“It is. Seeing that Duncan has been with us for almost a year now, I thought we could hire her on and keep her in the kitchens. We know that you and His Grace aren’t that sort, but she is rather skittish.”
“Yes, that would be fine. I trust your judgment.” Livie reassured her.
The older woman smiled proudly, her cheeks coloring at the praise. “Thank you, but I wanted you to know.”
“Excellent.” Livie turned to face Julia who was holding a small piece of paper and a pencil. “Now Julia, I would like your wonderful handwritten place cards—”
“I know, but for how many? How am I going to have time to make them if you’re forcing me to sit in on your visit with Lady Jerzy?” Julia said in annoyance, stomping her foot like a petulant child.
They stared at each other in a silent battle of wills. Julia knew that her cousin despised when she made a scene, but really, she could be preparing the place cards instead of sitting on Livie’s tea with Lady Jerzy. The dinner was in a matter of hours for goodness’ sake.
Smiling tightly, Julia quickly added, “Excuse me, I apologize. You were saying?”
“I was saying,” Livie began, staring up at the ceiling, trying to control her temper, “that I will need handwritten place cards for twenty-two and your presence for tea with Lady Jerzy.” She turned back to Mrs. Tewksbury. “I’ve invited Mrs. Price and her aunt as well as Lady Julia’s … intended.” Livie eyed her cousin suspiciously. “We also have three last minute additions.”
Julia perked up at that. “What last minute additions?”
Livie cleared her throat several times before answering Julia. “Lady Florentia Vaughn and her parents will join us for dinner.”
Julia couldn’t believe her ears. “You know how she is. Why on earth would you invite that she-devil?”
“Yes, I am aware of her character. But Lady Heartford is very close to her mother and asked me to invite them as her own personal guests.” Livie gave her a small smile. “Try to tolerate her for one night, please.”
“I will try, but it’s not me you need to worry about. She’s the rude one,” Julia spat, her nerves now frazzled at the thought of Lady Florentia in her home.
Livie turned back to the housekeeper. “Let’s be sure not to seat Lady Vaughn near Lady Julia.”
“Yes of course, Your Grace. I better go make sure everything is on schedule.” The housekeeper bowed before rushing off.
Livie waited until the woman was gone before turning her stormy gray gaze onto her cousin. Julia had been able to avoid any questions about her sudden courtship with St. Clara for an entire sennight. It seemed her time was up.
“What are you doing with St. Clara? We both know you’re just friends.” Livie folded her arms, giving her the motherly stare she had perfected over the years.
Julia cleared her throat, straightening her back. “Things have changed between us. You understand that, don’t you?” She challenged her cousin, not wanting to show any signs of weakness.
“I do, but I know you, Julia, and I know he is not who you love.” Her cousin’s stare was unmoving, and Julia shifted on her feet, feeling the gaze in her bones. “I hope you know what you’re giving up.”
Julia’s breath stuttered slightly, a hint of melancholy filling her. “I’m not giving up anything,” she said fiercely, the words the strength she so desperately needed. “Now what do you need for the dinner party?”
Livie analyzed her for a brief moment before she nodded slightly. “I need place cards for tonight.”
“Very well, but I would like to start immediately. Who is coming?” Julia held her pencil at the ready.
Livie listed the names swiftly before she stopped to eye Julia. “Please do not do anything untoward to Lord Heartford’s place setting or his mother’s. I will not have a scene at this dinner. Am I making myself clear?” Livie used that no nonsense mother tone she had acquired over the past few years.
“Perfectly. I am not to do anything to embarrass the man that ruined me, the harlot that tried to torture me, or the mother who didn’t want me to marry her son.” Julia’s voice was high pitched and mocking.
“Do not be so dramatic. I am told that Mr. Edwards is currently looking for a home and that Lord Heartford will likely accompany him.” Livie turned away, dismissing Julia.
News of Henry’s pending departure did nothing to soothe Julia’s frazzled nerves. Since the moment he had reappeared in her life, he had been a constant reminder of what she lost three years ago. It did not help that she was surrounded by a loving family, one that, in the past, had always soothed her. But now seeing Livie and Remington’s affection with Henry’s ever-looming presence was nearly unbearable.
She plastered a smile on her face and tried not to think about him leaving. The sooner she didn’t have to see Henry Livingstone, the Marquess of Heartford, anymore, the better off she would be.
What could the most popular patroness want at the home of the Duchess of K? Will this be the push Lady J needs in society? Perhaps this time she will make it to the altar.
Julia sat on Livie’s other side at the far end of the small sofa in the Duchess Parlor, as the servants had dubbed the room where Livie received her guests. Julia sipped her tea delicately, aware that if she did anything untoward, it could ruin Livie’s chances at being a subscriber at Almack’s. Lady Jerzy was a pillar in society; if she said one negative thing about a person, it could ruin them forever. Although Julia was already ruined, she would like to avoid further ruination if at all possible.
The Duchess Parlor was smaller than the large parlor where they greeted most guests, but it was large enough for a small sofa and a couple of chairs. It had more privacy from barking dogs and searching children. The pale peach walls were feminine, a complement to the light blue decorative Chippendale furniture. A square pianoforte sat in the corner of the room in case the ladies wanted to entertain themselves.
