Henry’s jaw flexed. His gaze flicked from Juliet to Charity, and finally to Clara, before he looked away as if weighing something that refused to settle. His mouth opened, then shut again. A breath. Another glance at Juliet. Finally with a sudden squaringof his shoulders, he spoke. “No. It is out of the question.” His arms folded, his wide lips pinched. “Juliet shall remain here.”
“Oh? Not even to be considered, is it? Hmm.” One of Clara’s brows arched as she glided over to him, graceful as a swan. She lightly brushed her fingers over his shoulder, barely grazing the fabric of his frock coat. “I assure you I am every bit as helpful as Juliet.”
Juliet tensed. Clara was everything she was not. A lady of good standing, as poised as the Queen herself, and from a well-respected family. Not to mention beautiful. A ragged sigh passed her lips. Oh, she cleaned up well enough, she supposed, but how could she compete with such a woman?
And yet … she’d been the one Henry had kissed.
Clara smiled brilliantly. “But if you will excuse me for a moment, I should like to freshen up—and I shall also check on some tea for us all.”
Charity faced Clara, her shawl falling to the back of the sofa. “That would be wonderful. Thank you.”
As Clara swept out of the room, Henry rose and snugged Charity’s wrap around her.
His sister peered up at him. “While I appreciate the gesture, I am not made of porcelain, you know.”
“Says the one who was flat on her back this past week.” He smirked as he reclaimed his chair.
“Yet here I sit now before you,” Charity parried. “So, you may stop playing nursemaid.”
Juliet smiled at the banter. “Your brother means well, Charity.”
“I know. As did you, forcing me to drink such awful brews. You are quite the tyrant.” She winked as she set aside the pillow. “I am not sure if it was your aunt’s medicinals that did the trick, or if my ailment was simply frightened into submission by your determination.”
Juliet laughed. “I make no apologies.”
“As well you should not.” Mischief laced Henry’s tone. “Though I think Dr. Branch might still be expecting a measure of contriteness for having abandoned his usual procedures.”
“Well.” Charity huffed. “He won’t get it from me. I was the one poked and bruised by his methods.”
Juliet’s humour faded. She’d seen the signs of Dr. Branch’s treatments, the ugly purpling on Charity’s arms where the cups had sucked the blood to the top of her skin. The many scabs peppered on her flesh from the incisions. Even now the thought of those images sparked a righteous anger. “Beast,” she murmured, then louder, “you did suffer, Charity, but I think the doctor’s ego may have seen the gravest injury of all.”
“Thanks to you, Juliet,” Henry cut in. “It takes a strong spirit to challenge the esteemed Dr. Branch—and me—yet you did so without flinching.” He fixed his gaze on her, the lines on his face softening, as did his tone. “You are an exceptional woman.”
Heat rose up her neck and spread across her cheeks. “I only did what I thought was right.”
“Not everyone has the backbone to do so in the face of resistance.” Undeniable admiration smouldered in his eyes.
Her heart stuttered in response. My. Was it warm in there? She pressed her hands flat against her skirt to keep from fanning herself, but all the same, fire burned her face.
Charity cocked her head, the angle of it not only amused but curious. “Pardon me, but did I miss out on something while I was abed?”
A slow grin spread over Henry’s lips, as if he was reliving that kiss all over again. The rogue.
Juliet squirmed, mortified. No way would she admit to that scandalous moment in Henry’s study.
“I did miss out.” Charity’s eyes widened. “Do tell!”
Juliet froze. How could she possibly explain the magnetic draw of Henry when she’d barely had time to analyze it herself?
Clara strode in then, clearly having heard Charity’s plea. “Seems I returned just in time. Tell what?”
Henry turned towards her with a casual toss to his head. “Nothing. You know my sister. Inventing tales where there are none.”
“Perhaps.” Clara took the chair nearest Henry. “But I can practically smell the intrigue in the air.”
Juliet forced a weak smile, her heart thudding against her ribs.
Let it go, Clara. Please let it go!
