Page 103 of A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Heirs

“I expected you to still be sleeping, miss. But here you are, already dressed.” Miss Price breezed into the room and stopped short at the sight of the bedclothes piled on the floor. “What happened here?”

“I—um—spilled something. Could you ask a maid to put them with the rest of the laundry?”

From Miss Price’s expression, she clearly had her doubts about Juliana’s veracity, but she nodded and gathered the linensand placed them outside the door. Hands on her hips, Miss Price scrutinized Juliana. “Allow me to dress your hair.”

Juliana had brushed it and tied it at her neck with a ribbon—the very ribbon that had fallen from Victor’s hair. “I prefer to wear it like this, Miss Price. Victor likes it down.”

A smile crossed Miss Price’s lips. “So everything is fine with your young man, then? Last evening when I prepared you for bed after the ball, you seemed preoccupied. I couldn’t help but wonder if you two had had a tiff.”

“It’s true; I was worried. But I’ve—um—realized my imagination was getting away from me.”

With a quick squeeze to Juliana’s shoulder, Miss Price said, “Good. I’m glad to hear it. Her Grace has already had breakfast and has requested to see you as soon as possible.”

Juliana’s mind reeled. What could Honoria want that was of such importance? “Is my brother with her?”

“No, miss. His Grace left the house earlier. Sad news about the king, but not surprising.”

Oh, of course. Perhaps there were some protocols she needed to learn when a monarch died and that’s what Honoria wanted. A twinge of guilt twisted in Juliana’s stomach that she’d been so happy when the country would be draped in mourning.

Unbidden, dread tripped up her spine. She swallowed the lump forming in her throat. “Miss Price. My wedding is in two days. Will it be delayed due to the king’s death?” Goodness, what if she was with child? How long would she and Victor have to wait?

Pursing her lips, Miss Price shook her head. “I don’t know for certain. But if so, I expect you would only have to wait a few months. Now, don’t dilly-dally. Her Grace is waiting.” With that, Miss Price exited.

A few months! So much could happen in a few months. Her hand drifted to her abdomen. Would she bring moreembarrassment and scandal to her family? After gathering her wits, and taking a few deep breaths, Juliana found Honoria in the morning room. “Miss Price said you wished to see me.”

Seated at the escritoire by the window, Honoria peered up and gave Juliana a soft smile. “Did you get any sleep at all?”

Goodness.How should she answer that? “Very little, I’m afraid.”

Honoria rose and moved to the sofa, patting the cushion beside her. “Come.”

When Juliana obeyed, Honoria took Juliana’s hands in hers. “Drake told me what happened in the orangery between Victor and Adalyn, and Adalyn confirmed it. It was innocent, Juliana. I encouraged Drake to speak with you last night. Did it help? Have you decided about the wedding?”

“Yes. I’ve decided to marry Victor.”

Honoria threw a hand to her heart. “Oh, thank goodness. I hope you don’t mind, but Drake told me everything. We don’t keep secrets from each other any longer. I believe with all my heart that, although it may have started as a pretense, Victor truly loves you.”

Juliana couldn’t help but smile. “He does.”

Pulling her into a hug, Honoria said, “Drake will be so pleased his talk helped.”

Juliana didn’t have the heart—or the courage—to tell her sister-in-law that, although Drake had given her much to think about, it was Victor’s bravado of stealing in through her window and his tender lovemaking that convinced her. She pulled back. “But Honoria, will we be able to proceed with the wedding as planned because of the king’s death? We won’t have to wait, will we?”

“Not long, dear. Drake should find out some details about the funeral soon. Perhaps ten days or two weeks. I was just writingto the vicar when you came in. I wasn’t certain whether I should ask him to postpone the wedding or cancel it.”

Two weeks!Well, it was certainly better than two months.

“Don’t worry, dear. The time will pass quickly, and I’m sure Victor will call upon you every day.” Mischief twinkled in Honoria’s eyes. “We may even allow you both a little time alone together.”

Tendrils of heat crept up Juliana’s neck. Honoria had no idea that her generosity was a bit late. That horse had already left the stables.

Honoria must have interpreted Juliana’s embarrassment differently. “Has your mother explained things to you, my dear? Let me assure you, it is quite wonderful when two people love each other. Not that Victor would take advantage before your wedding.”

The heat intensified, scorching Juliana’s cheeks. “I’m aware of what happens.”

Pink bloomed on Honoria’s cheeks as well. “Good.”

Frampton arrived at the door and broke the uncomfortable moment. “Your Grace. I apologize for interrupting. I believe you should see this.”

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