Chapter Twelve

 

Lying in her bed, Juliet fretted over what she had to do the following day. It had been two days since she had called on Lord Parsons to sow the seeds of distrust between the viscount and her uncle. She was thankful for the two-day reprieve since then, for before she had left his home, the man had eagerly reminded her that they would be going together to tell Daniel of their upcoming nuptials.

To stand before her husband and speak those words was the reason she remained awake at such a late hour. Tossing and turning for several hours already, she finally relented and lit a candle rather than remain there in the dark. She had retired earlier than usual, and even her sisters had voiced concerns when she had bid them a goodnight. Despite her untimely repose, by the time morning arrived, her eyes would be puffy and red and her face blotchy.

“Perhaps that is for the best,” she whispered. “Then Daniel will see how this decision pains me.”

Yet, no. That was no good because it would also alert Lord Parsons to the possibility of her deception.

She sighed and turned toward the door in yet another attempt to find a position that would allow her even a few hours of sleep.

“Will he understand my intentions?” she asked the room. “That I only wish to save his life?” She would not be able to convey this with words, but perhaps he would see it in her eyes.

She gave a tiny snort. Her tired eyes. “Oh, blast it all!”

Her mother had gone to the jail in an attempt to gain a visit with Daniel earlier that day and warn him, but she was refused entry. Now Juliet had no choice but to continue with the ruse and pray her husband saw through it.

Rolling onto her back once more, she turned over the cap in her hand, which she slept with every night since all these troubles began. It had been a gift for the man she loved, earned by helping others.

For a moment, she closed her eyes and thought of the night she had given it to him. How pleased he had been, so pleased, in fact, that he had refused to remove it, which led to a game of banter. They had enjoyed playful moments together often, and she missed them more than words could say.

One thing was certain. The man who had caused their grief would pay for his sins dearly!

Thus far, her plan was unfolding better than she could have hoped, for now her uncle, another man in need of a firm lesson in scrupulosity, believed she was an ally, and Lord Parsons believed her to be the shallow woman she had once been. Both were untrue, of course, but she would use their misconceptions to destroy both of them!

The door opened and Annabel peeked into the room. “I saw the light under the door,” she said in a hushed tone. “May I come in?”

“Of course,” Juliet replied, shifting to one side of the bed.

Annabel joined her. “So many nights I came to your room,” she said, “and we would sit together sipping rum or wine. I lost count of how many!”

Juliet giggled, and for a moment, the weight of her burdens lifted. “I remember quite well. We did have the best adventures.”

“We did.”

The door opened again and another head appeared.

“Come in, Hannah,” Juliet said.

“I see I am not the only one wishing to speak with you,” the second sister said. “Is there room for another?”

Juliet patted the space to her right. “There is always room. Come and join us.”

With two of her sisters on either side of her, Juliet recalled how often they would sit together when they were supposed to be abed. The majority of the time was spent with Juliet telling tales she created or repeating gossip she had heard. Yet, there were times such as this when they shared their hearts.

“I received a letter from Mr. Miller, the man from my book club,” Hannah said. “He was unable to offer any advice, as he has heard nothing thus far and says it may remain a local matter. If that is the case, there is little he can do.”

Juliet sighed. “I appreciate that you contacted him. Perhaps Isabel will bring good news.” She gave a start when the door opened once more and the very woman entered the room.

“I am afraid my news is not much better.” Isabel joined them on the bed. “I received word from Laurence yesterday, but I did not want to tell you because you are already under a great deal of stress. He promised to write to the magistrate, but from what he has heard, the man is known to take bribes and has little clemency for those of the lower classes.”

Juliet placed a hand on that of her eldest sister. “I thank you for the attempt,” she said with an appreciative smile.

Isabel squeezed Juliet’s hand. “I still hold out hope he will be able to do something. I will tell you the moment I have any other news.”

“And you, Annabel?” Juliet asked. “Did you hear from your husband?”

