Julian glanced over, studying the newcomer. Handsome. Confident. Clearly known here. The Earl of Landon, if Julian recalled correctly—and evidently a frequent visitor.
“On impulse, I thought I’d stop by and say hello to Miss Serafina and the Golden Duchesses,” the earl said cheerfully. “Are they at home?”
At Serafina’s name, Julian felt a tautness coil through him.
“Yes, my lord…that is, they are, but…” One footman flicked an uncertain glance toward Julian.
The young man followed it and smiled. “I believe we met in passing, sir.”
“Yes,” Julian said. “At the gentlemen’s club.”
“And now we meet again.”
“Indeed.” Julian returned the smile, though tension tightened his jaw. A man didn’t call unannounced on four duchesses and a young lady unless he was exceedingly welcome and familiar.
A suitor, then? First Grimsby, now Landon. How many men had fallen under Serafina’s spell?Damn and blast.A flicker of guilt coursed through him. Serafina was the last woman to encourage such thoughts. She was kindness and warmth, not a coquette. Yet the question lingered, unwanted and persistent.
They shook hands and exchanged proper greetings. Then, Julian turned to nod at the footmen who were holding his easel and a large case that contained Julian’s paints. “I think that is everything. If you could carry those items inside to the drawing room, I’ll follow along shortly.”
“The duke mentioned you’d be painting his mother’s portrait, or rather the portrait of the Golden Duchesses.”
Julian arched a brow. Of course, the earl would know Richmond. Julian was the newcomer to Bath. The stranger in their midst. “Yes, I’m here to do a sketch and the preliminary painting.”
“I don’t think I properly introduced myself at the club. Given you were leaving the boxing ring as I was entering it. I’m Serafina’s cousin by marriage. That is, His Grace, the Duke of Richmond, is married to my sister Catherine. Serafina and I are friends. Although I often visit the Golden Duchesses when I’m in Bath.”
“Julian Kerr,” he said with a nod, wondering if the earl had intentions of becoming more than friends. After all, Landon was of no blood relation to Serafina. Serafina was the ward of his sister’s husband. “I’m certain the ladies will welcome your conversation while they wait for me to set up my easel.”
As they entered the townhouse, Julian heard a gasp and turned to see Serafina’s eyes widen in surprise as she looked at him and then at Landon, then back at him.
“Good morning, Julian,” she said with a slight squeak in her voice as she cuddled Willow close to her chest.
“Good morning, Serafina. I trust you are well today?”
“Yes, quite well. I just came from the drawing room, where the Golden Duchesses are gathered. I came to see if you needed any help.”
“I thank you, but everything is well in hand,” Julian said.
“Well, I fear I am intruding,” Landon said.
“No, of course not!” Serafina said, turning to the earl with a welcoming smile.
Julian once again felt tension building in his shoulders.Admit it, you’re jealous.He was indeed jealous. How could he not be, watching Serafina greet the earl with a warm hug?
“I had no idea you were in town,” she said to Landon.
And then, Landon kissed her on the cheek. Kissed her! Bloody hell!
“A last-minute decision,” the earl said. “Had to speak to Richmond and my solicitors about the property investments. I was going to stop by the tearoom, but your uncle said you wouldn’t be there.”
“Yes, well, the GDs need me today,” she giggled.
Julian stood there, shoulders stiff, fighting the impulse to punch the man whose arm was casually draped around the shoulders of the woman he cared for.Be honest, your feelings have galloped well beyond caring for her.
“And I see you’ve acquired a new friend?” Landon said, gently scratching the top of Willow’s head.
“A new addition to the family,” Serafina said. “Her name is Willow. And we have Julian to thank for her,” she said, turning to Julian.
“Actually, I merely helped,” Julian said as he watched a pretty, pink blush tint Serafina’s cheeks. “Serafina is the heroine who rescued the pup.”
