Julian bowed. “I’ll leave you to it, then.”
He walked out, trying hard not to smile as Carenza continued to talk to her maid as if nothing untoward had happened. He admired her calmness as he picked up her garments and left them in her dressing room. When he reached for his shirt he remembered Carenza hadn’t been the only one who was naked. He hoped poor Bea had closed her eyes.
CHAPTER17
Julian made sure he was the first person down before dinner so that he could greet the rest of his guests. His valet had informed him that his mother had arrived and was comfortably settled in her room. He was beginning to regret not bringing his butler and more of his staff, but he hadn’t expected a full house—just a few intimate friends who would happily overlook any indiscretions in their midst. It was how he preferred to live his life, but it seemed fate was against him.
“Julian.” Aragon bounded in. He’d changed into evening attire but still had a few wisps of hay stuck to his lapel. “A word.”
Julian raised an inquiring eyebrow.
“Lady Carenza.” Aragon looked at him expectantly.
“What about her?”
Aragon took a quick look around the room before he leaned closer to Julian. “I don’t think she’s the one for me.”
“Mother will be pleased.”
“I’m not worried about Mother. What do you think?”
“I hate to disappoint you, but I have no opinion on your choice of bride. That decision is entirely up to you.”
“I thought you’d be disappointed in me.”
“Not at all. Thinking matters through and concluding you will not suit shows great maturity, brother. I’m proud of you.”
Aragon rolled his eyes. “Now you sound like Mother.”
“Good Lord, I hope not.” Julian paused. “Might I ask what persuaded you that Lady Carenza was not the woman for you?”
Aragon looked anywhere but at Julian. “Oh, you know, things …”
“Such as?”
“She’s rather bossy.”
“Indeed.” Julian fondly remembered her earlier commands when she’d been naked in his bed. “I suppose you’ve had enough of that with Mother.”
“Enough of what?” Their mother entered the drawing room. She wore a dark blue silk gown with a black lace trimming and feathers in her hair.
He went over to take her gloved hand and kissed it. “Your excellent advice, of course,” Julian said.
“I was just telling him that I’m no longer considering Lady Carenza as a bride,” Aragon said helpfully as he kissed his mother’s cheek.
“Well, things would have ended much sooner if you hadn’t kept up your acquaintance with her, Julian. Her family are not good ton.”
“I say, that’s jolly unfair,” Aragon protested. “They’re both lovely girls. Grew up with them, like them a lot.”
Julian met his brother’s gaze. “I agree.” He turned to his mother. “Did you have a safe journey from London?”
“Yes, this place is conveniently close.” Lady Isobel looked around the drawing room. “It’s quite pleasant here.”
“I’m glad you approve.”
“I didn’t say that. I’ll reserve judgment until I’ve seen the whole house.” Her cool gaze raked over him. “Who else have you invited?”
Julian was just about to answer when Carenza and her sister came in together, both of them in shades of blue.
