The Persistent Suitor, page 11
part #1 of Eligible Lords For Proper Ladies Series
“It wouldn’t matter, Papa. He doesn’t love me. When I pointed that out, he said we would do well together.”
Her father stood and went to the fireplace, where he took a poker and adjusted the logs in the grate. Juliana watched him. Something nagged at her. When Papa turned toward her she knew what it was.
Grayson reminded her of her father.
They had a similar athletic build. Her father was a handsome man, although his waistline had thickened with the years. He was not fat. His dark hair was almost all gray, but both men had an aura of strength and control.
When her father looked at her with a questioning smile, Juliana stopped staring. “I was recalling all the times I’ve depended on you to help me, Papa. You’ve always been my strongest support.”
“Thank you, Juliana. Then let me give you some advice. Love is a strange emotion. It exhibits itself in many ways. I know you have the idea that your mother loves your sisters better than you. You’re wrong. She worries more about you because you remind her of how she was at your age. However, that’s another story.
“Juliana, men find saying, I love you, difficult. There is always the possibility of rejection. Men don’t like to lose. Look at the behavior of Lord Carraway and consider how he treats you before you make your final decision.”
He stopped beside her chair and put his hand on her shoulder. “I won’t deny it would be a wonderful marriage according to Society’s standards. But your mother and I will not pressure you to agree. It must be your decision given willingly.”
She stood and hugged him. He held her tight. “You and Mama are the best of parents. I will do what you say, Papa, and decide for myself.”
“Forgive me, my lord.”
Her father released her at the sound of the butler’s voice. He looked toward the open door. “What is it, Barley?”
“A gift for Lady Juliana, my lord.” Barley looked at Juliana. “An arrangement of yellow roses arrived while you were with your father, milady. This card accompanied them.”
“Thank you, Barley.” Juliana took the card and left the study. The sweet fragrance of roses filled the foyer.
“There must be at least two dozen roses in that bouquet,” Charlotte said admiringly as she and Gloriana left the sitting room. Juliana’s sisters leaned around her to smell them.
“Who are they from?” Gloriana asked. “Quick, open your card.”
Juliana laughed and opened the envelope. She’d already recognized Grayson’s distinctive handwriting.
Hope you enjoy the flowers. Your father and I had a pleasant meeting. I’m looking forward to your answer. Until then, I am faithfully yours, Gray.
“Lord Carraway keeps sending you flowers. You are so lucky. He’s handsome and nice,” Gloriana said.
“Let’s go to the dressmaker and see if our new dresses are finished,” Charlotte suggested. “One of them should be perfect for this weekend, even if mine are all white or pastels.”
“Let me grab my reticule,” Juliana said. “I’ll hurry.”
* * *
The sisters studied the latest fashion plates while they waited for the dressmaker’s attention.
From behind a curtain, a woman’s voice rose in a sharp, commanding tone. “And have my dress ready for me tomorrow. I’m leaving for the Marquis of Carraway’s weekend party, and I intend to take it with me.”
The curtain was thrust aside. Juliana, Charlotte, and Gloriana stared at the tall, slim woman with dark blue eyes and white porcelain skin. A stunning pink gown clung to her shapely figure. Lady Melody glanced condescendingly at the sisters, nodded briefly at Juliana, and marched out the door.
“Why didn’t she speak?” Charlotte whispered to Juliana. “And who is she? She is very beautiful.”
“Lady Melody Stovall,” Juliana said. “She was engaged to Lord Carraway’s brother before he died.”
The dressmaker frowned as she watched out the window until her client’s carriage pulled away from the curb. When she saw the sisters looking at her, she quickly smiled. “Excuse me for keeping you waiting. You must want to try on your new gowns.”
“Do you have anything already made resembling this style?” Juliana handed her the fashion plate.
“I did have an order several weeks ago. Lita,” she called out to her assistant.
“Yes, madam?”
“See if Lady Roach came for the green gown we made for her.”
“I couldn’t take someone else’s gown,” Juliana protested.
“Unfortunately, I can only keep unclaimed gowns for so long. Not to worry, though, my lady. I can always make Lady Roach a similar gown.”
