She couldn’t forgive him.
Attendees at Gunter’s Tea Shop were witness to a real-life cat fight! How did Lady J and Lady F fair? I wonder what the Duke of S thinks of his intended fighting over the Marquess of H. They are not the only young ladies who want the sought-after bachelor!
Julia stiffened beneath his touch, and Henry knew that once again she had retreated from him. It was a constant battle; one he was sure would be worth it once she realized that he meant to stay.
Being back in London was exactly what he needed. It was time to get his life back, and his life was nothing without Julia St. John.
He knew he had to fight for her, that he had to stay no matter what. He could not run, no matter what happened with Pomais or his money. He knew he belonged wherever Julia St. John was.
Staring into her watery eyes pulled at his heart strings in such a way that he knew he would do anything for her.
“I-I’m fine. Thank you, Henry. It was nothing really. Livie almost fell, and it gave me a fright, that is all.” Julia rambled on nervously as she pulled out of his grasp just as both Karrington and Livie entered the family parlor laughing.
The duke held Teddy while Livie held Emily’s hand. A smile tugged at the corner of Henry’s mouth. They were a perfect family, and he knew in that moment that he wanted what his friend had—happiness.
“Lord Heartford.” Livie walked past him with mischief in her eyes as she looked from him to Julia, who was pretending to look out the window.
“Livie, you are looking well. I hope those vipers at Almack’s did not upset you too much.” Henry glanced at Julia before returning his attention back to Livie.
“In truth, I was more concerned for you.” Her smile was small as she took a seat on the sofa, but he saw the sincerity in her eyes.
“Sir, the carriage is ready, and the basket has been packed,” Dayton interrupted, looking at Remington.
“Where are you going?” Livie asked her husband.
“I am taking my wife out for the day, and then later tonight, we will go to the King’s Theater for the opera.” He held his hand out to her.
Color filled her cheeks and a brilliant smile lit up her face. “Your Grace, that sounds wonderful, but Lucy is out. Her mother is ill.” She shook her head, her shoulders sagging in disappointment.
“I’m sure we could get the mothers over and your father—”
“They are all gone to Talbert Abbey, remember?” Livie stood from the sofa.
“We do have a house full of servants. I’m sure we can get someone to watch the children while we spend the day together.” He took her by the hand and smiled down at her.
“I’ll have Rachel look in on Frederick while I take these two to Gunter’s for ices.” Julia walked over to Theodore and Emily, who began jumping up and down at the word ices.
“And I will assist,” Henry added, shocking everyone in the room, including himself.
He didn’t know the first thing about children, but he knew he loved these three nearly as much as he loved their aunt. The short time he’d been in their company was enough to know how wonderful they were. Both Emily and Theodore were kind, well-mannered, and loving. Their devotion to each other made Henry happy.
“Will you?” Karrington looked from him to Julia.
Karrington’s gaze made Henry feel like he was a child again, facing down the stern gaze of his father. While Henry knew he had disrespected the duke’s trust when he dallied with Julia after he was specifically asked not to, he hoped that Karrington would forgive him. Afterall, Henry had every intention of making Julia his wife.
Henry cleared his throat several times and rubbed his thumb and forefinger back and forth against each other. The feel of the leather rubbing together had become a comfort to him when he was nervous or anxious.
“Yes, I want to spend time with the children … and Lady Julia.” He met his friend’s eye, hoping that he wouldn’t want to pummel him.
Karrington crossed his arms over his chest, his body becoming rigid. “Is there an understanding between you two that I’m not aware of?”
“There is no understanding. Lord Heartford forgets himself,” Julia interjected, before her eyes locked on Henry. He could see the set in her shoulders, the determination on her beautiful face.
“Heartford, I want to speak to you, now.”
“Your Grace, are we not spending the day together?” Livie interrupted, saving Henry from his friend’s wrath. Walking to her husband, she intertwined her arm around his and smiled up at him. His body seemed to relax instantly with her touch.
“Let’s be off before they change their minds. Children come along. Let’s prepare for your outing with your aunt and uncle.” Livie ushered her husband and children out of the parlor, leaving Henry alone with a scowling Julia.
