Juliana

Part 17

The morning after the ball, Juliana, having risen rather early -- finding it impossible to fall back to sleep with her thoughts instantly darting back to her conversation with Lord Langton the evening before -- made her way downstairs to the breakfast room; the house still silent as none of the other residents or guests seemed to have felt tempted to leave their comfortable retreats yet.

Her grandfather had travelled back to London the same night, as business demanded his presence in Town, and she was to follow in a week; joining a few of the previous night's guests in a prolonged sojourn at Burton. She had, prior to descending the great staircase, engaged in an energetic debate with Achilles, whom she had been obliged to permit a seat in the carriage, as he had previously vehemently protested against spending even one night alone in Park Lane, when once the General and his granddaughter had gone out of Town for two days on a ceremonial visit to his surviving sister.

The harassed servant who had, after lengthy consultation amongst the kitchen staff, found himself obliged to devote himself to the hard suffering animal, had informed his master, with pathetic urgency, that the furry creature seemed inclined to fall into a decline the moment he understood himself to have been deserted by his benefactors. Since both the General's cook and valet seemed to endorse the idea, Achilles experienced no great resistance when he invited himself to take part in the journey to Berkshire. Fortunately for him, neither the Duchess nor the Duke, showed strong opposition when finding themselves inspected by a pair of huge, dark eyes from within a cushioned basket. And the youngest daughter of the house instantly requested an audience with the unknown guest the same day.

Achilles, understanding that his mistress would not only devote herself to her own breakfast but that his nourishment was also a matter close to her heart, permitted himself another nap on her bed and curled up at one end in the happy anticipation of a sustaining meal.

Juliana opened the door to the breakfast room, in the expectation of it being, as yet, deserted. She walked over to where tea and coffee had been prepared and therefore did not immediately perceive that she was not on her own. She began to pour herself some tea.

"Good morning, Miss Leighton."

She all but jumped in surprise -- spilling some of the tea in the process, her hand, fortunately, escaping unscathed.

"Oh!"

She instantly set out to make reparations, silently berating herself for her clumsiness -- and for allowing herself to be so easily unsettled. Well, but what was he doing in the room to begin with -- he should be in London!

The object of her musings had deserted his coffee and relieved her of her cup and saucer, taking her hand in his -- seemingly intending to ascertain that there had not been any damage.

She quickly pulled her hand away, the colour rising in her cheeks.

"Thank you. Good morning, my lord."

She reached for the teapot once more.

"Miss Leighton; for both your comfort -- and mine; do take a seat." He held out a chair.

She shot him a speaking look but proceeded to follow his suggestion, accepting the cup that he put before her with a word of thanks.

His lordship sat down again at the other side of the table and took up his paper.

Juliana took a sip of her tea -- how strange that he should have known she took milk with it! -- and studied him. Or the part of him that was not hidden behind the paper. Well -- she had to ask.

"Lord Langton."

He looked up, waiting for her to continue.

She considered this encouragement enough.

"Why are you here?"

One of his mobile brows went upwards.

She smiled.

"I beg your pardon. I meant that I had thought you to have returned to London. I had no idea that you would be amongst the guests who were to stay the week."

"Until recently, Miss Leighton, neither had I."

Juliana frowned.

"I see."

She took a bite of her muffin.

Then -- after a brief silence --

"Are you very disappointed?"

A gurgle of laughter escaped her.

"Of course."

"And are you content in having exchanged the country for Town? London is vastly different from the north, I imagine. "

The question was put to Juliana by Lord Henley, who had been the third of the party to come down to breakfast. He had taken a seat beside Juliana and had engaged her in polite conversation after helping himself to some coffee.

"Yes, indeed. Derbyshire is quite wild, I am afraid." Juliana's eyes twinkled at his seriousness. He might as well have pronounced it superior. "But having spent some months in Town now, I am inclined to think that there are advantages in seclusion. Would you not agree, Lord Langton?"

Juliana made a point of turning towards the Viscount, who had, thus far shown himself of an unexpectedly taciturn disposition. He had stoically pursued his paper, his attention only momentarily distracted when he poured himself some more coffee. To an impartial observer, his lordship appeared to be deeply engrossed in whatever the periodical had to communicate to an interested reader -- to Juliana, however, the signs spoke a vastly different language. And she had also immediately discarded the notion that his lordship might, perhaps, not be a morning person.

Well -- if he thought that he could...

And surely enough -

"Most certainly, Miss Leighton."

She could practically hear the smile in his voice, even if his lordship appeared to be at his most phlegmatic.

Juliana was moved to consider it a strategic disadvantage that the Duchess should not provide cushions in her breakfast room for the personal comfort of her guests. Well.

"Of course." Lord Henley smiled at her. "Derbyshire is your home. But we must consider ourselves fortunate that your grandfather's business should have taken you to Town." The smile had become quite warm. "May I pour you some more coffee, Miss Leighton?"

"Miss Leighton prefers tea," the Viscount supplied coolly from behind his paper.

Juliana wished she could hide her face behind the non-existent cushion. Poor Lord Henley! How could he be so -- well.

"Thank you, sir, but not at the moment." She smiled at Henley. Then she grasped for a more noncommittal topic. Well, she had never pretended to be bursting with ingenuity. "I hope your mother is well?"

She was quick enough to catch the flicker of a smile in the Viscount's eyes at her resourceful enquiry.

Lord Henley soon after took his leave as he had promised himself to some of the gentlemen for some shooting.

With a courteous bow to Juliana -- and a curt nod at the Viscount, he had taken himself off to join the sportsmen; leaving Juliana at leisure to study Lord Langton from across the rim of her tea cup.

He caught her reproachful glance and raised an enquiring eyebrow.

"Well?"

She put down her cup, her gaze not leaving the Viscount's face. Then -

"I did think, my lord, that Lord Henley might have found your reserve not at all courteous."

"Did you? And I am inclined to think that he thought it all that was considerate."

Juliana, permitting herself a speaking sigh, looked at him quite sternly.

"Lord Langton -"

"Yes." He smiled. Then -- "Will you ride out with me?"

The abrupt change of subject made her blink -- and she could only resign herself to her fate with a smiling shake of her head.

The guests at Burton enjoyed more freedom in their daily pursuits than was generally accorded to those on a prolonged visit to a country house. Whilst the Duchess had conjured entertainment enough to satisfy those who showed a tendency of preferring to have the heavy burden of arranging their own amusement taken of their challenged shoulders; those who preferred a more liberal approach to their activities found themselves well at liberty to take long walks in the extensive grounds; to ride out before or after breakfast or to occupy their imagination with a book from the Duke's well-stocked library at their leisure.

Juliana found herself in the company of the Viscount on a regular basis -- and it seemed a natural conclusion that he should join her for a ride before breakfast -- and walk with her before dinner. She felt quite at ease with him and had come to regard him as a friend. She found that they shared a common interest in books (his lordship even admitted -- at her peril -- that he read -- and enjoyed -- novels; and had delighted her with an anecdote from his youth, when he once had snatched a work by the former Miss Burney from his mother's bedside table, subsequently enlisting the help of the resident footman to prevent its recovery at the hands of the dispatched search party before he should have finished the same), they entered into lively debates on various topics and whilst he did not always concur with her opinions, he never once gave her to understand that she had rather submit to his superior judgement. It seemed to her that he even enjoyed the moments when she bristled in defence of a subject -- and she had a suspicion that on occasion, he pretended to feel contrary just for the sake of an argument.

