Page 2 of The Duke and his Delilah
“ T he impudence of you, woman, get out!”
“I will not, and certainly do not raise your voice at me, sir!”
“Then remove yourself, woman, from this room...immediately.”
“Yet another man telling me what to do and acting like I’m some simpleton.” Her voice was firm but held a sweet hint of an accent that made her even more attractive. “Let me assure you, sir, I have every right to be here to discuss business.”
One of the men’s laughs was caustic. “What business could you have except what is between your legs?”
She looked the man who insulted her up and down. “Someplace you will never see to assess its value. From the looks of you, I doubt you’ve seen many.”
Her rebuttal was magic, and Julian found himself thoroughly entertained. There was no need for him to interfere...yet.
“The grand duchess should have curbed your insolent mouth long ago.” These words came from Brigadier John Hartwell. “I could show you how to serve—on your knees.”
Delilah lifted her head. “I’m a queen, sir, and I bow to no one. It would instead be you who needs to be worthy of being my footstool and worshipping my toes. I hear that is one of the smaller of your perversions. Shall I show you my boots so you can lick them? Don’t stand quite yet. Your erection might show.”
“We want no business with you, and we are kindly asking you to leave.” This polite demand came from the snide mouth of Sir Allen Cotswold.
“I shall not, and this is my godmother’s home, in which I reside,” Delilah said in a prim voice. “You, sir, are the guest.”
“Then pray tell me, Miss Le Croix, why you are here,” Duke Blackshire asked.
“You promised to speak—” she began.
“I don’t recall using the word ‘promise,’” he cut in mildly.
“With words or action, the promise was there.”
“Ah, so you took the initiative and walked in?”
“Initiative is one of my best qualities.”
“I look forward to finding out the rest,” he murmured. The verbal sparring was quite entertaining.
“Duke Blackshire, you have spoken to many a guest this night, and never once to me besides when we greeted you.” Delilah spoke in a firm voice, and her back was straight. “I’ve come to claim my appointment.”
“Then so be it.” Julian looked at the other men. “If you would excuse us.”
“You can’t be serious, Blackshire.” Mr. Wesley stood, red-faced and outraged. “You’re making us leave to entertain the nonsense of this woman, why? Just bed her and be done with it!”
“Mind your tone and how you speak to me and about Miss Le Croix.” Julian’s tone took a cold edge. “Remember your station, Mr. Wesley. I stayed quiet because she had no need of my defense, but trust me when I say, none of you want to feel my anger.”
“I am sorry, Your Grace, but these matters—”
“Can wait until I’m ready to deal with them,” Julian ended the sentence. “I bid you all good night and to leave the room...immediately.”
While the four men went through the door of the library, each glowering at Delilah, he took the time to study the woman with such brass she had walked in on a group of men discussing business. When she turned to face him, he was struck by her beauty, not just in her face, but her entire disposition was fiery and breathtaking. The dark brown color of her skin seemed to catch the light of the room.
Her lips were what he would call an upside-down smile. When she was serious, the corners turned down more. It was unique to say the least. Her honey-brown eyes assessed everyone in the room as if she was searching for any threat to her. Of course, he wanted to gouge out Cotswold’s eyes for licking his lips while looking at her bosom like she was some cut of beef on his plate before he left the room. In fact, all of them looked at Miss Le Croix with desire in their eyes, and Julian instantly felt possessive.
“There, the room is empty.” He laced his fingers together on the table. “What shall we talk about, Miss Le Croix?”
Delilah took a bottle from the shawl in her lap and placed it on the flat surface between them. She then took two empty glasses from the crystal decanter set and poured him and herself a dram.
“This is the spiced rum from Le Croix Distillery, my distillery.” Delilah put one glass in front of him. “Taste. Tell me your thoughts.”
First, he sniffed the dark amber liquid and inhaled a scent he could not describe. She gave him a dry look, and with a grin, Julian took the glass to his mouth and swallowed the liquid in one gulp. It was fucking marvelous, gutter language he’d rather not say in the presence of a lady, but sometimes, in certain situations, it had to be said. The rum was smooth on the tongue with a hint of a bite at the end, the flavor indescribable.
“This is excellent. What are your ingredients?” Julian took the bottle in his hands to inspect it further.
