Chapter Three

The next morning, Juliet’s eyes fluttered open, and for the first time in months she did not awaken with a heavy crush on her chest. Odd, how she’d grown so used to that feeling. Now instead of the depression she’d fought, she welcomed the anger at last night’s encounter with Graham.

So, he promised to win her back? Ha. He had no idea how determined she was to cut him out of her life. No doubt he planned to sweet talk her into his bed and then abandon her again. She no longer trusted him, nor wanted to trust him. Even though he claimed to be away, and then spent time on his estate, he never said where he’d been. The absence of that information was telling.

She threw the covers off, anxious to start her day for once. The excitement of matching wits with Graham and coming out ahead of the game brought new life to her existence. She would lead him on a merry chase, and then when she was finished, she would crush him under her feet, brush her hands together, and walk off and leave him.

Just as he’d done to her.

“Oh, Juliet. Look at the beautiful flowers you’ve received.” Marigold greeted her as she entered the breakfast room. Several large bouquets occupied a place on the dining table, the sideboard, and two small tables near the window.

“Oh, how lovely.” She went from one arrangement to the next, smiling at the cards. Mr. Billingsley, Lord Foster, Mr. Applegate, Sir Langley, Lord Browning, and Mr. Davidson. All the men she’d dance with the prior evening. She tried very hard to tell herself it was no matter that there wasn’t one from Lord Graham Hertford. Had he given up so easily?

She filled her plate with bacon, eggs, an orange and a warm roll, and took her place next to Papa, and across from Marigold.

“I thought I would make some morning calls.” Juliet looked over at her sister. “Would you care to join me?”

Marigold shook her head. “No. I never know what to say to people.”

Although Marigold had always expressed the desire to one day marry and have her own family, Juliet often worried that the girl would never attract any suitors with her shyness. “It might help you feel more comfortable around others if you force yourself to make visits.”

Papa looked at Juliet over the top of his newspaper. “Leave the girl alone, sweeting. Marigold will do all the necessary things to impress the ton next year, when it is her turn.”

Marigold smiled warmly at their father. “Thank you, Papa.”

Juliet shrugged and continued with her breakfast. “My lady, this has arrived for you.” Mason entered the room, and presented Juliet with one perfect red rose. I had just started to open, so the fragrance was wonderful.

“Oh, how beautiful.” She turned to the butler. “Is there a card?”

“No, milady, just the rose was delivered by a lad. Took off before I could question him.”

“Thank you.” She set it aside, almost certain it had come from Graham. The man didn’t play fair. Everyone else sent a bouquet. His offering was notable with its difference.

“I wonder who sent you only one rose.” Marigold studied the flower. “How odd.”

Papa snapped his newspaper and folded it, setting it next to plate. “Whoever sent it wanted to stand out.”

Marigold nodded. “Yes. I think you’re right Papa.”

Papa stared at Juliet. “Any ideas?”

She shrugged. “No. None at all.” Her reddened face gave her away since Papa gave a shout of laughter.

“My darling daughter, methinks you know precisely who sent it, and it does not make you happy that he did.” He stood and kissed both girls on their heads. “What event are we attending this evening?”

“Marigold and I had hoped to attend the theater. Would you care to join us?”

“Of course. As your chaperone, I must see to my duty. Will any of your many gentlemen be joining us?”

“I mentioned it to a few last evening. Perhaps one or two will stop by.” She truly enjoyed the theater, and unlike most of the attendees, preferred to watch the play and not to merely see and be seen. It was not always possible, but hopefully any of the gentlemen who might show up tonight would be interested in enjoying the play, also.

“Very well. I will be ready to escort my beautiful daughters to the theater. I will not be home for dinner, but will see you when ‘tis time to leave.”

One did not question one’s father where he was spending his time, but Juliet had noticed he seemed to be away from home more the last few weeks than usual. Although to her he was merely Papa, she’d seen the way some of the women of the ton followed him with their eyes. He was not ancient, only about six and forty years. Handsome, and he still maintained a youthful form.

She picked up the rose and sniffed it. Beautiful. Roses were her favorite flower. And Graham knew that. The cad.

Marigold watched her sniff the flower. “Do you know who sent the rose, Juliet?”

Juliet placed it back on the table and picked up her fork to continue eating. “Not really. I have a few ideas, but . . .”

Her sister smiled. “I agree with Papa. I think you know very well who sent the rose, and it does not make you happy.” She tilted her head and studied her. “Although, I must say, I’ve seen you smile more today than I have in months.”

***

Graham had decided against trying to track Juliet down by making calls at various homes that were receiving. He had no idea where she would be, and he was afraid of getting entangled in some sweet little debutante’s net if he showed up at afternoon calls. Instead, he decided to ride his horse, Demon, to Hyde Park at the fashionable hour, in the hopes of seeing her there.

