Page 90 of His Unforgettable Bride
“That’s wonderful.” Gratitude sank to Juliet’s toes. Each woman had been transformed since leaving Manchester. Who would have guessed they’d find prosperous, precious futures in foreign lands? And husbands who adored them as they were—unique, brave women willing to cross the oceans for better lives.
“Juliet, I never heard why you left the Firth mansion.” Sage poured more coffee into her cup and added cream. “When I returned to Victoria, I was surprised by your letter that you’d uprooted and moved to Everly. Once again, you were vague regarding the reason why.”
Juliet summarized the situation that had led her across the strait and how Ruby had tried to blackmail her. “But she’s in jail now and shouldn’t bother anyone anytime soon.”
“Huh.” Slowly and perhaps absently, Sage stirred her coffee. “Shortly after my arrival in Victoria, I saw Ruby bury something behind the Firths’ house, close to the fence line. Suspicious, I went over and investigated.”
Juliet’s muscles grew taut. Was Sage involved with the stolen jewel fiasco? “Don’t tell me you dug up the missing jewels.”
Sage nodded, lowering her spoon onto her saucer. “Before I rushed out of town, I tried to return the jewels to the Firths but couldn’t gain an audience with either Mr. or Mrs. Firth. So I left the jewels in my drawer and forgot all about them.”
It had never crossed Juliet’s mind to associate Sage with Ruby’s crime. What a strange turn of events. “I assume you’ll return the jewelry to Mrs. Firth. At least one piece is a family heirloom.”
“Of course. I’ll do it later today. I’m sorry if my actions caused you distress.”
If Juliet hadn’t lost her position with the Firths, she wouldn’t have met Livy, Tabitha, and, most importantly, Henry. Perhaps she should stop by the jail and thank her old roommate before leaving town. “Everything has worked out for the best.”
Well, not for Ruby.
Someone cleared his throat, and they all turned toward Henry, tall and masculine in his dark blue tailored three-piece suit. He grinned, his eyes on Juliet as he strode forward. She deemed his smile the perfect combination of friendliness and breathtaking. Even before she’d learned of his lineage, she noted his impeccable manners, perfect diction, formal speech, and almost regal bearing.
She had grown more accustomed to his title, albeit slowly. Deep down, he hadn’t changed. He was still as sweet and kind as ever.
Standing beside her chair, he gave a slight bow. “Hello, everyone. I am Henry.”
The women stood, looking in awe. Daisy curtsied and whispered to Juliet, “He is ridiculously handsome, much like Seth, Caleb, and Jackson.”
Juliet nodded, her heart adding an extra beat. “Oh, I am well aware.”
After introductions and tight farewell hugs, the women departed. Not one tear fell from Juliet’s eyes because her gratitude for their friendship outweighed her sadness.
“Did you enjoy visiting with your friends?” Henry stood across the table from her and popped a petit four into his mouth, his eyes grazing on her face.
“Immensely, and they were duly surprised when they heard our tale.”
“I can only imagine.” He swallowed, and she watched his Adam’s apple rise and fall. “And did you seek their guidance on how to proceed with your future?”
“I did not?—”
“Because you had already made up your mind?” He pinched the bridge of his nose, obviously distressed.
Dobbin entered the breakfast room, postponing her response. He approached their table. “I have fulfilled your request, Miss Dash.”
“What is this secret you two share?” Henry slipped his hands into his pockets, worry filling his eyes. “I find this development utterly disturbing.”
Laughing, she moved to the table holding her bridal gown and passed the large, cumbersome container to Dobbin. “Will you please deliver this to my room, as well?”
“To clarify, your room on the steamer?”
“Yes, please. Put it with the rest of my belongings aboard the royal ship.”
Henry raised his face to the ceiling before directing his focus back to her. His eyes shimmered with emotion, and she wanted nothing more than to plant her lips against his. But no kissing was allowed for a dreadfully long time. “I love you.”
Without a word, Dobbin turned to leave, but not before Juliet caught sight of his bright smile.
She drew her shawl tighter around her shoulders. “Are you ready to escort me to the dock?”
“Yes, but first, I have a surprise for you.” He nodded toward the doorway. “What could it be?”
