“Are you all truly taking bets on when Karrington and Livie will have another child?” Henry cleared his throat in surprise. While Mother Di was known for discussing inappropriate subjects at times, Lady Hempstead had always been a proper lady.
Julia let out a little giggle, but quickly covered it with a cough. Henry looked at her. For a moment, they were the only two people in the room. Did she not feel that undeniable pull of attraction too? For Henry, it was if no time had passed since he last held her in his arms. And he wanted to again.
The familiar ache diminished when Dayton entered the room. He announced the new guest and officially doused Henry in cold water.
“The Duke of St. Clara.”
After being on the shelf for years, has Lady J finally made a match? How ever did she get her claws into the Duke of S? What is it about her that she has now had two dashing gentlemen court her? The real question is, will she make it to the altar this time?
Julia blinked several times as Dayton introduced St. Clara to the room. She was distinctly aware of Henry’s eyes on her. They had locked gazes for a brief moment. In that instant, time had not existed. It was the way he used to look at her when they were engaged and happy.
Anger coursed through her. He had no right to look at her in such a manner. He forfeited that right three years ago. He sat on the chaise as if he were Apollo himself with his blond hair and chiseled features. Her gaze stopped on his hands, noticing that he was wearing his gloves.
Memories came back as if the fire had happened yesterday. The smell of smoke choked the air. The image of his burnt hands forever imprinted on her mind. His right hand had more damage than his left.
Her heart went out to him for a moment, thinking of those perfect hands marred by the flames. Those hands had once done delicious things to her body. If she closed her eyes, she could still feel the pads of his fingertips on her skin.
“Your Grace! How wonderful of you to visit us.” Lady Hempstead rose and walked over to greet St. Clara.
Julia jolted abruptly to stand and greet her guest. She had forgotten their plans for St. Clara to visit, she had become so caught up in Henry’s presence. “Your Grace, what a surprise,” she said in an overexaggerated voice, causing St. Clara to squint his eyes at her in question.
His eyes locked on something behind her, his face losing color. She turned to see what had captured him so completely. Emily flipped through a picture book with Teddy beside her, happily chatting to each other in between her aunt and uncle.
St. Clara loudly cleared his throat several times before composing himself. He smoothed his lapels and straightened his back. He scanned the room, briefly pausing on Henry before landing back on Julia. A knowing smirk quirked the sides of his lips.
“Lady Julia, how splendid you are looking today.” He exaggerated each word as he bent down to kiss her ungloved hand.
She tried not to focus on how wrong it felt to be kissed by him, even in the slightest manner. It felt brotherly, like he was Remington, which was preposterous because she had agreed to marry him.
It was truly the best match she could make. A woman two and twenty, ruined with no possible suitors, and on the shelf had few options. No, her only choice was to marry someone she liked and respected, and that was St. Clara. She was sure they would be well suited, even without the fire of Henry’s kisses all those years ago.
Their last kiss still haunted her dreams. It had been the day before the fire, and they were alone in her aunt and uncle’s parlor. They were kissing passionately on the settee. Her bodice had come down to expose her small breast to him. Their encounters had become much bolder than their earlier kisses. The closer they came to their wedding, the more difficult it became to keep their hands off each other.
Julia often replayed the events of that perfect afternoon in her head, especially at night when she was alone.
She shook her head to rid her mind of the images of her panting like a wanton woman. She did not need, nor did she want, fire. She had had that once and look what it did to her. It ruined her, nearly destroyed her. No, well-suited was just fine.
“St. Clara, what are you doing here?” Remington said as he and Livie entered the parlor. Her lips were red and swollen, she had color high in her cheeks, and her eyes sparkled with mirth.
Their fire radiated around them. It was in every touch, glance, smile. At first, it was rather difficult to be around a couple filled with so much love and passion. But no one deserved happiness as much as her beloved cousin.
“Ahh, Karrington,” St. Clara replied smoothly, looking over at Julia’s cousin-in-law. “I’m here to visit with Lady Julia.” He bowed toward Livie who glanced from Julia to St. Clara in confusion. “Your Grace, you are looking as ravishing as ever. Motherhood becomes you.”
“St. Clara, you’ve always had a way with words. I still remember when you called meexotic.” Livie walked over to the children.
“Exotic?” Remington glared at St. Clara as if the word was a curse. “What the bloo—”
“Darling,” Livie warned her husband as she took Freddy from her father’s arms. “Come along, children. It is time for you all to retire.”
“Papa, will you read later?” Teddy beamed up at his father.
“Yes, I will read later. Now go with Mother.” He ruffled the little boy’s hair.
“Aunt Julia, are we going dress shopping tomorrow?” Emily ran over to Julia and pulled on her skirts.
Julia bent down and pressed a finger to her nose. “Tomorrow, if Aunt Livie comes with us.”
The little girl squealed in her white dress, clapping happily. She turned her bright eyes to her aunt. “Can we, Aunt Livie?”