“I won’t share my secrets, but there are oranges, a local fruit called tamarind, and bitters that are made from the roots, bark, leaves, and blossoms of certain flowers,” Delilah explained. “These are cured with my base rum for two years in barrels before it is even sampled by me. I have the last word on if it is ready or not.”
“How much of this do you have in port?” He asked as she poured him another drink.
“In my warehouse are one hundred barrels of spiced, fifty of my brown, and fifty of my white rums. A partnership between us would send my product across the world and be very lucrative for us both. I could double or even triple my production with your distribution chains allied to my distillery.”
“I know many who would love this in their stores, from Africa to the United States. There are very few who are making rum legally, and not to this level...I think we may have the makings of a new partnership.”
Delilah’s face shined with excitement. “Do you really think so?”
“Yes, but I have a condition.”
She’d dealt with the men in the room with such eloquence, but her excitement and wide eyes still spoke of her innocence. Many would use that against her, but Julian would not give them the chance.
Her frown formed as quickly as her smile had. “I shan’t take anything less than a partnership of equal parts.”
“I agree to that, but I would like to return to Barbados with you and see the level of your operation,” he said. “It could be that with both our efforts, Le Croix Distillery can become renowned around the world for its specialty spiced rum.”
“It is quite hot there and not suited to those with...”
Julian was amused. “I’ve been to the island before and found it quite beautiful, and I enjoyed the warmth.”
“Ah well.” Delilah didn’t know what else to say and then offered up another weak excuse. “I am leaving in just a few weeks. I’m sure you have much to settle before you could travel.”
“I will be ready on your schedule. This is not negotiable, Delilah. If I am going to be putting my name, ships, and financial backing behind this venture, I must see all aspects of it. A good businessman sees the assets that are being represented, not only taking the word of another at face value.”
She gave a quick nod. “I understand completely. I will send word to the ship to ensure there is an adequate room for you to reside in for our journey.”
“We’ll discuss this more on Friday at my offices,” Julian said. “Would ten o’clock be a reasonable time for us to meet?”
Delilah nodded. “Yes, I will be there on time.”
“I have no doubt you will.”
He noted that she tried very hard not to fidget with her hair while they sat there. Was it nervousness?
Delilah stood. “I’ll bid you goodbye till Friday then, Duke Blackshire. The rest of the bottle is yours to enjoy.”
“Please sit. I would like to know more about you,” Julian encouraged.
“Beyond my distillery, why would you want that, Duke Blackshire?”
“Call me Julian, please.”
“Julian,” she said hesitantly, sitting down. “Well, I was born on the island and traveled with my mother to London when she was chosen to be the grand duchess’s cook. When she died, Aunt Bibbie was already fond of me and took me as her goddaughter. She had no children of her own and, in essence, became like my mother.”
He chuckled. “I didn’t mean it quite so literally. A casual conversation would suffice.”
Delilah frowned. “I’m not used to casual conversations with men, Duke Blackshire.”
“Julian,” he said firmly.
“Why do you keep insisting I use your first name?” There was a hint of irritation in her voice.
“I find I like the sound of it as it rolls off your tongue,” he answered easily.
“Oh.”
His answer seemed to take the wind from her sails and confuse her. So very innocent , he thought and knew he would need to take care with how he chose to handle the brave Miss Le Croix.
“It’s a compliment,” he said gently and poured them both more from the bottle. “I’ve always heard of the eccentric duchess’s goddaughter but never met you before now. I wonder why.”
“I tended to stay away from social gatherings from the age of fourteen, Delilah answered, “or tried to. The unwanted attention from the opposite sex was the main reason. They also thought it was their right to touch where one does not want them to. To them, the color of my skin made me worth less than any of the fairer-skinned women who would be in my position.”
Anger simmered within him. “Who were these men?”
She shook her head. “It’s not something I like to think about anymore, and it was a long time ago. I was allowed to go back to Barbados soon after my twentieth birthday, and from there I started my distillery.”
“And your age now?”
“I’m twenty-six, far beyond the appropriate age of marriage, well into spinsterhood if you ask some who are not fond of me,” Delilah said dryly. “Your Miss Emma warned me away from you, so she might be one of those people.”
“She is not my anything,” Julian denied promptly. “Emma wants something that she will never have.”
“You,” Delilah surmised. “Quite the commodity, I hear.”
