Beatrice Lewis was a stunning woman, whose skin glowed a beautiful shade of ebony. Her hair was pulled back, revealing high cheekbones and light brown eyes. A set of pearly white teeth showed behind full lips, parted in a secretive smile.
She was as smart as Pippa and enjoyed numbers as if they were old friends. Julia had spoken to the young woman a number of times over the years.
“Yer Grace, you look simply breathtaking as usual,” Mr. O’Brien greeted Livie, kissing her on the cheek.
“He’s always sweet talking ya.” Brielle tsked at her husband. “I happen to agree though.” She patted Livie’s hand and bent her head closer to whisper something in the duchess’ ear.
Remington looked from Mr. Edwards to the new arrivals. “Mr. Edwards, allow me to introduce you to our guests. O’Brien you met earlier. This is his wife, Mrs. O’Brien—”
“Psh!” Brielle sucked air through her teeth. “None of that formal nonsense for me, Remington. I’m Brielle.” She nodded emphatically to Mr. Edwards who chuckled heartily.
“In that case, I’m Elijah. It is a pleasure to meet you, Brielle.” His deep voice curved around each syllable. Several ladies in the room, including Beatrice, heated with color.
Remington cleared his throat. “Allow me to introduce O’Brien’s niece, Miss McCarthy, and their neighbors and close friends, Mr. Lewis and his daughter, Miss Lewis.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you all.” Mr. Edwards bowed to the ladies, but Julia saw as his gaze artfully shift to Beatrice.
The entire exchange caused warmth to travel through Julia. She remembered a simpler time when she was just an eager debutante who had met a striking gentleman.
Dayton entered the room one final time. “The Earl of Allendale, Lady Allendale, and Lady Florentia Vaughn.”
Henry couldn’t believe the nerve of his mother. She had invited Lady Florentia Vaughn. He knew from the smug look on his mother’s withered face that she had orchestrated the entire ordeal. Her attempt to marry him off was ridiculously obvious. Although he had to admit that she had bigger bollocks than any man he had ever met.
It wasn’t lost on him that she, along with his uncle, had financially ruined them, yet he was the one who was expected to marry an heiress.
The young woman sat directly across from him at the dining table. She was attractive to be sure, but there was an ugliness in her that outshined her beauty. Her flaxen hair gleamed in the candlelit room, her green eyes glanced around the table, and the tip of her nose was permanently upturned.
“Tell us Lord Heartford, where have you been all these years?” Lady Florentia inquired, blinking her long blonde eyelashes at him.
Was there something in her eye?
“I was traveling the world. My travels took me to Spain, India, France, Jamaica. It was most invigorating and precisely what I needed at the time.” Henry cleared his throat, feeling the weight of Julia’s gaze on him.
Being back in London made him realize that he had needed those three years away. It had given him time to recover from his sister’s death. Although the dream still haunted him, the incident no longer ruled his life.
He knew it was time to move on, but it wouldn’t be with Lady Florentia Vaughn. It would be with Julia, of that he was sure.
“How fascinating. I’ve always preferred England to any other country, but I suppose you had no connections to bring you back home.” Her voice was sickly sweet as she cut her gaze to Julia, a triumphant grin on her thin lips.
“Perhaps you should try traveling now. I’m sure no one would miss you,” Julia commented before taking a bite of her potatoes.
“Lady Florentia, I understand that you have an excellent singing voice. I should very much like to hear it later.” Livie looked at her cousin, reproach in her gaze.
Henry suppressed the laughter that was building in his chest. He decided to ignore the rather rude chit and focus on the conversations around him. He caught Julia’s gaze and instantly remembered the kiss they’d shared.
He had thought whatever he felt for her years ago would have subsided, but from the moment he saw her again, it was like no time had passed between them. He knew he shouldn’t want her. The moment he boarded the ship three years ago sealed their fates. His actions after the fire had severed their connection.
But now, everything had changed again. One kiss had reawakened the passion between them.
“Miss Price, were you as thrilled as I was about the addition of silicon to the periodic table? I would love to come to your laboratory and discuss it with you,” Miss Lewis told Miss Price excitedly.
“I was. Did you know it was discovered by a Swedish chemist?” Pippa bounced in her seat.
“I did not, but you are more of a chemistry enthusiast than I.” Miss Lewis took a bite of her roll. Elijah hung on her every word. He couldn’t keep his eyes off the breathtaking woman sitting next to him.
“It must be a comfort, Lady Pippa, to know that your books will be your only companion. Forever.” Lady Florentia gave Miss Price a pointed look that caused Henry to grind his teeth.
“Yes, books are a great comfort to those who can read,” Miss Pippa responded.