Miss Linwood had repeated her request for Juliana to join her on a ride the morning after the ball and Juliana had listened, with growing amusement, to the confidences by her friend with regards to the most wonderful day of her life -- thus far -- and her happiness in knowing her affections returned. Miss Linwood was of a rather quiet disposition, generally, but she became most vocal in recounting the wonders that had occurred since she had last seen Juliana and her face became thoroughly animated during her recollections.

Juliana was pleased for her cousin and friend and confident that they would be fortunate in entering into a marriage that should prove to remain one of mutual regard throughout the years; and at first it puzzled her that she should experience a little wistfulness at these reflections. She could not account for the feeling of despondency that slowly crept over her when she saw how Lord Carrington's eyes lit up when his Emily entered the room and was inclined to wave it away as an absurdity.

She had never believed herself in love - and yet had not regarded herself as in danger of ending up on the shelf; as her Aunt had so obligingly phrased it when she first came to stay with the Charwoods in Hanover Square; and was in no hurry to enter into the state of matrimony -- and moreover, she reflected in obstinate amusement, she knew that at least one option she might yet consider open to herself -- if she, or his lordship -- preferably both - should, eventually, concur with his great aunt on the excellence of her plan.

She looked up one evening, during this reflection -- and found the Viscount standing in a small group not far from her. As if sensing that he was being observed, he turned -- and his eyes softened into a smile as they met hers. She looked away, a little flustered, and pretended to be engrossed in what her neighbour had been recounting to her.

"Do you not agree, Miss Leighton?"

"Oh. Yes, I -"

"Excellent." Lord Henley smiled. "With your permission, Your Grace -" He had addressed himself to the Duchess, who had been engaged in a quiet discussion with one of her more formidable -- and senior -- guests.

"Permission? Oh, the expedition. Well, if you will promise me to look after my young ladies -- then I will give you my blessing."

Juliana was bewildered. Had she agreed to join an outing? She came to the rapid conclusion that she had better forgo her private musings until she was safely enclosed within the walls of her chamber.

"Oh, how wonderful!" Lady Lavinia clasped her hands together in delight. Being so unfortunate as to not be fully out yet, such a treat rarely, under the watchful eye of her father, came her way. And she had long wished to see the ruins! She leaned forward, her eyes sparkling as she addressed Juliana.

"Juliana -- do you think we may see a ghost?"

"I-"

"They are understood to be of an inexplicably reclusive disposition, Lady Lavinia," a grave voice came to her rescue.

Juliana found that the Viscount had materialised at her side. Well, apparently, he, at least, seemed to be confident in his powers of comprehension.

"Oh. Well, never mind. It will still be a beautiful sight! Of course it is a pity that the castle should have been permitted to fall into ruins, but then, if it had not, we might not have decided on visiting it!"

Lavinia seemed quite pleased with this conclusion -- and Juliana at last understood that they were to visit a site only an hour's ride from Burton; which had the felicity of knowing itself to be a prime favourite amongst the more romantically inclined residents in the county.

"Indeed." She smiled and looked up at the Viscount. "Will you be joining us, sir?"

"Only if you will assure me that I need have no concern on the former residents´ part."

"Of course," she promptly responded. "You shall be quite safe." She almost added the words -- with me -- but stopped her unruly tongue just in time.

His lordship appeared to be content with this affirmation.

"Achilles -- I think you shall be constrained to endure my company this morning after all."

The furry cat regarded her stoically and condescended to signal his approval of this change in plan with a loud purr. As long as it did not require the removal from his present resting place; he was not unwilling to show himself cooperative.

Juliana had removed the heavy curtain at her window and peeked outside into the grey sky. A fire had been lit in her room and she was grateful for the warmth on this chilly morning.

Well, the expedition would have to be postponed.

"Cousin! Why are you not in your riding dress? We mean to be on our way soon!"

Juliana had come down only to be greeted by the sight of the small party of adventurers who had agreed to set out on the expedition the night before.

Yet she failed to make out one person among the same.

Lavinia had taken her hand.

"Did you think we should reconsider only because of a few, small clouds? I assure you, we do mean to go!"

Juliana was inclined to think that her young cousin must either have been the victim of paternal tyranny so as to be willing to brave the elements on such a day in the expectation of a treat -- or to have taken the words of a few rather more melancholy disposed poets too much to heart.

"Indeed, Lavinia, I do not mean to be poor-spirited -" she smiled into her enthusiastic face -- "but I very much fear your small clouds have every intention of proving to us that they have long outgrown their infancy."

"Oh fudge - I promise you it will not rain. And even if it does, we may turn back a little early. Please, Juliana. You must go. Lord Langton is already detained by some business or other!" She appealed for help in different quarters. "Lord Henley -- do you not agree that it cannot possibly rain?"

His lordship would not make that promise, but he was optimistic that they should have returned long before the rain should set in.

It became apparent to Juliana that they were determined in their obstinacy. She would not have hesitated to excuse herself altogether; had her presence not been indispensable to Lady Lavinia; the Duchess having only consented to her daughter's participation in the knowledge that Juliana should make one of the group. Lord Carrington had left Burton early that morning; escorting his fiancée back to her London home, and so no other possibility suggested itself.

Faced with the pleading look on the part of her young cousin -- and the earnest entreaties by Lord Henley; she resigned herself to her fate; even if with great reluctance. She was conscious of a wish that the Viscount had been present; confident that he should have supported her in her resolution. And as conscious that his projected absence came as a disappointment to her.

Juliana had finally made it into the stables. Only a few more minutes, and she would be able to change her clothes and dry her hair -- as well as the rest of her person. And then she would --

"Miss Leighton! How dared you be so foolish?!"

Juliana squinted through the strands of hair that had plastered themselves against her face, attempting to remove them with one freezing hand. She made out the form of the Viscount before her; who advanced towards her in a few, angry strides.

"Lord Langton -- I -"

He gripped her by both her shoulders; which instantly bereft her of her remaining vocal abilities. She was shocked to see the cold fury in his eyes.

"Have you any idea how -" He attempted to restrain himself with unmistakable effort. "Why, in God's name, must you set out in these confounded conditions? Have you no common sense?" he demanded wrathfully.

Juliana blinked in surprise -- then she felt her own anger rise. He had no idea --

It had not taken Juliana by great surprise that the optimism on the part of some of her fellow adventurers had eventually proved itself unfounded. The clouds had grown in number and darkness, and the first harbingers of what was to come descended upon them shortly after they had arrived at the ruins.

Even though they had set out onto the return journey soon after the first drops had fallen onto the remaining stones, it became clear that they would not reach Burton before the storm would have set in with all its vehemence. They pressed on -- until, at the first distant rumble of thunder, some of the horses shied and attempted to convince their -- female -- riders that they were very well able to decide upon the direction on their own. Juliana's own Duchess was rather more robust than the gentle mare of Lady Lavinia; and she found herself called to by Lord Henley that she, being familiar with the country, should head on to the house whilst he himself and the other gentlemen would escort the remaining ladies, who were in partially dire need of assistance.

When the rain eventually become nothing short of infernal; and the wind prevented her from making out more but the nearest of her vicinity, she decided to stop and wait until it should have cleared a little; finding an advantageously placed formidable oak for that very purpose. The thunder did not seem bent on approaching any further, so she felt confident that she might soon continue towards the Hall.

