At the appointed time, Julie and Lucy strolled toward Gunter’s in Berkeley Square. Sunlight reflected off the shiny storefront windows, making the street seem doubly bright and warm. Julie was grateful for her parasol, which not only protected her from the sun, but also provided some semblance of anonymity. Or at least the illusion of it.
They’d stopped in a milliner’s shop on the way and purchased a smart hat for Uncle Alistair. He was in need of a new one, but the routine errand also served to calm Julie’s frayed nerves.
As she and Lucy approached Gunter’s, Julie paused and pretended to look at a pair of slippers in the window of a neighboring shop. She wasn’t certain whether she should go inside the confectionery to wait for Nigel or linger outside, but her maid would be curious if Julie dallied too long on the pavement.
Turning to Lucy, she said, “Let’s pay a visit to Gunter’s and treat ourselves to a pastry.”
The maid beamed. “That sounds lovely.”
They started to walk toward the shop door when a long shadow slanted over them, instantly cooling the air by several degrees. A midnight blue coach with no markings rolled to a stop along the curb. Dark curtains hung at every window of the elegant cab, concealing the interior and any passengers.
But Julie knew who was inside.
She hesitated briefly but remembered what Nigel’s note had said about pretending that the meeting was unexpected. Forcing a smile at Lucy, she decided to enter the shop and let Nigel follow.
She’d only taken a couple of steps when a liveried footman rudely blocked her path. She opened her mouth to admonish him, but he merely pointed at the coach, his expression apologetic.
“Good heavens,” Julie murmured—mostly for Lucy’s sake. “What could this be about?”
She walked back toward the coach but hung several feet back from the open door.
“Good afternoon, Miss Juliette.” Nigel peered out of the darkened cab. “What an unexpected pleasure.”
“Quite,” she said through her teeth.
His gaze flicked to her maid then back to her. “It’s a lovely day for a ride. Would you care to join me?”
Behind her, Lucy gasped.
“Don’t be alarmed,” she said to the maid. “He’s Cousin Samuel’s brother and a friend of the family’s.” To Nigel she said, “I would vastly prefer to take tea inside the shop like two civilized persons.”
His face hardened, sending a chill down Julie’s spine. “I’m afraid I haven’t the time for tea,” he said politely. “Surely you could spare half an hour for a family friend. I thought we might take a brief ride through the park and enjoy the sights.”
Alarms sounded in Julie’s head. “Perhaps we could take a walk through the park,” she suggested. That way, Lucy could follow at a distance that allowed them to talk while still serving as a proper chaperone.
“I’m afraid that’s impossible. You see, I injured my leg while boxing yesterday and neglected to bring my cane with me. Why doesn’t your maid enjoy a treat at Gunter’s while we take a short ride?” To Lucy, he said, “I promise I shall deliver Miss Lacey safely back to you before you’ve finished your water ice.”
The maid grasped Julie’s elbow protectively and whispered in her ear. “I don’t like this, Miss Juliette.”
Julie didn’t either, but she did want the opportunity to make her feelings abundantly clear to him.
“Do not worry.” Julie handed Lucy her parasol, then reached into her reticule and gave her a few coins as well. “Enjoy yourself and wait here for my return. If I am not back in precisely half an hour, please go to my uncle and ask him to send for Cousin Samuel at once.”
The maid frowned. “Are you certain, miss?”
“Absolutely. No harm will come to me.” Julie pasted on a bright smile, but her ankles wobbled as she climbed into the coach. “I shall see you soon.”
She caught one last look at Lucy’s troubled face before the cab’s door shut and clicked, as though it had been locked.
Wrapped in a sudden and unnatural darkness, she settled herself on the plush velvet seat opposite Nigel and blinked, waiting for her eyes to adjust.
“At last.” He rapped on the ceiling of the cab, and the coach lurched forward.
She ignored the roiling of her stomach and reached for the curtain to admit some light, but he shot out a hand and clasped her wrist. “Leave it. For the sake of your reputation, it’s best if no one knows you’re with me.”
Julie barely refrained from rolling her eyes. “You pretend to be concerned about me, but I’ve come to realize that you care only for yourself.”
“That’s not fair,” he chided. “And it’s no way to begin our conversation.” He ran a hand through his hair and drew a deep breath. “Allow me to start over. You are a vision today. You quite take my breath away, Juliette.”
