Page 5 of A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Heirs

For two months after her horrendous come-out, Juliana had secreted herself away at Drake’s country seat in Dorset, too ashamed to show her face in London society. Drake and Honoria had such high hopes for her, and she’d failed them miserably. She would always be an outsider, the common born half-sister of a duke, struggling to fit in and feeling so out of place. But love for her family and the call to be useful had brought both her and her mother back.

She wiped a bit of blackberry jam from her lips, the sweetness fading as a frown creased her brother’s forehead.

“What is it, Drake?” their mother asked.

Both Juliana and her mother worried about Drake since their return a week before. The unexpected arrival of Drake and Honoria’s first child, a darling little girl they’d named Kitty, had been a call for celebration, but coupled with the also unexpected marriage of Simon, Drake’s man-of-business, the events had set her brother at sixes and sevens.

Drake toyed with a bit of toast on his plate. “I’m neglecting you both. Juliana should be attending routs and balls. As her brother and a peer, it’s my duty to see she’s well received.”

Juliana bit back the derisive snort at the pained expression on her brother’s face. “I doubt even your authority as duke could accomplish that, Drake. Besides, your place is here with Honoria and Kitty when you’re not in Lords fighting for reform. If Mother and I are invited to a party, she can accompany me.”

From the expression on his face, Drake was well aware that any invitation from members of thetonwould not be directly addressed to either Juliana or their mother. Drake would simply bring Juliana along to any events he and Honoria attended, knowing full well people would be reluctant to refuse a duke.

Oh, there were still a few who would be so bold. Lady Charlotte’s brother, the Marquess of Edgerton, had made his distaste for Drake evident on several occasions. Drake said that although the man hadn’t given him the cut direct, Edgerton had scoffed at any plans for reform Drake had proposed in Lords. Not that Edgerton invited Drake and Honoria to any events he hosted, so Juliana supposed it was a moot point.

On cue, Frampton arrived with a silver salver piled high with correspondence.

Drake sighed. “Thank you, Frampton.” He grinned sheepishly. “Is it terrible to wish Honoria would recover more quickly so she can sift through this—mess?”

“Did I hear my name?” Honoria breezed into the morning room. Although the dark smudges under her eyes remained, she appeared more rested than usual.

Drake held up the pile of correspondence. “You arrived in the nick of time. That is, if you’re up to making sense of this.”

“Kitty slept an entire four hours last night. I feel like a new woman.” She kissed Drake on the cheek before proceeding to the sideboard to serve herself.

As Honoria gracefully nibbled her breakfast, she efficiently worked her way through the pile of correspondence, glancing at each item and placing it in a particular pile.

“How does she know where to put things?” Juliana whispered so as not to break Honoria’s concentration.

“Years of training that so far both she and Simon have failed to transfer to me.” Drake’s countenance fell at his own mention of his friend’s recent scandal.

Their mother patted Drake’s hand. “I have faith in you, Son.”

“He doesn’t give himself enough credit, Mother,” Honoria said without looking up from the stack of letters. “For example, what about this one, Drake?” She held up the letter, neatly folded and addressed with a precise hand.

“Lady Montgomery?” Drake placed his cup down, his brow hitching. “That would go in the open at once pile.”

“See?” Honoria grinned as she broke the seal on the missive. “Oh!” Her face brightened, making her appear even more rested than before. “The musicale! It says Lord and Lady Montgomery are officially taking over from her parents, Lord and Lady Saxton. Oh, we simply must attend. Juliana, you will adore it. It’s an annual event, and it will be the perfect opportunity to make your appearance in society again. You will be among the best of friends.”

Doubt gave a little groan of protest, and Juliana tried to make an excuse. “When is it? Isn’t it too soon for you to be participating in anything?”

Both Juliana’s mother and Honoria gave a little laugh.

“We’re not as fragile as all that, my dear,” Mama said. “We must trust Honoria’s judgment.”

“It’s not for another three weeks. And to be honest, I’m aching to get out of the house.”

Drake straightened to attention. “Why didn’t you say anything? I would have taken you out in the carriage for some air.”

“Because I knew you enjoyed coddling me. I’ll confirm with Ashton before I send our reply, but all I have to do is sit, enjoy the music, and applaud.”

“You are a wonder,” Drake said, and leaned over to kiss her. “Before you arrived, I told Juliana I was failing in my duties to get her out into society. And here you have solved the problem for us.”

Honoria laughed. “In fairness, Bea and Laurence have solved the problem. I merely opened the invitation.”

Apparently, they were going to a musicale.

Whether Juliana wanted to or not.

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