The faithful Duchess was not impressed with being forced into such an unspeakable situation, but contrived to safely deposit her mistress in the stables at Burton when at last the conditions made it more acceptable for them to embark on the journey again. Both Duchess and her mistress had not been spared the full onslaught of the elements, but she was confident that a thorough rub of her shoulders and a hearty meal of the exemplary Burton hay should instantly restore her to her usual vigorous state.

"No -- oh!"

She wrenched herself free; her shoulders shaking.

"Of course! It has been a long cherished dream of mine to ride across the fields with nothing more to accompany me but the pleasant sound of torrential rain and the even more endearing noise of quite the gentlest of breezes. I am surprised that I should not have attempted it sooner!"

"Miss Leighton -- if you wish to -"

Juliana interrupted him, her eyes blazing.

"I wish you will remember, my lord, that I am not your sister!"

"My sister!"

The Viscount appeared to be thunderstruck. Then, in deliberate slowness, he spoke again.

"If you were my sister, Miss Leighton -"

"But I am not. Therefore, my movements are none of your concern. And if I choose to behave like a great simpleton, it can have nothing to do with you!"

His face had turned white at that.

After an awful moment, he spoke once more, in measured accents.

"Clearly, I have been labouring under a misapprehension. You must forgive me. But whatever your feelings towards my person might be, Miss Leighton - I must insist that you return to the house now."

The sudden aloofness in his voice bereft her of all her anger -- she remained where she was, looking into his hard eyes. She almost felt like crying. Could he not see that she was cold; and wet -- and miserable...

She made one feeble attempt at --

"My horse, I must -"

"You may leave her to me."

She shook her head.

"No, I -"

He took a step closer.

"Miss Leighton -- go!"

Juliana eventually made her return to the house, a few angry tears falling in accord with the still persisting rain...

Part 18

Juliana came down to breakfast after a restless night. Her thoughts had kept her awake -- and not even Achilles´ comforting presence (he had decided upon sharing her bed and had positioned himself to one side of her head; on one of the fluffy cushions) had calmed her mind. She was troubled by her argument with Lord Langton -- his unmistakable anger had taken her wholly by surprise; even if she felt herself justified in her response insofar that she was her own mistress and that he had no right to censure her for her actions. She was conscious of the folly of letting herself be persuaded in joining the expedition -- she had been angry enough with herself for not being more resolute in her position. Her punishment had come swiftly and when she had finally reached the stables; she had been only wishful of a change of her clothes and some hot tea; the ride back to Burton having robbed her of a considerable part of her energy; and then -- and she had, if surprised, at first been so glad to see him come up to her! -- to be scolded and reprimanded by his lordship as if she were no more than a silly child ... her already ruffled emotions would not be held back any longer.

She had relived their argument countless times during the night and still had come to no acceptable conclusion as to why she should feel so low and almost dejected. And if he had not once smiled at her the evening before and had not sought her side after dinner and if she had not caught his provoking eye in understanding over a ridiculous notion that might have appealed to her sense of humour -- it was not that his good opinion was necessary to her comfort!

Even if he seemed to suddenly prefer the company of Miss Heywood, with all her demure smiles and adaptable opinions and deep blue eyes.

She was not used to think of herself as a ninny, but - the symptoms were there.

Miss Leighton!" Lord Henley had, at that moment, appeared from the breakfast parlour and had taken one of her hands into his, raising it to his lips. "May I tell you how happy I am to see that you have suffered no ill effects from our unfortunate adventure -- the blame is all mine; I should not have persuaded you when you had made up your mind."

"Sir, I have only myself to blame for my feebleness. I beg you will not regard it any further."

Juliana all but managed to remain civil -- she did not know why his solicitude should so nettle her, but she felt a strong inclination of freeing her hand from his warm clasp - and had no patience with his, by all appearances, sincere apologies. And why must he always be so - courteous.

"You are too good." Lord Henley's tone was quite grave. "I assure you, I am well aware of my misjudgement. But do not let me detain you from your breakfast -- I hope we shall be able to ride out another time."

With a smile, and a bow to the Duchess, who had by then joined them, he took himself off.

Her Grace, looking after him, raised an eyebrow.

"Juliana -- I almost believe it was he who sent the flowers. Poor man!" Smiling at her young cousin's flustered expression; she perceived that her attention was demanded elsewhere. "Do excuse me, I must distract my daughter. Lord Langton -- good morning!"

Juliana, flushing to the roots, turned to see that the Viscount had come into the hall; his greatcoat swaying in his purposeful stride.

She curtseyed, daring no more than a quick glance up into his firmly set face. His expression was inscrutable and - she perceived a servant lifting a travelling case -- he was leaving? But --

Her eyes took up the courage after all.

His own came to rest on her face the same moment. She would not look away -- and saw something flicker in the back of his eyes. Then -- in a hard voice.

"She is mistaken."

His meaning barely had time to register on Juliana when, with a curt nod, he walked out into the courtyard.

"Oh, no, Mama! I am quite well, it is only a little cough."

Lady Lavinia perceived her cousin in the hall and immediately went to her, a troubled little frown on her face. "Are you very angry with me, Juliana? Indeed, I did not mean to be so troublesome. I only wished so much to go -- and mama immediately sent me to bed when we returned, too!"

Juliana, still a little unsettled by the turn of events -- the flowers! - strove to banish her thoughts from her mind for the moment and to compose herself. Later she could --

"If I am, it is only with myself for being such an easy conquest. I really should try for more resolution in character." She smiled at the young girl, who still seemed to be uncertain as to whether she would receive yet another scold. "I could not be angry with you, Lavinia."

"I am so glad. We were so worried! When we came back and you were not yet there!" She impulsively embraced Juliana. "Oh, but it was so romantic!" An impish smile had replaced the troubled look on her youthful face. "Lord Langton must quite like you, cousin -- he was very angry, of course, and when Lord Henley said he would go, too - it was such a look!" Lavinia sighed as if to state that she hoped she should find herself as fortunate as her cousin one not too distant day. "He immediately went in search of you - but then you had already returned, so-"

"We are, indeed, very much obliged to Lord Langton for his good sense," the Duchess broke in, in a dispassionate voice. "I beg you will excuse my daughter, Juliana, she has an unfortunate partiality for Mrs. Radcliffe, as you may have observed. And quite forgets that it is time for her Italian lessons."

Lavinia meekly obeyed the hint of a lift of her mother's thin eyebrows and, with another quick embrace for Juliana, rushed upstairs to the schoolroom.

The Duchess then turned to her young guest once more -- her brows knitting briefly.

"Are you quite certain that you are quite well, my dear? You do look a little pale. Perhaps you should return to your bed -- your grandfather would scold me terribly if you were to have a cold!"

Juliana shook her head, her mind still a little reeling in the wake of Lavinia´s jumbled communication.

"No, I thank you -- I am well. I think I only need a little air." She smiled in an attempt to pacify her doubtful hostess. "At all events, the sun cannot do me much harm."

The Duchess seemed to accept this.

"Very well. But wrap yourself up warm just in case. I wish I could join you -- but I am to make myself agreeable to Lady Trevellyan and her sister. But do have some breakfast when you return!"

With that, Her Grace proceeded into the parlour; leaving Juliana to return to her chamber to retrieve her pelisse and bonnet under the watchful gaze of Achilles.

"Ah, Tristan. Come in."

The Earl waved his hand as if to signal to his heir that whilst his appearance was not unwelcome, it behoove him to close the door firmly behind his person so as to not inspire others to take their chances.

Lord Denham subjected his son to his dispassionate gaze, then -

"Brandy?"

"No. Thank you."