He leaned back in his chair. “Now who did you ask for such information?”
“I certainly did not ask,” she said, and she began to fidget with her hair once more. “It was a topic of conversation when Emma Smith approached to warn me away from her property.”
“I belong to no one but myself,” he told her. “I am a bit disappointed that you didn’t inquire about me.”
“Why?”
“So I could be as intriguing to you as you are to me.” He supplied her with his honest answer.
“What is your age now, Duke...Julian?”
“Twelve years your senior.” He picked up the bottle and uncorked it. “Shall I pour you a bit more?”
“One could say you are trying to dull my senses with spirits.” Delilah took the glass and downed its contents.
“Would it work?”
This time it was she who smiled, and Julian found himself enamored even more by the beauty that was Delilah.
“It would not. Like the Caribbean, it is in my blood.” She frowned. “These damnable pins are driving me mad.”
“Then take them out,” he encouraged.
She gave him a devilish smile. “That would be unseemly.”
He leaned forward. “Then do it.”
Why did it arouse him to watch her take the pins from her hair and let the long, thick tresses fall to her shoulders in heavy waves? She used her fingers to shake her hair until it was loose around her face, and he never wanted to see her hair bundled up ever again. It detracted from the natural beauty he saw with her hair free.
“That feels so much better,” she said in relief. “At home I very rarely wear my hair up or die from the restriction of a corset.”
“The idea of Barbados has become definitely more appealing,” Julian said. “What else is different for you away from London?”
“Bare feet.” Her smile was broad. “I can walk to the beach with the grass between my toes, and then it turns to sand. Then I frolic in the waves or eat fresh fruit straight from the tree while the sun warms my face. I wake up in the morning, and I can walk on the floors barefoot and take my breakfast on the verandah. And the wind! Oh, it’s so beautiful! Sugarcane waving as if in a special dance, and watching it grow into thick, ripe stalks, then be harvested by my people, and sent to be processed to make my rums. When the fields are bare, the wind comes in even more, and you can see all the way down to the parishes around my property.” Delilah shook her head as though she had come out of a dream. “I’m sorry I prattled on.”
“Don’t be.” Julian was enthralled by her description of her home. “It sounds beautiful through your eyes.”
The door opened, and her godmother stepped inside, looking at both of them with a smile for a moment before she spoke.
“The guests are leaving,” the grand duchess said. “Oh, Delilah, your hair...”
“The pins hurt,” she explained.
“But now it will look like you and the duke have been in a passionate liaison if you step out with your hair in that manner.” Her godmother frowned.
“I don’t mind that gossip in the least,” Julian said with a grin.
“You wouldn’t, but her reputation would be ruined,” the duchess said firmly. “How would it sound to a potential husband?”
“Oh, Aunt Bibbie, I don’t care what these people think,” Delilah sighed. “I won’t be here long anyway, and I don’t want a husband.”
“You should worry, darling girl,” she admonished. “I won’t be around forever, and I must find you a good husband to take care of you when I’m gone so no one will take advantage of you.”
“I can take care of myself,” Delilah said firmly. “Besides, I will be in Barbados.”
“Wicked hands have a very long reach, darling girl. Remember that.” Her godmother’s tone was quiet, her face darkened, as if some memory tortured her thoughts.
Delilah answered dutifully. “Yes, Aunt Bibbie, but truly I can take care of myself.”
“You stay here until all the guests are gone.” Her godmother ignored her statement. “Julian, you’ll go with me and leave.”
He stood and took Delilah’s hand to kiss it. “Until Friday then.”
“Friday,” she said. “Please take the bottle and enjoy it.”
“I shall. Good night to you both.” Julian hesitated at the door, then turned to Delilah. “Wear your hair down when I see you next, for your comfort, of course.”
She inclined her head. “Thank you.”
With those words, he exited the library and followed the direction he’d first come to the ballroom. Emma Smith was gone, and he breathed a sigh of relief. Dealing with her neediness was not something he wished to do. His thoughts were fully on Delilah Le Croix, and far beyond just rum, the wheels in Julian’s head started turning. With his hat and coat in hand, he walked out to his carriage, and a huge smile spread across his face. Oh yes, this was splendid indeed.
“SHALL I GO WITH YOU ?” Juno asked, her eyes alight with excitement.
