Silenced, she stumbled back, more frightened by his sudden calm than she had been by the fleeting spark of temper. She curled her hands around her upper arms, where undoubtedly bruises would form.
“I can forgive many things, but an indiscretion with my own brother is not one of them. It is finished.” He straightened his jacket and pulled his sleeves down. “Now then, let us not make a scene tonight, for that will unfold soon enough. Tomorrow, I will speak to your father and then be in contact with my solicitors.”
He made to turn away, but paused to rake his eyes over her with an insolence that stripped her bare, his gaze lingering on her breasts. “Had you waited until after our marriage, I would have been receptive to your seeking your pleasure elsewhere, that is, with the exception of my brother.” At her shocked gasp, he snorted. “Please, spare me the theatrics of a sheltered innocent, for we both know otherwise. You did not think I would settle for a provincial marriage? And disappoint my mistress? There would have been enough for you both, but she will be pleased to know she does not have to share.”
Stunned, the fulcrum upon which her life had pivoted for the past five years had abruptly tipped and dumped her flat on her arse.
It took her a minute to pull herself together, to gather up the broken pieces of her childish hopes and dreams, and to regain a sliver of the dignity Edmund had stripped from her. Despite the tremors shaking her body and the scandal that was sure to erupt and drop her to her knees, she was the daughter of an earl, and she refused to let Edmund see her shatter.
She drew herself up to her full height, her voice quiet but steady. “Your brother was right. I have been chasing windmills after all. My condolences to your mistress.” She dipped into a curtsy. “Your Grace.” On unsteady legs, she dodged around him, gasping when his hand shot out and curled around her upper arm again. He drew her close, his face inches from hers.
“You forget, Julia, this is breach of contract. You are ruined. Finished. And do not expect my brother to rescue you. He has never been the loyal type, cannot be trusted worth a damn, and his life is in America. My condolences to you.”
He released her and she dashed out of his reach. This time, when she lifted her skirts and hurried away, she did not look back.
Through her tear-blurred vision, she would only see a two-faced duplicitous Janus, one face oozing charm, the other cruelty.
Chapter Thirteen
DANIEL gave Chase free rein, for the stallion had a penchant for speed, and he needed to arrive in time to contain the damage from Edmund’s incendiary confrontation with Taunton. Thank God Emily had the foresight to send for him. Her cryptic note warned him of the fallout from his and Julia’s infamous “mistake.” Betrayed by a kiss. It had a biblical ring to it. He just hoped to save Julia from further persecution.
He crested the ridge overlooking Taunton Court. Majestic elms, like royal guards, lined the drive to the sandstone Georgian house. With its perfect symmetry, classical pilaster columns, a sandstone staircase climbing to the front portico, the house sat like a jewel, the sky blue day the perfect setting to frame its grandeur.
Oblivious to the view, Daniel’s gaze locked on the coach blocking the front entrance. The polished burgundy cab gleamed, an ink black silhouette of a stallion prancing across the Bedford crest. A coachman and footman wore Bedford’s jade green livery and were stationed beside the coach.
The men turned at his approach, their reactions revealing as they recognized the resemblance to his brother. Their posture became as rigid as the pillars propping up the front portico, their eyes cast forward, impersonal and professional. Edmund would not tolerate familiarity in his staff, and he had dismissed his father’s servants within the month before Daniel left. According to Edmund, years of servitude to their father had made their loyalties suspect and their familiarity unacceptable.
He stopped Chase a few yards from the carriage. As he dismounted, Taunton’s groom hurried forth to take the reins.
The cloudless sky provided an ironic backdrop for the day, for it belied the pending storm. He straightened his shoulders and started forward, but paused when the front door opened.
Edmund’s gloves were fisted in one hand, slapping against his thigh. His stride was brisk as he descended the steps and made his way to his carriage. So intent on his destination, he didn’t immediately see Daniel. When he did, he stopped short, his eyes flaring, and his expression thunderous. “Taunton is not receiving visitors. And your presence, in particular, is not welcome. I would think you’d understand.”
“I doubt Taunton needs you to speak for him, Edmund, as I am sure you have said quite enough.”