Page 49 of Rescued By the Icy Duke

“Mama has invited me to take tea with her on the lawn. Shall I see you both there?”

“We were just on our way,” Ester answered.

Helen nodded, then skipped ahead with the careless grace of the young.

“A delightful girl,” Julian remarked, watching her go.

“A ray of light,” Ester agreed. “She has only just turned nineteen. I am quite glad that her debut can take place without the threat of scandal hanging over it.”

Julian turned and offered his arm to Ester. She took it with a smile, and they walked after Helen Fairchild, though at a more sedate pace.

“I think I understand now why you were willing to sacrifice so much,” Julian said softly. “A girl like that, so young, so full of hope—it would be cruel indeed to burden her with the harshness of the world.”

“She will know none of it. Thanks to you,” Ester replied, her eyes glowing warmly.

Julian could see the difference in her from the woman he had rescued from the lake a month ago. The guarded wariness ever present a touch behind her gaze had faded—the heavy mantle of responsibility for her family had lifted. Now, her spirit was free, and her true nature—so radiant and kind—shone through. To him, she was a vision. A goddess. That he was drawn to inexorably.

“I cannot claim all the credit,” Julian murmured. “When you first met me, I was mired in darkness, believing I would ruin any soul I touched. It was you who lifted me, who pulled me from the shadows.”

Ester smiled and Julian felt the simple expression lift him. He was acutely aware of the gentle pressure of her hand on his arm—it became the center of his awareness. He watched her as they walked through the house towards the sitting room, which allowed access to the lawn through a pair of French Doors. She moved with grace and dignity, chin lifted and profile as closeto perfection as anything Julian had ever seen. As they stepped out onto the patio, a gentle breeze stirred her auburn hair. She closed her eyes briefly, her lips curving into a serene, contented smile.

Julian could not help but smile as well, captivated by the quiet joy that radiated from her. He was overcome by the pure, simple happiness of the moment.

“We are over here, Essie andJulian!” came Helen's voice, mildly teasing.

“Helen! That is no way to address a Duke. The correct address is Your Grace!” reproached an older woman hushedly.

“Mama, Julian himself gave me leave to use his name,” Helen complained.

“When in private and there are none who would take offense,” Ester added.

“We are in private!”

“And there is one here who does take offense,” chided Lady Janet Fairchild.

She sat next to Helen at a wrought iron table atop a circular paved area in the middle of an immaculate lawn. A gardener with a scythe was trimming the verges, and somewhere, a bee buzzed among a flowerbed that bordered the lawn.

Lady Janet Fairchild had a slender figure and bronze hair. It became plainly visible that it was from her the two sisters had inherited their high cheeks and button noses as well as their bright emerald eyes. She was beautiful, but it was as Ester's beauty, matured and seasoned into dignity and grace. Unlike Lord Kendrick, she appeared rather easygoing and full of life. She smiled politely at Julian.

“Good day to you, Lady Janet. What a delightful abode you have here! A testament to your impeccable taste, no doubt,” Julian declared with a charming smile.

“Oh, you are too kind, Your Grace,” Lady Janet replied coyly. “But alas, this is merely our family’s southern refuge. You should see our ancestral home in Cheshire—it would quite steal your breath.”

“I shall count the days until I am graced with that privilege then,” Julian responded smoothly.

He and Ester seated themselves at the table. Lady Janet signaled to a servant who carried over a gleaming silver tray. The delicate clink of metal and porcelain accompanied the scent of fresh tea, and a tantalizing array of sandwiches appeared on the tiered stand before them.

“I suppose we shall be here in the south for some time yet to come?” Lady Janet asked as the tea was being poured.

Her eyes flitted from Julian to Ester and her meaning was clear.

Julian leaned back slightly, a faint smile curving his lips. “While I would never wish to prevent you from returning to your beloved home, I would spend as much time as I can with my own beloved before that day,” he replied.

Ester blushed a becoming shade of pink and lowered her head.

“Oooh,” Helen cooed behind her hand.

Lady Janet gave a small smile and nodded in approval.