“Oh, my goodness!” Annie lifted her gaze. “Are you to do the flower-arranging, Janet?”
“Yes. Well, some of it, at least.” Janet stood, shook out the apron she’d been mending, and then folded it neatly. “There’s obviously a gathering of some description scheduled. A house party, most likely.”
“Um, would I be allowed to go with you?” Annie winced. “I mean, would it even be permitted? I’d really love to see the house.”
The beginnings of another smile appeared. “I thought you might,” Janet replied. “I responded to Mrs. Shelburne before you arrived, but I’ll send her another note to say I’m bringing an assistant. I shouldn’t think she’ll mind. Not that you can go wandering about the place willy-nilly, young lady. Myddleton House is, first and foremost, a private home. You’ll be obliged to stay with me. You can help me with the flowers.”
“Yes, of course. I understand.” Annie cupped her hands to her face, felt the glow of pleasure on her cheeks, and decided to ignore the anticipated twinge of guilt. “Oh, I can’t wait to see the place. Maybe you could give me a few lessons on flower arranging before then?”
“Yes, of course,” Janet replied, and then smiled as a scratching sound came to the back door followed by a recognizable bark. “There he is. Let him in, will you, Annie?”
Chapter Eleven
Of all thewomen Julian might have expected to see at Myddleton House, she would not have been one of them. The sight of her instantly transported him back to that unforgettable day in London when he’d gazed into the depths of her eyes. And her eyes weren’t the only things about her that came to mind.
Of course, Her Grace, the Duchess of Rothbury, looked as lovely as ever. Unlike her portrayal in oils, however, she was elegantly dressed, gloriously bejeweled, and perfectly coiffed, none of which was of any consequence to Julian. With little effort on his part, her clothing melted away before his eyes, replaced by a translucent piece of fabric that left little to the imagination. Her splendid hair, meanwhile, freed itself from its pins to tumble down over her breasts. Overall, a detailed recollection, and unquestionably inappropriate, given that the lady was currently deep in conversation with Julian’s aunt. Still, he couldn’t help himself, nor was it his fault. He blamed Josiah entirely.
“I should think she’s praying he’ll wait till he returns to Wiltshire before breathing his last.”
Julian regarded his father, who had come to stand beside him. “His Grace, you mean?”
“Yes,” Aldous replied. “They arrived not a half-hour ago, but he has yet to make it up the stairs. He’s currently taking a noisy nap in the library.”
“Noisy?”
“Snoring impressively.” Aldous grimaced. “Poor old chap. I really mustn’t be so ungracious. I’m surprised he made the effort to come to Myddleton, given his frailty. They’re here a day early to give him time to recover from the journey.”
“He likes to keep an eye on his wife,” Julian said, shifting his attention back to the duchess. “He enjoys her popularity.”
“Yes, so I’ve noticed,” Aldous replied. “How are you feeling, Julian?”
Julian gave him a sideways glance. “I’m feeling fine, Papa. Why do you ask?”
“No reason.” He cleared his throat. “I assume you’re looking forward to seeing Miss Aitkin?”
“Yes,” he replied, and not without honesty, “I am.”
Aldous nodded. “Glad to hear it.”
Julian didn’t answer. He guessed there was more to come. Sure enough, after a few moments of silence, his father cleared his throat again. “What of this other young lady who has caught your eye?”
Julian, knowing full well his mother was behind this mild inquisition, and that his father was acting under protest, smothered a sympathetic smile. “What of her? I have no idea where she is, Papa. I’ve already made that clear.” He swallowed against what felt like a mild but unwelcome sense of despair. “I only met her the one time, and it’s highly unlikely I’ll ever meet her again.”
“So, you’re still considering a possible engagement to Miss Aitken?”
“I believe I’ve made that clear as well,” he replied. “Though, as you yourself said, these things should not be rushed.”
“No, in my opinion, they should not.” Aldous narrowed his gaze slightly. “On the other hand, over-delaying might lead to irrevocable disappointment.”
Julian stifled a sigh. “What do you consider over-delaying, Papa? Thus far, Miss Aitken and I have barely spent a week together. A veryenjoyable week, I might add. And I’m sure these next few days will allow us to get to know each other even better.”
“No doubt,” his father replied. “It’s the existence of this mystery woman that has your mother in a bit of a dither, that’s all.”
“Yes, I’ve gathered that.” Julian tamped down a touch of frustration. “But if Iamdelaying my decision about an engagement to Miss Aitken, it’s for no other reason than I’d like a little more time to get to know her. If, in the meantime, she has a change of heart, then so be it. But I will not be rushed.”
Aldous parted with a sigh. “Which is what I told your mother, but you know how she is. I’ll just wander back to the parlor and tell her again, I suppose. Want to come with me?”
Julian laughed. “No, thank you, Papa, I’ll leave you to it. Think I’ll take a walk before luncheon, actually. Where are the twins, by the way? I haven’t seen either of them or Arthur this morning.”
