“Aren’t I?” he murmured, allowing her to think what she would. He suspected if he told Juliette that he would one day be a viscount, it would only make her more apprehensive.
“I’ve known you for too long, Paul. You may be able to fool these people, but you cannot fool me.”
He ignored her protest, returning her to Margaret, who was deep in conversation with another guest. “Miss Andrews.”
Paul turned away quickly, before Margaret could catch a clear glimpse of him.
“Thank you for the dance.” Juliette smiled. In her eyes, he saw the glint of conspiracy.
After he released Juliette’s hand, he gave it a light squeeze, reminding her of what he wanted. “Until we meet again.”
He moved like one of them.
Juliette saw the way Paul mingled among the guests, accepting introductions and speaking with Lady Arnsbury’s friends.
He wasn’t behaving at all like a poor crofter, a man who lived in a house with a straw roof and hardly any space at all. No, he had put on the manners of a viscount as if he’d been born to it.
Who was this man? He’d completely transformed from the Paul she’d known, as if he’d pulled back the edges of himself to reveal a different person. She couldn’t understand how this had happened.
But more, she found herself transfixed by him. In his new clothes, he had a rakish air, handsome and mysterious. When he looked into her eyes, she could think of nothing else except the last moment his mouth had claimed hers. His kiss had not been controlling, as the earl’s had been. It had coaxed her to yield, tempting her into more.
Juliette couldn’t deny that she wanted to kiss him again. Her cheeks burned at the thought, and she hid her face behind her fan, keeping close to her sisters.
She was diverted from thoughts of Paul when Victoria came to greet them. The new duchess appeared painfully shy, but it was the first time she’d seen Toria venture out in public in years.
“You look beautiful,” she told her sister and was rewarded with a tentative smile.
“I feel as if everyone is staring at me,” Victoria admitted. “It’s hard to breathe.” Her husband took a few steps back, allowing them the chance to speak privately. But his eyes remained on his wife, as if to guard her.
Margaret came over and embraced Toria, smiling. “I’m so glad you came. Your gown is exquisite.”
“And expensive,” Amelia added. “Is it wonderful to be so wealthy? I imagine you dine on plates made of gold, don’t you?”
“Hardly.” Some of the color returned to Victoria’s face, as if she was amused by their youngest sister’s supposition. “But itisdifferent as a duchess.”
Her husband returned to guide her away, his palm upon his wife’s spine with a protective air. After they had gone, Amelia turned back to Juliette. A mischievous gleam glowed in her eyes.
“I saw you dancing with Dr. Fraser,” her younger sister exclaimed. “I never imagined he would know how to disguise himself here. What did he say?” Amelia didn’t bother to wait for an answer, but whispered, “Do you need my help meeting him in secret?”
“No. I will remain here, with you and Aunt Charlotte.” But while her sister continued to gush about how exciting it was that Dr. Fraser had come, Juliette found herself unable to tear her eyes from Paul.
He glanced over at her in silent response to her challenge. It was as if he was proving his own point—that he had changed a great deal since they were children. No longer was he a hot-headed rebel who could have no place in a ballroom. Instead, he’d become a polished man who would not falter from any adversary.
With an air of confidence, he crossed over to greet Lady Arnsbury, and he bowed, offering her a devilish smile. Aunt Charlotte laughed at something he said, and she no longer seemed to care that Paul hadn’t been invited.
A moment later, she saw her aunt introduce him to another young lady. The miss was lovely, with curled golden hair and bright blue eyes. She blushed as the countess paired them off, sending them to dance.
Juliette clenched her fan so tightly, she nearly snapped the wood. Though she supposed Aunt Charlotte had suggested that Paul dance with the young lady, she’d never expected the flare of jealousy in her stomach. The girl was beautiful, with the flush of innocence about her. Pearls adorned her throat and hair, and she lowered her gaze demurely when Paul spoke.
He took her hand in the promenade, and when his gaze caught Juliette’s, his expression was defiant. A hint of a smile played on his lips, and her gut burned as though it were coated in acid.
This is what it will feel like when you let him go,her conscience reminded her.But you have no choice.
The dance ended, and Paul returned the young lady to her chaperone. But his eyes turned back to Juliette. There was no apology in them, but his gaze moved toward the terrace, then back at her.
Meet me in the garden,he’d said.
She didn’t dare. The thought of being alone with him, where anyone could interrupt, was unthinkable. But for a moment, she wanted to pretend that she was once again an innocent girl who had not been violated. She wanted to blot out the memories of Strathland, forcing the past to disappear.
