Page 2 of Her Duke of Sin: Lady Be Wicked
“I can’t…”
“Do not tell me you cannot accept the gowns. You need them and it is part of your position to look the part of a proper lady’s companion. Consider it part of your salary.” Lady Wyndam grinned. “This will not be an easy position. Take the benefits I’m offering you.”
Juliet smiled. “Very well.”
“Now pour us some tea and we will discuss the rest.”
One day, Juliet hoped to be as strong willed and confident as Lady Wyndam. She owed the countess so much, and she hadn’t really begun to be her companion. This had been her last hope, and somehow it had worked out better than she could ever have expected. She’d lost so much in a short time. Perhaps her life had finally taken a turn for the better…
One
Juliet sat down on a chair in her bedchamber and sighed. She had been working for hours helping the servants prepare for the upcoming house party at Wyndam Castle. She enjoyed her position and was grateful that Lady Wyndam had taken her in three years earlier. If she hadn’t offered her the position as her companion, she might have died on the streets already. She shuddered at the thought of what could have happened to her.
She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. The guests would start arriving soon, and she should go down and help Lady Wyndam greet them. The afternoon tea would need reviewing with the cook and the housekeeper. Lady Wyndam didn’t move around as well as she once had, and she relied on Juliet to do many of the tasks necessary for such a large-scale event.
After a few more moments to herself, she stood and ran her hand down her skirt. She wore a simple gown of blue that befit her station. There were no embellishments or fancy lace sewn along the bosom or skirt hemlines. No one would accuse her of dressing to present herself as a potential wife. If anything, they would consider her a spinster, or more accurately what she was…a paid companion. Only a governess would wear something more severe in appearance.
Satisfied she would be presentable, Juliet left her bedchamber and strolled down the stairs. No one was in the foyer, so she had a few more moments to herself. She was grateful for that reprieve but was aware it would not stay that way for long. Soon, the long stream of arrivals would keep her busy until every guest was settled in their chambers. At least she would have her own room, small that it was in the castle. She wasn’t in the servants’ quarters, but it was the smallest chamber in the family wing. No guests should disturb her, and that was the best benefit.
The door opened, and male laughter echoed around the foyer. Juliet glanced up and smiled. The Earl of Wyndam, Lady Wyndam’s grandson, had arrived. She frowned when she realized who the other gentleman with Lord Wyndam was and had to rein in her displeasure. He had forgotten that the earl was friends with the Duke of Sinbrough and that he would be attending the house party.
“Miss Adams,” the earl greeted her. “Is my grandmother in her favorite room?”
“She is,” Juliet answered. “At least, I expect she is.” Drat. She should have checked on Lady Wyndam before coming to the foyer. What if she needed something?
The earl grinned. “She has you working too much. Don’t fret. I’ll check in on her and see if she desires anything. Claudine should arrive soon, I believe. She’s traveling with another friend of hers. Please inform me when she reaches the castle.” He gestured toward the duke. “And while I’m visiting with my grandmother, can you show His Grace to his chambers? If it isn’t too much of a difficulty… I realize that isn’t your responsibility.”
She wanted to grate her teeth together in frustration but held back her displeasure. Juliet could see to the task. Even if she detested the Duke of Sinbrough and those of his ilk... “Of course, Lord Wyndam.” She forced a smile onto her face. “His Grace will be safe in my care.”
The duke grinned. “Will I?” He wiggled his eyebrows suggestively. “What if I do not wish to be safe? Surely we can do better than that.”
“Be nice,” the earl warned the duke. “Juliet is my grandmother’s companion, and she won’t take kindly to you distressing her.”
“I’d never be problematic with a beautiful woman.” He held his hand over his heart as if the very thought disturbed him. “How dare you suggest I could be that insufferable?”
“I’m sure you’re unbearable in other ways,” Juliet mumbled under her breath.
“What was that, love?” The duke snapped his attention toward her. “Did you say something?” He narrowed his gaze as he studied her.
“Not at all,” she said in a smooth tone. “I’m just reciting everything that I need to ensure is taken care of today.” She turned toward the earl. “Your grandmother will adore a visit with you. Go to her. I’ll escort His Grace to his bedchamber.”
The earl focused his attention on the Duke of Sinbrough. “Behave,” he warned. “Meet me in my study in an hour. There are a few things I wish to discuss with you.”
“Make sure you have brandy,” the duke said. “I’m parched.”
The earl laughed and walked down the hall toward his grandmother’s favorite room in the castle. It had the best light and helped her to see everything around her better. It also had a large hearth for when she felt particularly cold. It would warm her just to have her grandson with her.
“If you’ll follow me, Your Grace,” Juliet said. “I will show you to your bedchamber for the house party.”
“So do you know what room all the guests are staying in for the next fortnight,” he said in a casual tone. Then leaned down from behind her and whispered. “Does that make it easier to have a scandalous liaison?”
Good grief… “I don’t have liaisons. Scandalous or otherwise…”
“How sad,” he said in a mournful tone. “A woman as lovely as you should only have scandalous liaisons.”
This was a ridiculous conversation. “You can discontinue this topic now.”
“I’m afraid I do not understand,” the duke said. “What should I discontinue with?”