Lita returned with an emerald green gown. Lace ribbons had been used to accent the shallow bodice and more were twined through the sides of the long sleeves. Lace ribbons formed bows on the shoulders and fell in curls of lace down the back. The neckline was daringly low, lower than any gown Juliana had ever worn.
The assistant led Juliana to a change room and helped her out of her own gown and into the stunning emerald creation. Gloriana and Charlotte stared wide-eyed. The dressmaker circled Juliana, assessing the fit.
“It will need some adjustments, but I can have it ready for you tomorrow,” she promised.
“My sisters and I will take our other gowns today, and I’ll return for the green one tomorrow.”
“Juliana.” Charlotte gave her sister a worried look. “You are beautiful in that gown, but do you think Mama will approve? The front and back are cut very low.”
Juliana turned around, looking at the front and back in the mirror. “You’re right. I’ll have to make a late entrance the night I wear it. That way Mama won’t have time to send me back to my room to change.”
Gloriana said in an awed tone, “You’ve never worn a gown Mama hasn’t approved.”
“True, but did you see Lady Melody? Her gown was low-cut. I’m not beautiful, but this gown will make me feel like I am. I intend to look just as glamorous as Lady Melody this weekend, and if that means wearing a daring gown, so be it.”
On the ride home, Juliana cautioned Charlotte and Gloriana. “Don’t tell anyone about my new gown. It’ll be my surprise. I’m going to wear it during the house party.”
Chapter Thirteen
The rain had stopped and the air smelled of wet ground and flowers. The carriage sped along between rows of poplar trees. The evening sun shone on the windows and the soft pink bricks of the manor house that was their destination. Terraces flowed down to a park and the park ended in a forest beside a large lake. She saw deer at the water’s edge and ducks floating along on the smooth surface.
“What a warm and peaceful setting,” she said to Mama and Victoria.
“This is the Marquis’ smallest estate. He has several larger ones.” Her mother looked directly at Juliana. “He’s wealthy, and kind, and will make a good husband.”
“You are sure, Mama? Anyway, this one estate would be enough and he bought the Finney property near us.”
“Juliana, you do realize being a Marchioness would entail many responsibilities, including moving from estate to estate to check on their upkeep.”
“I would not care for all the responsibility and expectations his wife will have,” Victoria added.
“Nor would I.” Juliana leaned back and closed her eyes. “My favorite place is the country. I’m a country girl and yet what do you do if you think you’re beginning to care for a man who must split his time between country and Town?”
“Then you discuss it with him and see what he has to say,” Mama said softly. “Conversations can often clear misunderstandings. It would be a foolish decision to say no without first taking the time to have a discussion.”
“I know, Mama, but I’m not sure enough about my own feelings.”
“Your father said to not influence you, but I would not be doing my duty as a mother if I did not make you aware of the benefits of accepting the Marquis’ offer.”
Juliana was saved from answering as the carriage pulled to the base of the steps in front of the double front doors. Papa, who’d been riding his horse, dismounted and opened the carriage door to help them out.
“Did you enjoy riding, Papa?”
“Yes. The air was cool and fresh. Quite invigorating! And the estate is not a far distance from Town.”
Grayson came to greet them at the top of the stairs. A small, plump woman stood beside him. She had the same wavy black hair, though hers was streaked with gray, and her eyes were a lighter shade of blue than his. She smiled warmly at Juliana’s family.
“My aunt, Lady Henrietta Ruthers,” Grayson said. Her small hand held Juliana’s.
“Juliana, I’ve heard a good deal about you and your family. I’m pleased to have the opportunity to meet all of you.” She motioned to a tall man and a short, stout woman. “This is Dobbs, the butler, and his wife, Mrs. Dobbs, the housekeeper. They will show you to your rooms.”
She turned to Juliana’s parents. “Lord and Lady Anscom, I expect you must be hungry after your trip. We’ll dine in an hour. Will that be long enough to freshen up?”
“Thank you, Lady Ruthers. You are very gracious,” her father said and bowed.