Delilah gave her an amused look in the mirror as Juno brushed her hair. “You want to visit the tearooms with the fancy cakes?”
“Please!” Juno practically danced around behind her. “I’ve always been curious since you told me about them.”
Delilah sighed. “Go get ready then. I shall take you after the meeting. You’ll have to be patient.”
“I can be.” Juno kissed the top of her head before rushing off to her own room. “Thank you, Delilah!”
Shaking her head, Delilah took the brush to finish her own hair. Julian had asked that she keep it down, so she plaited two braids on each side, then secured them to the back with one of her pink shell hair combs to match her dress. It kept the majority of her thick black hair down her back, and Delilah could feel the density near her scalp. She knew it soon would be time to feel the hot iron that got frighteningly close to the sensitive skin at the roots. Within the hour, she and Juno were ready to leave, and the carriage waited outside to take them to Julian’s offices.
This was unlike the trip from the port almost a week earlier. There were no dreary skies and rain, but sunshine and not a cloud to be seen. Instead of poverty, there were shops and teahouses lining the clean walkways. Men and women dressed in elegant clothing walked along leisurely, and when the open carriage passed by, they cast a look of either curiosity or disdain in their direction.
“There are so many people of our color dressed in fancy clothes and walking around,” Juno said in fascination.
“All is not as it seems in London,” Delilah replied. “The pretty wrapping conceals the evil of this city.”
While it fascinated Juno, Delilah knew that it was just a guise. These men and women still faced many of the insults that came with having a darker color skin. They worked and lived day in and day out knowing there were still those who would see them in chains again.
Julian’s offices were in a white stone building with a large sign, Blackshire Shipping and Imports . A gated five-foot wall surrounded the front garden, and benches sat under trees that Delilah assumed were where his employees took their lunch if they did not go to the tearooms close by. After the carriage stopped, they were escaped out helped out by the gentlemanly hands, of the driver, and they stepped through the gate. Leonard knew to meet them at Delilah’s favorite teahouse later that afternoon at three. It would be an easy walk from Julian’s, and Juno could get her fill of the city. Inside, she was directed by his secretary to an inner office with a small waiting room.
“Juno, you’ll wait here,” Delilah said. “There are some lovely books for you to read to keep the boredom away.”
“Can she read?” his secretary asked in surprise.
“Next you’ll ask if I can read, ma’am, and I will give the same look as I’m giving you now.” Delilah’s face held a frown of irritation.
“His Grace said you should go right through.” The secretary opened the door and then walked briskly away.
“Twit,” Delilah said under her breath.
Julian stood up from behind his desk and came around to greet her when she stepped inside and closed the door.
“Delilah, you look exquisite.” He took both her gloved hands in his and kissed each of them. “How did you fare after the other night’s festivities?”
“I’m well, thank you, Julian,” she said as he escorted her to a seat. “And you?”
“Perfect now you are here.” He smiled. “Shall I have tea brought in?”
Delilah shook her head. “No thank you. Juno is waiting in the sitting room of your office. We will go to tea after this meeting.”
“Ah, I see. I shall walk you there myself.”
“I’m fully capable of walking alone.”
“I will walk you there...myself,” Julian told her in a voice that brooked no argument.
Somehow that low, firm voice made her feel like butterflies had taken flight in her stomach, and she pressed her hand against her center to quell them.
“Shall we continue our discussion?” Delilah asked.
“Yes, I have my maps of shipping routes here.” He rose and took her to a map table where large rolls of paper were laid out. “I took the liberty in the last few days to map some routes directly from Barbados to other ports of call.”
“I see.” She leaned over the map and looked at the straight lines from her small island home to the world. “I see here you have ships going directly to the Americas, Charleston and Savannah.”
“Yes, is that a problem?” Julian asked.
“As long as your business there is handled by free men and women,” Delilah said firmly. “I’ll have no part in the subjugation of the people who share my color.”
“You can be assured no one who works for me or my holdings there is part of that utter travesty,” he assured her. “Somehow you would think, after the civil war of 1783 they would be the more civilized of the two countries.”
“Just because London acknowledges the abolishing of slavery does not mean everyone cares for the Crown’s laws,” she pointed out to him. “I’ve met more than a few who have decided I was nothing more than property, no matter my godmother’s standing.” She lifted her gaze to see the dark look on Julian’s face.
