Chapter Seven

Juliet and Marigold climbed into their carriage, settling on one side of the comfortable coach. Lady Selina Crampton, whom Papa had secured as a combination companion and chaperone for the rest of the Season, took the seat opposite them, adjusting her skirts. He’d introduced her to them the week before, citing again his wish for Juliet to find a husband this Season, and his dislike of too many ton events to continue as their chaperone.

Juliet did not the look in Papa’s eyes when he mentioned her getting married. He’d been acting strangely happy around her ever since Graham’s visit. She’d even heard him whistling in the corridor as he went about his business. Hopefully, Papa had not already given his consent to Graham’s request for her hand. At one time that would have made her ecstatic, now she wasn’t sure how she would feel about it.

Lady Crampton was a charming woman, a widow of perhaps five and thirty years, the mother of two young daughters. Juliet hadn’t asked, but for some reason she thought Papa was paying the woman for her services. Which, of course, could create a scandal for her, and her daughters.

Widows who accepted money from a gentleman were immediately considered a mistress. Which was probably why Papa introduced her as a companion. That was an acceptable type of employment, if not an enviable one.

However, there was something about this woman that refuted any ideas of impropriety. Lady Crampton was pretty in an older woman sort of way, with bright hazel eyes, beautiful skin, and a lovely smile that warmed up the room. Her manners were impeccable, and she was a stickler for decorum.

She had arrived at their home with her two daughters in tow, in an elegant, but outdated, afternoon gown and pelisse. Papa had insisted if she were to assume the duties of chaperone and companion in a successful manner, it would be necessary for her to take up residence in their home. So, the nursery was re-opened, where two adorable twin girls, Lady Phoebe and Lady Prudence, two and ten years, had been installed. Which, of course, required a governess for them.

Within days of Lady Crampton’s arrival boxes began to appear that were sent directly to her bedchamber. Apparently, part of the pay for her services included a new, updated wardrobe.

When Juliet thought on the entire matter, it did seem unusual to go through all that trouble to hire a chaperone, but Papa had some odd ways about him, so she shrugged it off.

The carriage rolled down the pathway as they headed to the Colborne house party. Their home was only about a four-hour ride from London, so Cook had packed a luncheon for them to enjoy on the road, rather than having to stop at an inn for a meal.

Juliet had been looking forward to the party for some time now. She preferred the country to Town life, even though it was a necessity to be in London for the Season. Papa took up his Parliamentary duties, and she and her sisters attended events that would expose them to proper gentlemen with the goal of marriage.

Once they were well into the Season, she always found herself longing for their estate in Hampshire. The fresh air, the smell of grass and sunshine, she and her horse, Peony, racing over the grounds. Of course, there would be no opportunity to race over the grounds at the Colborne house party, since she preferred aside in her breeches when riding at home.

She stared out the window as they left London proper and entered the outskirts of the town. Her mind wandered back to the conversation Graham and her father had several days ago when she returned home drenched from her fall in the creek.

In fact, she’d been horrified when the sound of male voices had come from the entrance hall. She hurried down the corridor to see Papa and Graham leaving together, both seeming to have a most friendly relationship.

Although not impertinent enough to flat out ask Papa what they had discussed, she hinted several times, but he always smiled his favorite ambiguous smile and repeated what an upstanding young man the Marquess of Hertford was.

And then he began to whistle again.

Would that upstanding young man be at the house party? Given how often he’d appeared at events she’d attended, there was little doubt in her mind that he would pop up at the house party. How would she handle being under the same roof as Graham? The last time they’d attended a house party together, they’d ended up in the same bed.

And months of misery had been her penance.

***

After the four-hour drive, their carriage meandered along a lengthy driveway, through acres of lovely, well-tended lawns and gardens, before the coach drew up to the front of Colborne Hall. Lady Charlotte walked with her mother, Lady Colborne, down the graveled path from the front door to greet Juliet, Marigold, and Lady Crampton.

“Lady Crampton, I am so pleased you are able to join us. I was thrilled when I received Lady Juliet’s note that you are now serving as companion and chaperone to the girls. It has been years since we’ve spoken.” Lady Colborne took both of Lady Crampton’s hands in hers, smiling brightly.

Apparently, their chaperone and Lady Colborne had been good friends at one time, although Lady Crampton had not mentioned that when Juliet had told her about the house party.

“Yes, I am so very happy to be here. It has been much too long. I’m afraid I have become somewhat of a recluse since his lordship’s death.” Lady Crampton did not seem as distraught as one would think if she had hidden herself away after her husband’s death.

Lady Charlotte linked her arm in Juliet’s. “This party is going to be ever so much fun. I have all sorts of games planned, as well as a picnic.” She leaned in, lowering her voice. “Mother has invited a number of eligible men who have all accepted.” Her blush had Juliet wondering if one particular man was of interest to her hostess.

She’d heard rumors that Lady Charlotte had been happily courted by Mr. Cecil Moore, a second son of an Earl. Apparently, the charming man without a title, however, had not impressed her father as suitable for his only daughter. There were so many times that she hated the strictures of their life. Far too many members of the ton did not believe love and marriage were compatible, or even necessary.

