Page 6 of A Marquess' Season of Secrets
“No, no, no, dear,” the woman insisted. “It’s all yours. This is but a token of our gratitude, and we would be insulted if you didn’t take it.”
“Dear,” her mother called. “Listen to Lady Somersby.”
If Juliana accepted the gift, her parents would probably sell the necklace the first opportunity they got. She wouldn’t get to wear it once. How did she tell the dowager it was pointless gifting her such an expensive piece of jewellery? It didn’t matter that the woman could probably afford several more, only that Juliana would not be able to appreciate it fully.
“Very well. Thank you, My Lady.”
The dowager beamed. “Do you like it? I recall seeing the sun shining on your hair, and it looked red. Green and red always go well together, but your hair looks a bit browner today.”
“Less light makes it look brown, but the red shows when I’m in the sun. The green will go perfectly—thank you.”
Everyone insisted that she put it on, but Juliana was saved from wearing the heavy piece when a servant announced dinner was ready. Lord Somersby appeared at her side to escort her in and seated her between him and his mother.
“We had no clue what you might like,” the dowager explained. “So I had my cooks create a menu with many different dishes. I hope the fare this evening will satisfy you.”
Juliana’s gaze travelled the length of the table, amazed it could hold so much food. She was full just looking at everything!
“It all looks delicious, My Lady,” she replied. “My parents and I will not lack for anything.”
“I’m glad. Eat, please. We have an entire evening ahead of us, and I hope that we can get to know each other well.”
“I agree entirely,” Ralph added, leaning a little towards her.
Dinner was pleasant, and thankfully, Juliana’s parents did not embarrass her or themselves. They kept their conversation respectful and only discussed whatever the dowager started.
However, Juliana was relieved when dinner was over. Sitting next to Ralph was a tad too intense. The man was undoubtedly interested in her, and he didn’t try to hide it. It was a bit too much for Juliana, who preferred a softer approach.
I suppose he is the type of man who sees something and just goes after it. I can respect that, but I have only just met him.
“May I be excused, My Lady? I wish to refresh myself.”
“I’ll have one of the servants take you to where you need to go, my dear,” the woman said. “We’ll be in the drawing room once you’re ready to join us.”
Juliana thanked her and followed a female servant by the name of Biddy. The woman was quiet and barely spoke despite the small conversation Juliana tried to make with her.
“Do you need anything else, Miss?” Biddy asked.
“No, thank you.”
The woman curtsied and hurried off, leaving Juliana with questions about the woman’s nervousness. Was she naturally an anxious person?
Once refreshed, Juliana took a slow stroll back to the drawing room. She was admiring the paintings when she heard a harsh male voice followed by a soft cry. What was going on? Not wishing to be discovered, Juliana crept closer to the murmurs of two people, surprised when she saw Biddy and Lord Somersby.
She was cowering in the corner, and he had his finger pointed at her while he spoke words Juliana couldn’t hear. Biddy looked up and said something, almost falling to the floor when the earl raised his hand.
Juliana clamped a hand on her mouth and quickly retreated, horrified by what she had seen. Lord Somersby no longer looked like the handsome man she had met but a terrifying man with features twisted by a savage rage.
So, this is who he really is. To think I was almost fooled by him!
No one could have such different sides to them and still be good. There was a cruel streak in the earl that Juliana wanted nothing to do with. The sooner they left Clarington Manor, the better.
Chapter 2
The renovations to Stratford Manor looked even better than Nash had envisioned. This was one more thing to tick off his list.
“You have spent a fortune,” his sister complained.
“But it was well worth it. You could get married here if you wanted to, you know. I’m certain David would not object.”
