Page 1 of A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Heirs

CHAPTER 1

LONDON—FEBRUARY 1830

An enormous feather perched atop Juliana’s head, the height of which she was certain could dust the ceiling of her room in Pendrake Manor, her brother’s London mansion. Her hand drifted upward. She had an overwhelming desire to pluck the ridiculous thing from her hair.

Her entire family had gathered in her bedchamber as she prepared to make her debut into society. Even Simon Beckham, her brother’s man-of-business leaned against the door frame.

“Try not to touch it, my dear,” her sister-in-law, the Duchess of Burwood, said, her tone kind but firm. Honoria was the gentlest of creatures, but at the moment, her impending motherhood had transformed her into a tigress. “Susan has done an exceptional job fastening it on with the tiara and into your coiffure, but I worry the slightest contact might dislodge it. Your hair is so fine and silky.”

And straight. Juliana didn’t mind her hair, but Miss Price had grumbled about the lack of curl and the ability to hide the feather’s end completely. No doubt used to Honoria’s thick redcurls, Honoria’s lady’s maid found Juliana’s plain blond locks unremarkable.

“As soon as you make your bow to Prince William and Princess Adelaide, and we are comfortably at home, you may remove it,” Honoria said. “At least until the ball this evening.”

“Listen to Honoria,” her brother, Drake, said. “She knows about these things.” Although her brother—well, half-brother—was now a duke, neither he nor Juliana had been brought up in society.

Her mother dabbed at her eyes with a fine lace handkerchief. “It’s such a shame the king has been so ill and won’t be presiding.”

Simon gave a soft chuckle. “It’s probably for the best. Old Prinny would probably pry himself from the throne and chase Juliana around the room.” He gave a low whistle. “You look beautiful.”

Heat flooded Juliana’s face, even though Simon flirted with everyone and, to him, she was only Drake’s baby sister.

Drake narrowed his eyes at his friend. “You’re one to talk about the king. Behave yourself, Simon.”

As Juliana gazed at the people she loved more than anything in the world, she hoped she wouldn’t disappoint them. The pressure to be perfect weighed upon her. Honoria and Drake had made such a fuss about her coming out in society even though, at twenty-two, she was well past the age of the other debutantes, but the pressure came not from her beloved brother and his wife, but from within and from her own exacting standards to be, at all costs, good.

She would have much preferred to be out riding at Hartridge House, Drake’s estate in Dorset, where only the trees and woodland creatures could witness any possible misstep. Animals didn’t judge.

Juliana fought to pull in a calming breath, but Miss Price had pulled the corset so tight her attempt proved unsuccessful. She turned back toward the mirror and examined her reflection sideways, hoping the constricting garment had made her appear marginally—and more fashionably—slimmer.

“Come now!” Drake called her attention back. “It’s time to stop admiring yourself and allow others to do so.” Held out his arm. “Like the prince.”

Was it too late to push them out and lock herself in her room? Why did she have to be presented into society? Even though Drake was a duke, she was simply Miss Merrick, the daughter of two commoner parents.

“It will be fine, Juliana.” Honoria patted her hand, her soothing voice making Juliana believe perhaps it would be.

It wasn’t.

Two hours later. . .

Seated across from Drake and Honoria in the carriage, her mother’s arm wrapped protectively around her shoulders, Juliana fought back the tears.

Humiliated.

Mortified.

Crushed.

One careless step as she backed away from the prince and princess, and her foot had caught on her long train, sending her sprawling for all to see. After a collective gasp, a deafening hush settled over the assembly. A titter of laughter broke the silence and grew increasingly louder as each person joined in. The sound assaulted her ears and brought heat to her face.

Why, oh, why had she ever agreed to this? She stole a peek at Drake and Honoria, and shame filled her at having brought embarrassment to the family.

“I’ll never be able to show myself in polite society again.” She choked back the sob, hating the emotions flooding her.

“Nonsense,” Honoria said, compassion filling her eyes. “Tomorrow, the incident will be all but forgotten.”

But in that compassion, Juliana saw the truth. Even Honoria doubted her words. Juliana still had much to learn about society, but one thing was clear, thetonloved gossip and took perverse pleasure in people’s embarrassment—especially those they considered beneath them.

Juliana sniffed again. “Will you call off the ball?”

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