Page 31 of A Marriage for the Marquess (Barrington’s Brigade #1)
May 1, 1820
I t was early afternoon. Juliet sat in her bedroom window seat, staring out at the garden. Over the days, whispers through London’s high society swirled around Juliet like leaves in an autumn wind. Each conversation she overheard was filled with speculation, each theory more elaborate than the last. The mysterious event she had hinted at had taken on a life of its own, and the ton buzzed with anticipation.
The world around her was alive with speculation and anticipation, yet she stood apart, a solitary figure on the edge of the excitement she had herself orchestrated. It was as if she were observing the whirlwind from a distance, untouched by the fervor that she had ignited.
The anticipation for the Aurington Gala had woven itself into the very fabric of London’s high society, and Juliet could feel its pulse in every corner of the city. The rumors she had set in motion had done their work well, stirring curiosity and excitement in equal measure. Yet, despite the success of her plan, Juliet had kept her distance from Ewan and Duncan, her heart torn between the desire for reconciliation and the fear of rejection.
“There you are.” Aunt Geraldine crossed the room and sat beside her. “You’ve created quite the spectacle for tonight. The entire city is eager to witness what happens. You’ll stand and see what you created.”
“Will Ewan want to be with me?” Juliet’s concerns tumbled out of her mouth as she clutched her aunt’s hand. “The thought of facing Ewan’s coldness, or Duncan’s… I’m not sure I can bear it.”
“You belong there as much as anyone, Juliet.” Aunt Geraldine’s response was a comforting embrace. “You have an invitation, and you won’t be alone.”
“Lady Glenraven, your presence has been specifically requested.” Mrs. Murthy nodded, reminded her. “And there’s a special invitation for the card game. It’s clear you’re expected at Aurington Park.”
Juliet allowed a smile to break through her doubts. “I hadn’t considered it quite like that.”
Aunt Geraldine handed her a note, its seal bearing the Aurington crest. “There’s more reason for you to attend.” She gestured for Juliet to read it.
“Lady Aurington requests our presence this afternoon before the gala begins. There will be room for us to prepare for the evening.” She handed the note back. “It will provide an opportunity to come to an understanding with Ewan. This must be fate playing games with me.”
“Like fate did the afternoon at the Punch and Judy theater?” Aunt Geraldine asked.
“‘ Together, we’ll find the strength to conquer all .’ That’s what we vowed. How quickly I forgot.” Juliet lifted her head, a serene smile on her lips. “I cannot avoid Ewan forever. The words my falcon offered publicly were a silent olive branch. And another thing. I love him. With all my heart. And I intend to fight for him.”
Aunt Geraldine threw her arms around her and held her close. “Welcome back, Juliet. I’ve been waiting to hear that strength.”
Her Aunt’s hug was a welcome anchor: “Come, my dear. We shouldn’t keep Lady Aurington waiting.”
Mrs. Murthy packed what she needed for the evening while Juliet slipped Bradley’s diary into her reticule. It contained the precious evidence of Sebastian’s duplicity. He was at Sir Giles, but he would be at the Aurington Gala tonight. She hurried into Aunt Geraldine’s room.
“Do you think it’s too early for us to arrive? She didn’t provide a time, but it isn’t even noon.”
“No, this is not too early.” Aunt Geraldine looked around one more time as Mr. Wilcox came in and took her baggage, as Mrs. Murthy entered.
“I’ve seen to your things. They’re being packed in the carriage now.” Mrs. Murthy, her job done, turned and left the room.
They went down the stairs and faced Duncan, who stood at the door with Mr. Wilcox.
“Duncan? Why are you here?” Juliet asked. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Ewan’s carriage outside.
“I was sent to bring you and Lady Rosefield to Aurington Park.” He said nothing else. And she didn’t pry but gave him a warm, welcoming smile.
“Ach, Lass.” His stance eased. “You’ve been sorely missed by all of us, everyone,”
Juliet’s smile turned into a combination of nerves and delight. “I’ve missed you all as well.”
Still chuckling, Duncan offered an arm to both ladies and handed them up into the carriage.
