Page 3 of A Marquess' Season of Secrets
“What were you thinking?” Phoebe cried. “Look at you!”
“No one else was going to save the dog, so I did. I wasn’t expecting to swim in the pond, but I must say that it was rather refreshing. Perhaps I’ll make it a daily routine.”
“Foolish woman,” Emma scolded. “You’ll catch a cold if we don’t get you out of these clothes. Come, we have to get you home.”
“I need my parasol and shoes,” said Juliana, looking back towards the pond.
“I have them,” Hannah informed her. “Here, put your shoes on at least. I don’t want your feet getting cut on the stones. No more heroics for today, you hear?”
“Yes, Mother.”
Hannah narrowed her eyes but said nothing. They helped wring out her dress and hair as much as they could, still scolding her for her actions. Juliana received another reprimand when she arrived home and was sent straight to bed, where she was subjected to herbal remedies to avoid a cold.
All this, and I didn’t even get a thank you.
However, a letter addressed to her did come to the house several days later during her morning tea with her mother. Juliana put down her teacup and took the letter from her abigail, not recognising the image on the wax seal.
“Thank you, Kersey,” she said, giving the abigail a brief smile.
“Who is it from, dear?” her mother asked.
“I’ll find out in just a moment, Mama.” Opening the letter, Juliana took a moment to read it before looking up at her mother in mild surprise. “I suppose I have received my ‘thank you’ after all.”
“What do you mean?”
“It’s from Penny’s owner— the dog I rescued last week. The woman wishes to thank me for rescuing her dog and has invited me to dinner tomorrow. How on earth did she find me?”
“Who is the woman?” her mother wanted to know. “What is her name?”
“The Countess of Somersby. I feel that I know that name.”
Her mother gasped. “The Countess of Somersby? You rescuedherdog?”
“Yes. Why? Do you know her?”
“Of course! She is one of the wealthiest dowagers in England and has come to town to spend a few months here. She usually goes to London for the Season but decided against it this year. Who would have thought that my daughter would save her dog? Wait until Marian hears of this! You simply must go, dear. Does the invitation extend to your parents?”
Amused by her mother’s reaction, Juliana gave a little chuckle and reread the letter. Sure enough, the invitation was extended to her parents.
“How wonderful!” the viscountess gushed. “Did you say it’s tomorrow? Goodness! Do I have anything appropriate to wear? I wonder if Louise will be able to put something together by tomorrow?” the woman said more to herself.
“No more spending, Mama,” Juliana protested. “You promised you wouldn’t use any more of our monthly budget.”
“But this is important, dear. We must make a good impression.”
“I already did that when I saved her dog,” Juliana protested. “We simply do not have the funds for a new dress. Besides, Louise cannot sew a dress in a day. That wouldn’t be fair to her.”
Juliana was tired of her parents’ overspending. Her grandfather refused to give them any more money because the couple wouldn’t curb their spending habits, and Juliana didn’t blame him.
“I suppose I can find something to wear,” her mother replied, pouting. “But do not blame me when she looks at us as though we are not worth her time.”
“You are Lady Torrey, a well-respected woman in our town. Why would the dowager think such a thing? I’m certain all she’ll feel is gratitude. Our attire will be the last thing on her mind.”
“I certainly hope so. I would hate to be ridiculed.”
“You won’t be,” Juliana assured. “You have many lovely dresses to choose from. Why don’t you narrow down your choices, and I’ll help you choose one?”
The viscountess’ eyes lit up. “Will you give me one of your own gowns?”