Although tempted to ask if another certain eligible man had been invited and accepted, she decided it would be better to just wait and see. There had been some gossip when Graham, who had been viewed as courting Juliet last Season, suddenly left London.

Charlotte took Marigold’s arm in hers, and they sauntered up to the front door, with Lady Crampton and Lady Colborne following them, chatting merrily away.

***

Graham waved his valet away. “That’s fine. If you keep this up, I will be viewed as a fop.”

Carson huffed at being dismissed before he felt his master looked acceptable, by his own high standards. He bent to begin cleaning up from Graham’s bath.

Graham was more concerned with joining the others at the house party before Juliet was swamped by the numerous young bucks in attendance. He’d seen Lords Blakely and St. Clair, along with Mr. Gibbons as he had arrived earlier. From what he knew, they were all looking for wives this Season.

Blakely and St. Clair needed heirs, and Gibbons needed a healthy dowry. That thought brought a smile to his face, remembering his lunch with Lord Pomeroy. There was no doubt in his mind that Pomeroy had been sizing him up as a husband for Juliet, and had not found him wanting. That, at least, was one hurdle gotten over.

Now to convince the young lady that marriage to him would be a wise decision for her. He left his assigned bedchamber and headed downstairs to the drawing room where the guests were gathering before dinner.

Sure enough, Juliet, along with Lady Charlotte and Lady Marigold, was surrounded by several gentlemen, all of them vying for their attention. Although, it appeared to him they were more interested in gaining Juliet’s favor than the other two ladies. Not in a mood to appear like a young pup in love by competing with the others, he moved toward a footman holding a tray of drinks and chose a glass of sherry.

In love.

Yes, that about covered it. He was in love with Juliet and had every intention of once again gaining her trust so she would agree to marry him. It hadn’t taken him long after his trip with Amy before he started to realize he not only wanted Juliet for his marchioness, he was in love with her. Besotted was the term that came to mind, in fact.

Amy was another conundrum he needed to deal with. He’d been stunned to hear her say she wanted her baby back because ‘they’ took it. He’d never spoken to her about the child because the duke had claimed it had all been arranged. She would stay with her aunt in Paris until the babe as born, when it would be brought to a foundling home, and Amy would return to England.

From what Amy had stated to him in between sobs, no one had ever told her that would happen. She was devastated when the babe was taken from her, and she was whisked away to a house along the French coast to recover from the birth. Any questions about the babe were answered with a pat on her head and assurance that all would be fine.

He’d always resented how everyone except him and the duke had treated the girl as if she were a child. Certainly, she had many childlike ways about her, and her maturity level had never reached full adulthood, but she was not stupid. She understood a lot more than anyone gave her credit for.

Amy was also a sweet, happy, loving young woman. Seeing her in the state she was in when he’d visited the duke had crushed him. He promised he would speak with her father on her behalf, but with him barely hanging onto life, that would be a tricky business, at best.

He had also been quite surprised to discover she claimed to be in love with the man who had fathered her baby. She refused to name him, but he had to have been someone who worked on her father’s estate. She had insisted he loved her and wanted to take care of her and the baby. How much of that was wishful thinking, he had no idea, but it was something he was bound by his allegiance to the duke to figure out.

But now he had to concentrate on his own situation. As she sipped his sherry and considered what his next move should be, a butler appeared at the door to the drawing room to announce dinner.

As a marquess, Graham was near the head of the line into dinner, escorting Lady Thorne, the Earl of Thorne’s wife. He was behind them, escorting Lady Charlotte. They entered the dining room, the table extending quite a way down the room, with seating for the sixty or so guests at the party.

The whispered words he had uttered into his hostess’s ear upon his arrival had paid off, and Juliet was seated to his right. Better to attempt to woo her at the dining table, then to fight the crowd of men who had surrounded her earlier.

“Good evening, my lady. I hope your journey was uneventful?” He was already feeling the effects of her being so near. The wonderful scent of lilacs surrounding her, along with the warmth from her body, had his blood pumping, and not to the best place while in company. But on the other hand, he could not get enough of her.

“Yes, it was quite an ordinary trip. Only a few hours, so it was not necessary for us to stop, except to change horses and refresh ourselves. Did you find your trip pleasant?”

“I did. Although I imagine my trip was quieter than yours. I see you have a new chaperone?” He nodded further down the table at Lady Crampton.

She followed his glance. “Yes, father secured the services of Lady Crampton for the rest of the Season. She is acting as companion and chaperone for myself and Marigold.”

“I know her from my relationship with Lord Crampton. He and I were on the same committee in Parliament a couple of years ago. A strange man. Somewhat older than his wife. A quiet sort. Never spoke much about his family. From what I learned he married Lady Crampton in the hopes of securing a spare to his heir who he’d fallen out with.”

Juliet laughed. A wonderful sound after so many terse exchanges between them. “Lady Crampton has two daughters. Twins. Beautiful little girls. They’ve taken up residence in the nursery, and already have Cook wrapped around their fingers.” She glanced down the table at the woman. “We are happy to have her. She is most pleasant, and I am sure will keep us out of trouble.” She glanced sideways at him, a smirk on her face.