He had to find a way to learn her schedule so he didn’t waste his time attending events where she would not be, and waiting to see if she would arrive before seeking out the next occasion for the evening. If he were to break through the barrier she had erected between them and convince her he truly wanted to marry her, he needed as much time as possible to sway her to his way of thinking.

There were many methods to persuade her, but he had to move slowly. Picking up where they’d left off was not possible, given Juliet’s reaction to seeing him for the first time in months the night before.

Regardless of what she’d said, she was hurt, angry, and certainly not ready—yet—to hear him out. But what he’d shouted to her was a fact. He would win her back.

***

The weather was pleasant enough for an early spring day as Graham rode Demon through the gates of Hyde Park and joined the other riders and carriages travelling along the path. He stopped several times and spoke with gentlemen and ladies he hadn’t seen since his return to London.

Several young ladies smiled brightly, attempted to gain his attention, and batted their eyelashes. He only had eyes for Juliet. After about fifteen minutes, a carriage rolled through the front gates with Marigold, Juliet, and two other young ladies. If he was correct, Miss Dennison and Miss Agnes Dennison were other the two.

Rather than race over to her, he took his time, circling the park, smiling, and nodding, but always aware of where her carriage was. Soon he’d held back enough that he caught up to them. “Good afternoon, ladies.” He tipped his hat and smiled at the four girls.

“Good afternoon, my lord,” the Misses Dennison said in unison. Marigold gave him a genuine smile of welcome. “Lord Hertford, I did not know you had returned to London.” She looked at Juliet, who was gazing in the other direction. “Why did you not tell me Lord Hertford had returned?”

Juliet viewed her sister as if seeing her for the first time. “Lord Hertford?” She turned to look at him. “Oh, yes. I believe I saw him last evening.”

He could not help it. All she was missing was a quizzing glass. Knowing Juliet as he did, he imagined her purchasing one to use for occasions such as this. A grin broke out on his face at her feigned indifference. Her face reddened, and he felt as though he’d scored one for his team.

“Good afternoon, Lady Juliet.” He stared at her, knowing she was too well-mannered to snub him in the open with the ton looking on.

Her lips tightened. “Good afternoon, my lord.” Then in a manner ill-suited to her normal behavior, she snapped at the driver. “May we please move forward? We are holding up the line.”

The other three girls regarded her with surprise. “I’m sorry,” she said, “but we were causing a traffic hold-up.”

The carriage moved forward, and Graham stayed even with them. “What entertainments are you attending this evening, ladies?”

Miss Dennison related her and her sister’s schedule of a dinner party and then a musicale. He turned his attention to Lady Marigold, since he knew Juliet would never tell him.

“We are attending the theater this evening, my lord. Would you care to join us?”

Juliet’s groan had him biting his lip to keep from laughing. “Yes, Lady Marigold, I would love to join you. Thank you so much for your kind invitation.” Before Juliet could rescind the offer, he tipped his hat once more and rode on.

He rode the pathway twice more, all the time watching Juliet pretending not to watch him. He was enjoying their little cat and mouse game.

***

Graham entered the theater lobby to see Lord Pomeroy, Lady Juliet, and Lady Marigold standing in a circle with Lord and Lady Abernathy and Mr. Applegate. He frowned at the possessive way Applegate rested his hand on Juliet’s lower back. He was also standing much too close to her.

He approached the group in time for Lord Pomeroy to notice him. “Hertford, my boy, haven’t seen you in a while, eh? Been hiding in the country?”

Juliet looked directly at him with a smirk on her face. No doubt wanting to see what he told her father. “Not exactly, sir. I had business that took me away from London, and then spent some time at my estate. But I am happy to be back in town for the Season.”

“Good, good.” He slapped him on his back. “Hope to see more of you.”

“Thank you, sir.” He glanced at Juliet, pretending again to ignore him. “I intend that very thing.”

A footman entered the lobby and announced the play would begin in ten minutes. The group all moved toward the stairs that would bring them to the third level where the Pomeroy box was located.

Graham gripped Applegate’s shoulder, effectively stopping him, so he had to release Juliet’s arm. “I say, good man, I happen to be in the market for good horseflesh. Have you been to Tattersall’s lately?”

Applegate viewed him with raised brows. No doubt the man thought it was an odd time and place to have such a discussion. He cared not how crazy Applegate thought he was. He stepped around the man and took Juliet’s hand and tucked her arm under his. “We will have a conversation about it, Applegate. Maybe when the play ends,” he tossed over his shoulder. He leaned toward Juliet. “Good evening, Lady Juliet. I didn’t get a chance to greet you before.”

