Julia looked away, obviously embarrassed. “I wish the earl hadn’t said anything.”
“He didn’t, Lady Willa did.”
That stole her breath. “I apologize for my friend, she is…”
“Delightful and a loyal friend. The same as you are to her. I told you before, I admire such traits in a person.”
“Yes, you did indeed. I believe the Earl of Ganes is your Lady Willa.”
He chuckled. “I would hate to see him in a gown.”
Julia laughed and playfully swatted his arm. “I did not mean it that way, Your Grace.”
“As well I know.”
She stopped walking and gazed up at him. “May I ask you a personal question?”
“Of course.”
“The name Alonzo is not common—not English.”
“My mother was from Spain. Alonzo is an old family name. She fought with my father tirelessly to get his approval for it.”
“I like your name very much.”
He hoped she liked more than just his name.
“And what about your singing? You said your father disapproved of such things.”
“Yes, he was a traditional English duke. It was my duty to study hard at Eaton and learn how to manage our estates, not to play an instrument or sing. Those type of activities were for women, not heirs to a dukedom. But once again my dear mother prevailed, and a master teacher was sent for from Italy when I was five years old. He taught me to play the piano and sing.” Alonzo closed his eyes for a moment, pleasant memories rushing back to him. “I studied under Alexi for five years.”
“Oh? What happened to him?”
“He died unexpectedly on a trip home to Italy.”
“I am truly sorry.”
“Do not be—it taught me something very important at a young age.”
“What is that, Your Grace?”
“To appreciate every moment in life.” He stepped toward her and tilted her chin up, meeting her gaze. “To treasure something as precious as you.” The words slipped out before he could stop them. Not the right words for light conversation. She looked like she wanted to run away but didn’t.
“You cannot mean it.”
“Whyever not?” He gently touched her hair, loving the soft, spun gold.
She gave him a small smile. “You flatter women all the time, Your Grace. I do not wish to be one of them. I would rather discuss things of common interest, intelligent things instead of foolish words to entice me.”
“I would never lie to you.” He meant it. She deserved the best of him. Even in friendship, truth would only do for Julia. “Now tell me something about yourself. Something your dear Mama imparted to you.”
“My favorite thing?”
“Of course.”
“She taught me to help those less fortunate than us. How to sew and mend their clothes, even to bake bread for them. My mother disapproved of women who were afraid to work alongside servants in times of crisis.”
He took her words in, noted the depth of her conviction. A duke’s daughter that could cook, a marvel in her own right. What other surprises did she have? “Can you make scones?”