His lordship's brows lifted, but he refrained from commenting on the disappointingly courteous reply as the Viscount freed himself of his gloves and turned towards the fireplace - one hand resting on the mantelpiece, the gloves in the other, as he studied the flames. Instead, he ventured to make a suggestion.

"Tea leaves might serve the purpose just as well."

As this only drew a mild smile from his son; his lordship, raising his paper once more and disappearing behind it, was moved to apply more drastic measures.

"You will find your mother in her sitting room."

A young maid was going about her duties when Juliana returned to her room after her walk, dusting the table on which the handsome bouquet had awaited her upon her arrival at Burton. Achilles, who had been busy with his morning toilet - and was seemingly unfazed by his unexpected audience -- merely looked up briefly at his mistress's appearance, and then, with newly found enthusiasm, returned to this pleasant pastime.

The maid had quickly turned and curtseyed -

"If you please, miss, this seems to have fallen under the table."

She presented Juliana with what appeared to be a note.

A little surprised, she took it.

"Thank you."

The maid curtseyed again and left the room.

Juliana, sitting down on the edge of her bed, opened the note. It was dated the day of her arrival at Burton.

Lord Langton presents his compliments to Miss Leighton and begs she will, if necessity should command her services at some future date, attest that not only is his lordship's taste impeccable; but that he is, unquestionably, mindful of the proprieties

She found herself in the curious predicament of wishing to laugh and -- and she was moved to think herself utterly ridiculous for it - cry at the same time.

"Langton! Are you not supposed to be sojourning at Burton?"

Lady Farnborough did not consider it necessary to shower her nephew with the usual civilities; she was a woman on a mission and thus proceeded to come to the point straight away.

Lord Langton, having just walked into the drawing room, where a number of members of his extended family had assembled in expectation of their dinner, turned to his great aunt and made her the victim of one of his blandest smiles.

"I am happy to see that my unexpected appearance has provoked such a state of felicity."

Theodore almost choked into his glass -- disguising it as an untimely attack of a cough under the inquisitive eyebrow of his father.

Her ladyship was equally courteous in her response.

"Well, I suppose it would have seemed a little awkward had you not presented yourself tonight -" The old lady looked around as if to repress any attempt at opposition, "- but I am sure we should have excused you."

"Thank you, but I dared not hope for such generosity."

Theodore was still engaged with his glass, only sharing a wink with his youngest sister, who had followed the exchange in a little bewilderment.

"Come along, Georgie -" Theodore took his sister's arm into the crook of his own, smiling broadly at his brother in passing. Since it was considered merely a family dinner, even though on a larger scale than the Earl usually found himself forced to endure, there was no great emphasis on precedence. "Cousin Milton will have eaten all the pastries before we arrive at the table."

Her ladyship paid no attention to the young man's folly.

"Well. But you must tell me how you found dear Juliana, Langton! Such a sweet, unpretentious girl. I was just saying to your mother how-"

"Dear Aunt, will you allow me to take you into dinner? I know -- it is a shameful disregard of convention, but I am in great need of your advice on a matter that cannot wait any longer."

Lady Denham's brow had furrowed in consternation when she had perceived her eldest on the threshold to her sitting room. She was by no means an unfeeling mother and generally prone to showing herself much more maternal in her dealings with her young, but the grim setting of the Viscount's mouth had not escaped her and she instantly came to understand that something must have been troubling him. Which almost shocked her -- and she could not think what it may have been that had provoked such an unusual occurrence. She knew him rather better than to be misled by his cool deportment. There had been no smile, no hint of provocation, not even one of determined obstinacy in his eyes. As it was, she did not think that the pulsing of a muscle that had been the result of her Aunt's communication promised any immediate improvement and had taken it upon herself to shield him from at least one source of aggravation.

And she had also taken a mental note to assure that her son should not leave his parental home without a prolonged -- and invigorating - audience with herself.

"Shhhhh! Not so loud, Harry!"

Harry regarded his twin with animosity.

"No-one is here! They are all eating!"

He squinted through the banister, then -- a thought occurring to him that put all other notions to shame -- raised his blue eyes in hopeful contemplation.

"Do you think they are having cake?"

"Yes. And ices."

"Uncle Tristan!"

"- and mama says it might be a girl, but we think it is a boy!"

The boys had both retired into their respective beds, but not without regaling their uncle - who had found himself constrained to march them back into the same - with their opinions on various topics; including the upcoming happy event in their family.

Felix, pulling up the covers to his chest, looked up at the Viscount expectantly.

"I really have nothing to do with it," his lordship informed him gravely.

Felix succumbed to an attack of giggles.

"Uncle Tristan."

Langton turned at the end of the bed on which he was sitting, finding that he was studiously observed by another pair of blue eyes.

"Well?"

Harry, curly head cocked to one side, regarded him with interest. "Will you have one, too?"

The Viscount blinked -- which transported Felix into another fit of giggles.

"He can't, silly! He is not married!"

He convulsed onto his bed with laughter.

"So? He can always ask someone! And then they can have babies."

Harry smiled encouragingly at his uncle.

"No, Harry, I thank you," his lordship replied firmly.

"Oh! But -" Felix's head appeared once more from underneath his covers, his eyes shining. "Uncle Tristan! You can ask Juliana!"

"What?"

His lordship's brows had snapped together.

The twins were surprised at their uncle's unusual slowness. Well, perhaps he should soon go to bed, too.

Felix attempted to offer clarification.

"Yes. We like her!"

He beamed up into his uncle's inscrutable face, wholly oblivious to anything but his own conviction that they had offered a satisfactory solution to the problem. Mama would be proud.

Harry was a little less confident in his uncle's ability to judge the matter.

"Don't you like Juliana, Uncle Tristan?"

The blue eyes were raised speculatively to his.

For a moment, something darkened in the Viscount's eyes. Then -- his hand reaching out to tussle the mop of fair hair --

"Goodnight, brat."

Satisfied with the turn of events, the boys proceeded to retire into the land of slumber.

"Well, son? Deserting us again so soon?"

The Earl had looked up from his breakfast as his heir entered the parlour. He was confident in his conviction that the Viscount knew better than to present himself at his table in his travelling coat, if he should have any intention of partaking of the delicacies that had been laid out at one side of the cosy room. And indeed --

"Yes. I must return to Berkshire."

"Must you?" The Earl's brows relaxed. "Well, if you must, you must. Only have the goodness to inform your mother of it yourself -- I do not relish the post of bearer of ill tidings."

The Viscount smiled.

"Thank you, sir."

"Yes, well. Do not let it get into your head. I am in a strangely mellow mood this morning. No doubt because I finally find myself in the comfortable companionship of wonderfully restorative silence." His lordship heaved a sigh over his tea cup. "I confess I thought the blabbering should never stop. But I will say this -- if this Miss Leighton possesses only half the merits your wonderfully articulate Aunt saw fit to credit her with, why, I think she should be put on display in the British Museum." As if in afterthought, he added - "The poor girl." Then his brows lifted. "Well - off with you, then. Mind, do remember to assure your mother that I had nothing to do with your untimely departure."

Shaking his father's hand, the Viscount then went in search of his mother.

Lady Denham regarded her son in mild trepidation.

The Countess, with all her motherly disposition, was not blind to the Viscount's faults, and even if he never presented his aloof and sometimes stoically indifferent side to her; she knew him to have used it at great success among Society -- and could not fully blame him for thus conducting himself when, as she had regularly observed herself, faced with the ingenious onslaughts and aspirations of a greater part of the hopeful mothers and their gentle offspring amongst the Ton. His heart, she had been inclined to think, had not yet been touched, and so -- she shook her head.