From the forlorn look her younger sister gave, it appeared her news also did not bode well. “Edward knows no one with any sort of authority nor did he have any suggestions to offer, but he wanted you to know that if you need his help, he is willing to do whatever it takes.” She took Juliet’s hand. “I am so sorry.”

“I appreciate that you all made the attempt,” Juliet said, forcing a smile although inside she was weeping. Their findings meant only one thing. “I have no choice but to marry Lord Parsons.”

Isabel patted Juliet’s arm. “Remember what I told you,” she said in that sisterly tone she was wont to use. “Even if Lord Parsons agrees to intervene in his behalf, Daniel still may hang.”

“Surely there is another way!” Hannah gasped. “They cannot just kill him, can they?”

Juliet sighed. “No, Isabel is right. He will hang if the magistrate so chooses.” Oh, how her heart pained speaking those words aloud! How she wanted to roll over and weep until she no longer had tears to cry nor air to breathe! Would she be able to endure this?

Yes, she would! “Thank you for coming to my aid,” she said as she looked at each of her sisters in turn. “You have done all you can. If you wish to return to your families, I understand.”

“I should return,” Isabel said, “but I will not until after Daniel’s trial has ended. I cannot leave you to endure this alone.”

“Nor will I,” Annabel said.

Hannah nodded in ready agreement. “Nor I.”

“Have you told Daniel your plans to marry Lord Parsons?” Isabel asked.

“I will tell inform tomorrow,” Juliet replied as she pulled at a thread on the blanket that covered her. “Lord Parsons wishes to be present when I do.” The other three gave a collective gasp, and Juliet looked up at them. “There is no other way! But I swear to each of you that the man will pay for what he has done!”

“How will you do that?” Annabel asked. “Once you are married to him, you will be under his control. He may even forbid you to ever leave the estate!”

Juliet wished she could share her plans with her sisters, but she did not dare do so. They had their families to protect, and any involvement in what Juliet intended would jeopardize their very lives. No, she would not put them in danger!

“Just as I did with Robert Mullins,” Juliet replied firmly, “I will find a way.”

For several moments, they sat in silence. With Juliet initiating, the conversation turned to matters of their families. She was pleased because they were all so very happy. They all deserved such lives.

Annabel stifled a yawn and stood. “I should be off to bed. I can barely keep my eyes open.”

“Yes, I should retire, as well,” Hannah said.

When the two women were gone, Isabel leaned over and kissed Juliet on the forehead. “I should be off to bed, as well. You should get some rest. The days ahead will be difficult, and you will need your strength.”

Juliet nodded, blinking back the tears she had been fighting all night. Isabel, much like their mother, often spoke the truth, no matter how brutal it might be. “It is so difficult knowing that Daniel suffers and I must pretend to enjoy the company of a man who caused that suffering.”

“Mother always says to never give up hope, that there are better days ahead. There were times I did not believe that was true, but I learned that she was right. Therefore, no matter how dark the days become, always remember that better days are ahead.” She took Juliet’s hand in hers. “And I am always here to lend an ear or to assist you with anything you may need.”

Juliet hugged her sister. “Thank you. I miss being able to come to you for advice.”

Isabel chuckled. “I am here now,” she said. “Now, you should go to sleep. We can discuss more of this tomorrow.” She glanced at the darkness outside. “Or rather today.”

Once Isabel was gone, Juliet snuffed out the candle and drew the covers up to her chin. What her sister said was true; the days ahead would indeed be dark, yet Juliet would not give up hope! In fact, she was confident that what she planned would bring about brighter and happier days. She was certain of it.

 

***

 

After her late-night conversation with her sisters, Juliet woke several hours later refreshed and ready for the day ahead. She had chosen a simple white dress, not to impress Lord Parsons but rather because it had been a favorite of Daniel’s. It was one of the few items, along with the cap, that she had brought with her in her impromptu journey to Scarlett Hall two weeks earlier.

