“There are too many orders for Aphrodite’s Unmentionables,” Juliette remarked beneath her breath. “I’ve sent them to Victoria, and Mr. Sinclair has brought back those that could be made. But the demand is too great. We’ll have to raise the price again.”
“Or we could hire more people,” Amelia suggested. “There are many seamstresses in London.”
It was possible, but not practical. Juliette shook her head. “It would be too easy for someone to trace the source. And whether or not you like the secrecy, it’s necessary to protect Victoria.”
“She hasn’t made any new designs, has she?” Amelia stood on tiptoe to eye the women standing inside the shop.
“No. She wanted to rest during the summer.” Her face softened at the thought of her sister’s advancing pregnancy. Though the child would not arrive until the autumn, she prayed that all would be well with the pair of them. A sliver of fear broke through her mood when she imagined her sister’s labor, but she pressed it back.
“I don’t see why she couldn’t draw whilst lying in bed,” Amelia said. “But even so, I’m glad for the profits. And I do like visiting Madame Benedict’s.” She dropped her voice to a whisper. “Convincing the other women to buy our unmentionables is marvelous.”
Her sister had the instincts of a gypsy trader, and the modiste delighted in their visits. As a result, Amelia had a new wardrobe that rivaled a countess’s.
“We should return when it’s less crowded,” Juliette suggested. She was about to lead her sister farther down Bond Street when a familiar voice called out from behind them.
“Miss Andrews.”
She and Amelia turned at the same time. As soon as Juliette saw the Earl of Strathland’s face, her stomach twisted with nausea. She said not a word, the anger filling her from deep within. She’d hoped to never see him again. Not only for what he’d done to her, but also for all the threats toward her family.
Her hand tightened upon Amelia’s hand, and she remained silent. To her annoyance, her sister answered the greeting, “Hello, Lord Strathland.”
The earl smiled at them, and Juliette took a step closer to the footman. “We should go,” she murmured to her sister. The last thing she wanted was to spend any time in his company.
“I hope your family is well,” Lord Strathland said. “I understand they have rebuilt your home at Ballaloch.”
Juliette forced herself to acknowledge the man, though she didn’t want to. “Yes.” She couldn’t believe he had the gall to say anything to them, after all that he’d done.
She glanced back at Amelia, willing her to remain silent. Unfortunately, her sister was oblivious to the unspoken message. “You’ve journeyed quite a distance, Lord Strathland. How long are you intending to stay in London?”
The earl stared at Juliette. “That all depends. I came here on business affairs, but I intend to seek a bride while I’m here.” His gaze lingered upon Juliette, who met his eyes with fury.
Never. She’d die before spending time in the same room with this man. The amusement in his expression only enraged her further. Did he honestly believe she would ever consider him for a husband? His arrogance had no bounds.
“I wish you good fortune, then,” Amelia said. “Forgive me, but we must go now.”
“I shall pay a call upon you later, then.” He tipped his hat, bowing slightly.
Don’t bother,Juliette wanted to reply, but didn’t. What did he mean, he intended to seek a bride? The horror of it swept over her, but then, heknewhow much she loathed him. Why he would not seek another woman’s attentions was beyond her.
Amelia took her by the hand and forced her to enter Madame Benedict’s shop, despite the crowd of women. The footman remained outside.
“Why would you speak to that man?” Juliette demanded of Amelia. “Have you forgotten what he did to Victoria? Or the fire?” Her lungs tightened with fear.
“Sometimes you get more information when you pretend to be an empty-headed fool,” Amelia said seriously. “I wanted to know his intentions. And we wouldn’t have known why he was here unless we asked.”
“I don’t care what his intentions are.” Juliette took several deep breaths to calm her rebellious stomach. “We will not receive any calls from the earl. He is far too dangerous, and he would not hesitate to take advantage of either of us.”
“But what if—”
“I know the kind of man he is, Amelia,” Juliette cut her off. “And believe me when I say he is not to be trusted.” She rubbed at her arms, feeling the cool spring air as if it had spiraled beneath her skin.
The knowing look in his eyes terrified her the most. Though she would never understand why he wanted her, he delighted in her discomfort. For he knew too many of her secrets, and that gave him a hidden threat. Her own parents didn’t know the shame she’d suffered, and if the earl revealed what he’d done, they might try to force her into a marriage she didn’t want—even if it wasn’t to Lord Strathland.
She didn’t doubt that the earl would revel in his power, knowing that he had a means of manipulating her into doing his will. It didn’t matter what stories he told about her, for she didn’t care about her own reputation. But she had to protect her sisters. Gossip whispered about her could affect them.
Worse, if she remained in hiding, others might believe what he said about her.
Her sister reached out and took her hand. “It will be all right, Juliette. There’s no reason to be afraid of him.”
