Like an apparition, he appeared in all his perfect glory. “Julia?” Henry called out, urgency in his voice. He rushed toward her, leaving a bewildered Mr. Edwards on the landing.
Julia ignored him, hurrying to her room as fast as her legs would carry her. Once she reached the safety of her room, she closed the door behind her. Pressing herself against the heavy wood, she clutched the gold ribbon in her hand, wishing that she could control her emotions.
She ignored the soft knocking on the door, refusing to face him. “May I come in?” Henry asked in a gentle voice.
There was no fight left in her. She knew that if she saw him in that moment, she would surrender to the emotions swirling inside of her. “Go away,” she begged, her voice weak.
Julia listened intently with bated breath. Finally, she heard him sigh loudly and step away.
Her body sank to the floor, sobs taking over her body. She let it all out, burying her face in her hands.
Livie’s words were at the forefront of her mind. Julia wondered what would happen if she took her cousin’s advice and forgave him and herself.
She hated the feeling of vulnerability. It reminded her of Old Julia and she was New Julia. She would not go back to her former self.
Almack’s Assembly Rooms were a grand affair. Henry had never seen a spectacle quite like it before in his life. In the past, he had never been invited by one of the esteemed patronesses, but he now found himself an invited guest. The moment he had acknowledged his illegitimate sister, the patronesses had turned their noses up at him. Yet now those very same women had extended an invitation to him, now that he was the bachelor of the Season.
While he enjoyed the exclusivity of the Assembly Rooms, Lady Florentia Vaughn and her family were also in attendance. This wouldn’t be a problem if all of society were not under the impression that they were courting.
Lady Florentia’s mother was apparently good friends with another one of the esteemed patronesses. The connection apparently had elevated the detestable woman in society. Henry, however, could not see the appeal.
Although Henry had always been a member of society, he had never cared to receive an invitation to Almack’s after their initial snub. Private balls had always held more appeal.
Around him, a number of people vied for Elijah’s attention, leaving Henry free to stare at Julia. She had chosen a spot against the wall with the other wallflowers. Seeing her in society caused an ache to pierce his heart. He didn’t like to see her so alone. Three years ago, Lady Julia St. John would’ve never sat on the side and watched others dance. She was always the center of attention, her dance card was always full, but now, she was alone.
Because of him.
Henry had tried to speak to her several times since the incident in her room, but she had ignored him. Karrington said the ladies had a disagreement and that he should try not to take offense if they did not seem particularly loquacious this evening. The duke wouldn’t provide any details when pressed, simply saying it was women’s business.
Whatever the hell that meant.
As long as Henry had known the two women, they had rarely said one thing against the other. Julia loved Livie like a sister.
“Perhaps, you could ask her to dance. I do hate when she sits against the wall,” Livie said beside him.
Henry turned toward her, noticing the sparkle in her eye as she looked from Julia to him. “I’m the last person she would want to dance with.” While he could think of nothing better to do than comforting her, he knew she would not welcome him.
“I didn’t think you would give up so easily.” Livie tilted her head to the side and gave him a stern look that reminded him of Theodore waiting on him to read a book.
Henry met her challenging gaze. “I won’t.”
“Now, darling, don’t play matchmaker. She’s clearly with St. Clara.” Karrington placed one of his hands at his wife’s waist. “Let them figure it out on their own,” he added, pulling her away.
What in the bloody hell did they have to figure out? He wanted her unfathomably, and she was afraid.
It was that simple.
Henry began walking toward Julia but was thwarted in his pursuit by Lord Allendale, his wife, and his daughter.
“Ahh, Heartford, I’m delighted to see you here, though I expected to hear from you after Karrington’s dinner party.” Lord Allendale folded his arms, surveying Henry in a stern manner.
Henry had gone to great lengths to ignore the Allendales in the fortnight since the dinner party. He had not wanted anyone to believe that he and Lady Florentia were courting at all, especially Julia. Despite all of his efforts, the gossips were filled with tales of an impending marriage between the two families.
“Allendale, Lady Allendale, Lady Florentia, lovely to see you all this evening.” Henry gave the ladies a bow, his gaze shifting to Julia who was watching him with a sour look upon her face.
“It is wonderful to see you again, Lord Heartford. Have you been invited to be a subscriber?” Lady Florentia asked with great interest, her pinched lips and upturned nose taking away from her beauty.
Henry shook his head. “No, I have not been so fortunate. I am only a guest of the Duchess of Karrington tonight.” He waved his hand to where Livie stood speaking with Karrington and Elijah.
