Livie looked up, her tired face guarded. “He’s been ill since this morning. I believe he has a small fever. I can feel two little teeth coming in.” She gave Julia a small smile as she rocked the baby gently in her arms.
Julia’s heart broke both for Freddy and for herself. For the first time in her life, her cousin’s demeanor towards her was guarded. At least the baby had an excuse to be miserable.
Growing up, they often had silly rows. Sometimes they wouldn’t talk for a few hours, but two days was unheard of. This wouldn’t do at all. Julia walked slowly to the bed and sat, ignoring Rachel, who was busy setting out the duchess’ ballgown, shoes, and jewelry for the evening.
“Livie, talk to me. You know I can’t bear your silence.” Julia placed her hand on Livie’s knee. Tears pooled in her eyes. Livie was the one person who had always accepted her, no matter what, and now she wasn’t speaking to her.
Livie looked over to the maid. “Rachel, will you have Mrs. Tewksbury prepare a cold cloth for Freddy?”
“Yes, of course, Your Grace.” The girl bustled around the room for a few moments then left to do her mistress’ bidding.
Once the maid was gone, Livie released a hard sigh. “You know we can’t speak freely in front of Rachel. She’s a terrible gossip.” Her stormy eyes locked Julia in their gaze. “And according to Mrs. Tewksbury, your little time with Heartford in the parlor is all the servants can speak of.”
Julia could feel her face heat, remembering the servant catching her and Henry’s passionate embrace the day before. “Yes. I’m sorry about that.” She pressed her hands down her gown, smoothing imaginary wrinkles in an effort to calm her rattled nerves. “I’m also sorry I lied to you, Livie—”
Frederick let out a loud wail as if he agreed with his mother. Livie shifted him in her arms, trying to soothe him. “There you are, my darling.” Taking the small blanket that lay beside her, she draped it across her, concealing her breast as she tried to feed him. “You looked me straight in the eye and told me there was nothing between you.” Julia stared down at her hands. “Do you not trust me?” Livie’s voice wavered, and Julia looked up to see the hurt in her cousin’s eyes.
“No. I didn’t trust myself. I wanted to tell you so many times.” She cleared her throat repeatedly, trying to soothe her raspy voice. “I was so afraid to let Henry in again. But now I know…I-I love him,” she admitted out loud.
She loved Henry Livingstone, the Marquess of Heartford.
“Oh, my sweet, of course you love him as he loves you.” Livie reached out, grabbed her hand, and squeezed. The storm clouds had left her eyes, replaced with the love Julia had missed these past few days. “And if he ever abandons you again, I will run him through with one of Remington’s swords.”
“Livie!” Julia giggled at her cousin’s fierceness.
Livie released her hand and began fumbling under the blanket. “He’s asleep. I won’t be able to enjoy myself knowing he’s miserable. I may have to leave after we greet the guests so that I can check on him.”
“He will be fine with Lucy. You know you must be present or society will come up with some ridiculous reason why you missed part of your own ball.” Julia stood and straightened her gown. “I’ll check on him later, if that will make you feel better.”
Livie removed the cloth, rose from the bed, and looked down at the small babe in her arms, a whimsical smile on her face. The sight of them caused an ache to form in Julia’s chest.
A brief knock on the adjourning door interrupted the peaceful moment. Remington walked into the room. “How is he?” He walked over to his wife and son with concern in his eyes.
When he reached his family, he wrapped a comforting arm around both mother and child, ignoring his wife’s state of undress.
“He’s sleeping now, but it was a fight as big as the battle of Waterloo to get him there. Julia has agreed to check on him again for me during the ball.” Livie gave him a smile.
Remington looked at Julia just realizing that she was in the room. “Thank you, Julia.” He cleared his throat several times. “I also feel I owe you an apology. My words were rather harsh the other night. I want you to know that I think of you as a sister, and I’m happy for you and Heartford.”
“I know you didn’t mean to be cruel. We just shocked you.” Her lips quirked up in a smile. She was grateful for their love and support. They had always been there for her no matter what.
“Very much so,” Livie agreed, eyeing Julia.
They all chuckled lightly at the events of the other night. Julia would be glad when she and Henry were in their own home.
“Thank you both for everything you’ve done for me. I love you.” She felt as if a weight had been lifted off of her shoulders.
“Both of us?” Remington asked suspiciously.
Over the years, they had bickered like brother and sister, but they had always had one thing in common: they both loved and adored Livie.
“Yes, both of you.”
Rachel entered the room in a rush. “Your parents have arrived, Your Grace. You must dress.”
“Of course, but I need to take Frederick to the nursery.”
“I will take him. You go dress.” Julia took the babe from his mother’s arms. It felt so natural. So right.
