Page 67 of A Marquess' Season of Secrets
Juliana was momentarily taken aback by the woman’s sudden interest in her. “You wish to hear about my memories?”
The young woman nodded as she sat back in her chair. “I understand that it must come as a shock, but I truly have had a change of heart and wish to help you find out about your former life.
I believe there is nothing worse than walking about knowing nothing about who you are or where you come from. I know my brother has vowed to help you, but surely a little more help is a good thing?
After all, my brother might become too busy with his wedding to help you. I am certain he will choose his bride soon, which will only delay your unfortunate situation.”
Juliana’s heart squeezed tight at the mention of Nash’s wedding. She had hoped that the unsuccessfulness of the dinner party would halt such a thing, but Lady Stratford seemed confident that it would happen and apparently sooner than Juliana would have thought.
While she did not trust the woman’s sudden change of heart, it seemed only natural to accept the offer considering the circumstance.
“I would appreciate your help, My Lady,” Juliana replied.
“Splendid! Now, tell me what you can recall about your life, and I will see what I can do with those memories.”
Juliana nodded and revealed all the memories that had come to her in the last few weeks. Lady Stratford’s expressions changed several times until confusion settled over her face.
“Those are all rather interesting recollections,” the woman admitted. “Your knowledge about some matters makes me wonder ...” The duke’s sister didn’t complete her sentence but looked at the doorway. “Nash! What on earth are you doing just standing in the doorway?”
Startled, Juliana’s heart rate picked up as she turned her body and stared at the man in the doorway. He did not look pleased at all.
***
Ellie’s interference in a matter he was dealing with was unwanted and frankly annoying. The last thing he expected to hear was his sister pledging her help finding Isabella’s family and discussing her memories.
Nash had not even heard most of the memories Isabella had talked about! Ellie was clearly eager to get Isabella out of the house, but she still had no right to discuss such things behind his back.
“What is the meaning of all this?” he asked, striding into the room.
“Of what, Nash?” his sister said.
“Have I not made it clear that I will search for Isabella’s family? Why do you involve yourself in the matter?”
Ellie pouted slightly and crossed her arms. “I only wish to help. Is that such a crime?”
“I am taking care of the matter, Ellie.”
“You have had weeks to do so, yet I have not heard of any progress yet,” his sister argued.
His sister was right, but he didn’t want to acknowledge her summary of the situation. Nash wished to address Isabella’s former life in his own time and did not appreciate Ellie calling him out for his lack of progress in front of Isabella. It was not his sister’s place to question him like this.
“As I said before, I am taking care of the matter. I do not need to discuss any progress with you.”
“Please do not argue over such a silly matter,” Juliana said, rising to her feet. “I appreciate all you are doing, Your Grace, but I see merit in having Lady Stratford help me. If possible, I would like to leave before you become too busy preparing for your wedding. If you would excuse me.”
Stunned, Nash could only watch the woman leave the room as he tried to make sense of her words.
“Well, that was rather dramatic of you,” Ellie commented. “I only wish to help, Nash. One would think I was threatening to do away with Isabella!”
Perhaps he was overreacting, but Nash couldn’t help it. He wanted to demand that his sister leave the matter alone but dared not in his current mood.
“Jasper has arrived,” he said instead. “I’ll be in the study if you need me.”
“How lovely!” his sister said. “Jasper’s visits are always welcome. I look forward to seeing him at dinner.”
Nash nodded and left the room, heading to where his friend was relaxing on a chaise longue. The man was taking refuge with Nash because his house was taken over by family and would only return home once the guests left.
It seemed a strange thing to do, but it was a common practice with Jasper. Any visiting family got full use of the house while staying at Stratford Manor. Nash entered his study to find his friend with a drink in one hand and a cigar in the other and humming a sailor’s tune.