“One day I will have those names, and I’ll exact vengeance on your behalf,” he said softly.
“Again, I ask, why?”
“Because no one should be allowed to torment one of the weaker sexes—especially you.”
“I am by far not the weaker sex,” Delilah laughed.
Julian reached across the table and cupped her cheek. “Yet beneath all that bravery, there is innocence and fear.”
Was he looking into her soul, the very fiber of her being? Delilah was caught in his jade-green gaze and in that moment forgot to take a breath. She pulled away, breaking the connection between them, one she didn’t understand.
When she spoke again, Delilah didn’t recognize her own voice. “What other shipping routes can be offered?”
With a smile, Julian took his attention back to the maps. “For places farther than the Americas, we will have to ship to London and move the cargo to larger ships that head to Asia, India, and Africa, while places like France can be reached by rail and coach.”
“That is much farther than expected,” she said in surprise.
“Where do you distribute to now?”
“Ale houses across England, primarily. They come in by coach, and my manager of the warehouse collects what is owed,” Delilah explained. “He keeps impeccable books, and I trust him completely.”
“Why would you trust this man above anyone else?” Julian asked.
“He saved me, and we’ve been close friends after that.”
“His name?” His brisk tone surprised her.
“Junior Carver. He was a constable before his leg was injured, and he could no longer work,” Delilah said. “Our meeting was fate. Now he is a most trusted ally in London.”
“I see. So many things I need to learn about you, Delilah. In any case, I will meet with this Junior Carver and assess if he is fit to run the expansion of our business.”
She straightened her back. “You think me ill-equipped to make decisions, sir?”
“I did not say that in the least, but again, I must ensure my investment is safe,” Julian replied.
Delilah gave a stiff nod. “Of course.”
Back at his desk, Julian sat down and pulled out a stack of papers. “I have contracts that the lawyers drew up this morning. If you review them, we can both sign, and our deal will be finalized.”
He passed the paperwork to Delilah, but she didn’t scan it. Instead, she looked at him warily and wondered why this had gone so smoothly.
“Is something wrong?” he asked curiously.
“This has all been quick, and I have to wonder why you are so keen to join me in this business venture where others would not.” Delilah didn’t look away. She wouldn’t be where was now if she had chosen to be small and diminutive.
“This is a very good business venture. I like how you refuse to take anything less than you deserve.” Julian met her gaze. “Not only that, one of my old friends does know La Croix Distillery from his time in the Caribbean. You built a monolith starting from such a young age, by buying an old distillery and making it your own. Why wouldn’t I want to go into business with you?”
“All good points, but you can see why I am suspicious from the other night’s melee with the likes of Mr. Wesley and the others,” she answered bluntly. “There’s not been a man in London I didn’t distrust at one point or another.”
“Except Junior Carver,” he said in a dark tone.
She looked at him in surprise. “Why yes, and I don’t see why you sound so unhappy about it. He’s a good man.”
“I suggest you take these contracts home and look them over at your leisure tonight.” Julian strayed from the conversation about Junior. “I can send a courier to pick them up tomorrow after they have been signed.”
“Thank you, I would like that,” she admitted. “I would like to make sure all the i’s are dotted, and the t’s are crossed.”
“As you should.” He rose and walked around to her side of the table, then took her hand and helped her from the chair. “I might suggest another way to seal the deal. A kiss can be considered a promise as well.”
“I don’t think that’s a good idea.” Delilah felt her heartbeat quicken.
“As you told me after barging into our meeting, a promise is not made by word alone.” A slow smile spread across his face, and there was a light of merriment in his eyes.
Delilah sighed. “I see my words have come back to haunt me. Very well, let’s get to it, a kiss and nothing more.”
She stood as stiff as a board and puckered her lips, eyes wide open, waiting for him to press his lips against hers.
“Definitely not that kind of kiss,” he laughed and pulled her against him. His voice became a husky caress. “Like this...close your eyes, Delilah.”
Her eyes fluttered closed, and she felt the first nibble on her bottom lip by his firm mouth. Delilah’s lips parted on a breath, and he languidly moved his lips against hers. Daringly and with curiosity, she slipped her tongue out so she could garner a taste of his lips, and with a low groan, he pulled her closer and deepened the kiss. Was her body supposed to tingle like that? A warm flush seemed to radiate outward from her stomach to encompass her whole body. It was all very thrilling, but then she feared even that sensation. She pulled away and took two steps back from being in Julian’s arms so she could gather her senses and take a breath.
