“I know you are no empty-headed, shell of a woman, Julia.”
When had she given permission for him to use her name that way? “Lady Julia.”
“Of course. Isn’t that what I said?”
“No.”
“No matter,” he whispered. “Come.” He returned her hand to his arm and continued down the winding pathway, beyond a white gazebo with a brazier filled with burning incense, to a circle of mature trees in the center of a grassy area. “If you ask the Duke of Stanhope who designed this garden, he will take all the credit. But I have it on good authority, it was his duchess who dreamed of this place.”
Eight bird cherry trees formed the circle, and a fountain with a young couple embracing sat in the middle beside a bench.
“It is beautiful,” she said. “The scent unforgettable.”
“You prefer this setting over Town?”
“I do,” she didn’t hesitate. “The only reason I live in London is because of my father.”
“He prefers the busy streets over country lanes?”
“Yes, and staying close to where his money and investments live.”
The duke laughed heartily. “I cannot fault a man for that.”
“No,” she agreed, thinking of her father. “My mother left me an estate not ten miles from here. Nothing as impressive as this, but it is self-sustaining and lovely.”
“Oh?”
“Whitmore,” she explained. “My maternal grandmother’s birthplace. It will always be handed down to the eldest daughter of the next in line.”
“It explains much,” he said.
“What do you mean?”
“Why you are a veritable force. You are as self-sustaining as your estate. Your father’s funds, or that of a husband, are unnecessary.”
“Perhaps you are right to some extent, but I am only nineteen, and cannot manage my own assets until I come of age.”
He waved his hand dismissively. “A minor inconvenience.”
“Perhaps to a man with power and influence such as yourself. But to a woman…”
“Who risked everything to see her friend cared for?”
She swallowed nervously at those words. How did he know? Had she told him? No. He’d overheard her and Willa’s conversation in the drawing room. Dear God. No one was meant to know, not even her father. “Is eavesdropping a trait all dukes share?”
“No. I find it a repugnant trait in anyone. However, not wishing to impose on your private conversation with your friend, I waited nearby for the opportunity to make my presence known.”
“And overheard everything.” She turned away, staring at the sumptuous fountain, the two figures nearly naked and embracing. It made her body heat up, imagining herself in such a compromising position with the duke.
“Lady Julia,” he called.
“Yes?” She did not look at him.
“Your secret is safe with me. I give my word.”
His sincerity made her gaze at him again. Perhaps there was more than met the eye when dealing with this duke. But it would take much more to change her overall opinion of him, much more. But that did not mean she could not enjoy his company, or his pleasant voice and heavenly scent. She closed her eyes for a brief moment and breathed deeply. Yes, she could smell his scent mixed with the fragrance of the flowers.
“I admire your generous spirit,” he added. “The loyalty of friends, the need for them, demands the best of anyone.”
