Page 5 of A Marquess' Season of Secrets
“Where are my manners?” the earl said. “Please, come in. Mother is waiting anxiously to meet you all. May I escort you in, Miss Hathaway?”
“Yes, thank you,” she said and meant it.
They led the way while Lord Somersby made light conversation, asking Juliana questions about her day.
“The weather was lovely, and that contributed to a good day,” she answered. “How was your day, My Lord?”
“I had an impatient day because I wished to meet the selfless woman who saved Penny from certain doom. When my mother told me how a beautiful lady jumped into the pond after Penny and fished her out, I couldn’t believe it. I assumed she was teasing, but one trip into town confirmed the story. You are quite popular.”
“Being friendly makes one more approachable.”
“So does being beautiful. I must say you are prettier than people described, Miss Hathaway.”
“Th-thank you, My Lord,” she said, biting her lower lip and looking away. “This is a splendid home. How long will your mother be here?”
“Six months, I think. She didn’t want to be in London for the Season, and someone recommended Clarington Manor. I’m happy I decided to join her for a little while ... or a long while. Time will tell.”
Was he flirting or showing genuine interest?
Recently, Juliana had been seeking a marriage-worthy gentleman at the various dinner parties given by her parents, but no one had caught her eye yet. Well, until Lord Somersby. He was handsome and charming, which was a good start. She just needed to know a little more about him to see if they would suit.
Provided he thinks the same way about me.
They entered the drawing-room to find the dowager in an armchair with Penny on her lap. The woman immediately stood up when she saw them, put the dog down, and came towards Juliana with her outstretched arms.
“There is the young lady I have been so impatient to meet!” the dowager exclaimed, enveloping Juliana in a warm embrace.
Juliana was taken aback by the warm greeting, but she responded in kind, even patting the woman’s back.
“Lovely to meet you, My Lady,” she said when the woman pulled back.
“And these must be your parents,” the dowager continued, but she didn’t step towards them. “You have raised a courageous daughter. You must be proud.”
“Oh, we are,” the viscountess readily agreed. “We were extremely proud when we heard what Juliana had done.”
Proud? Juliana had received a sound scolding and was forced to drink a broth that could put hairs on anyone’s chest.
“You have such a pretty name,” the dowager complimented, touching Juliana’s cheeks. “Come, sit down. Dinner is almost ready, so we can have a little conversation in the meantime. I must hear more about you, my dear. Sit beside me.”
Juliana was taken by the arm and sat down on a plush, gold-coloured settee. Penny jumped up and put herself in her lap, making the dowager chuckle.
“She likes you! Penny is as fussy as I am, but we have both agreed that you are a wonderful person. Oh, before I forget, Penny has a gift for you.”
The dog has a gift for me? How does a dog select a gift?
“That is not necessary, My Lady,” Juliana said, stroking the dog’s fluffy head.
“But it is,” the woman insisted. “Would you bring me that case, Ralph?” she asked her son, pointing at a black velvet case on the table beside him.
“With pleasure, Mother,” the earl replied, smiling.
So, his name is Ralph? I have always liked that name.
The man brought the case to his mother, who then turned to Juliana and placed it in Juliana’s hand. “Open it, my dear,” said the dowager countess. “Penny chose it herself.”
It remained a mystery how a dog could choose a gift for a human. Perhaps Juliana could ask the dowager at some point during the evening.
Juliana opened the case, gasping at the brilliant diamond and emerald necklace. “This is too much,” she protested, handing it back to the dowager.