It would, probably, have been too much to hope that he should conduct himself with a little more wisdom. Men, as she very well knew, had not a woman's insight in these matters.

She straightened in her chair and subjected her eldest to her superior assessment of the situation.

"I do not wonder that Miss Leighton should have lost her composure under the circumstances. I do, however, applaud her for her forbearance - I should have been sorely tempted to wring your neck. Had something so decidedly undignified occurred to me, of course."

The Viscount was momentarily taken aback by his mother's pronouncement.

"Mother!"

"Sit down, Tristan."

Her ladyship subjected her first-born to an unyielding gaze.

"Could you think of no other manner of declaring your feelings but to overwhelm the poor girl with your overbearance when she was, quite clearly, in need of comfort?" The Viscount turned a little pale and attempted to speak, but his mother forestalled any such attempt. "You men are so utterly uninspired when it comes to the matters of the heart. Your father -" She waved her hand in mock despair but, observing the expression on her son's face, took pity on him, covering one of his hands with her own.

"Dearest - do, I beg you, strive to rid yourself of this despondent air. You almost put me in mind of Lord Byron! You will certainly not inspire Miss Leighton to listen to you in such a tragic state."

The Viscount, with a grim smile, returned the pressure of her fingers and then rose from his seat.

"I must go."

He bent forward and saluted his mother's cheek.

"Goodbye, mama."

"Well."

Her ladyship studied the announcement with unwonted dedication. At least the boy was safe. And they need not regard the rather unfortunate connection, after all. However --

A smile formed around her thin lips.

Well, she was merely taking care of the formalities.

She rang the bell.

Part 19

Juliana closed her book.

Well, perhaps another. She got up and scanned the well stocked shelves and then, on tip-toe, reached for a handsomely bound exemplary. "Evelina". She had read the first volume and the remaining were waiting for her at her London home -- probably on her grandfather's night table, she surmised with a small smile. She betook herself of the book and retired onto one of the chairs, tucking her knees under her dress.

Achilles, who had joined his mistress on her way to the library -- he had resolutely attached himself to her the moment she had reappeared in their shared chamber after her walk, and her subsequent discovery of the Viscount's note - he had a partiality for her and if she needed his presence to lift her spirits; as he had surmised in a very few moments, well, he would not begrudge her this small concession -- lay curled up at her feet; his whiskers gently fluttering in his happy state of contentedness. If he were to be mistaken for a guard dog, well, so much the better.

Now -- if perhaps a kind human would condescend to see to his nutritional needs...

Juliana, alerted to Achilles´ departure by a rustling against her skirts -- and the heartfelt meowing of an animal suggesting it was on the brink of starving - did not look up from her book.

"No, you will not be allowed into the kitchen."

"But how will I be able to resist the temptation?"

She looked up in astonishment -- to see the Viscount standing at the other side of the room, his hair slightly dishevelled; and even if not in his familiar grey coat, clearly having just come in.

She quickly rose from her chair, a warm smile lightening up her face.

"Oh! You are back!"

The expression on his face changed for a moment; he seemed to be almost surprised at something -- before it became set again in cool politeness.

Juliana had almost instantly berated herself for so completely lowering her guard; the colour faintly rose in her cheeks - and she strove to address him in a more non-committal manner. It was clear that he had not forgotten their recent disagreement. Well, neither had she. As it was, she would soon turn into a night owl at this rate.

She curtseyed.

"The Duchess has gone out, sir, but I believe His Grace is to be found in his study."

"Thank you, but my business is with neither."

"I see."

She was a little flustered by his calm demeanour -- must he stand there and look at her in such an unnerving manner...and if Achilles saw fit to lower himself to -- well, she had to deal with it at one point, so she had better resign herself to the inevitable now.

"Lord Langton -"

"Oh! Come, Sir Lancelot, we are intruding -- no! Sir Lancelot!"

Something akin to a commotion had broken out in the generally subdued surroundings they found themselves in. Achilles had been inspired to forgo his attempts of making the acquaintance of the unknown human upon the arrival on the scene of a blond young girl, who had brought a companion.

Which was much closer to his own size and nature, so he might, under different circumstances, have found himself willing to declare it a compatriot, but -- it was the ears. Every feeling revolted. He felt it his duty to reprimand the intruder on its shameful exhibitionism.

The rabbit seemed to experience similar trepidation -- it squirmed in its mistress's hold, jumped from her arms and hobbled across the room, in the firm belief that the furry fellow creature must mean to attempt to try whether it could not rid itself of a rival aspirant to the throne.

"Sir Lancelot! No, no, no -- come back! Oh, Achilles!"

The Lady Amelia Leighton stopped in the middle of the room, both her hands on her rosy cheeks. She took a deep breath. Then another. Then -- with newly found resolution --

"If you please, sir -" She had walked over to where the Viscount was standing and looked up at him in determined enquiry. "Will you re-... restrain Achilles until I have found Sir Lancelot?"

His lordship found himself appealed to be a pair of unblinking green eyes and - seemingly unfazed by the request - let his gaze flicker over to where the furry cat; by all appearances; patiently awaited the long-eared offender's admittance of defeat; tail swishing from one side to the other. Then he turned towards Juliana, his tone all that was proper in such a serious situation.

"With your permission, madam -"

She blinked.

"Oh. Of course."

He nodded -- and proceeded to discourage an unwilling Achilles from his pursuit. The cat felt it behoove himself to voice his displeasure at the unfolding events with an indignant little huff; even if he came to the fast conclusion that the unknown human's hands were most capable in their attention to the particular sensitive spot behind his furry ear -- and subsequently permitted himself a purr of idiotic bliss.

Juliana showed remarkable composure considering the events. She ignored her cat's treachery and approached her youngest cousin, who had been watching the proceedings in great concentration.

"Good morning, Amelia." She smiled. "I see Sir Lancelot has decided to go on an expedition."

Amelia considered this. Then -- leaning a little forward, she furnished Juliana with the following information.

"He wanted to hear the story!"

This appeared to be too much for Achilles -- sensitive spot or not, he jumped from his new God's arms and stalked out into the hall in unmistakable revulsion.

Amelia, looking around, fixed her green eyes on the inscrutable face of Lord Langton. "He likes books," she assured him earnestly.

His lordship appeared to be somewhat unconvinced, which appealed to Juliana's sense of humour.

"Yes. Did you have no pets when you were a little boy?" she asked him with twinkling eyes.

He turned his head and let his gaze rest on her for a moment. Then --

"None that were particularly well-read."

Juliana had to suppress a smile at the graveness of his tone.

"Oh! I can see him! Look, cousin -- oh, no!" Amelia, her joy at her pet's eminent return to her loving arms almost instantly diminished, observed the resourceful animal's determined hopping straight under a chaise longue, which had its place against one of the walls.

The young girl, with complete disregard to the state of her dress -- and the scolding she might expect on behalf of her governess - attempted to reach for her beloved pet, but her arm was not nearly long enough to make the rabbit consider another refuge by way of precaution. He stood, or rather -- sat, his ground.

"I cannot reach him."

Amelia sat back on her knees, her brow furrowed in consternation.

The Viscount caught Juliana's eye. His brows lifted and, with a barely perceptible shake of his head, he walked over to where the little girl was kneeling - and began to discard his coat; loosening his neck-cloth in the process.

