Page 68 of Lady of Fortune

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“I heard there was so commotion in the stables, so I thought I had best come see for myself."

Julia nodded and began to relate all that had occurred with Orianna, with the other horses at the Rowley Mile. As she told the tale, her father seemed to forget any concerns he had regarding Eddie, as his anger was now directed at whoever was the culprit of such atrocities toward the horses.

"This is preposterous!" He stormed, and Eddie was reminded of how much he respected the man for the care of his horseflesh — anyone in his care, really. "I must go to the club and determine what has been done about this, how we will find such a man and what we will do about it. But first, I will see Orianna." He turned to Eddie for a moment. "Thank you, Francis, for coming to share what you know. Come, Julia.”

Eddie nodded, and as the Earl started toward the stables, taking Julia with him, Eddie waited long enough to share one last long gaze with her as she looked over her shoulder, before he turned and walked away.

* * *

The momenther father left for the Jockey Club, Julia went to work. She found Maybelle, telling her that she needed her now more than ever before. Maybelle's eyes widened, but she nodded her agreement, and Julia was grateful for such a loyal friend she could count on.

"What will you do, my lady?" Maybelle asked as they climbed the stairs to her room. Julia held a finger to her lips until they were beyond the door, and then she turned to her maid.

"If Eddie isn't going to commit to me, well, then, I will make the decision easier on him — I will go to him and tell him that he has no choice but to take me with him, for I will be coming, whether he likes it or not."

Maybelle looked at her in shock. "You are going to leave? Your family, your life?"

Julia felt the slightest tug to her heart. She would far rather be leaving to Eddie with the blessing of her parents, with her friends aware of what was happening, but there was no time, and her parents hadn't exactly been welcoming of the idea before. She hoped that they would understand and in time she could return to their love.

"I am," she said simply. "I have to pack a trunk. What do you think I'll need?"

Maybelle may have been shocked, but she was nothing but competent, and quickly sprang into action, helping Julia prepare. They found her travel bag and began to determine which dresses would best suit what came next — travel, and life as a modest woman.

"My lady..." Maybelle said, her hand resting on an item of clothing that Julia realized was her brother's riding breeches, which she had been wearing as she trained all week. "You will have to leave Orianna."

Julia's heart squeezed painfully, nearly as much as the thought of leaving Eddie — but not quite, which made the decision for her.

"I know," she whispered. "I would so love to take her... but though my father has left me responsible for her, she is still his horse, and while I may be leaving, I will not take something that isn't rightfully mine."

Maybelle nodded her understanding, though her face reflected how much the thought of her mistress leaving her beloved horse saddened her.

Julia steeled her resolve. Hopefully in time she would return to visit her parents — and Orianna. But until then, she had to follow her heart, which had never strayed from its path — toward Eddie.

CHAPTER34

Julia cried a few tears as she penned the note to her parents, but as much as it hurt, she couldn't leave without a word to them. They had to know how she felt, and if she couldn't tell them in person — for fear they would stop her — then she would tell them with her written word.

She left the note folded in an envelope on the desk in her room. Maybelle promised she would make sure it found its way into their hands.

"And then, my lady, I will likely be following along behind you rather shortly," Maybelle said with a cheeky grin. "I shall see you in Epsom."

Julia folded her maid in a hug before they left her chambers.

"I think, Maybelle, you best be calling me Julia from now on."

"I will try," Maybelle promised. "Good luck."

Julia took her valise in hand and looked outside her bedroom door to ensure no one was coming before tiptoeing down the stairs. Her mother typically took a short afternoon nap at this time, while her father would still be out dealing with the issues at the Jockey Club. Julia would have one last look at Orianna before she departed, to make sure she was in as good of health as could be before she left.

She had almost made it out the back door when she heard a footstep behind her, and she paused, frozen, as she closed her eyes and hoped with all her might that it was a servant busy about his or her work.

Unfortunately, luck was not with her.

"Julia Stone, where do you think you are going with that valise?"

Julia turned around slowly, pasting a smile on her face.

"Oh, just down to the stable, Mother," she said. "I have a few things to help make Orianna more comfortable."