Standing on the portico, she pulled her wrap in closer as she awaited the arrival of Lord Parsons. How she despised that man for putting her through this horror! She collected all the anger, all the hatred, and formed it into a ball to save for when she sought her revenge for the devil dressed as a viscount. He would get exactly what he deserved!

She glanced up at the thick clouds that filled the sky. It was not yet ten, but she refused to wait for the man inside. Doing so would only be an open invitation for him to enter the sanctuary of the house, and she would not see the safety of her childhood home taken from her. Waiting on the portico was not the best form, but forms made little difference to her at the moment. Let him disapprove of her choice! It made no difference to her.

The door opened and her mother joined her. “You should allow Forbes to let the man into the house,” she admonished. “You have no reason to wait outside as you are.”

Juliet sighed. “I carry enough shame for what I am doing; there is no reason my sisters should be forced to witness my treason.”

Her mother slipped an arm through that of Juliet. “There is no shame in what you are doing. You are doing all you can to save your husband’s life, and that is admirable.” She pursed her lips. “What Lord Parsons asks of you, no words can explain my anger. I wish I could take away this hardship you are forced to endure.”

“I know you would if it were possible, but this is my burden to bear. I am no longer a child and must remedy my own troubles.”

Although all people age with time, Juliet had been surprised how many more lines creased her mother’s face, how more gray lined her hair, since she had last seen her. Despite these changes, however, the woman remained beautiful and strong.

“In the days ahead,” Juliet said, “you may hear me speak words or perform actions that may surprise or even hurt you. I hope you trust me and understand that they are merely fabrications for a means to an end.”

Her mother brushed back a bit of hair that had escaped from beneath Juliet’s hat. “I have prepared myself for whatever may happen,” she said. “I am glad you shared your plans with me and understand well the challenges you face.” She frowned. “What lies ahead will be difficult, it may even frighten you, but you will find peace once you have completed what you must." The sound of a carriage trundling up the drive made them turn, and her mother squeezed her arm. “Never forget that you are my daughter and therefore strong!”

Juliet smiled. “I will not, Mother,” she said, a sense of renewed purpose coming over her.

A footman jumped down from the driver’s seat and placed a step on the ground before opening the door. Lord Parsons alighted, a wide arrogant smile on his lips. Juliet wished she could slap his face!

“Lady Lambert,” he said with a deep bow. “Always a pleasure.”

Her mother acknowledged his greeting with a simple nod. “Lord Parsons, I am pleased that we now meet in far better circumstances. I believe Juliet understands the error of her ways, and more importantly that a man such as yourself is gracious to forgive her as you have.”

Juliet wanted to jump for joy! She always knew her mother was a formidable woman, but this was far better than she could have expected. Especially when the grin the viscount wore widened.

“I must agree that Juliet has indeed seen that her deeds were far from acceptable,” he replied. “I must thank you for informing me of them. As to forgiveness…” His words trailed off, but he gave Juliet a knowing look. “Let us just say that her actions today will decide if I forgive her or not.” He laughed. “I nearly forgot. When we return later, I will present your lovely daughter with another gift, but I would also like you to see it. Do you mind if I join you for a drink this afternoon? It is terrible of me to invite myself, I know, but I do so want to see your reaction as much as that of Juliet.”

“You are welcome anytime,” her mother replied. “Why do you not stay for dinner?”

“Alas, I cannot,” Lord Parsons replied. “But I believe a bottle of wine to share with the gift is in order.” He glanced at his pocket watch. “But listen to me prattle on! We must be on our way, for we have so much to do today.”

He offered Juliet his arm, and Juliet took it, forcing as much enthusiasm as she could muster. Her mother gave her a smile, but Juliet recognized that it was as fake as the one she, herself, wore. Inside, the woman was seething with as much anger as she.

As long as the viscount took no notice, that was what mattered most.