Page 65 of The Last Duke She'd Marry
Juliet directed a hard look at him. “Papa might, but I’m not sure I will. If his daughters run amok, perhaps he should consider his role in their upbringing. After Mamma’s death, he left Viola and Portia to me. I wasn’t much past fifteen. He consigned the management of the house and estate to me, too, while he chased dreams of theatrical acclaim. Once I leave, he’ll face a rude awakening.”
Perhaps Lord Portdown would see the error of his ways and take Juliet back. But Evesham still couldn’t help thinking that it would be easier on everyone for her to marry him.
He drew himself up to his full height and told himself he couldn’t take her into his arms. Nor would he propose again. Or at least not until Juliet realized the full price she’d pay for defying the world’s mores. Even for someone so brash, he’d endured enough rebuffs to be going on with.
Last night had been vile for her. Humiliating. Confronting. But he had a feeling that when she experienced the weight of society’s opprobrium, last night would seem like a summer holiday.
Even if she didn’t need his money, he could still do something for her. “Allow me to escort you to where you want to go and help you find suitable lodgings, while you decide what you’re going to do next.”
He prepared for another refusal, but after a tense second, she nodded. “Thank you. I’d appreciate your help.”
Chapter 18
Evesham waited in front of the manor in his luxurious traveling coach. Yesterday’s fine weather had deteriorated to wind and rain. He couldn’t help seeing that as symbolic of the way his whole life was headed.
He was glad that he’d chosen to travel from London in the larger vehicle. He’d originally intended to drive his new curricle to Wiltshire. But the curricle wasn’t built for large amounts of baggage or the presence of a maid. And the coach would provide Juliet with privacy on the road. Not to mention more comfort on a cold, stormy day.
Inevitably, his present circumstances reminded him of running off with Vanessa, although his emotions in that case had been very different. But there was the same havey-cavey element. The same odd, portentous feeling that he’d burned bridges, and that the path ahead took an unknown direction.
When a maid came around the side of the house, he got out and looked toward the imposing front doors above the sweep of stone staircase. They remained shut.
No Juliet.
Disappointment cramped his heart. She must have changed her mind about leaving with him. He hadn’t realized how much he’d been looking forward to traveling with her.
He was piercingly aware that once they reached Town, he no longer had any reason to be in her company. What a comedown for that infamous debauchee, the Duke of Evesham, to be sick with yearning for a woman’s presence. And a woman who would never share his bed, at that.
Evesham was well aware that he’d caused Juliet an ocean of trouble. Did she have the tiniest inkling of the trouble that she’d caused him?
“Your Grace.” The girl curtsied and held out a folded paper. “Her ladyship asked me to give you this.”
“Thank you,” he said, taking the note.
After the maid left, he broke the seal and read the few words written there. He only just contained a shout of triumph, his pulses started to race, and he called to his coachman to go as he leaped back into the vehicle.
Juliet emerged onto the drive from the trees near the summerhouse. The place was several bends of the road away from the main house and out of view if anyone was watching.
She wore a dark gray traveling ensemble, and she carried a valise in her hand. As the coach stopped, Evesham opened the door.
“Is that all you’re bringing?” His experiences with numerous mistresses had led him to expect piles of luggage.
“Yes.” She looked serious, but not overcome with wretchedness. Which didn’t mean that she was reconciled with her father’s decision. Evesham knew her well enough now to understand that she always did her best to hide her strongest emotions. “Portia will send on my clothes, once I settle somewhere. Well, most of them. I doubt I’ll have much call for ball gowns over the next little while.”
He made himself smile, although he hated to think of her being an outcast. She’d adorned society, and society would be all the poorer for her lack. Granville was right about that.
Juliet accepted his hand and stepped into the coach. They were both wearing gloves. The contact shouldn’t have had the power to steal his breath, but it did.
She settled on the seat facing forward, while he took his place opposite. He’d rather sit beside her, but he wanted her to know that he meant to make no demands. He offered her assistance to help her settle in to her new life. Anything else was up to her.
“There’s room for your maid inside,” he said, wondering where the girl was.
Juliet’s stare was unreadable. “She’s not coming.”
Evesham paused in leaning across to close the door and regarded her in surprise. A lady never went anywhere without an escort. And Juliet would need a maid wherever she decided to set up home. He shut the door with a click as his brain winnowed the implications of her announcement.
“Did your father forbid her to go with you?” That seemed unnecessarily spiteful.
“No. It’s not the sort of thing he’d think about. I decided to leave alone.”