“That was not my intention. And I confess I’m surprised you can see anything at all. It’s dark as a mausoleum in here.”
“That’s one of the things I love about you,” he said smoothly. “You do not mince words.”
“I do not. And I won’t prevaricate now.” She slipped her reticule off her wrist, reached inside, and pulled out the aquamarine and diamond earrings. “I cannot accept these.”
“Of course you can. You’ve already worn them. They’re yours.”
In answer, she let them drop onto the seat beside her, where they landed with a satisfying clink. “The reason I’m here is to ensure you understand—I reject your offer. I shall not enter into any sort of arrangement with you.”
He sniffed, and although it was too dark in the carriage to read his expression, his shoulders stiffened perceptibly. “I suggest you reconsider. Have you forgotten all that is at stake? The house you and your uncle currently live in, your reputation, your family’s good name…”
“I know what is at stake. The question is, do you?”
“I do. I know I want you in my life. And I am certain, that given the chance, I could make you happy.”
“I appreciate the sentiment, but I’m capable of seeing to my own happiness.” The coach slowed and rolled to a stop. There definitely hadn’t been enough time for them to ride through the park. “Why have we stopped?” she asked.
“Peek outside.” He gestured to the curtain on his right.
She brushed aside the heavy velvet and looked out at an elegant stone-front building—somewhere near Mayfair, if she had to guess. “I do not recognize the address.”
“I’ve rented a suite of rooms here—they’re yours. Your private haven from the world. I’ve hired a maid who will provide anything you need. Only the basic furnishings are there now. I thought you’d enjoy decorating the rooms to suit your taste. You may purchase anything you like—spare no expense.”
Sweet Jesus. He didn’t seem to understand, and he certainly didn’t respect her decision. She reached for the handle of the cab door, intent on jumping out. They hadn’t been in the carriage for long—she’d figure out where she was and walk back to Gunter’s before Lucy alerted her uncle and Sam.
But the door handle didn’t budge. Nigel rapped on the ceiling again, and the carriage moved forward again.
Her fingertips tingled with panic. “I wish to leave. Immediately.”
“What do you mean? I said I’d return you to the confectioners shortly, and I will.”
Dear God. She must have been mad to climb into the carriage with him. “You’re not listening to me. A true gentleman wouldn’t ignore a lady’s wishes.”
“I’m not a monster, Juliette. You’ve nothing to fear from me. It’s my brother you should worry about. Samuel’s the one who seduced you and provided fodder for every gossip in London.” He pinched his bottom lip, thoughtful. “Of course, the news hasn’t circulated. Yet.”
Gooseflesh broke out on her arms. “I don’t know what news you’re referring to,” she said blithely. “However, if unsavory rumors began to spread about me, I shall find it necessary to confide in my new friend.”
Nigel straightened the cuffs of his jacket, unperturbed. “I should think you’d want to refrain from recounting the humiliating details, but that is your decision.”
“It is indeed. And I think my friend would be sympathetic. If I explained my predicament, perhaps she could counsel me.”
“Is she a sensible sort?”
“It is hard to say. Perhaps you know her. She is the Duke of Grimby’s daughter—Lady Clementine.”
“Juliette.” He spoke her name like a warning.
“A mutual friend introduced me to Lady Clementine yesterday, and we had tea together. She’s charming—but then, I’m sure you’re already aware of her many assets. I wonder if she would still be amenable to marrying you if she knew how you’d tried to manipulate me.”
“It would be your word against mine.” He chuckled cockily.
“True. Although I do have the notes you wrote to me. The ones that accompanied your gifts. They could prove rather incriminating.”
Nigel shifted on his seat. “I understand your jealousy and am incredibly flattered by it, but—”
“I’m not jealous,” Julie said evenly. “I pity her, because I think perhaps she was fooled by your reputation—just as I was. Now I know that one need not be featured in the gossip papers to be a true scoundrel.”
Nigel barked a laugh. “If I were as noble and honorable as the ton thinks I am, you would find me boring indeed.” He leaned across the carriage, so his knees were almost touching hers. “Be honest, Juliette. Beneath your ivory gloves and modest gown lives a wildly passionate creature. You need a man with an edge. Someone who can keep you safe but also make your heart beat faster.”
Julie kept her face a mask, giving no sign that his assessment hit rather close to the mark. “You know nothing about me.”
Propping his elbows on his thighs, he said, “I know that your lips taste like ripe strawberries and your skin is as soft as down.”
