He would find a way to prove to her that he was sincere. That she was going to be his.
Though Eager mamas are not rejoicing over the Marquess of H is restoring his fortune by starting a business. The ladies of the ton are still ready to make his acquaintance. What does Lady J think of her former fiancé becoming a working man?
She couldn’t breathe. The air in the Assembly Rooms was simply stifling. Henry’s words whirled in her mind and heart.
It meant something to me.
His words glided through her like the slow caress of his lips on her body. She wanted to believe him, to take his word as if it was the Holy Bible, but Julia knew firsthand what believing in Henry could cost her. She had believed in him once, placed all her hopes and dreams in the palms of his hands, and he had destroyed her. Left her alone with nothing, without him.
Julia fanned herself with the small fan she always carried in her reticule, desperately needing some air. The walls were closing in on her and she wanted nothing more than to paint or sketch. Creating always made her feel better as she emptied her emotions onto a blank canvas.
The disagreement with Livie had disarmed Julia, leaving her unprepared to face Henry. The emotion she felt in that moment was so overwhelming.
The cousins had rarely fought, but this particular fight had them on opposing sides of a war that Julia did not know who the victor would be. She was upset and angry at both Livie and Henry, but also herself for allowing it to affect her in such a way. Livie wanted her to forgive Henry, but how could she ever give him her heart again? It was too fragile. She had barely survived when he left. Who knew if she could survive it a second time?
She felt dizzy, like she would swoon if she didn’t get some air soon. The excitement of the evening’s events was taking a toll on her and she needed a moment to herself.
“You don’t look well,” Livie said, appearing beside her.
“I am. It’s dreadfully hot in here.” Julia fanned herself.
Livie intertwined their arms and escorted Julia away. “Let’s converse on the balcony, so you can get some air.”
“Your Grace, where are you going?” Remington asked his wife as they passed by him and a group of gentlemen.
“I am just going to the balcony with Lady Julia right over there.” Livie pointed toward their destination.
Julia couldn’t discern her cousin-in-law’s reply. She was too busy willing herself not to expire in front of the best of society.
When they finally reached the cool air, Julia inhaled deeply, feeling the walls closing in on her recede. She took two deep, cleansing breaths before she turned to face her cousin.
“I can always tell when you’re with child. He becomes a nagging nursemaid,” Julia said, wanting to make her cousin smile. If Livie smiled, Julia knew that all was well between them.
“He is rather bothersome, especially with the possibility of Lady Josephine being in London.” Livie looked out into the small garden. “However, we are not certain. Brielle always says it is difficult to become with child while you are still nursing. However, I am feeling rather unwell at times.” A small smile crept up the corner of her lips.
“I’m sorry I became cross with you earlier, Livie. Henry is a sensitive topic for me.” Julia bowed her head in shame, knowing that her cousin had always stood by her side. She hated fighting with Livie, but the topic of her relationship with Henry drove her to near violence.
“I shouldn’t push you so. I know Lord Heartford hurt you when he left. It’s not up to me to tell you to forgive him or not.” Livie paused a moment, thinking over her words before she continued. “I suppose I’m just a helpless romantic. The way he looks at you sometimes and the way you look at him when you think no one is watching. It gives me hope.”
“Hope for what? You have everything you ever desired.” Julia shook her head, knowing that she sounded like Old Julia, spoiled and selfish.
“Hope for you. Hope that you’ll get everything that you desire one day, and when I saw you two dancing, I thought it had come true.”
Julia tried not to take offense at Livie’s words or allow them to affect her decision in any way. However, she had to admit there was a very small part of her that dared to hope that one day she could have what Livie and Remington had—love, affection, passion, a beautiful family.
“Your Grace, dinner is being served,” the commanding voice of Lady Jerzy interrupted them.
Livie smiled at the patroness. “Thank you, my lady, we will be right there. I’m afraid the room was becoming a tad stifling for me and I needed to take some air.”
“Of course, please take your time. Lady Julia, I would like to speak more about your wonderful talents.” Lady Jerzy examined Julia carefully.
“My talents?” Julia couldn’t think of any talents the patroness would find of interest.
“Yes. I find myself in need of a portrait, and yours is the best work I’ve seen in ages. I wish to hire you.” The older woman tilted her head to the side. “If you’re interested.”
“Indeed. I would be honored. Thank you, Lady Jerzy.” Julia stood straighter, liking the woman slightly more for her offer.
She was going to get her first real commissioned painting. Sure, her family had asked her to paint them over the years, and once or twice, Remington had even graced her with a bank note, jokingly telling her to buy more ribbons. But never had she had a real client.