“Please, call me Lady Henrietta. This is to be a small, cozy weekend. Let us not stand on formality.”
“Thank you,” Juliana’s mother said.
Mrs. Dobbs led the family up the winding staircase. “Lord and Lady Anscom, Lord Carraway hopes you will be comfortable in here.” She opened a door a short distance down the hallway.
“What a lovely room.” Juliana’s mother walked in and glanced around the large bedroom. The walls were a light yellow, the curtains and bedcovers yellow and cream. A fire burned in the fireplace.
“Your younger daughters will be in the room next to you. The older two will have their own rooms further down the hall.”
Mama nodded. “Go, girls, and quickly change. We must not keep the Marquis and his aunt and any other guests waiting.”
“Most of the guests have arrived,” Mrs. Dobbs said. “But please don’t hurry. I doubt they will be any quicker getting ready.”
Charlotte and Gloriana’s room was soft blue with blue and white accessories. Charlotte walked to the large windows and looked out. “Oh, how beautiful. Look, Juliana. Several peacocks are parading out there on the lawn”
“The estate is beautiful, but we’re keeping Mrs. Dobbs waiting,” Juliana said. “We’ll see you two downstairs.”
The housekeeper continued down the hall. “Lord Carraway thought you might enjoy this next room, Lady Juliana, and your sister will be across the hall. Being older, he suggested the two of you might want more privacy.” Mrs. Dobbs opened the door.
Victoria stopped in the doorway. “Gracious, it’s magnificent.”
“A huge room,” Juliana commented, taking in the furniture and large fireplace, where several chairs had been placed nearby. The north wall was all long, wide windows with fine lace curtains pulled aside to showcase the back gardens.
Soft lavender on the walls complimented darker lavender- and gold-trimmed bedcovers. A fire burned in the fireplace, taking the chill off the room.
“Lord Carraway suggested our maid, Sara, serve as your ladies maid while you are here, Lady Juliana. He thought your maids would be busy with your mother and sisters.”
“How thoughtful, Mrs. Dobbs, but I don’t want to put added work onto the Marquis’ household.”
“Not at all, my lady. Sara is very happy to be of service. I’ll send her to you.”
She was glad to see the door close as the housekeeper took Victoria across the hall to her room. Juliana needed time to absorb all of the sights and feelings aroused in being in Grayson’s home. By his every action he tightened the web around her. This had to be one of the grandest rooms in the house. Assigning his maid to her was another possessive move.
Part of her wanted to rebel against his arrogance but another part was thrilled. “Come in,” she replied to the knock on her door.
A girl with large brown eyes and a bright smile came into the room. She curtsied. “I’m Sara, my lady.” She stood aside to allow a footman to deposit Juliana’s trunks in the room.
“Sara, I appreciate your help. I’m not sure how to dress this evening. I hope you can advise me on the preferences of this household.”
“Lady Henrietta likes to dress grandly for the evening meal but the fanciest will be tomorrow evening, my lady. That’s when some of the neighbors will be joining the group for dinner and a dance.”
“Very good. I think my choice must be the blue silk with lace trim.”
Sara went to Juliana’s trunks and efficiently began to unpack her things. When she came to the blue gown, she held it up admiringly. “Yes, my lady, this will be perfect.”
Sara was quick and efficient in helping Juliana change gowns. “May I do your hair, milady? I’m very good with hair.”
“I doubt you can do anything different with it. But go ahead and try. Just don’t take too long. I mustn’t be late.”
The girl pulled the pins out of Juliana’s hair and started to brush through the thick waves.
“Perhaps when there is more time you would permit me to trim the front of your hair, my lady.”
“You can cut it all short if you like. I’m told the new style is shorter, and it must be more comfortable.”
“Oh no! Your hair is much too beautiful to cut away.”
“And I would fire her on the spot if she did.” The deep voice came from the doorway. Juliana and Sara turned in surprise.
“I knocked, but you didn’t hear me. I wanted to be certain you have everything you need.”
“Lord Carraway.” Juliana glared at him. “This is highly improper.”
