The sound of his voice made Julia want to give the two some time alone, but she knew Pippa would loathe her for it.
Pippa turned blazing hazel eyes to the duke. “Don’t call me that.” She folded her arms over her ample bosom. “Besides, I would have to care for you to ignore you, and I don’t.”
“Can you two try to behave for five minutes in each other’s company?” Julia asked the pair. They were two of her closest friends. It would be nice for them to get along. “Now, tell me why Lady Jerzy speaking with Livie is any concern of mine?” She ignored the increased attention they were receiving since St. Clara had joined them.
“Can’t you comprehend that the duchess being approached by a patroness will elevate your status in society’s eyes. Also, I am sure all members of the Assembly Rooms are granted a guest.” Pippa’s calm, matter-of-fact manner was what had first drawn Julia to her. She was always a steady person to rely upon.
“Kitten is right. With Lady Jerzy fawning all over your cousin, you will have society at your fingertips. If I were you, I would make them grovel.” St. Clara stood and adjusted his black wool tailcoat as the current dance set ended.
“I don’t want the ton at my fingertips. I just want them to leave me alone, so I can paint and be free.” Julia looked up at him as he proffered his hand to her.
“May I have this dance? I’m sure kitten would refuse me, and I need to be entertained.” He looked from her to Pippa.
“Your Grace, you haven’t even signed my dance card. How rude of you to assume I’m free.” Julia hesitated only a moment before she placed her hand in his.
“I’ll sign it later.” He took her hand and intertwined her arm around his before escorting her through the crowd.
Julia could feel a soft sheen of sweat form on the back of her neck as eyes tracked her every step. Their looks of disapproval crawled all over her like a spider searching for a gnat caught in its web. She had become used to it after two Seasons of intense scrutiny.
It was as if it had been her choice to be ruined. She never asked to be left days before what was supposed to be the happiest event of her young life. But she had paid for it nonetheless.
Julia held her head higher, straightened her posture like a statue on display, and stared straight ahead, ignoring them all. She faced them proudly, equipped with a suit of armor. They could no longer hurt her, and their looks could no longer affect her. She was immune to their cruelty and carelessly whispered words.
They took the dance floor, joining the Earl of Chamberlain and Florentia Vaughn, who glared at Julia with contempt. Julia replied with a cordial smile as they waited for the cotillion to begin. She had long stopped caring about what the ton thought.
The music began and Julia found herself enjoying the ever-entertaining company of the Duke of St. Clara. His dark humor and fierce loyalty meant everything to her. Even if him and Pippa were foes, she wouldn’t have survived without their friendship.
She twirled in a circle before connecting with St. Clara. “We seem to be the focus of everyone.”
St. Clara chuckled darkly. “It’s not every day that you have a scorned woman and a devil together, is it?” He gave her a roguish grin that heightened his good looks.
“I haven’t been scorned, and you’re certainly no devil.” Julia’s voice rose slightly and her heart rate increased at the thought of what she endured years ago. St. Clara was nothing like the devil who left her.
“Aren’t we?” St. Clara challenged her, his eyes imploring her to be honest. “You were left by that blaggard Heartford. I am seen as a monster for many things, but especially for not acknowledging my only sister.” He paused before continuing, “I haven’t even seen her daughter.”
Julia was unable to respond as they switched partners, but emotion caught in her throat at the mention of Henry. She had spent most of her days not thinking about him and the ridiculous innocent love they shared. She could feel his adoration in each one of his sweet, tentative kisses…and then he was gone.
He had left her just like her parents had. The only difference was that he had done it by choice. Henry Livingstone was her past. She was looking to her future, one that did not include being a victim or an orphan. No, her life was her own, and she would prove to all of society that she did not need anyone, especially not the Marquess of Heartford.
Once the set ended, St. Clara escorted her off the dance floor toward Pippa. She was doodling on her dance card, ignoring the lavish ballroom surrounding them, no doubt going over scientific equations.
“May I call on you tomorrow? I have something I would like to discuss with you…a proposition of sorts.” The side of his mouth quirked up in a half smile. The simple act caused several ladies in the vicinity to release breathy sighs.
There was no denying that St. Clara was a handsome man. The only problem was he was very much aware of his attractiveness.
“What kind of proposition? Sounds ominous.” She bumped him playfully as they reached Pippa, who was mumbling something under her breath.
Beside Julia, St. Clara chuckled. She looked up to find him staring longingly at her friend. What a rather odd relationship those two had.
“The kind of proposition that is not fit for present company.” He released her and gave her a stiff bow. “Until tomorrow, Lady Julia.” He tilted his head toward Pippa. “Kitten, always a pleasure.”
Pippa’s head snapped up, her agitated glare piercing St. Clara. “I wish I could say the same, Your Grace.” The smile she gave him was tight and full of malice.
St. Clara bowed to them before he turned to Pippa. Julia sat beside her friend, eyeing her closely.
“Your stare is disconcerting.” Pippa began writing a series of letters and numbers on the back of her dance card.
Julia scrunched up her nose at the strange symbols on the paper. “I’m just wondering why you detest St. Clara so much. Does it have anything to do with your connection to Lady Evers?”