Juliana resolutely attempted to keep her eyes fixed on her young cousin's head. Not that the Viscount did not show to advantage in his crisp white shirt and elegant waistcoat, but it was hardly proper of her to even entertain such thoughts. And --

She suddenly found herself in possession of the aforementioned coat. Her eyes flew to his face in surprise. Surely -

"I really could not risk it."

Juliana followed his line of vision and found that Achilles had returned to the room, the cat's speculative glance travelling between a sofa -- and the fabric in her hands.

She bit her lip.

The Viscount had meanwhile lowered himself onto the floor, and within mere seconds, reunited the obstinate rabbit with its owner.

"Sir Lancelot! Oh, thank you, sir!"

Amelia, cuddling her pet to her chest, her eyes shining, got up and -- after a brief hesitation -- put one small arm around his lordship's neck. Then she ran out of the room.

Langton had adopted his normal posture once more, straightening his neck cloth in the process.

"Well?"

He had lifted an eyebrow at Juliana -- who found she was still clutching his coat. And in a rather possessive manner.

"Oh."

She returned it to its owner.

"Thank you." He leisurely shrugged himself into the dark fabric. "Now -- I cannot but wonder, Miss Leighton -" he looked around in a contemplating fashion, "- whether I might not, after all, have been somewhat remiss in my education. Ah." He had reached up into a shelf at that. "Will you?"

Juliana blinked at the volume in his hand -- then a bubble of laughter rose within her.

"Certainly not! I am not your mother."

He studied her for an unnerving moment, a smile softening his eyes.

"What curious notions you appear to be having of my perception."

Well, he was smiling, Juliana surmised. She had best attempt to speak then before another disruption could prevent her.

"Lord Langton -- before we were interrupted, I was going to -"

"No."

She broke off, her brows knitted. Surely he did not mean to -

"Sir, I -"

"Yes, I am certain you have prepared quite an inspired speech for my benefit, but I beg you will spare me the civility."

Juliana bristled at his tone; her disappointment in his reaction only adding to her irritation.

"Spare you -- no!" She was determined not to lose her composure again. She sighed and began again. "Sir, I have no wish of continuing our argument. If you will not accept my apology -"

"Will you be silent!"

She was halted in her train of thought by the Viscount's firm, almost grim, accents; who had closed the distance between them in a few purposeful strides. Almost she thought that his hand had been about to... oh. His gaze was so intense that she felt her cheeks adopt a rosy hue.

"Of course I did not mean to -"

Juliana was momentarily surprised to see him run the fingers of one hand through his dark hair. It seemed a gesture so out of character; almost of a lack of self-assuredness, which she knew he possessed in abundance, that she felt it best to remain silent. And surely enough --

"Miss Leighton - it is I who should ask your forgiveness. My temper -" His eyes had once again fixed themselves on her face. "Believe me that I did not mean to add to your distress."

He paused. Then, unexpectedly --

"Come -- shake hands with me."

He held out his hand to her in an impulsive gesture.

Her sense of propriety seemed to have taken an untimely vacation, Juliana reflected, as her hand almost automatically laid itself into his. It was quite warm... and strong, she discovered -- and... His lordship's fingers briefly closed around hers. Oh. Before she could devote herself to this new complexity, she felt the presence of another party in their nearer vicinity. It seemed determined to gain their attention. She found her hand released and that the Viscount had taken a step backwards. She quickly did the same and looked down to where the intruder was determinedly brushing against his lordship's boots.

"I see I have been detaining you. My apologies, sir." The Viscount looked down at Achilles, who regarded him in hopeful -- if quite confident -- expectation. The cat did not seem to be in any haste. In fact --

"No, I thank you. I really do not dare. I have been too fickle already." The Viscount attempted to repress the expression of idolisation of his person by disengaging both his boots and himself from a set of furry paws. Finding his efforts repulsed, Achilles lowered himself onto the floor, his tail curled to one side; regarded his lordship in speaking disbelief and then, raising himself off the floor once more in one languid movement, proceeded to make his way towards the chaise longue, jumped up onto it - presenting his audience with a wonderful view of his backside.

"Dear me." Both his lordship's mobile brows had lifted. "Miss Leighton -- I beg you will assure -- Achilles -that I merely hesitated under the apprehension of Thompson's severity."

"Thompson?"

"My valet. He was very high standards."

Juliana smiled.

"I see."

He raised a quizzical eyebrow at her. "But you do not think that the information will raise me in his esteem?"

She merely shook her head, her eyes smiling.

"Miss Leighton -- tell me at once! What must I do to regain his good opinion?"

Her eyes briefly wandered to where Achilles was enjoying his indignation and then she looked up into the Viscount's face once more, not entirely convinced that they were debating Achilles any longer. She strove to remain on safer grounds at this point; with her head still in a little whirl.

"He is quite partial to ham, my lord."

His lordship seemed to scrutinise her for a moment. Then, in a tone that was calm resoluteness --

"Very well. We will continue this conversation another time." He betook himself of her hand once more and Juliana suddenly found herself in the possession of a letter. At her questioning look - "My sister charged me with this message for you."

With a smiling nod; he was gone.

Juliana, after a moment, returned to the safety of her cushioned seat, with Achilles, mindful of his duties even in his present state of incredulity, taking up his previous position at her feet.

She shook her head and broke the seal.

Felix desires me to inform you that even if his new brother or sister should demand a greater part of his attention once he -- or she (Harry begs to point out that it simply cannot be a girl!) -- should have been promoted to the state of playmate, he shall always be happy to escort you to the Park and to introduce you to some of its more fascinating residents.

You may even have some cake.

I shudder to think, my dear Juliana, what may happen if our newest addition will be a boy. Even Charles seems to live in some trepidation -- though he hides it quite well so as to spare me additional anxiety, I suspect.

One I shall be relieved from if you will consent to stand godmother.

Yours affectionately,

Sophia Albury

"Ah, my dear, here you are. I was just going to look for you. We have unexpected visitors, as you see."

Juliana, having just walked into the drawing room, was mildly astonished to find that Lord and Lady Trent had descended upon Burton. The faint crease on her brow at this unexpected apparition quite escaped his lordship, who was happily taking stock of his surroundings with a swift glance around the well appointed room -- congratulating the Duchess on her excellence taste.

Lady Trent was a little more observant -- if only for the fact that her eyes had instantly darted towards Juliana at her appearance on the scene, narrowing in contemplation, as it seemed. However, her irritation, with regards to whatever it might have been that had provoked her, was quickly disposed of -- she greeted her dear Miss Leighton with decided friendliness and a thoroughly pleased smile.

Juliana was not granted the opportunity to enjoy bewilderment -- or even amusement -- at her ladyship's raptures as she found herself addressed by the lady's elderly spouse, who took her hand in both of his and smiled at her in his doting way.

"My dear Miss Leighton -- I can see you are surprised; but when your grandfather informed us that you should not return to Town before Sunday next, my dearest Annabelle would not rest until I assured her that we should pay an unceremonious call on you on our way to Shropshire." He pressed her hand and paused for effect. "You find me the happiest of men, you see. I had not hoped to be so fortunate -- but in a few months hence you shall find me in the nursery, making the acquaintance of a new little Trent!"

"Oh! I see -" Juliana could not but smile at the old man's obvious pleasure. "Then you must allow me to congratulate you."

