With the exception of attending balls and fetes, she’d never been permitted out of her bedchamber at night. Lord knew from what her father thought he was protecting her, but whenever she’d been caught, she had been punished. For that reason, she’d grown accustomed to exploring in the dark, without the aid of a candle. The darker her surroundings, the less likely she was to be caught.
She’d since grown out of those fears, but something about her nightmares, and the eerie feeling that had been growing inside her since taking on this position, had her teeth on edge.
“Thank you,” she said, her voice sounding all too loud to her ears. “I couldn’t sleep, and thought to retrieve the book I had been reading earlier.” She lifted it in one hand.
“I’d be glad to walk you back to your chambers, if you desire.”
Her abdomen gave a wobble, and she inclined her head. She understood this feeling well enough, knew what it meant that she felt this pull toward Mr. Notley. It was, indeed,desire.
Continuing down the corridor, the man fell into step beside her. Lord, but his warmth radiated toward her, carrying his alluring scent. It made her want to lick him, just to see if his skin tasted as he smelled.
A quiver danced up the backs of her legs, and heat pooled in her belly.Trouble, her inner voice cautioned.
She slid a glance sideways at him as they walked silently through the corridors. His eyes glittered in the sparce light of the sconces. His nose was crooked slightly when viewed from this angle—it was utterly endearing—and his lips… His lips were full and pink, and made her heart flutter.
“Here we are,” he murmured.
Juliana blinked, surprised to see that they had, in fact, already reached the nursery. “Th-thank you, Mr. Notley.”
CHAPTER7
Not for the first time, Leo cursed his trembling fingers as he attempted to knot his cravat. He glared into the looking glass, then glanced over his shoulder at Percy lounging on an armchair. “Are you not meant to act as my valet?”
Percy crossed one leg over the other, his legs outstretched. “Yes, but we would both find that demeaning.”
“Mmm,” Leo hummed. “Quite.”
With a muttered curse, he returned his attentions to his cravat.
“The dogs were barking again last night,” Leo noted. “I searched the halls, but saw naught that might disturb them. Wereyouable to learn the reason?”
Percy shook his head. “Afraid not. One of the footmen says he heard rustling in a shrubbery, but was not able to determine its source.”
“Damn. Very well. Have the maids draw the drapery closed in the evening. Mayhap a neighbouring dog has gotten loose. You know how Kitty and Boots are around other dogs.” He tightened the knot of his cravat with a satisfied huff, then tugged on his shirtsleeves before donning his blue coat.
“Worried what she will think of you?” Percy asked, an eyebrow raised.
“Sod off.” Of course he’d been thinking about it, but he couldn’t admit that aloud. Despite his best efforts, the little radical was under his skin.
Their discussion in his library last evening had roused more than his curiosity, and their meeting in the corridor had only amplified his feelings. He hid a smile as he glanced down at the buttons on his waistcoat. The woman was charming, to be sure. But something haunted her, and he was determined to discover what it was.
* * *
“Will Uncle Leo come, Miss Smith?”Elizabeth asked softly, her warm hand clutching Juliana’s as they strode through the labyrinth of rooms.
Juliana gave the little girl a reassuring smile, resisting the urge to tug at her too-tight bodice. The housekeeper and maids had done their best to alter the uniform, but it was still not fitting correctly. Such was fine with Juliana; she wouldn’t be here long, anyway.
“If he received my note, then I’m certain he will join us. But do not concern yourself, for we shall have an enjoyable time, just us two, if he does not attend.”
Lizzy’s little bow-shaped lips curved into a smile before she gave an excited hop. “May I have a treat?”
Despite Juliana’s attempt to withhold it, a laugh escaped her. “I’ve spoken to the cook, and we’ve been given leave to sample.”
The hand in hers squeezed tighter, and a delighted squeal echoed in the hall as Lizzy jumped again.
“But,” Juliana hurried to add, “we mustn’t indulge too much; the staff in the kitchens require the ingredients for their cooking.”
“Yes, Miss Smith.”