Suddenly, he remembered the last house party they’d attended together. Yes, having Lady Crampton keeping an eye on things would be best. For Juliet, anyway.

He, of course, had other ideas.

***

Juliet couldn’t help but relish the look on Graham’s face. It was enjoyable to see the disappointment when she’d mentioned how Lady Crampton would allow no impropriety here. There were other couples, she knew from past experience, who would be wandering the halls once everyone had retired for the night. Every house party had those few.

She had no intention of letting Graham anywhere near her bedchamber. Since she was sharing with Marigold, unlike last year when she’d had her own room at the Grantham house party, it would not be possible for him to visit her room, anyway.

“I understand Lady Charlotte has games planned for this evening. Will you be joining in, or do you intend to seek out the room where card tables are being set up?” Juliet took a sip of her wine, studying him over the rim.

Annoyed at the reaction her body was having to his proximity, she hoped he would go off with the other gentlemen and play cards. Then she wished he wouldn’t, and cursed her prevaricating. He still threw her emotions into turmoil. She so much wanted to simply dismiss him as a cad and a bounder, and set her sights on some of the other gentlemen.

Even at this party, there were several pleasant looking men, some with titles, some without, most with wealth, a couple without. Certainly, from this crowd, there had to be one or two who would make her heart beat fast and her breathing to increase like Graham did. Except during the entire Season thus far that had not happened.

Then she quickly reminded herself she did not want those feelings. That was what led her down the path to disgrace last year.

“No, I think I will spend time with the group playing games. As much as I enjoy cards, I can do that anytime.” He leaned in close. “I’m hoping you and I can partner in a game or two. If I remember correctly, we did quite well last year in charades.”

“Indeed we did. If memory serves, you were adept at giving out clues, and I excelled in guessing.”

Graham studied her for a minute, his face serious. “We are a good team, are we not, sweeting?”

Juliet sucked in a breath at his intimate comment, and looked around, but no one seemed to be paying attention to them. “You overstep yourself, my lord.”

He bowed his head. “I apologize if I caused you discomfort.” He took a sip of wine, then said, “But my observation stands on its own merits.”

The first course of turtle soup, oyster pate, lamb cutlets, asparagus with peas, and other items were already on the table. Graham offered her the various dishes, and then filled his own plate. A turbot with lobster and Dutch sauce was carved on the sideboard, and offered to each guest by a footman.

The meal passed pleasantly, with Juliet conversing with both Graham on her left and Mr. Ambrose on her right. He was an older man, looking for a wife, rumor had it. Apparently, he was at a loss as to how to raise his two daughters. He complained about lax governesses, tears and wailing from his daughters, and the formidable task of getting them married, even though they were only ten and eleven years. His somber expression, and constant grumblings about daughters in general, and his in particular, soon had her spending most of her time speaking with Graham.

Her own papa had done a fine job of raising her and her two sisters after their mother had passed away. She had been only six years at the time, Marigold only five. Her elder sister, Elise, had taken over the mother duties, even though she had only been ten years herself.

Being so young when her mother died, Juliet hadn’t remembered her too much. It seemed in her mind Mama was a tall woman, who was soft when she held her on her lap, and smelled of lemons.

Once the dinner had ended, Lady Colborne stood and invited the ladies to join her in the drawing room for tea and conversation while the gentlemen enjoyed their port. Juliet stood as Graham drew out her chair. He leaned in and said, “I would like a walk with you in the gardens later. Would that be acceptable?”

Juliet hesitated, her heart beginning to pound. Alone with Graham in the gardens? Most likely not a good idea, but on the other hand, she had a feeling he would not discontinue his pursuit of her. Perhaps it would be wise to speak of what had happened, and see if there was a way for them to proceed from where they had left off last Season.

She shivered at the idea of opening her heart again. Stiffening her shoulders, she turned to him to reject his request. His eyes were hopeful, and at the same time uneasy. “Yes, that would be acceptable.”

Lady Colborne led them from the dining room, the ladies chatting as they walked along. Marigold caught up to her and took her arm. “You and Lord Hertford seemed to be getting on much better.”

“Hm.” She wasn’t about to commit herself, either to her sister, or in her own mind. She wanted to see where this walk led them before she made a final decision about him and their relationship. “Yes. It was a pleasant dinner.”

The women scattered around the room, drinking tea, and conversing. Only about a half hour had passed when, as Juliet stood with Marigold and Charlotte exchanging wardrobe ideas, the gentlemen joined the ladies.

Graham broke free of the group of men as they entered the room and walked in her direction, his gaze never leaving hers. He advanced toward her like a sleek jungle animal on the prowl, his eyes dark and heavy-lidded, his movements graceful and smooth. Her breath caught, and a shiver ran down her arms. Heat pooled in the area between her legs, and her nipples tightened under her gown.

He nodded to the two ladies standing with her, and then with a slow, knowing smile, extended his hand. “A walk in the garden, my lady?”

Not even excusing herself from Charlotte and Marigold, she took his hand. Falling under his spell, and knowing this might not be her best decision, she walked with him through the opened French doors, into the cool night air, and the darkened garden.