“Not in the least. Sara is a sufficient chaperone for your reputation, but I will leave and meet you shortly in the drawing room.” His gaze took in her hair and flushed face. He glanced at her low-cut bodice. Then he shook his head. “Don’t cut your hair, and that is a command.” The door clicked loudly as it shut behind him.
“Really, he is so exasperating. He’s much too handsome and sure of himself. He thinks he can order everyone around.”
Sara remained silent and continued to arrange Juliana’s hair in elaborate plaits twisted loosely around the back of her head with curls in the front.
Juliana touched one of the curls on her forehead. “You are good.”
“Thank you for saying so.”
“I must hurry. I do hate to be the last to arrive.”
Despite her efforts, Juliana groaned as she got to the drawing room entrance. The room was full of people.
Lady Henrietta, wearing a fine gray silk gown, saw her in the doorway and met her with a smile. “Come in, my dear.” She hooked her arm around Juliana’s and walked with her to make any necessary introductions. Juliana was relieved to see she knew most of the company.
Angie stood by Marvin Lyall. Blackwood, eyes cast down, stood by Grayson. He glanced up as Juliana and Lady Henrietta approached.
“I’m sure you’ve met this rascal. He and Carraway have been friends for years. His estate is nearby.”
“Hello, Lady Juliana.” Blackwood bowed. “You’re looking especially lovely tonight.”
“Thank you, my lord. You are very kind.”
Juliana felt the silence and saw all eyes go to the doorway.
Lady Melody stood framed in the entrance. The candlelight shone on her dark red hair and porcelain white skin. Her slim body was covered in black lace, the bodice cut drastically low, leaving her white shoulders and upper breasts exposed. The gown fell straight to the floor with wide black satin ribbons spaced evenly around the hem. Tiny crystals on the ribbons sparkled with every step she took. Her small puffed sleeves were all black lace, and long black gloves covered her arms to her elbows. A black lace shawl lay across her arm.
Grayson’s aunt broke the silence. “Lady Melody, welcome. Now that everyone is here, let us go to the dining room. Carraway, please escort Lady Anscom. Lord Anscom, would you do me the honor?”
“My pleasure, Madame.”
The rest of the group followed behind. Blackwood offered Juliana his arm and Marvin bowed to Lady Melody, who was not looking happy. The other guests followed.
Juliana found herself seated between Angie and Grayson. She ate small amounts of the numerous dishes and sipped her wine cautiously.
“Are the dishes or wine not to your liking, my lady?” Grayson whispered in her ear.
“Everything is very grand. I like to taste most of the dishes, so I never take big helpings. The wine is excellent, but it takes a small amount to make me feel strange.”
“I’ll have to remember.” Grayson smiled and turned to speak with Lady Anscom on his other side. Across the table, Lady Melody glared at Juliana.
Juliana deliberately turned aside and spoke to Angie.
“Do you notice the looks I’m getting?”
“But of course. You knew she was planning to marry the Marquis. You have dared to get in her way.”
“There is a strange undercurrent in this room,” Juliana whispered. “I don’t feel at all comfortable.”
“I don’t think the Marquis will let anyone bother you.”
“I’ll be glad when this meal is over.”
Angie nodded. “I quite agree.”
At last, Lady Henrietta led the ladies into the drawing room. The gentlemen went to the study for cigars and drinks. The evenings were still cool, so Juliana chose a chair by the fireplace.
“Lady Juliana, how nice to meet again. I must say I was surprised to see you.” Melody’s voice was cold and hard. “How did you happen to receive an invitation from my Grayson?”
“I didn’t realize he was ‘your Grayson’,” Juliana spoke low and sharply and frowned at the woman standing over her.
“Poor John, Grayson’s brother, died and Grayson has been so supportive and caring. I expect we’ll announce our engagement very soon.”
“Really, how interesting.” Juliana glanced at the doorway. Grayson had better make it clear very soon who was going to be his fiancée. How dare he ask her to become betrothed when he was playing the same game with Lady Melody? Unless Melody was lying in an attempt to scare Juliana away. That was far more possible than believing Grayson was leading her on. For all his faults—and they were legion, Juliana thought peevishly—he was too direct for that kind of game.