She turned to include the mother-to-be in her felicitations, as was expected of her, and for a flicker of a moment, the Countess allowed her true feelings on the occasion to escape her otherwise radiant appearance. It did not surprise Juliana, to whom only the momentary loss of composure had been evident, that her ladyship should not join her husband in his rapture, she was acquainted enough with Lady Trent to feel capable of surmising that this turn of events did not please her as much as it did her spouse -- she did, nevertheless, hope that the lady should eventually reconsider her position, for both the sake of herself and her unborn child.

"Thank you, thank you -- I knew you should understand." Lord Trent beamed at his wife. "At my age -- well, it has been a happy day for me! I hope Your Grace -" He had addressed the Duchess once more -- "- will excuse our unexpected arrival. It was of particular importance to Annabelle to inform Miss Leighton of our happy news herself."

"Of course." The Duchess was too experienced a hostess -- and too kind a person -- to show herself anything but agreeable on the occasion. She begged her unexpected visitors to join them for tea -- kindly offering the young Countess a glass of hot milk in place of a more substantial refreshment; which the lady found herself constrained to accept at the hands of her fond and anxious husband.

"So. You are here."

The Countess had quickly derived to find herself in a tête-à-tête with Juliana, arranging her seat so as to be able to engage her in private conversation without any appearance of secrecy to her conduct.

Juliana's brows lifted mildly.

"As her ladyship sees."

The Countess smiled condescendingly. "You are related to the Burtons, are you not? Well, on the unimportant side, of course, but we cannot all be fortunate in our lineage."

Juliana had no wish to satisfy her ladyship in her ill-bred musings and resorted to cool civility in her response.

"The Duchess is my cousin."

"Well, you have indeed done very well for yourself. Even if, perhaps, you shall have to wait until you will be able to preside over an estate such as this. Still -" Lady Trent let her gaze wander back to Juliana's face. "- I am quite puzzled, my dear Miss Leighton. I had thought Langton to be here -- and then I found him residing in Town after all. I wonder what can have persuaded him to be so unromantic?"

She had lifted a suggestive eyebrow.

"Merely family obligations, madam," a cool voice supplied from behind her.

The Countess almost shrank at the unexpected response and turned to see that Lord Langton had appeared at their side.

Her ladyship quickly rearranged her features into a welcoming smile -- irritated; and a little apprehensive, by his unforeseen presence. Well -- but she had been so sure ... She smiled up into his unresponsive face.

"My dear Langton! What a pleasant surprise! I had not hoped to find you here."

"Evidently not."

His tone allowed no room for deliberation and Juliana, catching his eye for a moment, had to suppress a smile.

The exchange did not go unnoticed by the Countess, whose eyes narrowed briefly.

"Do not tell me that you came back from Town for a mere three days in the country! I should never have believed you so erratic."

She was all amused innocence.

"No?" The Viscount raised a sardonic eyebrow. "But then, of course, you really are in no position to offer an opinion on the matter."

The Countess drew in breath sharply and -- with one look of wrathful indignation -- she rose from her seat and walked over to her husband's side, her posture all that was rigid, her countenance only relaxing into one of smiling submission when she linked her arm with his.

Juliana was left to silently shake her head over the encounter, if quite relieved that she should have been spared a prolonged conversation with the lady. Still, that Lady Trent should persist in her --

Well, to the lady's credit -- she had to smile -- her ladyship had clearly not expected to find his lordship present during her interrogation. She was presently shaken from her musings, unaware that the Viscount had kept his serious gaze fixed on her face during the process.

"Should I hint to the Duchess that the generally accepted period for a morning visit is all but past?"

An involuntary laugh escaped her.

"No, I thank you. I am not so poor-spirited."

His eyes had crinkled into a smile.

"That, Miss Leighton -- and to my cost, I have become very much aware of." Then -- in an abrupt voice -

"Do you ride out today?"

She blinked, momentarily startled.

"Yes."

"Very well. I shall meet you at the stables."

With a nod, he was gone.

Part 20

Juliana had arrived at the stables to find that the Viscount had already been waiting for her, his black stallion softly snorting as his master stroke his elegant nose.

Well, so he was there.

Not that it had been any matter of choice to her, but she would be stretching the truth rather too far if she were to claim that she was not curious as to why he should have almost commanded her company at this point -- she could not but reflect, with an involuntary smile to herself, that this autocratic behaviour was just like him - and even more so if she were to state that she was completely averse to the scheme.

Still, it would not do to confirm him in his high-handedness. Even if he should be smiling at her in his disconcerting manner.

She inclined her head as she led out her Duchess.

His brows lifted.

"But what have I done?"

Juliana adjusted her faithful mare's bridle.

"You could have asked, my lord."

His lordship appeared to be mildly astonished.

"I was under the impression that I had."

She permitted herself a speaking sigh.

"Lord Langton -"

He smiled.

"Will you ride out with me?"

She shook her head, attempting to suppress a smile.

"Do you have any scruple, sir?"

She looked up at him as he did not immediately reply -- and was momentarily surprised by his serious expression. Then, in a softened tone -

"Regrettably - yes."

A little flustered, Juliana suddenly found that he had taken hold of her elbow. "Allow me." He lifted her up into the saddle in one swift movement, her surprised hands barely having time to hold on to his shoulders. Which was just as well, she reflected, for her Duchess would surely not take kindly to a distracted mistress.

"Thank you."

She took hold of her reins as his lordship mounted his own stallion with his customary grace.

They had ridden across the park without exchanging any further words when the Viscount reined in his horse and turned to address Juliana with a quizzical smile.

"So silent?"

"I am admiring the landscape, my lord," she informed him promptly.

"But this is fortunate!," his lordship exclaimed, in gratified accents. "Tell me, are you a great enthusiast? My mother -- who, you must know, takes considerable pride in her conservatory - should be very much obliged to you were you to teach me how to discern a rose from -" His tone had become quite grave, "- a rose."

Juliana laughed.

"Your lordship does not have a passion for botany?"

"No, I am a most unnatural son. Or so my mother persists in telling me."

She smiled but did not offer a reply.

"But of course, you expected as much," the Viscount reflected after a moment.

This made her laugh.

"I had no notion as to your preferences, sir," Juliana informed him, with smiling eyes. "I have not yet thanked you for the flowers because I only received your note the day you left for Town and -" She raised a challenging eyebrow at him - "I fear it would have been very impolitic of me to do so in company. I must, for one, think of Miss Heywood. Although I do think that some yellow -"

"Not with her complexion," his lordship interjected mildly.

She shook her head, smiling at his unperturbed comment. "No." Then she adopted a more serious tone. "It was most kind in you -- and they were lovely. I am sorry if you should have thought me uncivil."

"Miss Leighton." The Viscount had leant forward so as to take hold of her reins. Both horses having come to a halt, he turned and addressed Juliana in ominous accents. "Will you - for God's sake - desist from standing on ceremony with me! I am not kind - and certainly not in the habit of entertaining foolish notions."

Juliana blinked in surprise at the vehemence in his voice.

A sudden, inexplicable bubble of mirth rose within her -- and eventually, she could not but laugh at the absurdity of their conversation.

"Very well, sir."

She looked at him with twinkling eyes. "I shall endeavour to try and forget my lessons with Miss Spaulding and will, at your request, be most reprehensible in my conduct towards yourself from now on."

His lordship's gaze rested on her smiling countenance for an unnerving moment -- then his brows lifted.

"Thank God."

Juliana, her eyes dancing, bit her lip as they rode on. After a few moments of companionable silence, a thought occurred to her. She briefly accorded his profile a speculative glance. Well, if he insisted --

"Lord Langton."

The Viscount turned his head.

"Why are we riding out?"