As they rode towards Aurington Park, Juliet’s thoughts were a whirlwind, but at their center was Ewan—her husband, her love.
The coach approached Aurington Park, the afternoon sun casting a warmth over the grand estate. The manor’s chief gardener and his team were in a flurry of activity, putting the final touches on the gardens in preparation for the evening’s gala.
They came to a halt, and the door opened. Ewan stood there with his hand stretched out to help them descend. Juliet was the last to step out of the carriage. She placed her hand in his and, at his touch, realized how much she had missed him. She steeled herself and said nothing as she stepped down.
Ewan nodded to Duncan as he released Juliet’s hand.
“This way, Lady Rosefield.” He gestured toward the manor entrance.
“I appreciate the formality, but I am Aunt Geraldine to you.” Aunt Geraldine’s smile was infectious as Duncan chuckled and tucked her hand on his arm.
Juliet waited as the footman took their boxes, then began to follow Duncan and Aunt Geraldine.
“Lady Glenraven,” he called.
She looked over her shoulder. “Yes.”
He offered a small, reassuring smile and gestured towards the garden’s secluded path. “Walk with me?” His voice was a gentle invitation. “The footman will see to your things. There’s much we need to discuss, and the garden offers a quiet, private place.”
Ewan led Juliet into the garden. The air was filled with the scent of roses and the distant sound of preparations for the evening’s gala. They walked in silence until they reached a secluded bench, a private place amidst the sprawling estate.
“I sent for you because I wasn’t sure you’d come on your own,” Ewan said, his voice betraying a hint of vulnerability. “I thought it best we talk away from the crowd.”
Juliet’s heart was a mix of emotions. “I considered staying away,” she admitted. “I feared you might reject me, given the last days.”
Ewan’s eyes held hers, but he was a master of controlling how much people saw of him. At the moment, he showed her nothing. “Juliet, I would never turn you away.”
Ewan led Juliet to a stone bench nestled among the roses, their petals a vivid reminder of the beauty that can arise from thorny situations. He took a moment before speaking, choosing his words with care.
“The recent weeks have been a journey of sorts.” Again, he stopped to choose his words with care. “A journey we’ve navigated together, albeit apart.”
“Indeed,” she paused for a moment to take stock. “It has allowed us to reflect, to perhaps understand one another in ways we hadn’t anticipated. It is humbling. Please know I never meant to hurt you or Duncan. I was so certain I was protecting you.”
Ewan listened, understanding and regretting his actions. “I never doubted your intentions. I was determined to make everyone do things my way without thinking whether it was correct or not.” He gave her a sideways glance. “Duncan has a way of making me see the truth of things. You and I, we both have learned.”
“And, here we are.” Juliet nodded, her hands clasped in her lap.
“Yes, here we are,” he echoed. “And I believe we’re the stronger for it. We married in haste to help each other as well as ourselves,” Ewan continued. “Now, I find myself curious about the woman you are beyond the obligations.”
Juliet considered his words and longed for the warmth of his voice. Perhaps it was too soon to hope for that. “And I wish to know the man behind the Marquess.” She turned in her seat to face him squarely. “Do you think we can build a friendship, a foundation for a good future together?”
Ewan’s hand hovered near hers, a silent offer of companionship. “Take my hand, and as friends who share a name and a home, we will find our way.” He paused, waiting for her reaction. She didn’t move. “Together, Lady Glenraven, we can conquer anything.”
A shadow crossed his face, and his voice dropped to a whisper. “There’s something I haven’t shared. In Paris, I was tasked with a duty I failed to fulfill and cost a person their life. It’s a mistake that haunts me, one that I will not repeat. The memory of that failure drives me to keep control over everything around me, to ensure I never make the same mistake again.”
Juliet’s eyes softened, understanding the depth of his confession. “We all carry burdens, Ewan. What matters is how we move forward.”
Lady Glenraven, he called her, not Juliet or even Starling. She found it curious that she fought the idea of marrying without affection, yet here she was. Fate had played a dirty trick on her. She married someone whom she had great affection for, but by her own doing, it is no longer reciprocated. However, she swallowed around the hot knot in her throat. Juliet placed her hand in his.