Juliet swallowed past the rising lump in her throat and notched her chin in a show of confidence she did not really feel. “I required a few moments to myself, so I left the ball in favor of the library. It was my intention to select a new book, then return to the ball. I found one that intrigued me and was standing with my back to the door reading when Cleburne mistook me for another lady.”
Juliet angled her head to study Juliet. “Then you were caught? Alone with him?”
“Not exactly, there is more.” Juliet nibbled her lower lip before blurting out the rest. “He kissed me, and when the others discovered us, his hand was under my skirt.” Her cheeks burned at the admission, and she quickly added, “He thought I was another.”
Thorne’s face flushed as his gaze turned angry. “He will marry you. I will see to it.”
Juliet shook her head, her mind frantic as she processed it all and tried to determine what to say or do next. She had not recognized Cleburne, for she’d never meet him, but she well knew his reputation. The Duke of Cleburne was a notorious rake and well understood to be a renowned lover.
She could not marry a man, such as him. Her stomach rolled, but she ignored the sick feeling and squared her shoulders in defiance. “Surely, I am not to be punished for a mistake. He did not intend to kiss me. He thought I was another. Please fix this,” she begged.
Olivia rested her hands on Juliet’s arms and stared into her eyes, understanding and sympathy in her warm gaze. “Thorne is correct. You were irrevocably compromised, no matter who Cleburne thought you were. If you refuse to wed him, the choice will see you ruined. Your parents will not stand for the scandal that is sure to follow.”
Juliet fought the tears welling in her eyes. She knew Olivia spoke the truth, but how could she marry such a man? She’d be destined for misery. Marring him would destroy all of her dreams of love. Any hope of happiness would be forever gone.
Olivia closed her eyes and drew in a breath. “We will all pay the price if you refuse. Louisa and Catherine too.” Olivia shook her head as if clearing her mind. “I know you wanted love, Juliet, but this situation…” her words trailed off.
“The countess and baroness are terrible gossips, and I would wager Lady Lambert is out for blood. At this very moment, the three of them are in the ballroom. Soon everyone in attendance will know what they saw,” Thorne finished speaking for his wife.
Olivia reached for Juliet’s hand and gave an encouraging squeeze. “Of course, we will support you regardless of the fallout.”
Juliet’s eyes welled with unshed tears as she considered her situation. Olivia and Thorne were right. She’d not marry at all if she did not wed the Duke of Cleburne. No one would ever believe a rogue such as he left her a maiden. Especially not with Lady Lambert spreading the salacious details of what she’d caught them doing.
Regardless of what happened now, Juliet would not find love, and if Catherine and Louisa paid the price for her mistake… Juliet would never forgive herself.
She pressed her eyes closed for a heartbeat and willed the moisture to subside before meeting Thorne’s gaze. “The countess locked Cleburne in the library. If he agrees, I will marry him.”
Olivia wrapped her arms around Juliet, then nodded to her husband.
Thorne clenched, then unclenched his jaw before saying, “I will speak with him at once. He will stand by you, Juliet. I assure you he is not so bad as they make him out to be.” Thorne turned his attention to Olivia. “Stay here. I will return with Cleburne, and we will all go down together to announce their betrothal.”
Chapter 5
“What the devil.” Giles crossed his hands over his head to stop the onslaught of thwacks.
“Good, you’re awake,” Thorne growled, his tone dripping with anger.
Giles opened his eyes to find Thorne glaring at him. It came as no surprise, given what he had done. Still, the man could have woken him in a more civil way.
Did their years of friendship count for nothing?
Giles uncrossed his ankles but made no move to rise. “Tell me you’ve brought brandy?” he said. “I am far too sober.”
“I came to discuss Lady Juliet Gale.” Thorne kicked the sofa Giles was lounging on. “Get up.”
Giles blew out a slow breath as he met his friend’s angry gaze. “About that—”
Thorne fisted his hands at his sides as he said, “Lady Juliet is my wife’s dear friend. An innocent lady whose parents entrusted her to me, and I will defend her honor. You will either marry her or face my pistols at dawn.”
“Good God, man.” Giles sat up, his gaze holding Thorne’s. “You would shoot your oldest friend?”
“If needs must,” Thorne seethed. He shook his head. “Do tell me you have more honor than to ruin an innocent, then refuse marriage.”
Pushing to his feet, Giles gave an amused grin. So much fuss over such a small chit.
“Keep grinning like that, and I will shoot you now.” Thorne took a menacing step.
Giles held out his hand, his palm facing Thorne. “There is no need for such overt violence,” he drawled as he smoothed his cravat. “What would your mother think? The dear girl could not abide fighting, let alone dueling.”
