Cait finished breakingher fast and then made her way to the drawing room to learn what awaited her in the afternoon. Evelyn remained with her, and Bernadette soon joined.
“Does Lady Hartfell believe that by forcing us to be together that all will be resolved?” Bernadette asked.
“I do believe that is her intention,” Evelyn answered.
“Did it ever occur to her that we have no desire for the Devils to make amends,” Cait said as Julian and Pickmore entered.
He nodded to her, and Cait glanced away.
Five years ago, he had been taken from her. He decided on duty, and she had understood. However, he had been free for a year and a half. That is what hurt. He had not come to her when she continued to love him even though he was out of reach.
“You have each been given an entertainment, which you will enjoy from one until three,” Lady Hartfell announced. She then picked the gavel up from the table. “Court will also resume following dinner.”
“You said it would be a sennight,” Julian argued.
“The sisters and I have decided that it is necessary that we monitor your progressions in case a matter needs to be brought before the tribunal.”
Cait was certain that she would not be called before the ladies.
“That will be all,” Lady Hartfell dismissed. “Go prepare for your outings.”
Evelyn raised her hand and wiggled her fingers. “How do we know for which type of entertainment we are to prepare?”
Humor twinkled in Lady Hartfell’s eyes as the corner of her mouth twitched. “They must issue the invitation.”
Lady Hartfell swept out of the room following her instructions.
For a moment, nobody moved as uncomfortable tension filled the room. Most of the women had been doing their best not to speak with the man who had wronged them, and Cait suspected that there were men who were avoiding women as well. Now they could not, and she waited for Julian to approach her because she most certainly was not going to go to him.
Pickmore was the first to step forward and approach Bernadette. “Miss Hamilton, would you be so kind as to go boating with me this afternoon.”
Bernadette stared into his eyes and Cait saw a flicker of pain.
“As it is a requirement for me to keep my position, then yes, I will join you this afternoon.”
Darton then approached Evelyn. “Would you care to go riding with me this afternoon?”
“Have you asked permission of my brother?” she returned.
Cait looked from one to the other, then back to Darton. “He is of no concern.”
“It is a pity you did not feel that way previously. However, I do love to ride, so yes, I will join you.”
Julian then approached and executed a slight bow. “Miss Doyle, it would be a great honor if you would go riding with me this afternoon.”
She had to bite her lip to keep from smiling for it was what she wanted to do above all else. It had been ages since she sat on a horse.
“You should know that I originally picked boating and Captain Pickmore was kind enough to trade with me since I know how much you enjoy being on a horse.”
“I thank you,” she said. “And I am certain Miss Hamilton thanks you as well.”
“Yes, well, Pickmore did mention that fact.”
Cait may be forced to be in Julian’s company, but Evelyn would be there as well as Darton.
Chapter Seventeen
As soon as they were on the horses, Julian turned down the path. He’d ridden the estate often and knew the best places to ride. He heard the horses behind him and hoped that both Darton and Evelyn had fallen back, but when he turned around, it was Darton behind him and the women further behind. He turned his horse and pulled it to a stop and waited for the others.