“I fear no other kiss from any other woman will satisfy me now.” Julian’s voice was laced with desire.
Delilah stepped further back. “I don’t understand or want any of this. This is to be business only, no more, no less. I won’t be placed in a position to be hurt again, not by any man’s hand...”
She could hear the panic rising in her own voice, and she clasped her hands together so she wouldn’t shake. Julian pulled her into his arms, and she struggled for a minute before becoming completely still. His warmth surrounded her, a smell of maybe light cigar smoke and something woodsy. He did nothing more, only held her until Delilah heard his voice gentle in her ears.
“It’s alright, love. No harm will come to you, not here, not with me, or ever again.”
“I would like to go now,” Delilah said.
“I will walk with you. Let me get my coat.” Julian took his coat from the brass hook on the wall and shrugged into it before opening the door for her.
In her hands, Delilah carried the contracts in a leather folio to look over back at the Ellington mansion, but her mind certainly was not on the business at hand. Was that what kissing always felt like? She was more confused than ever. It also meant that maybe Julian wanted more from her than just a partnership in business. She would have to make it known that she was not part of the deal with Le Croix Distillery. In the small waiting room, not only Juno waited but also a man who seemed to have her young friend enthralled.
Juno turned when they entered the room, then looked away shyly from Delilah’s face with curiosity written all over it. “Are we ready to go, Miss?” She smoothed her hand down the front of her dress.
Delilah nodded. “Yes. Julian, this is my friend and travel companion, Juno Boyce.”
Julian kissed her hand, and Juno giggled. “It is a pleasure, Miss. Boyce. I see you’ve been letting my friend bend your ear. Ladies, this is Cameron Hershel, a close friend and business associate. Cameron, this is Miss Delilah Le Croix.”
“Owner of Le Croix Distillery, I have had the pleasure of tasting some of your product when I was on the island, and it’s quite bold on the tongue.” Cameron kissed her hand.
“So, you are the one who told him about my estate in Barbados?”
“I’m guilty of that.”
“I must offer you thanks then because your good word helped solidify our partnership,” Delilah said politely.
“You’re welcome,” Cameron answered with a grin.
“I’m about to walk them to Sally’s Tearoom,” Julian said.
She glanced up in surprise. “How did you guess that was the one I would choose?”
“Hers is by far the best, and I am fond of her lemon bars,” he replied.
“I’ll escort Miss Juno then. Two strong men are better than one,” Cameron joked.
Cameron had a boyish look about him, down to the tousled sandy-blond curls that crowned his head and the devilishness in his blue eyes. Slightly shorter than Julian, he was a bit leaner in the body, but handsome, nonetheless. It seemed that Juno felt the same way, because she kept sneaking glances at him and smiling shyly.
At the tearoom, they were seated, and a pot of oolong tea was soon placed between them along with a caddy that held small sandwiches and cakes. The conversation was light, the process of making rum part of it, as well as her own questions for Julian and Cameron. Juno asked questions about everything she tasted, and Delilah smiled at her excited curiosity. She almost missed feeling that way, curious and unafraid, but in London, everything kept her wary. Until she was in Barbados, she knew she would not be able to take a deep breath and feel the tenseness ease from her shoulders.
“I should mention that Cameron will be traveling with us,” Julian said.
“Oh, is he your manager?” Delilah was filled with curiosity.
“I’m his barrister,” Cameron said, and at her look of disbelief, he added, “Just picture me with a white peruke on my head and looking rather distinguished.”
“You look more like a sea merchant or adventurer,” Juno said and looked down into her tea.
“I am a little bit of both. That’s what makes me so good at the law.” Cameron grinned before taking a bite from a small tea cake.
Delilah took a sip from her delicate cup before speaking. “Our little oasis will have two honored guests. Our governor general will be thrilled to host distinguished men such as you. You should send word to let him know of your arrival. Ilaro Court is a spectacular estate.”
“I will do that as soon as we set a day for departure.” Julian was about to speak again when their tea was interrupted.
“Really, Julian, must you flaunt your dalliances in front of me?”
