He hadn’t been this awkward at a gathering since his first ball and was uncertain how to approach a miss that he had wished to dance with.
Bloody hell! He was not seven and ten anymore.
Julian blew out a sigh and marched across the room to stop before Cait. He executed a proper bow then offered his arm. She stared at him, hesitating.
“If we do not do as they wish, we will all go hungry,” Julian said.
With a sigh of her own, Cait took his arm and allowed him to lead her from the drawing room.
Aunt Agatha looked at the Devils of Dalston individuelly after they had taken their seats. “There are several reasons why a gentleman might have wronged a love in the past…. You know your reason, as do I.” She smiled.
Julian did not doubt for a moment that Aunt Agatha knew a good deal about him, though how she knew about Cait was beyond him. How could she know any more about his friends?
“Given that the few conversations that were held following court were brief and each of you disappeared to your chamber or walked off somewhere, I believe more rules must be put into place.”
There were a few groans from the gentlemen.
“I understand that the true reason for the invitation to my home came as rather a shock, and therefore, you were ill-prepared. The sisters and I have decided that we will allow you each some time for reflection.”
Did this mean that they were now free to leave?
“You each shall enjoy the evening as you wish,” Lady Priscilla announced. “The women may gather in the parlor for tea and games of whist. Of course, the gentlemen are welcome to join us.”
Julian glanced at the faces of his friends. Like him, they were hoping for alternative entertainment.
“As for the gentlemen, if you wish, you may adjourn to the billiards room where liquor has been stocked as well as a selection of cheroots have been placed,” his aunt offered.
“However, tomorrow morning, your assignments will begin,” Lady Joanna Tilson warned. “Do not attend hung over.”
Cait wasgrateful for an evening free of Julian. It was difficult enough to sit beside him through dinner and she had anticipated retreating to her room when the meal was concluded until the options were provided. She did not expect any of the men to join them in the parlor, therefore, she joined the women.
As they exited the dining room, Bernadette slipped her hand around Cait's arm and drew her away from the others. “Did you speak with Lord Shorewood?”
“He found me in the stables,” Cait whispered back.
“Is all well?” Bernadette asked with concern.
“We said what needed to be said. Further, it is ridiculous that he needs to make amends for something over which he had no control.” Instead, she was seeing him five years later and only because they were both forced to this house party.
Perhaps not exactly forced, as they did receive an invitation, which she accepted. However, had the truth regarding this gathering been revealed, she would have remained at the Wiggons’ School for Elegant Young Ladies.
“Did you speak with Captain Pickmore?”
Bernadette pursed her lips as her eyes hardened. “I did not.”
“Did you hide in the library the entire time?”
“I found a book on Egyptian kings that I had not yet read. I took that to my chamber where I remained until we were summoned to dinner.”
“You will be forced to speak with him tomorrow,” Cait reminded her.
“I may be forced to be in his presence, but that does not mean we must speak.” Bernadette pulled away and crossed the room as the tea cart was rolled in.
Cait had never pressed Bernadette about what had happened between her and Pickmore and now wished that she had. Except she could not worry about Bernadette right now. Her concern was tomorrow when she would be forced once again to speak with Julian. It had been difficult enough to maintain her composure in the stables. Could she continue to do so each day until they were allowed to leave?”
She considered once again whether she should approach Lady Hartfell and explain that there was no dispute that needed to be settled between her and Lord Shorewood.
But, as she watched one woman after another approach their hostess and be dismissed with words of “tonight is for entertainment not to discuss why you are here,” Cait decided that she would hold her tongue…for now.
