“Yes, of course. My apologies.” Josiah gave him a contrite smile. “Perhaps I shouldn’t have shown it to you—”
“No, it’s all right. I’m glad you did, believe me.”
Josiah tutted. “I wasgoingto say, perhaps I shouldn’t have shown it to you till the end of the week.”
“Perhaps,” Julian replied. “But at least now I know not to rush into things. Good God, listen to me. What am I saying?”
“You’re simply confirming what I said earlier, brother.” Josiah shrugged. “Miss Viola Aitken, whilst lovely indeed, is not for you.”
“Well, I’m not going to rush into anything, either way.” He heaved a sigh. “Half-an-hour, Joe. I was with Annabelle Fairfax for half an hour. Don’t you think she’ll find it strange if I show up at her door unannounced? She might not even remember me.”
“Stop being so bloody pessimistic. This is an opportunity not to be missed. Nothing ventured, as they say. You can travel to London with me next week.” Josiah slid off the bed and brushed the creases from his trousers. “Right, I’m off to bed. See you in the morning. Sleep well.”
Julian scoffed. “At the risk of being bloody pessimistic, I doubt I’ll sleep a wink now, but thanks. And I really mean that. Thank you.”
“You’re welcome,” Josiah said, and opened the door.
A single, unrelated question drifted to the front of Julian’s chaotic mind. “Er, Joe?”
He paused on the threshold and looked back. “Mmm?”
“Just curious. What were you doing at Lord Bethany’s?”
He smiled and tapped the side of his nose. “Sorry, brother. Not at liberty to say.”
*
A week later,Lord and Lady Whickham’s carriage, with Lord, Lady and offspring safely ensconced, rumbled over Highfield’s cobbled courtyard, passed beneath the ancient gatehouse, and disappeared into the pale, morning mist. Julian, standing on the steps with his parents, waited to hear an anticipated comment from his mother. It was his father, however, who spoke first.
“Speaking generally,” Aldous said, “I think the week went rather well.”
“I agree,” Grace replied, turning to go into the house. “They’re lovely people, and Miss Aitken is charming. I’m very pleased.”
“Is that it, Mama?” Julian frowned. “Aren’t you going to say anything else?”
“About what, dear?” she replied, pausing mid-step.
“About Miss Aitken. Specifically, my intentions toward her.”
Grace’s brows lifted. “What do you want me to say? I can tell you’re not quite decided, if that’s what you mean.”
“Best not to rush into these things.” Aldous winked. “Now, if you’ll both excuse me, I think I’ll just trot over to the stables. I want a quick word with Willis.”
“I confess I was expecting you to comment on my lack of decision, Mama,” Julian said, as he followed his mother into the house.
“Then your expectation was misplaced.” Grace headed into the Morning Room, where the aromas of breakfast still lingered. “I personally think it’s an excellent match, but I also agree with your father—there’s no great hurry. You’ve only just met. Now, I believe I’d like another coffee. Will you take some? It should still be fresh.”
“Yes, I’ll get it, Mama. Extra cream, as always, of course.” Julianheaded for the sideboard. “And your lack of critique makes what I’m about to say a little easier.”
“Not sure I like the sound of that.” Grace settled onto one of the settees. “I do hope it’s not an outright dismissal of the girl’s hand, Julian. You’ll be seeing her at Myddleton in a few weeks. At least wait till then before making a final decision.”
“Miss Aitken may have already made the decision for me.” Julian handed his mother her black coffee and settled himself in an adjacent chair. “Or does she not have a say in it?”
“Yes, of course she does.” Grace took a sip of coffee and then set her cup down on the small table beside the settee. “But I suspect the young lady is already smitten and simply waiting for a proposal. So, what is it you want to say?”
Smitten?Not something Julian wanted to hear. Frowning into his coffee cup, he also took a sip and then lifted his gaze. “I’ll be leaving with Josiah in the morning, Mama.”
“Leaving?” Her brows lifted again. “You’re going to London?”
