“I can see the lady home,” Mr. Edwards interjected.
“Thank you, Mr. Edwards. That would be splendid.” Pippa finally broke her gaze with St. Clara and gave Julia a smile. “Goodbye, Lady Julia. I will see you tomorrow.”
“Heartford, I will see you back at my townhome.” Elijah offered his arm to Pippa.
Henry grunted his agreement and took Julia’s hand once more. She hadn’t realized he had walked to her side.
Her heart pounded as Pippa left the room with Mr. Edwards, leaving Julia alone with Henry and St. Clara.
Henry glared over at St. Clara. “We need to talk.”
“What do we have to talk about?” St. Clara asked coolly, like he didn’t have a care in the world.
“I wanted to say thank you for being a friend to Lady Julia.” Henry sat down on the sofa, taking Julia with him.
“She will always have my friendship. Marrying you won’t change that.” St. Clara met his gaze. Regardless of the challenge in his tone, Julia knew that they would try to be friends for her sake.
“Nothing will change that because the two of you will be friends as well,” Julia said happily, looking from Henry to St. Clara.
St. Clara stood and stretched his long limbs, then he walked to stand in front of them.
“If you hurt her, I will have no choice but to cause you bodily harm.” St. Clara looked down at Henry.
Henry stood up. “You could try, of course.”
“I would succeed. You’ve always had a weak punch.” St. Clara turned to Julia. “I’ll see you tomorrow, bird.”
Julia rose, giving him a wide smile. “Very well. We will find you a suitable woman to marry at the ball tomorrow—”
“Absolutely not. I will find my own wife before my birthday. Goodbye, bird, Heartford.” Henry’s name sounded more like a curse. However, since they did not result to fisticuffs, it was progress.
St. Clara strolled out the parlor and closed the double doors.
Henry sat down and pulled her gently onto his lap, causing her to giggle. She felt so happy and unfettered.
“Finally, I have you alone.” He pressed a hungry kiss to her lips, causing heat to spread throughout her body.
She cupped his face, feeling fresh growth prickle her skin. “Are you sure you’re okay?”
“Yes, as long as I have you, I can handle anything.” His eyes locked with hers.
“Good, because you’re stuck with me now, Lord Heartford,” she teased, then brushed her lips to his.
“I wouldn’t have it any other way, Lady Julia.”
He deepened the kiss, and for a moment, they forgot about everything else except each other.
What exciting things will happen at the ball of the Duke and Duchess of K? I can’t wait to find out! This will of course be our last sighting of our Bachelor Marquess. Perhaps someone should swoon so he could save them!
Julia couldn’t hide her happiness from the day before. Her and St. Clara were friends, and she was going to marry Henry. Everything was perfect, except her relationship with Livie.
After knocking briefly, Julia waited a moment then pushed open the door to the duchess’ rooms. The cousins had never abided by the rules of propriety, and she wasn’t going to start now, not when her cousin ignored her.
Livie sat on the bed, wearing her shift, petticoat, and stockings while comforting a fussy Frederick.
“Oh, my darling, it will all be well,” Livie soothed the babe, gently brushing his downy hair with her fingers.
“Is everything all right?” Julia entered the room and closed the door behind her.