His lordship seemed momentarily taken aback -- then his lips twitched.

"Madam -- in the future; I beg you will remind me to be less liberal in my concessions."

At her clearly doubtful expression --

"Very well." He smiled. "Even though I cannot like that you should -- quite unfathomably - assume that I should be in need of a reason -" Juliana merely accorded him a speaking look - " -- your instincts do you credit. My reason, Miss Leighton -"

They had come to a halt once more, and Juliana had raised her eyes to him in silent enquiry. The Viscount studied her in his calm way.

"I must make you my apologies. Clearly, my powers of persuasion are not what I was used to think them. A lowering reflection -" He smiled at her puzzled expression. "- but let it not confuse you. I assure you; I meant what I said to you. You have no reason to distress yourself on Lady Trent's account."

Miss Spaulding would have been pleased to learn that her former charge was not quite what some might refer to as slow-witted. The puzzle had begun to unravel. Well, not the finer points, of course, but all in good time. She hoped. She had to know. Even if it should not be strictly proper of her to entertain such curiosity.

"Lord Langton -- are you telling me that -"

"I am."

She was astonished at his apparent unconcern.

"Oh! But surely you must see that -" She took a deep breath so as to disengage her jumbled thoughts. "Sir, for you to speak to her on my behalf -- of course she must feel herself confirmed in her suspicions!"

"Is that what disturbs you? You need not be alarmed." He smiled disconcertingly into her flustered face. "I assure you, it was very much my own account that I, er, found myself constrained to address her ladyship on."

His admission did not much to soothe her ruffled feathers, even if, for a moment, it drew an involuntary smile from her.

"Yes, but even if it should not trouble you -- you must see that it must be different for me! I cannot, after all, rid myself of unwanted attentions by continuously delivering icy set-downs."

"Well, no," the Viscount conceded apologetically. "But if it should comfort you -- it makes a singularly tedious pastime."

Juliana shook her head, the smile not quite reaching her eyes at this point.

"I wish you will be serious, my lord. It may not trouble you that Lady Trent might share her beliefs with others, but it is no laughing matter to me!"

"Miss Leighton -" His lordship's brows had snapped together. "I have told you -- you need have no concern on that account."

She rounded upon him, vexed with herself -- and him -- that the whole notion should upset her so.

"Yes -- and so you have told me before! And still she just -" Juliana instantly checked herself, an apology in her eyes as she looked up into his firmly set face. "I did not mean to -- I should not have said it. It is only -" She sighed. "Do you not see that it might lead only to mischief? I understand that you are rather better acquainted with her than I, but the little I know of Lady Trent - " She broke off, aware that she was talking herself into dangerous territory. The connection that might -- or might not -- exist between his lordship and Lady Trent clearly was none of her business. No matter how much her inner self rebelled against the thought.

The Viscount, having listened to her tirade with unswerving calm, regarded her steadily.

"Before we come to my -- acquaintance -- with Lady Trent; will it appease you, Miss Leighton, if I tell you that there is a solution to your apprehended predicament?"

"Yes?"

"Yes."

She frowned. Oh. He could not -

"We will not get married. It is entirely absurd!"

Strangely, Lord Langton did not seem to be visibly shaken by her dismissal of what she -- correctly - assumed to be his meaning.

"Why is it absurd?"

His calm enquiry nearly unsettled her.

"Because, sir, certain - persons -- would only view it as a result of their machinations!"

His lordship's intense gaze rested on her for a moment. Then -

"You have a very strange notion of my character if you believe me interested in what other people might be inspired to think. Come." He had by then swung himself off his saddle and held out his hand to her.

She looked down at it in slight confusion. What good could it do -- but then, they might as well finish their conversation on foot, if he insisted. It was, perhaps, the more sensible approach. At least one did not have to always be mindful of one's balance.

She almost slipped as she made to descend from her faithful Duchess -- but had no time to berate herself for her unusual clumsiness, as she found herself supported by his lordship's arms, her gloved hands on his shoulders. Had anyone ever mentioned to him that there appeared to be a hint of hazel in his otherwise clear, grey eyes? But generally, she reflected, people would hardly be so close to him as to.... Oh. She was reminded of their unusual proximity.

A faint blush rose in her cheeks.

"Thank you."

With a brief nod of acknowledgment, the Viscount eventually released her.

They turned towards a narrow lane that led towards the lake, amidst an impressive array of formidable oaks and other proud evidences of Nature's most inspired taste.

"But you should have!"

"Miss Leighton!"

The Viscount had lifted his brows in mild astonishment, his eyes alight with laughter.

"Well, of course, you could not have strangled her per se, but I feel certain that had you put your mind to it, an appropriate form of punishment should have occurred to you."

"Thank you," his lordship responded gravely.

She shook her head with a smile.

"Have you - no."

"Yes, I can see that you are shocked at the discovery of my perfunctoriness -- but I really had no choice in the matter."

Juliana was not at all impressed by this communication.

"I find that very hard to believe, my lord."

"You may lay the blame at Theodore's door."

Her brows knitted.

"Sir, you just informed me that it is he who was the victim!"

"In more ways than one, madam." He smiled into her startled face. "My brother, Miss Leighton -- and I assure you, I have frequently attempted to rectify this unfortunate tendency in him -" - his voice had lowered to a mournful level -" ... has a -" His lordship's brows lifted to exaggerated heights -- "... very kind heart."

An involuntary bubble of laughter escaped Juliana. She could only shake her head as they proceeded along the lane.

There was something that was still puzzling her upon reflection.

"Lord Langton -- if you do not mind my asking -- is your brother aware of all that has transpired?"

His eyes rested on her for a moment.

"To the extent that his good nature has been imposed upon, yes."

"I see."

They walked on in silence for a moment, when the Viscount spoke again.

"I saw no reason to give him more pain."

Her eyes flew to his firmly set face.

"Oh, I did not mean to imply -" She offered a frank smile. "I do not blame you for keeping the whole truth from him. To learn that he has been used as a means of revenge on you must only have added to his disappointment. Especially as he seems to regard you in quite a heroic light."

"To my very great misfortune!"

Juliana was relieved to see that his expression had softened again, even if the notion seemed to give him no gratification. Or so it would appear.

"Of course." Her eyes twinkled in response. "I imagine the role of an elder brother must make constant demands on your forbearance. I understand, sir, that your brother is very fond of horses?"

The Viscount's eyes gleamed.

"My greys are not open to negotiation, madam."

"Well, I am aware of that -" she conceded unabashedly, raising an impish eyebrow at him, "- but is he?"

"There is always my new coat."

On that information, his lordship assisted Juliana up into her saddle once more and they then made their way back to the house...

Juliana stared at her reflection in the mirror.

She had hardly paid attention to what the maid had been attempting to do with -- or rather -- to her hair, but fortunately, she needed not blush for the result.

She had parted with the Viscount in the hall and her return had put Achilles into a momentary state of ecstasy -- he had been on the brink of considering himself deserted and had almost resigned himself to having to lower his person to the level of those who had to actively beg for attention -- and nourishment. Fortunately, he reflected, his mistress had timely remembered her priorities.

Juliana supported her chin on her hands.

The dominating feeling -- if hardly appropriate considering the - and her -- situation; she had experienced was one of relief.

She had naturally applied her mind to that matter and had, inevitably, come to a conclusion.

It was as simple as that.

And she had given him to understand that...

She could only shake her head -- seeing that she did not have the strength to reach for a cushion to bury it in.

Back

Back to Novel Idea