Julia nearly laughed out loud at the earl’s expression, plainly finding the idea of having nothing but tea and watery gruel to be beyond distasteful. Especially when they were about to have a festive feast.
“It simply slipped, Mother.” He went to the bell-pull and yanked it.
“Easy, dear boy. You nearly pulled the ribbon from the spring, and the whole system is a nuisance to fix.”
“Sorry,” he muttered.
In a very short time, the maid came and cleaned up the mess. Julia felt terribly sorry for her and resolved to cause less mischief next time.
But she couldn’t resist touching the front of his breeches when his mother led them in to dinner.
Jasper was too quick. He clamped his hand over hers, imprisoning it directly over his length.
Gasping, Julia looked over her shoulder. Luckily, Lady Marshfield had already turned the corner.
“What are you doing?” she fumed as quietly as possible.
“What areyoudoing?” he growled under his breath. “If you touch me thusly again, I shall—”
“You shall what?” she demanded. “Treat me to another game of billiards?”
They glared at one another a moment, and then he released her before making an exaggerated gesture for her to precede him.
Julia did so, waggling the massive skirt of her ancient gown, having grown more used to the style with each passing day. Let him stew upon that.
With something of a truce, they got through dinner and cards without incident. As there were only the three of them, by mutual agreement, they didn’t engage in any of the lively group games, such as Fox and Geese or Spillikins, and Snap Dragon was too much trouble to set up.
When the evening drew to a close, Julia worried what might happen at bedtime, but Jasper didn’t knock upon her door, and she didn’t dare tap on his. Still, she lay awake a long while listening — half hoping, half dreading. In the end, she fell into a fitful sleep and dreamed the Earl of Marshfield had his wicked way with her upon the billiards table.
Oversleeping, Julia came downstairs along her usual route through the black-and-white tiled main hall. A commotion at one end caught her attention instantly.
Two men were talking animatedly to Jasper with her ladyship’s efficient butler by his side.
Intruders of some sort, and with a menacing air about them, but she approached with curiosity.
The group of four men turned at her approach.
“Speak of the devil,” one stranger said.
“And there she is!” said the other. “Our pretty jewel thief.”
