“Yes, I have.” Julia decided to keep her answers direct and to the point. There was no point in engaging with the hateful woman.
Lady Heartford had instantly disliked Julia the moment they met. She did not know why, since she hardly knew the woman. Three years ago, Julia had wanted nothing more than for the mother of the man she loved to accept her, but that was no longer the case. She did not care one shilling for the woman’s opinion of her.
“My, haven’t we bounced back splendidly, and with a duke no less,” the marchioness sneered, her malice and contempt clear in her voice. “St. Clara, Lady Evers’s brother, how could you be so insensitive—”
“That’s enough, Mother.” Henry’s stern voice pierced through the room, causing every eye to turn to where he stood. Unlike his former self, this version of Henry was different. He was no longer relaxed and bubbly. No, he now commanded attention with his muscular physique and sharp posture. Julia tried to ignore the David in front of her, but it was nearly impossible.
“Surely, you’re not defending her? Let’s be happy that you wised up before it was too late.” Lady Heartford’s maliciousness sucked the air out of the room, making Julia feel ill.
“I said that was enough. No matter what occurred between Lady Julia and myself, you do not have the right to disrespect her in such a way.” Mother and son glared at each other in the now silent room. “Apologize now.”
Julia couldn’t help herself. Her gaze found his. They locked in on each other, and she forced herself not to grin.What was wrong with her?In the months they were together, he had never once stood up to his viper of a mother.
In spite of herself, she liked it.
“That won’t be necessary, Lord Heartford. I am accustomed to your mother’s temper and know that she doesn’t mean any harm.” Turning away from the Greek perfection that was Henry Livingstone, she squared her shoulders and lifted her chin like both her mother and aunt had shown her when she was a child. “As usual, Lady Heartford, you surprise me with your compliments, but let me reassure you that my connection with St. Clara has nothing to do with your son. I thank you to refrain from commenting on my life, as I am no longer connected to your family.”
Old Julia would have felt the need to impress her. But she was New Julia. And she was not to be trifled with.
“Excuse me?” Lady Heartford snapped.
“I believe you understood her correctly. I’m surprised you have the energy to worry about who Lady Julia is or isn’t courting with your upcoming relocation to Pomais, Lady Heartford.” Mother Di looked at her in a challenging manner.
“We will be on our best behavior, ladies, especially when our other guests arrive. Won’t we?” Livie spoke sternly, her eyes hard.
Mother Di and Lady Heartford had a rather turbulent history. They had disliked each other for decades due to their relationship with Remington’s real mother, Eliza Warren. It might have also been the fact that Lady Heartford’s late husband had apparently propositioned Mother Di to be his mistress several times.
“Of course, I will, darling.” Mother Di gave her daughter-in-law a reassuring smile.
“I believesheattacked me first,” Lady Heartford reminded Livie, whose head whipped to the woman’s impudence.
“Really, Mother?” Henry walked over to the sideboard.
Julia blinked several times, shocked that he had come to her defense not once but twice against his mother.
Lady Heartford’s mouth was agape. Surely, the woman had not expected her only son to speak to her in such a way, and in the defense of the woman he had abandoned.
“Really, Henry, must you be so rude?” Mother and son locked eyes in an intense stare. Henry held his ground, and his mother eventually looked away, defeated. He turned to the sideboard and lifted the decanter of brandy.
“Lord Heartford, we are not drinking before dinner.” Livie’s cheery voice stopped him.
“You heard the duchess, Heartford,” Remington warned, reminding everyone that they dare not ignore his duchess’ wishes.
Henry’s shoulders slumped as if he desperately needed the drink to deal with his mother. If Julia had such a mother, she would drink often as well.
“You must excuse our rudeness, Mr. and Mrs. White, Lady Wayford. Our family is a bit dysfunctional.” Livie apologized to her guests for everyone’s behavior while Julia suppressed an eyeroll.
She wouldn’t call Heartford or his mother and uncle family. But she knew Livie did, as he and Remington were as close as brothers.
“Oh, never you mind, Your Grace. You have been ever so kind to Miss Price and me these past two seasons. Always including us whenever you host an event and even inviting us to Hemsworth Place for the Christmas Ball.” Lady Wayford’s sweet voice was a vast difference from Henry’s mother.
Pippa’s aunt, Lady Wayford, was a plump lady who had lost the glow of youth many years past. Both of her two daughters had married in past seasons. Sir Wayford had lived in France with his lover for the last five years, leaving his wife, daughters, and niece to their own devices. They lived year-round in London, rarely visiting their ancestral home in South Hampton.
“We’re just honored to be invited!” Mrs. White, who appeared to be an easily excitable woman, practically shouted. Unlike her husband, Mrs. White was rail thin and wore entirely too much jewelry to be fashionable.
“Any word from Stanford?” Remington asked White, causing Henry to turn toward the man and glare. Although Julia knew little of the Pomais investment, she had heard bits and pieces. Enough to surmise that Henry was penniless. Part of her was sad at the situation he now found himself in. She had known how hard he worked to take care of his family.
“Yes, I received word from Stanford just the other day. He’s in British Honduras establishing a trade between them and Pomais, and then he will go to Pomais to check on the settlers.” Mr. White straightened his jacket and sat up straighter.
