“Yes, I find myself bewitched by Lady Julia’s beauty so much so that I have asked her permission to court her.” St. Clara gave her a playful wink that caused her to roll her eyes at him.
“Whatever you think you’re doing, Julia, leave my wife out of it.” Karrington pointed a finger at her.
“Leave me out of what?” Livie came into the parlor and looked around. “Have you seen Teddy’s bear? He refuses to sleep without it in his arms.”
Remington stood and began looking for the beloved toy. The child would cry all night if he did not have the teddy bear. “Your cousin is up to something with St. Clara. I know it.”
Julia stood and searched the sofa cushions. “I am not. Why can’t two friends just fancy each other after a time?”
She hadn’t thought of the consequences that her decision to marry St. Clara would have on her family. Of course, Livie and Remington wouldn’t believe them. They personally knew that St. Clara and she were nothing more than friends.
Livie stood up from bending down to look under a chair, her eyes wide as saucers. “Are you two courting?” Her voice was accusing, her gray eyes narrowing.
“Just because you two fell madly in love at first sight doesn’t mean everyone else will as well. It took us a little longer to get there.” Julia waved her hand in the air.
“I didn’t fall in love with him at first sight. He was rather cold to me when we first met. I did think him rather handsome though,” Livie said dreamily, a whimsical smile on her face.
Remington looked up from behind the chaise lounge and held his arm up in victory. “Here we are. Freddy must’ve gotten hold of him and chucked him over there.” He wiped the bear off before walking over to his wife. “And you must know it was love at first sight for me.”
Color bloomed on Livie’s cheeks, the blush spreading quickly down her neck. “It was not,” she said rather breathlessly.
“It was indeed.” He looked down at her with that nauseatingly loving gaze. “From the moment I saw you in the center of the ballroom. At the time, I wasn’t sure if you were Hempstead’s daughter or niece.” His voice dropped as he looked down at her. “I just knew I had to have you.”
The intensity of their stare made Julia turn away as if she were intruding on an intimate moment. A pang of longing sliced through her at the reminder of what she would be giving up when she married St. Clara. She wouldn’t have anything close to the love and desire she just witnessed. Julia exhaled, a part of her mourning such a connection. She’d had it once upon a time.
“Right.” Livie shook her head and smiled. “M-May I speak to you for a moment, Your Grace?” She pointed toward the door, her face a bright shade of red.
“Certainly. After you, my duchess.” Remington’s voice was deep unable to hide his feelings about his wife as he trailed behind her out the door.
Julia exhaled in annoyance. Really, they should act a little better in front of St. Clara. She turned toward the man she was pledged to, but none of the feelings she’d witnessed passed between them.
He had a puzzled look on his face, his finger moving up and down toward the door. “What exactly just happened?”
“Ignore them. As a member of this family, you will surely become accustomed to their behaviors.” She turned her entire body toward him. “Speaking of which, no one is going to believe we just decided to court.”
He shrugged his shoulder. “Who cares. We’ve decided and that’s that.” He took her by the hand. “I am wondering about you and Heartford, little bird. Perhaps there is a second chance for you?”
She removed her hand from his, feeling as if the touch was too intimate combined with the subject of Henry.
Shaking her head vehemently, she responded, “There isn’t.”
Whatever there was between her and Henry Livingstone, the Marquess of Heartford, ended the day he left.
She could never allow someone to have complete and utter control over her heart again.
The course was set. She had agreed to marry St. Clara and become his duchess, and she would keep that promise.
No matter what.
Oh how the mighty have fallen! The former Baron B will hang in a sennight! In other news, the Marquess of H’s fortune may be lost forever. I’m sure there are several ladies who would not mind donating their dowries for a price. One strapping husband.
Henry sat in a private room in O’Brien’s Gentleman’s Club, waiting on Karrington and Elijah. They were meeting for a drink before the dinner party Livie was giving in his and Elijah’s honor. He didn’t feel like being the center of attention, especially with the news he had just received.
After finally speaking with his solicitor, Henry discovered he was penniless. There were only a few thousand pounds left in his coffers. He had no idea how his ancestral home fared. He’d have to make a visit Stone Manor eventually. In the meantime, he would write the steward, Mr. Davies, to inquire on the estate.
Another conversation with his mother and uncle was necessary, but Henry just couldn’t stomach it at the moment. Especially with his mother’s daily notes on the whereabouts of Lady Florentia Vaughn. He hadn’t even met the chit and his mother wanted him to marry her. Perhaps he should consider the marriage mart to refill his coffers. There was only one tiny problem—no woman would compare to Lady Julia St. John.
Henry took another drink and looked down at the newssheet. A cartoon depiction of Baron Bromswell glowered at him like a venomous snake coiled and ready to attack. It had been three years since he’d laid eyes on the man, but the image of him conjured up memories from the day his sister died.
