Page 10 of Her Duke of Sin: Lady Be Wicked
“Thank you, my lady,” Juliette said. She meant it too. She was grateful for the life she had and would not jeopardize her position for anything. “Send your maid for me if you change your mind.”
“I won’t,” Lady Wyndam told her. “I plan on retiring early. If not for all the guests, I would take a tray in my room. Go.” The countess shooed her with her hands. “This is your time. Do as you wish.”
Juliette didn’t bother arguing with the countess. She was very strong willed and nothing would change her mind once she had made a decision. Besides, she did need some time to herself. She would retrieve a book from the library and then retire to her own room. Perhaps she would have a tray sent to her room, too. That was an excellent idea and she would do as the countess wished she could do. That way she was less likely to cross paths with the duke. The more she considered it, that was the best decision she could make. “Have a pleasant evening, Lady Wydnam.” Juliette curtsied and then left the sitting room.
She detoured to the kitchen. Once there, she located one of the kitchen maids. “Can you have a tray sent to my bedchamber?”
“Of course, Miss Adams,” Katie said. “Do you want it now or later?”
Juliette considered the question. “Send it in an hour,” she told the maid. “Can you also have water sent up for a bath?” A nice soak in the tub sounded heavenly. She ached all over.
“I’ll have the footman carry it up straightaway,” Katie told her.
“Thank you,” Juliette said. “I’ll be up there shortly. Tell them to set it up even if i am not there.”
“I will,” Katie agreed.
Juliette left the kitchen and went to the library. She would find a nice gothic romance to read and then retire to her bedchamber. Once she was safely ensconced in her room, she would have that time to herself she needed. That was what Gideon had suggested she do, wasn’t it? She shouldn’t feel guilty for abandoning him and whatever plans he had in store for her. This was the better choice. She had to look out for herself. No one else would do it, and she could not risk everything for a man that was likely to break her heart and destroy her life.
Juliette hadn’t been at dinner… Gideon frowned as he scanned the guests. Where was she? He had hoped to convince her to join him after dinner. He had looked for her beforehand, but she had been nowhere around. She had agreed to meet him. Surely he hadn’t misunderstood her intentions?
Gideon had never had so much trouble deciphering a woman before. He was normally quite good with the fairer sex. What the hell was wrong with him? Had he lost all of his finesse? His stomach churned at the thought he may have lost any chance he might have had with her. What could he have done now to make her turn away from him?
“You don’t look happy,” the Earl of Wyndam said.
He lifted a brow. “How do I look then?” He would not be a rude arse, but he was not feeling very charitable either.
The earl studied him. “As if something is troubling you. Do you wish to talk about it?”
“Not particularly,” he said in a brisk tone. “It’s nothing I cannot handle myself. There is no need for you to worry.”
“I’m here if you decide otherwise,” the earl said. He glanced across the room and a grin spread over his face. “That there is the reason for all of this nonsense.” He gestured toward his fiance, Miss Claudine Grant. “I wouldn’t suffer through this house party without her.” His fiance was a lovely woman.
“I’m happy for you,” he said. Now all Gideon had to do was convince Juliette that she wouldn’t regret deciding on him. “Soon she will be your wife.”
“I cannot wait.” The earl’s grin didn’t fade once as he stared at Claudine. That was love at its finest. “If you’ll pardon me. I must go speak with her.”
“By all means,” Gideon gestured toward her. “Go be with the woman you adore.”
He would never stand in his friend’s way. They clearly belonged together. He was almost jealous of that perfect contentedness that existed between them. He wanted that. Gideon slipped out of the room. It was time to find Juliette. The castle was enormous, but surely he could find her. How many rooms could she possibly hide in?
Gideon went to the library first. She was not there. Another woman searched the bookshelf, though. She seemed distracted and didn’t notice him enter at first. She glanced up and gasped.
“My apologies,” he said. “I was looking for Miss Adams.”
The woman smiled. “She’s retired for the evening.”
He frowned. “She has?” He wished he knew what wing her bedchamber was located in. Gideon was bold enough to seek her there.
“She had a tray sent to her room.” She nibbled on her bottom lip. “I probably shouldn’t have told you that.”
Gideon tilted his lips up into his most seductive smile. Women liked that smile. It wasn’t vanity. He had unleashed it enough in his life that he understood exactly what results it would bring. This woman knew where to find Juliette, and he wanted to find her. If it took a little charm to get her location, then by damn, he would gladly wield it. “I’m afraid I didn’t catch your name.”
She stared at him and blinked several times. “Um…” She swallowed hard. “It’s Katie, Your Grace.”
Good, she knew who he was. “Katie,” he drawled in a seductive tone. “I really must speak with Miss Adams. It’s very important. Can you help me?”
“I don’t know…” She nibbled on her bottom lip. “It isn’t proper.”
