“Which isn’t something I find the least bit displeasing. Her anger with me resulted in truly high passion once. Perhaps it can do so again.”
“Is that what you want?”
Bartholomew shrugged. “I don’t dislike the idea of it.”
“Then perhaps you should reacquaint yourself with her now. If Florian found out, the knowledge would probably drive him insane.”
“Undoubtedly. But he’s not the only one I would have to contend with then. Armswell might be weak, but Lowell isn’t. I’m not sure I’m eager to incur his wrath.” He took a moment to ponder that and eventually decided he was sure about this. “Find something else on Florian. There must be something about him you’ve yet to discover. And in the meantime, send the twins back in. All this talk about Claire has made me eager for a bit of vigorous bed sport.”
Chapter 13
Hurrying from table to table, Juliette placed a silk rose upon every plate and made sure the real roses in the centerpieces looked as fresh as possible. “I think we need to switch this one out,” she told Vivien, who was busy arranging gift baskets on a long table. Juliette pulled off a few miserable petals and took a step back to admire her work. “Never mind. I fixed it.”
Vivien placed a large box wrapped in ribbon next to a series of cards. “Relax, Juliette. Everything looks perfect.”
“Maybe,” Juliette agreed, but she wanted to be sure. This was, after all, the first event she’d ever hosted, and with some people still not convinced she belonged in Society, she wanted to impress. Especially since she was sure there were many who doubted her ability to pull this off.
One hundred guests were expected to arrive in less than half an hour, and even though her family would be there to offer support, her nerves still quivered and quaked in anticipation.
And they didn’t ease up when the first people walked through the door. Quite the opposite.
“You’re doing well,” Raphe murmured close to her. Since it was his house, he and Gabriella were helping her greet everyone, which was a relief. The thought of doing it alone...
“I cannot wait to bid on that waltz with Florian,” an older woman declared as she made her way past Juliette and entered the ballroom where all the tables were set.
Her companion chuckled. “It’s the best thing about this whole situation. Just be warned that I plan to outbid you!”
Juliette groaned. Perhaps she’d made a mistake by offering up such a prize. It had been done with the best of intentions, but from the looks of it, it threatened to be distasteful. Soured by this possibility, she wondered if she ought to pull the waltz with Florian from the bidding. There was still time. Except, it had been mentioned on the invitations as a means to encourage the women. Much as the promise of winning a cognac owned by Napoleon himself was supposed to reel in the men.
Judging from the turnout, it had worked, but at what cost?
“I have to say I’m impressed,” Florian said when he arrived and accompanied her through to the ballroom. Heads turned to stare at them—or at him—and snickers permeated the air.
“You don’t have to go through with this,” she said, embarrassed on his behalf.
His jaw clenched as he studied the women who’d come for a chance to secure a dance. But then he dropped his gaze to Juliette and allowed a faint smile. “It’s a small price to pay if it means we’ll be able to afford proper quarantine.” His smile vanished. “Your funds have already been well spent on the clinic we set up and on treating the patients back at the hospital. The extra funds you raise today will be most welcome.”
Comforted by his willingness to help, Juliette pushed her concerns aside and showed him to his table. Amelia, Coventry, Raphe and Gabriella were already occupying the rest of the seats along with Lady Everly.
Before Juliette could turn away, Amelia caught her hand. “Good luck,” she murmured. “I know you’ll be a smashing success.”
Hoping that was true, Juliette made her way to where Vivien was already standing. They waited while footmen served tea and refreshments. Conversation filled the air like a swarm of bees buzzing about their hive. Inside her tummy, Juliette felt the uneasy flutter of wings. Her heart began beating faster and she drew a long breath to steady her nerves.
“Are you ready?” Vivien asked when it looked as though all the guests had received their refreshments.
“No. But the faster I begin, the faster it will be over.”
Vivien grinned. “Just look at one person and ignore the rest. That’s what I always do.”
Juliette looked out over the tables dotting the room and instinctively focused her gaze on the man whose serious demeanor served as a welcome anchor. She spoke to him, her voice cutting through the din and forcing the room into silence.
“Welcome, ladies and gentlemen. As you are aware, the lives of fellow citizens are currently threatened by a terrible disease, the funds to help them, too few to make a difference.” She cast a quick look at Vivien, who gave her a nod of encouragement. Relaxing a little, Juliette turned back toward the crowd, surveying it slowly for added effect. “This is why I’ve invited you here today. Your presence is a testament to your kindness, your willingness to help those in need.” She gestured toward the table behind her. “There are twenty wonderful donations to be auctioned off here today. Ladies and gentlemen, I encourage you to bid as much as you can afford and to do so with the assurance that your money will be spent on those who need it the most.
“First up, I offer two books written by Benjamin Franklin, donated to us by The Book Company. They are his autobiography andPoor Richard’s Almanac. The latter is signed by the author himself and the combined works hold an estimated value of one hundred pounds.” Juliette took a deep breath before asking, “Would anyone like to offer one hundred and ten?”
Hands began to rise, driving the bidding up. Juliette’s pulse raced, increasing in speed when someone shouted, “Two hundred and fifty!”
“Three hundred!”
