Page 4 of His Unforgettable Bride
The world was tipping out of control, and Juliet placed her hand against the wall to steady herself. Where would she go? Her two friends from the bride ship, Willow and Daisy, had married and lived a boat ride away. Willow’s sister Sage lived next door but had left town with her employers, the Lennox family. And Juliet didn’t know why.
Would Mrs. Moresby help her find a new job despite the accusation? All the other women who had arrived on the bride ship from Manchester had either wed or resided with their employers. Nobody lived at the marine barracks, their first home on the island, anymore.
The housekeeper left the room as her charges filed behind her, silently parading to the attic. In the bedroom, Juliet quickly crossed to the dresser, opened one drawer, and retrieved her empty flour sack before stuffing her belongings inside—tattered shoes, scant clothing, Grandfather’s precious journal, and other small items. The uniform on her back belonged to her, the cost removed from her wages.
Ruby packed as well, grumbling as she did.
Afterward, they retraced their steps to the back service door before the housekeeper dismissed the women outside. The wind cried in the trees, and Juliet swallowed her tears of frustration. The stars shone dimmer than before. Or did she only imagine the lack of luster?
Ruby slung her bag over her shoulder and glared at Juliet.
Emotions whirled inside her, with anger and desperation near the top of the heap. “This isn’t my fault. You stole the jewelry.”
Ruby’s shoulders sank. “You can’t imagine how much trouble I’ll be in for this.”
“Losing your job?”
“Losing everything.”
“Trouble with who?”
When Ruby failed to reply, Juliet turned and strode down the service lane, her feet as heavy as her heart. She had better things to do than worry about Ruby, starting with where she might lay her head tonight. The wind gusted, and she tightened her shawl over her shoulders. Several paces later, she rounded the brick house and a rosebush hedge, moving toward the main road and cutting through the grass.
Losing her job wasn’t fair. But dwelling on what was just and what wasn’t had never done her a speck of good.
Ruby caught up with her in a few steps, and they walked side by side in the house’s shadows. “My man, that’s who. He wanted the Queen’s brooch.”
The rare heirloom was probably worth thousands of pounds, if not more. Losing it was undoubtedly a giant failure.
Would Ruby pay the price? Another black eye? Or worse?
Juliet’s chest tightened. As mad as she was at her former roommate, Ruby didn’t deserve someone hurting her or pressuring her to commit crimes.
“You still shouldn’t have stolen it or any of the jewelry, Ruby.” Undoubtedly, she sounded self-righteous, but maybe she had earned the right tonight.
“And you shouldn’t have interfered.”
“I didn’t.”
“Then how did the rocks get in the box?” Ruby’s voice turned threatening.
Juliet sidled sideways a pace, her heart clamoring. “I have no idea.”
“I think you know more than you’re letting on.” Ruby started to lunge at Juliet’s neck, her empty hand like a claw. “Maybe you’ve stowed the brooch somewhere and plan to keep it yourself.”
Juliet blocked Ruby’s arm and quickly unsheathed the small knife tied to her calf. She’d carried it with her since her orphan days of living on Manchester’s streets. “You keep to yourself.” She pointed the knife at Ruby and let menace fill her voice. “And I’ll do the same.”
Ruby backed up several steps. “Tell anybody about what happened tonight, and you’ll regret it.”
A bluff? Probably not.
She watched as Ruby disappeared into the night’s shadows. With the weapon still in her fist, Juliet moved west toward downtown. A woman never knew what to expect on the streets alone at night, but Juliet was accustomed to caring for herself. She’d had lots of practice.
It was too late to bother Mrs. Moresby. She’d have to wait until morning to explain tonight’s disaster and ask for help finding a new position.
Fortunately, Mrs. Moresby was a good woman, and Juliet could use one of those now. She hadn’t known many in her lifetime. There was Willow, Daisy, and Sage. And Molly, her friend from the orphanage.
She shifted her gaze toward the starry night sky and pictured God somewhat like her grandfather who’d raised her for a while—trustworthy, wise, kind, and loving. But after his death, God had disappeared too. Still, she paused and squeezed her eyes shut. “Dear God…” A minute passed, then two. “I’m still sorry for all the mistakes I’ve made.”