They started up the stairs as she spoke out of the side of her mouth. “I did not invite you, my lord, do not wish you to be here, and please release my arm.”

Graham placed his hand on his chest. “You wound me, my dear. However, I did receive a lovely invitation from your charming sister.”

***

Charming sister, indeed. Juliet had given Marigold quite a dressing down over her inviting Graham to the theater with them. However, when Marigold seemed baffled by Juliet’s ire over what the girl had seen as a simple invitation to a charming gentleman, Juliet snapped her mouth closed. No point in having Marigold question her further.

She and Graham had not made their courtship very well-known last Season. Not for any reason, except Juliet was afraid Papa would discourage her until Elise married. Although, truth be known, Papa was not a very strict parent, and all three girls were quite stunned when he announced his edict last year about them marrying in order of their birth.

They entered the theater box and settled into their seats. Even though Papa had invited Mr. Applegate, the man seemed to think he was there to dance attendance on her. Juliet had never been too fond of him. He stood too close, rested his hand on her back, and acted in a totally inappropriate and possessive manner, as though he had some claim on her. She hated to admit it, but she felt relief when Graham eased Mr. Applegate away from her.

Drat the man. She didn’t want to be grateful to him at all.

Papa sat next to Lord and Lady Abernathy in the second row, leaving the front row open for her, Marigold, Graham, and Mr. Applegate. Since she didn’t trust Mr. Applegate, she maneuvered them so he sat on the outside with her next to him—to keep him away from Marigold—with Graham next to her, and her sister at the other end.

Mr. Applegate immediately began to shift in his seat so he was closer to her. She moved so she was closer to Graham, who glanced over and immediately saw the problem. “Say, there, Applegate, how about moving over a bit. We’re sort of squeezed here.”

“Oh, my apologies.” He moved back, annoyance written on his face. The night was certainly not starting out well. She was already irritated with the two men and the play hadn’t even started.

“This is one of my favorite plays,” Graham said in a low voice next to her ear. She stiffened as memories of him whispering into her ear flashed through her mind. The ache returned with a vengeance. She would not allow him to do this to her. She’d put him out of her mind, and had no intention of letting him back in again to wreak havoc on her heart.

“I hope you do not intend to disrupt the play by speaking during the performance. I prefer to enjoy the production, unlike many who come here just to socialize.”

The fool man grinned at her as if he knew she was purposely attempting to antagonize him. Which, of course, was exactly what she had intended. She settled back in her seat, and studied the program.

“Have I told you how lovely you look this evening, Lady Juliet?” Mr. Applegate whispered in her other ear.

Good lord, was she to be inundated all through the play with inane comments from these two men? She took a calming breath and smiled in his direction. “Thank you very much, Mr. Applegate. Now I shall look forward to reading the program before the play starts.”

Graham snorted.

She ignored him.

Mr. Applegate shifted once more to be closer to her, but rather than move near to Graham, she gritted her teeth and said nothing. Thankfully, the curtain rose, and the chatting in the audience didn’t stop, but at least died down to a low murmur.

Five minutes in to the play Graham eased his hand over to her lap and covered her hand, giving it a slight squeeze. She tugged, but he held on. She tugged again. He held tighter. She leaned over toward him. “Please release my hand.”

He looked at her with raised brows. “My lady, please, I am trying to listen to the actors.”

She stewed in silence. Having won that round, he began to circle the inside of her wrist—which was thankfully covered by her glove—with his thumb. Despite her best efforts, her face flushed at the intimacy. She glanced sideways at him to see him studying the stage as though Aristotle himself were giving a lecture.

Mr. Applegate moved his leg so his thigh pressed up against hers. Enough! She jumped up, and everyone in the box, with most likely a few across the way, looked up at her. “If you will excuse me.” She made to go past Mr. Applegate.

Both men came to their feet and offered to escort her out of the box. She waved both her hands in the air like a crazy person. “No.”

Papa stood. “I will escort my daughter.”

By now occupants of several boxes across from them, as well as several people below were staring in her direction. Quizzing glasses and opera glasses were cast in her direction. Wonderful. Tomorrow she would be the talk of London.

Juliet turned and took her father’s arm and left the box. Once they were in the lobby Papa regarded her. “Are you ill, daughter? Shall I send for the carriage?”

“No.” She did want to see the play, but the distractions had become unbearable. “It was just too warm in there. I needed a breath of fresh air.”

“Are you certain you are well? Lady Abernathy just mentioned she felt chilled.”

“I am fine.” She plastered a smile on her face. “In fact, I feel much better already. Let us return to the play.”

Papa nodded and escorted her back to the box. Once they entered, she edged past Lord and Lady Abernathy and plopped down next to Papa. With a smile of satisfaction on her face, she enjoyed the rest of the play sans distractions.