A short space found her restlessly moving about the room again, finally ending at the window to stare out into St. James Square. The lamps had been lit, casting oddly shaped shadows onto the paving bricks. Carriages whisked by, and the ton rushed to this evening's entertainment. What would Dominic do? Perhaps a party … gambling with friends … Vauxhall … no, not Vauxhall. Maybe he would visit Dora, or one of the fashionable impures he was rumored to be so popular with. Leaning her forehead against a cool pane, she closed her eyes. At least she had an excuse for staying in London now and a suitable chaperon in George. The longer she could postpone meeting the marquis again, the better.
Dominic discovered his uncle seated in a corner near one of the curtained window dormers of the lounge at White's. Rodney was gazing into his brandy glass, a satisfied smile on his face.
Dominic sat in the deep wing chair opposite him. "You look pleased with yourself, Uncle."
"So I am, dear boy, so I am!" Draining the last of his brandy, Rodney put down his glass and sat back. "Sophia will be going to Culter Towers with us. Juliana's brother has arrived in town so now she has no excuse. You must meet the lad, you'll like him."
"I have and I do," Dominic laughed. "Came across him with Freddie in the card room. Obviously George is as an inveterate player as Freddie. They seem to have taken a liking to one another."
"Yes. Sophia will be delighted." He chuckled, a besotted look descending upon his features. "Pleased her this afternoon, too. I suggested that Juliana go to the Towers with us. Perhaps she still should. We could bring George and make it a real house party." He clasped his hands across his diminishing stomach and eyed Dominic. "What do you think, my boy? It would relieve the tedium of having the Grenvilles. Can't imagine what your grandmother's thinking of, inviting them. Eugenia Grenville hasn't been there since you were an infant. I can't understand the sudden interest." Dominic started to tell his uncle why the Grenvilles had been invited but then stopped, thinking better of it. After all, he might be misjudging his grandmother, although he doubted it. She had warned him that now he was nine and twenty it was time to settle down and produce an heir, which meant he had to find a wife. What had been her exact words? Something about parading every eligible chit in front of him until he found one he would wed. Or more correctly, one that would overlook his reputation for a crown of strawberry leaves. She had obviously decided to start with distant family relatives.
"Invite them both if you like." Dominic shrugged. "Although George may not want to leave the pleasures of London, since he's so recently arrived. I'm thinking of staying in town myself."
His uncle sat bolt upright. "You can't do that to me! Your grandmother will stir quite a fuss if you don't show up. Sent me a long detailed letter about how I was to be sure you didn't disappoint the duke again. You know she has the devil's own temper."
"Grandfather will keep her in line."
"He's even worse. Never raises his voice, but somehow makes me feel I'm back at Eton. Can't expect me to face them both without you. I promised!"
Dominic frowned. Juliana at Culter Towers, seeing her every day. He hadn't been able to keep his hands off her at Vauxhall, and if anything, his feelings seemed to be growing stronger. To think he had once thought he could find someone worthy of her. There was no one. Especially not himself! How he must disgust her. He had treated her like all the others and she was not. She was … NO! He must close the door on those thoughts.
He raised his hand and instantly a waiter appeared with a brandy glass. He tipped the entire contents down his throat before answering his uncle. God forgive him for wanting her and knowing in his heart that she felt drawn to him. He had misled Jules, he still had enough honor to lay awake night after night recalling vividly the reasons why Juliana could never, under any circumstances, become a part of his life. Drawing upon what pride remained to him, he made his decision. Aware of Rodney's worried look, he smiled faintly.
"Wouldn't do that to you, old boy. Invite Juliana and George. If Her Grace desires a house party, we shall give her one … Come, let's play a hand of piquet."
As they moved away from the window enclosure, one long white finger parted the curtain slightly. Satisfied that no one was watching, Jules stepped quickly into the center of the lounge, crossed to the servant's hall, and disappeared.
Smither's knock roused Juliana from the air dreams she had been spinning.
"Why it's quite dark. Light the chandelier, please, Smithers?"
"Yes, my lady. You have a caller." He hesitated slightly. "A gentleman."
Dominic. Her hands flew to her hair unconsciously straightening any stray wisps. She fought to keep her breathing under control as she answered softly. "Show him in."
The room was lit softly with only the high chandelier and the fireplace burning. The drapes had been drawn and suddenly the parlor seemed a small, cozy room. Juliana stood and glanced quickly into the gilt mirror. Yes, she would do.
"The Comte de Saville, ma'am."
Light-headed with disappointment, Juliana fought to compose herself, holding out one hand in welcome. Jules bent over it carefully.
"Please be seated, my lord."
"Jules."
"Smithers, I'd like a tea tray. My … Jules, would you care for something stronger?"
"Tea will be fine. You were expecting someone else?"
Juliana turned swiftly and crossed to the chair by the fire. "No, I have been enjoying a rare night of quiet." She smoothed her gown self-consciously. "I am curious, however, why you have called so late."
"My dear Juliana," Jules began smoothly, "I heard the news about Rodney and Sophia."
"Yes?"
His eye narrowed slightly and he half turned from her direct gaze. "Of course, I wished to offer my felicitations."
"Unfortunately neither of them is here to receive your kind thoughts." For some reason, here in her own parlor, Juliana felt uncomfortable and knew a need to challenge every statement Jules made.
"Yes, I know." Jules's thin lips quirked at the corners. "I just left Rodney and Dominic at White's. We were discussing the house party you will be joining at Culter Towers. The duke and duchess are most eager to meet Sophia and her family."
"Sophia is also looking forward to making their acquaintance. However, you are mistaken. George and I will not be in attendance," she stated firmly.
Jules cast her a long, cool stare before he shrugged, frowning, "I am sorry you will not be there to give Sophia your support."
"My support?" she responded quickly. "My dear Comte, Sophia will charm the Duke and Duchess of Culter as quickly as she has Rodney."
Jules laughed, his one eye sparkling yet brittle. "Rodney is indeed besotted with your aunt. But their graces can be difficult at best. Especially when it concerns the continuation of their line."
Slight as it had been, Juliana caught and understood Jules's inference to her aunt's age. "Are you saying that the duke and duchess are displeased because Rodney has chosen a mature woman instead of a chit right out of the schoolroom?" she asked with false civility.
Jules spread out his hands before settling more comfortably upon the sofa. "All who know her, value Sophia's uniqueness. In time, I'm sure … "
"In time!" Juliana interrupted, exasperated past bearing with the condescending tone of the Comte's voice. "If Rodney … and their graces … searched through all of time and beyond, they could find no one more worthy than Aunt Sophia!"
She was trembling in anger, her protective instincts toward her beloved aunt raised to a fever pitch.
Suddenly leaning forward, Jules clasped her shaking fingers in his warm hand. "Juliana, it was not my intention to upset you. It was simply my wish to encourage you to join Sophia at the Towers."
He released her suddenly stilled fingers and the expression in his dark face showed only concern. "We would … all … miss you at the Towers." Jules watched her stand and cross to the fire, taking a poker to jab at the smothering log. Her profile was lit by the low flame, so he knew the moment when she made her decision.
"Perhaps I have been too hasty," Juliana considered out loud, her chin lifting in determination. "My brother has only just arrived in London. We shall give it a few days before deciding … it was … thoughtful of you to be concerned, sir."