Page 50 of A Marquess' Season of Secrets
A memory flashed in her mind, transporting her to an unknown location of well-dressed people in a vast room and music playing in the background.
Her mind whispered that it was a ball, and she had definitely been present because she was wearing a stunning deep green gown with gold trimmings, and all the guests were greeting her as though she were their equal.
Juliana’s thoughts moved to the dance floor, where she was partnered with a man she couldn’t recall, but his face did seem familiar.
I think I must love dancing. Why else would I have such a memory?
Some of what she was feeling in the memory seemed to affect Juliana because she felt like laughing; however, the duke would not take kindly to her chuckles when he was still annoyed with her. Juliana had done everything she could to maintain the respectability of the Stratford household and hoped the duke would eventually come to that conclusion.
Perhaps her behaviour had seemed odd from the outside looking in, but not at one point did Juliana entertain any inappropriate advances from the insufferable men.
Juliana’s memory eventually faded away, but the feeling of joy and laughter remained. She had obviously enjoyed being at the ball if the memory was true and not a mere fabrication of her mind. It was doubtful that she could create such a memory of attending a ball or dancing with the stranger she had seen.
The man had been handsome, but he was nothing compared to the duke. Juliana almost did laugh as she recalled the thoughts she had had some weeks ago. At the time, she had no references to judge the duke’s physical attraction, but now she did.
As lovely as the memory had been, it left Juliana confused. A commoner would not be allowed to participate in such activities, and the guests present had all been people of some rank. One did not wear such extravagant jewellery and beautiful gowns unless they could afford it. If that was indeed the situation, then it pointed at Juliana’s own class. Could she be a highborn lady?
These thoughts remained as the carriage rambled towards Stratford Manor, drawing her deeper into a bewildered state. The duke had found her dressed in commoner’s clothing, and thus, everyone had assumed she was one. It wasn’t an inaccurate assumption to make when they had nothing else to go by. Her lack of memory did not improve her situation, either.
“Is something the matter?” the duke said.
Juliana turned to him, still frowning. “No, Your Grace. Nothing at all.”
The duke narrowed his eyes. “Why do I have the distinct feeling you are lying to me?”
Juliana was not ready to divulge the details of her memory, not when they left her mind so befuddled.
“’Tis nothing of great importance, Your Grace. I am simply thinking about matters.”
“Those matters seem to have distressed you. Are you still concerned about those men? I assure you they will not trouble you again— I shall make sure of it.”
The man only added to her confusion. He had accused her of encouraging the men’s advances, and now he had all but pledged to protect her from them. Did he understand how confusing that was?
“I assure you that I am not thinking about the unfortunate moment, Your Grace. I prefer to put it behind me and try to forget it ever happened.”
“That is a wise decision to make,” the duke agreed. “Those men were scoundrels.”
Did this mean he finally believed her? Juliana hoped it was so because she didn’t want the duke to think of her as a tarnished woman, one who went around drawing men to her without a thought to the consequences.
“Yes, Your Grace. I sincerely hope they are not fond of doing that to other female servants. It makes a working woman’s life much harder to bear. I would not wish to be accused of flirting simply because I spoke to them. One cannot simply ignore others, no matter how foolish they are. It is not polite.”
“You are right. Those men would not have dared to approach an upper-class woman, but they felt bold enough to bother my servant. Perhaps I should have this matter looked into.”
“Do not make a fuss about it, Your Grace,” Juliana pleaded. “I’m confident the men will not continue their appalling behaviour.”
I cannot have this taken out of all proportion! I can only imagine what people will begin to say of a duke going out of his way to assist his servant. Goodness! Never mind other people, what would Lady Stratford say?
“I will leave this matter for the present, but I expect you to inform me should anything else happen,” the duke said, fixing her with a stern eye.
The carriage came to a stop, and Juliana quickly looked out the window. They were home! She wanted to run out of the carriage and sit with “normal people” so she could calm her raging thoughts. It was hard work having an opinionated mind and being around one’s employer.
“Do I have your word, Isabella?” the duke pressed.
“Yes, of course, Your Grace. May I leave? I still have some chores to take care of,” she asked, already opening the door.
“Wait for the step stool,” he said. “It’s too high for you.”
“Oh, I am quite accustomed to jumping from heights, Your Grace. ’Tis nothing at all.”
