Page 19 of Regency in Color

Chapter Seven

Lady Roxburrow fanned her hand in front of her face, the other perched on her ample him. She heavily breathed as if she’d just participated in a vigorous sporting event instead of hosting two gentlemen in her parlor. “Gracious me. Two callers. I do believe our luck is starting to turn around.”

She sunk onto the sofa next to Juliana, plucked the book from her hands and used it as a fan.

Our luck. Juliana grinned at Lady Roxburrow’s association of her own success or failure to whether or not she found a husband. After all, it would only be Juliana who had to choose between living on the streets or wedding a brutish ogre.

“Thanks to the duke,” Juliana admitted. “As much as I hate to admit it, I owe him a great debt.”

“I watched the two of you as you danced last night, as did everyone else in attendance. You were radiant. The way he looked at you was so . . . intense. Is there possibly any interest there?”

“No.” She looked down at her hands. “He is only trying to rectify a great wrong he committed against me several years ago. Nothing more.”

Lady Roxburrow stopped fanning herself and sat straighter. She gave Juliana her full attention. “Ah, he is the young man you fancied yourself in love with when you were what, seventeen.”

“Yes, that is him.”

“You two had planned to run off together, did you not?” There was no judgment in her tone. More, an almost motherly curiosity.

“Yes. My mother knew of our intentions, but Father disapproved. He thought the previous duke looked down upon our family and refused to allow me to marry into a family that might treat me poorly. We planned to elope in Gretna Green. I waited for Colin all day, but he never showed up. I didn’t get so much as a letter explaining why he didn’t come. Last week at Lady Devonford’s ball was the first time I’ve seen or spoken to him in four years.”

Lady Roxburrow placed a comforting hand over Juliana’s. “Have you asked him?”

“No. Well, yes. I started to ask him last night, but we were interrupted before he could answer.”

“Maybe you should try again.”

Juliana extracted her hand from beneath her aunt’s, withdrawing from the optimism Lady Roxburrow inspired in her. “What would be the point? It won’t change what has passed.”

“True. Although, it could change your future.” Lady Roxburrow lifted Juliana’s chin. “Listen, deary. I know I have been pushing you relentlessly this season, but I promise it is because I care about you. There aren’t many avenues available to women for us to support ourselves. You are a very talented artist. I wish you could pursue your studies further. That, however, is not the reality of your situation. Even if you don’t achieve a love match, I want you to find a husband who will take care of you and treat you well. Marriage can be a long, unpleasant journey with the wrong type of man. Do you understand?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“Good.”

“Thank you. For everything.” For the first time since she’d come to live with her aunt and uncle two years ago, Juliana reached out and wrapped Lady Roxburrow in a hug.

Shocked, Lady Roxburrow hesitated but then returned the affectionate gesture. They held each other, silently giving and taking much-needed love and support.

“No need to thank me,” Lady Roxburrow said, her voice a little watery. She finally pulled away and sniffed several times. “I’m going to lie down for a bit. Why don’t you go out into the garden and enjoy the day?”

She gave Juliana’s hands a quick, reassuring squeeze, then stood to leave.

“That sounds like a splendid idea. If it is all right with you, I think I’d like to take Charlotte and go to the park.”

“Wonderful. Enjoy yourself.”

Juliana picked up the book Lady Roxburrow had discarded onto the small table next to the sofa and followed her out of the parlor. After Juliana found Charlotte, her lady’s maid, and informed her of their outing, she’d gather up her art supplies so she could draw while sitting under a tree.

Hyde Park was a well of inspiration for creativity. She grew more excited the longer she thought about what inspiration awaited her today.

* * *

“I’m alwaysamazed by your talent.”

“Oh!” Juliana jumped. She caught herself right before accidentally running a long charcoal line through her drawing. “Colin. Make more noise next time.”

Despite her chastising, she was happy to see him. She’d never admit it aloud, but she had missed his company more and more when they were apart. He sat down on the blanket next to her and lounged against the trunk of the wide oak tree.