.” Henry tilted his head toward her. “I’m sure we can be civil.” He offered his hand in an attempt at a truce.
Julia took a sip of her tea before she stood and faced him. The fire in her eyes threatened to singe him from the outside. “Go to hell, Henry.”
With those last words, Julia St. John stormed out of the breakfast parlor.
“If you all will excuse me, I need to check on Lady Julia.” Livie wiped her mouth, and then gave each gentleman a sad smile that did not reach her eyes. “Good day, gentlemen.” Livie left the room.
Henry sat in silence, trying to gather his thoughts. He knew Julia had been upset with him last night, but he had hoped in the light of day her anger would have diminished. He had not realized the depth of her anger at him. He would have to reconsider his plans.
“I’m afraid the wound is still fresh for her.” Karrington’s gaze was hard, but not unkind. “The ton has not been kind to her.”
Although the words weren’t cruel, the truth of them sliced through Henry like a sword, creating a fresh wound in his chest. He hadn’t really thought about the repercussions for her of his actions when he left. He had a bigger job than he had ever thought possible.
“Did you expect anything different?” Elijah asked before he placed a rather large piece of ham in his mouth.
“I don’t know what I expected.” The verity of those words hit Henry hard as they left his lips.
Although Henry didn’t blame her for loathing him, he vowed to himself that he would change her mind.
No matter how long it took.
Can a lady be ruined twice? How lucky we all would be to be ruined by the Marquess of H.
Julia marched back and forth in the small shed. Although she could only take six steps before she had to turn around and go the opposite direction, the movement cooled her fury.
How dare he!
Her hands were balled into tight fists. Her body thrummed all over. She needed to scream at the top of her lungs at his audacity. She should leave and go to her aunt’s house. Hell, she wanted to, but she would never concede, not to him.
The laboratory, as Pippa called it, was a small shed with four small windows. Rows and rows of strange liquids, powders, and rocks lined the shelves.
“I’m sure your aunt and uncle would be happy to have you stay with them for a fortnight.” Pippa’s voice was cheery as she stood behind a large worktable. Different-sized decanters, some with bubbling liquid, others in strange colors, surrounded her. This was obviously the bluestocking’s happy place.
She was wearing a white jacket and a pair of strange spectacles that took up half her face. There was no doubt in Julia’s mind that Pippa Price was strange, but besides Livie, who was currently allowing that rogue to stay in her home, Pippa was one of Julia’s closest friends.
“I already told Livie I wouldn’t run. To hell with him!” Julia’s voice was venomous as his words repeated in her head over and over.
