“Karrington! I will not have you speak to Julia like that. She is to be my wife and you will respect her.” Henry met his friend’s cold stare, understanding that he was upset, but he had gone too far. “I know how this looks, but I assure you, we are getting married.”
“Yes, so you see there is no need to be upset.” Julia placed her hand in his and squeezed, making him feel whole.
“No need?” Livie’s voice rose as she peered from Henry to Julia. “You both lied to us, snuck around our house, and there is no need to be angry. I believe there is much to be upset about.”
“Livie, please go rest. I will join you after I deal with these two.” Karrington sneered at them.
“I’m fine.” The duchess stood taller as she turned to her cousin. “I believe Lady Julia owes me an explanation.”
Julia ignored the comment and moved to take Livie by the hand. “Livie, are you all right? What has happened?”
Removing her hand, Livie crossed her arms over her bosom. “It is no concern of yours. What I want to know is how long has this been going on?”
Henry watched as Julia St. John, one of the strongest women he had ever known, crumbled beneath the harsh gaze of her beloved cousin.
“Livie, please don’t be upset with me. I wanted to tell you, but I didn’t understand my feelings for Henry. I’ve been so stubborn and confused. Please forgive me.”
“You could’ve ruined us all, Julia, with your careless behavior and complete disregard for others!” Livie raised her voice and hands in exasperation. She swayed slightly from the exertion.
Karrington rushed to her side and grabbed ahold of her. “I’m putting you to bed and then calling the doctor.”
“Has something happened?” Henry asked as he looked at Livie’s ashen face. He surveyed the duchess, becoming suddenly aware that both she and Karrington were disheveled. Henry felt selfish and self-absorbed for not noticing the state of his friends.
Karrington’s face hardened as he looked at Henry. “One of the carriage wheels was tampered with, nearly causing us to topple over. Thankfully, we were only jostled. I’m afraid Her Grace is a little out of sorts.”
Julia moved closer to her cousin and placed a hand on her shoulder. “Why did you not tell me? You must go and lie down.”
“Do not pretend you care for anyone but yourself.” Livie shrugged away.
Julia’s body stiffened. Henry rushed to her and wrapped his arm around her.
“L-Livie that’s not true. You know I care what happens to you,” Julia choked out, tears falling freely down her beautiful cheeks.
“You’ve been lying to me for God knows how long. That is not behavior you have towards someone you care about, Julia.”
“Livie, please do not worry about anything. We will marry right away—”
“Good, the sooner the better in case you are with child. Really, Julia, how could you be so careless!” Livie yelled, and both women held each other’s teary gazes.
“I’m sorry, Livie.” Julia ran out of the room, clutching her dress to her body. Henry went to go after her but was stopped by Karrington.
“I’m going to go lie down. Please control your temper,” Livie told her husband in a gentle voice as she walked toward the door. “It does not seem that Julia was an unwilling participant and now we have a wedding to plan.”
Henry took a seat on the dark settee, wanting to go back to their bliss just moments ago.
He released a nervous sigh and ran his hands down his face. “I was going to ask your permission to marry her.”
Karrington nodded. “Usually that would occur before the bedding.”
Henry shrugged his shoulders. “We have never done things in the correct order.” He met his friend’s gaze. “I love her, Karrington, and I will spend the rest of my life proving that I am worthy of her.”
“You’re like a brother to me, Heartford, but that does not negate the fact that you betrayed my trust. I must ask you to leave. If you need me to loan you the funds, I will do so, but I want you gone tomorrow. You can visit your intended from here on out. Also, I will gift you funds as a wedding present, so that you can secure a home for you and your wife.”
Henry couldn’t believe that Karrington would do such a thing after the way he’d behaved. “Thank you, Karrington. Your friendship means a lot to me.” His voice caught in his throat. “I’m sorry. I lose all sense when it comes to Julia.”
Karrington slapped him hard on the back. “Yes, well, that’s what love does to us.” He pointed at Henry’s jaw where it throbbed from the punch. “I apologize for losing my temper. Hempstead entrusted her in my care.”
“I understand. I will go request a special license tomorrow,” Henry said, a smile spreading across his face.
