Page 62 of His Unforgettable Bride
Juliet retreated a pace as the men entered the foyer. They chose to keep their hats and walking stick in their possession as she led them to the drawing room. Why had the supposed nephew not commented on the carriage house renovations or mentioned his regrets for not lending his carpentry skills?
Had he never intended to assist with the project?
If so, how rude. Gray made a better and nicer Alex. Maybe they should keep him and get rid of this fellow. If only they could.
The men had barely settled into side-by-side chairs, and she was about to offer them tea when the front door creaked and opened again. Was the wind to blame? “Excuse me, please.”
Juliet retraced her steps to the foyer, where Tabitha was hanging her overcoat on the hook. “You’ll never believe who came to the door, and he’s in the drawing room.”
“Then you certainly should tell me.”
“He says he’s the real Alex Sherwood.”
Slowly, Tabitha turned, her bluish-green eyes wide and full of surprise. “Oh my stars.”
“Uh-huh. Another man is with him. Should I fetch Livy or offer them refreshments first?”
“I’m slightly in shock.” Tabitha tapped a finger against her pursed lips as if deep in thought, then she gazed into the wall mirror and tamed her windblown hair with her hands. “Please collect Livy, and we’ll proceed from there.”
“Absolutely.” Juliet didn’t bother to run upstairs for her shawl. Instead, she headed directly outside toward the tearoom and let the cold, misty air nip at her skin, which was good because she was suddenly hot and riled.
Poor Gray. How would he feel when he learned the identity foisted upon him might belong to someone else? Of course, that possibility had always existed, but over the past week or two, they’d all seemed to accept that’s who he was. Undoubtedly, the discovery would upset him. The news would fluster everyone.
Would Tabitha and Livy kick him into the street since he wasn’t their flesh and blood? Of course not. They’d allowed her and Cy to reside under their roof. Then again, Gray might think living elsewhere would be best.
Juliet’s heart beat furiously as she hurried up the cobblestone, raindrops tumbling. Bells darted out of a shrub, mewing and begging Juliet to scoop up the furry creature, which she did. The cat purred with pleasure, and the affection was mutual.
The tearoom door flew open, and out darted Livy. Her face was alarmed, and her hands fluttered as she dashed up the pathway, her heels tapping on the stones. The pheasant feather in her hat quivered. “Oh my. Oh my. Oh my.”
Juliet rushed toward her, ignoring the rule that a lady never runs. “Whatever is wrong?”
Livy halted and cupped her hand over her mouth, her eyes tearing. “Mr. Kelly tumbled from the ladder. It’s the most frightful thing. The way his arm is bent, I fear…it’s broken. He prefers I don’t make a fuss, but I am fussy to the bone.”
Indeed, she was.
“I am off to collect Doctor Pooley and pray he’s back in town.” Livy bustled forward.
Juliet stopped her. “Let me go on your behalf. You stay here…with him. Having you near will offer comfort.” Juliet glanced over her shoulder then turned back around. With Livy already in a fret, should she mention what transpired in the house? Maybe only share a snippet. “Your sister would like you to join her in the drawing room when you can. Guests have arrived.”
“They’ll have to wait. Cy comes first. And bless your blue eyes, Juliet, for going after the doctor.” Livy ran her finger over the beaded pattern that trimmed her cape at the neckline. “Please hippity hop. I hate to see him in pain.”
“Of course you do.”
Livy nodded and bustled back toward her man. Another round of “Oh my. Oh my” accompanied her steps.
Juliet lowered Bells to the ground. As she straightened, Tabitha exited the kitchen then opened an umbrella. Why had she left her guests so quickly? In a few steps, they met on the cobblestone. “I told Livy you wanted her, but Cy took a tumble, and she’s worried about him. I’m off to fetch Doctor Pooley.”
Tabitha released an exceedingly large sigh for a lady. “Maybe it’s true that trouble comes in bunches like grapes.”
No fooling. “I’ve never heard the expression, but I agree.”
“After answering several of my questions, I do believe the young man claiming to be our nephew is truly who he says he is.”
“I see.” Juliet’s chest tightened. For many reasons, she wanted Gray to be the sisters’ nephew. She couldn’t imagine a better family for him or how he’d feel when he learned the truth. He would be utterly confused again. And maybe utterly empty.
“He informed me that his father sent a letter insisting he return to England posthaste. Alex has already left to catch the next steamer bound for home. Oddly, he also requested money from me for the trip, but I find it hard to believe his father wouldn’t have supplied the necessary funds for his travels.”
“Huh. I mean, that is puzzling indeed.” What a dunderhead. The fellow hadn’t seen his aunts in ages, came begging for money, and left again when he didn’t receive his handout. Or maybe Tabitha gave her nephew what he sought. As much as Juliet wanted to learn the answer, it would be impolite to inquire, so she swallowed her nosy question.
