Page 16 of A Marquess' Season of Secrets
Juliana nodded. She hoped she didn’t have to use it, but she had to protect herself if there were bandits about. Fortunately, she was a good shot.
“He won’t realise it’s gone until I’m miles away.”
“Good.”
The two women stared at each other for several moments, both aware that Juliana was about to embark on a dangerous journey. Tonight was her one opportunity to escape the future her parents had planned for her, and it terrified her.
Juliana was going to take her horse in the dead of night and ride until the next town, but her parents were going to think she had run off to Scotland.
Her runaway letter would explain her desire to live a life of freedom in the Scottish Highlands, and once every two or three weeks, Kersey would plant one of her pre-written letters under the front door to keep the lie going.
The letters would describe the sights of her undisclosed location, what she was doing, and how she hoped to see them again one day.
Her parents would never find her if they decided to come after her, and neither would Ralph. They would probably have to create a story to explain why she had disappeared when she was supposed to be marrying the earl.
Juliana didn’t care if Ralph was embarrassed, but she didn’t want her parents to be shamed. Hopefully, they would come up with an excellent excuse to avoid any scandal.
“Are you certain your family will meet me in our agreed location?” Juliana asked for the umpteenth time.
“Yes, Milady,” Kersey assured her. “My family would never disappoint you. They love you like their own and were appalled when I told them about Lord Somersby. They were the ones who suggested you live with them, remember?”
Juliana nodded. “I know. I’m just so frightened that everything will go horribly wrong. I have never done anything like this! Not only am I lying to my parents, but I have stolen my father’s pistol and will steal a horse.”
“The horse belongs to you,” Kersey reminded her.
“But it still doesn’t make it right.”
“Do not give up now, Milady. Do you want to marry that horrible man tomorrow?”
Juliana shook her head.
“Then this is your last chance to escape. I would come with you, but you need someone here to make sure no one realises the truth and comes after you. I trust my family to look after you.”
Juliana covered her eyes with the clothing in her hands. Would she be able to go through with the plan?
I have to. My life will be ruined if I stay here and marry Ralph. Thank heavens, he has not been around to see me.
The earl returned to London shortly after the banns were read but would arrive first thing tomorrow morning for the wedding. He planned to whisk her back to London without even a celebratory breakfast and likely keep her prisoner in his townhouse. Juliana shivered at the thought.
“You’re thinking about him, are you not?” Kersey asked.
“I cannot help it. I will have narrowly escaped him if this plan works.”
“It will,” Kersey insisted. “We have to have faith. Now, I’m going to go downstairs and tell everyone you’re sleeping. I will return with food for your journey at precisely one o’clock and let you out of the house. It’s all in God’s hands once you step outside that door.”
Juliana had never been outside the estate after midnight and did not know what to expect.
“Will you come to see me some time?” Juliana asked.
The maid nodded. “As soon as I can, but I’ll have to be careful. I wouldn’t want anyone catching on and following me. Now, get dressed and climb into bed. You need some rest for the journey.”
When Kersey left, Juliana slowly removed her clothing and put on the shabbier commoner’s attire. She made sure to tuck her hair into the cap just as Kersey had said and climbed into her bed for the last time. It took some time, but she finally fell into a fitful sleep.
Juliana awakened when she felt a hand trail along her brow. Only Kersey did that. Was it already time to go?
“It’s time, Milady,” Kersey whispered into her ear.
Juliana’s eyes opened wide. “Now?”
