Another woman could be heard saying, “The Duchess is already married. What need has she for a waltz with Florian?”
Disapproving murmurs ensued, silenced only by one proclamation. “Make that two thousand five hundred!” It was the older woman again, her voice carrying loud and clear.
Juliette reached for the edge of the table to steady herself. In her hand, the card shivered in concert with her trembling heart.
If only she had the funds herself, she’d happily offer them up on—
“Three thousand,” Amelia said. She gave Juliette a pointed look, the sort compelling her to act quickly.
Feeling as though she was trapped in wobbly jelly, she spoke as swiftly as her tongue could manage. “Three thousand pounds by the Duchess of Coventry. Going once. Going twice. Gone.”
Air rushed from her lungs as some congratulated Amelia and others simply took their leave with disgruntled mutterings.
“Did that just happen?” Vivien asked.
Juliette shook her head. The nervous tension inside her began to bubble, and then she laughed, the absurdity and shock of it all transforming into mirth. “Apparently so,” she managed while still attempting to come to terms with her sister’s extravagant gesture.
Looking toward her table, Juliette’s gaze was drawn to Florian. She wondered what he was thinking about all of this, but it was difficult to discern since he was talking to Raphe and Coventry.
Knowing she had a few practical matters to see to before she could join them, she reached for a piece of paper on which she’d listed each prize. Grabbing a pencil, she wrote down the names of the winners and the final bids, tallying the sums at the end.
“How does it look?” Vivien asked.
Juliette set her pencil aside and looked at her. Excitement buzzed through her veins. “Four thousand, seven hundred and sixty pounds.”
Vivien stared at her. Her gaze dropped to the paper. “Let me see that.” Juliette handed her the calculations and watched as her friend went over them. “Amazing,” Vivien murmured. She met Juliette’s gaze and smiled with wide abandon. “And to think you were worried.” She shook her head and gave the paper back to Juliette, who carefully folded it before placing it in her reticule.
Juliette glanced toward the table where her family and Florian still sat. “Shall we have some refreshments to celebrate?”
“As much as I would love that, I really ought to get going,” Vivien said. “I told my aunt we could go for a walk together this afternoon if I didn’t get home too late.”
“Will you call on me tomorrow then?” Juliette asked. Knowing she hadn’t been spending much time with her friend lately except when she’d needed her help, she decided to try and give her some attention. “We could play a game of battledore in the garden if the weather is good and then have tea afterward. It will give us a chance to catch up properly.”
“I’d like that,” Vivien said.
Thanking her once again for all her help, Juliette told her to give her aunt her best regards. She then pulled an empty chair toward Amelia and Gabriella, who instantly scooted sideways and made some space so she could sit down between them.
“Congratulations on your success, Juliette,” Raphe said as he raised his teacup in salute. “I am so proud of you.”
“You did well,” Florian agreed. He was looking at her so attentively, her cheeks began to burn. “The funds you’ve made here today will be incredibly helpful.”
Snapping out of the momentary daze his attention wrought, Juliette said, “In truth, I have Amelia to thank.” She looked at her sister. “Whatever were you thinking to offer such a staggering amount? Not that a waltz with Florian isn’t worth it,” she hastened to add while her cheeks grew increasingly hotter, “but—”
“It’s not the dance,” Amelia said. “It’s the cause.” She then whispered, “Although I was also thinking of you. And Florian.” Raising her voice while Juliette tried to make sense of that statement, she added, “Coventry and I decided to match your donation before coming here. But then when I saw how grasping those women were, like starved animals descending on a carcass, if you’ll pardon the analogy, I couldn’t sit and watch them continue. So I used the three thousand pounds at my disposal to bid.”
“And I thank you for it, Duchess,” Florian said.
“But considering the current state I am in,” Amelia went on, “and the time it will take for me to recover after my child is born, I think I ought to donate the waltz to Juliette.” She sipped her tea as if her comment was perfectly normal. As if her plot to put Juliette back in Florian’s arms was not completely transparent.
Cringing, Juliette looked everywhere but at Florian. Until he said, “Once again, you have my utmost thanks. Dancing with Lady Juliette is always a delight.”
It was impossible for her not to glance across the table at him. And when she did, she saw that he was smiling. At her. As if the rest of the world had vanished and nothing else mattered.
Her heart swelled and her stomach bounced, knocking the air from her lungs.
“Gabriella and I have also decided to match your donation, Juliette,” Raphe said, ruining the moment with his wonderful declaration and forcing Juliette’s attention to him and her sister-in-law.
As she thanked them, she looked at everyone sitting at the table and acknowledged how lucky she was to have them all in her life. Their support was invaluable, and with their help she had no doubt that she and Florian would be able to do what was necessary, not only for St. Giles, but for the rest of England.