Good lord, why had she ever permitted him to kiss her? She sat up straighter and looked down her nose at him. “Your words, gifts, gestures—even your threats—have done nothing to persuade me to accept your offer. Your efforts have done naught but lower my opinion of your character. I wish to return to Gunter’s. Now.”
Nigel heaved a sigh. “We shall be there soon.”
They sat in uncomfortable silence as the carriage rolled along. After several seconds, he dragged his hands down his face. “You are a shrewd negotiator, Juliette. You know your worth, and I admire that.”
“My only goals are to keep my uncle in his home and to avoid bringing shame upon my family. I want nothing from you, other than to be left alone.”
“Fine,” he said, as though he’d finally accepted defeat. “I will marry you.”
She stared at him, speechless.
“Forgive me. That wasn’t the most romantic of proposals, but I am sincere. I desire you too much to let you go. You have forced my hand, but I am willing to sacrifice my standing in society as well as Lady Clementine’s sizeable dowry in order to have you.”
A month ago, she would have swooned at the prospect of a marriage proposal from Nigel. But that was before she’d met Sam.
Before she’d understood that love wasn’t flowery proclamations or precious jewels. Love was in small, meaningful gestures, like playing cricket with her uncle and pretending to look away when her dress slipped. It was knowing precisely how she liked her tea and writing her uncle an encouraging note. It was holding her in his arms all night long and whispering her name like a prayer. Most of all, it was becoming one’s truest self.
The ride with Nigel had seemed interminable, but the coach finally slowed. Julie prayed they were outside the confectionery shop.
“I do not wish to marry you,” she said firmly.
He flinched as though she’d slapped him.
Her heart hammered as she awaited his response. He’d never behaved violently toward her, but he was a marquess, remarkably stubborn, and used to having his way. Every drop of the bravado she’d shown earlier was used up.
When the vehicle stopped, Nigel lifted the corner of a curtain to glance outside but made no move to disembark. “I am sorry to hear that,” he said slowly. The mix of shock and hurt in his voice almost made her feel badly for him. But not quite.
“I do not anticipate our paths will cross often,” she said evenly, “but if they should, I trust we’re capable of behaving civilly toward each other.”
The marquess snorted at that. His jaw clenched and nostrils flared ominously. “You and your uncle will vacate my property by noon tomorrow.”
“What?” She closed her eyes and swallowed, praying he’d misspoke. “You cannot mean that.”
“Oh, but I do,” he said, his tone brooking no argument.
Panic clawed at her insides, and she scrambled for an escape route—some path out of this nightmare. “Have you considered how this will look … what people will think of a wealthy marquess tossing a feeble old man and his niece out of their home? When the news spreads, it will not cast you in a flattering light.”
“I plan to be as shocked and dismayed as anyone.” Nigel examined a perfectly manicured nail.
She shook her head, confused. “How?”
“I’ll simply explain the unfortunate turn of events. I asked my solicitor to oversee the sale of the property and was completely unaware the house was occupied. After I am briefed on the matter, I shall be outraged at his callousness and lack of sensitivity. I will vow to make things right and allow you to return to the house—but, alas. By then, it will be too late.”
“What do you mean?”
“I will have already sold the house.”
Her stomach sank like a stone. “By tomorrow?”
“We already have two offers. The moment I return home I shall instruct my solicitor to accept one. Which is why you and your uncle must go. It’s regrettable,” he said mockingly. “And to think, all of this could have been avoided if only you’d—”
“We’ll leave,” she said firmly, “but we shall require a bit more time to pack our things. Give us a fortnight. Please.” She’d have to inform her sister Meg about the terrible mess she’d made. She’d have to explain to Uncle Alistair that the home he loved wasn’t truly his home.
“Noon tomorrow,” he repeated stiffly. “Anything you leave behind shall be confiscated.”
Her neck turned cold and clammy. “And if we are not able to leave by noon?”
“I shall send a few ancillary members of my staff to assist you. I should warn you, however, they are neither patient nor well-mannered. I certainly would not trust them with your fine china.” He rapped his cane on the ceiling and waited, his expression stony.
A moment later, the carriage door opened and light flooded the cab. Julie squinted as she scooped up her reticule and moved toward the door.
She didn’t dare look back at Nigel as she hastily descended the carriage steps.
But she heard his menacing laugh—a sound that might well haunt her forever.