“Thank you.” She hugged her friend. “We wish to keep it a secret until my father arrives from London.”
“You have summoned the duke already?” the countess asked, surprised. “That makes this a very serious thing then.”
“Why are you blushing, Julia?” Willa asked.
She looked away from the women she loved. “We do not wish to delay the wedding.”
“You haven’t…” the countess stopped herself from finishing the question.
“No… though I wanted to.”
“Julia!” The dowager countess looked stunned and sat down on the edge of her bed. “What an outrageous thing to say.”
“I do not wish to live a life where I cannot say how I feel. The duke has taught me that the best.”
“Child, you must never speak such things in front of strangers. Imagine what people would say…”
“You and Willa are not strangers.”
“Perhaps I have been too permissive about what the two of you read and where you go.”
Willa shook her head. “Mama, you could never make me live in a cage.”
“Maybe not, dear, but I think we best find you a husband soon.” She fanned herself with her hand, her cheeks red. “Now, let us all take naps so we are fresh for the ball tonight. The masquerade is in just a few days, but tonight a few of the local gentry will be joining us. I want to look my best.”
Julia turned to go.
“Where do you think you are going, child?”
“To my chamber.”
“I think not. I would feel better if you stayed here. There is a duke on the loose in this house who would think nothing of sneaking into your room, I think.”
Willa and Julia both laughed.
“Of course I’ll sleep here,” Julia said. “Whatever must be done to protect my virtue, I am happy to do.” She kissed the dowager’s cheek. “Thank you for everything you have done for me. I love you both so much.”
*
“Engaged to bemarried?” Graham asked, shocked.
“Yes. You are familiar with that purposeful institution, are you not?”
The earl threw his friend a mock scowl. “Never underestimate me, Alonzo. I am a useful bastard and a rogue.”
“Will you not congratulate me on my good fortune?”
“I am envious of you, old friend. She is the perfect mate for you in every way.” He extended his hand, and the duke gripped it with pleasure.
“I am a happy man, Ganes. A very happy man.”
“Have you written to her father to break the news?”
“I have done better than that. I just sent an invitation to him by special messenger, asking him to join us here.”
There were sparks of mischief in his friend’s eyes. “Why such a hurry?”
“I wish to be wed to Lady Julia by week’s end. Stanhope has agreed to let us marry here. This must remain a secret until her father arrives and Madeline and her brother are gone. I do not want anything to ruin our special day.”