Delilah glanced over to see Emma Smith standing behind Julian’s chair. She wore a bright red dress with her hair coiffed to perfection, not a single strand out of place. Emma flicked a disgusted glance in Delilah’s direction, and she responded by lifting her teacup in a silent cheer and smiling as she put it to her lips.
Julian sighed. “I flaunt nothing, because I am not interested in your thoughts or feelings on matters that concern me.”
“You know everyone expects us to be married,” she hissed.
He put a small cake on the saucer in front of him. “Whoever ‘everyone’ is, they would be wrong. I’ve escorted you to events a few times, and that is all. I have no interest in courting or marrying you. I’ve made this quite clear, yet here you are interrupting our tea.”
“You’ve chosen her...over me?” she asked in outrage. “What would your family think of you associating with two darkies?”
His hand slammed on the table, jolting a small squeak from Juno, and Delilah held on to her cup so the contents would not spill. The entire room went silent. The rage on his face was quite obvious, and even Emma had the good sense to look afraid.
“My family’s opinion very rarely breaches my thoughts, if ever,” Julian said. “Never use that derogatory slur in my presence again.”
“I’ll tell everyone I’m with your child,” Emma said suddenly. “You’ll have to marry me as to not bring shame to your name or mine.”
“You’ve brought shame to your own name well enough without me.” Julian’s tone was mild. “This child of immaculate conception would be the second in mankind’s short lifespan since I have never wanted to or bedded you in the time you’ve barnacled yourself to me. You have never stepped foot in my home, nor I in yours.”
“We could have had relations in one of the finer hotels,” she said defiantly and glared at Delilah. “I’m sure you are gloating that you’ve thrown a wedge between us.”
“I’ve done nothing but watch with amusement. Mind, you’re the woman debasing herself for a man’s attention, and I am the one who is apparently without class.” Delilah’s tone was mild.
“Let me be clear, Emma Smith. I will not have my name or title sullied by baseless accusations,” Julian said. “I will speak to your father this afternoon, and this will be resolved.”
“He won’t believe you,” she snapped. “I am the apple of his eye.”
“He’ll believe me when I show up with the stocky young man you’ve been bedding,” Julian retorted and took a sip from his cup. “Oh, I’m not as easily fooled as you would like to think. If I can recall, his name is Ollie, and he works as a carpenter, which fits with your immaculate conception.”
Cameron choked on his tea, and Juno had to pat him on the back furiously.
“You’re a cruel man, Julian Blackshire,” Emma whispered, and tears welled up in her eyes.
Julian’s face didn’t soften to her tears. “No, I am a practical man who will not be forced or used as some kind of puppet to your whims. Good afternoon, Miss Smith.”
Emma hesitated for just a moment before she turned in a mass of red fabric and outrage to leave the tearoom. Delilah watched her leave with almost sympathy.
“I feel for her. Society puts such a burden on women to marry and marry well,” she murmured. “She’s almost manic with the thought.”
“Empathy even after she is a complete beast to you.” Julian’s gaze made her look away shyly.
Oh God, I’m becoming Juno around him. Next thing I’ll be giggling.
“It’s not hard to be kind. Money makes them forget that,” Delilah pointed out.
The rest of their teatime went without incident, and soon it was time for them to return to the Ellington mansion.
“I’ll have these ready by tomorrow,” Delilah said to Julian, holding up the folio of contracts.
“Thank you, and again, you don’t have to fear me, Delilah,” Julian said huskily, and he helped her into the carriage.
Juno was next, and when they were settled, Leonard urged the horses onward.
“That was lovely. The teahouse was everything I dreamt it would be,” Juno gushed.
“Hmm, and I’m sure the dashing Mr. Hershel had nothing to do with it,” Delilah teased.
Juno ducked her head before asking, “And what of Duke Blackshire?”
“He kissed me.”
“Oh goodness.” Juno put her hands to her mouth. “Are you being courted by the duke?”
Delilah shook her head furiously. “Not in the least. It was to seal the deal, a promise so to speak.”
“You might have shaken hands for that,” Juno laughed gently.
“Oh hush.”
Juno giggled, and Delilah chose to ignore the fanciful thoughts of being courted. This was business, and even though she ached to find out if there was love out there for her, she knew she had to be practical. Delilah had witnessed what men truly thought about women, especially those of her color. It was safer to push those fanciful notions aside and make sure her legacy was in Le Croix Distillery.