Page 102 of Juliet's Touch

Eric placed his hand on Juliet’s shoulder. “Lord Chesterhill just gave me another wedding present.”

“Call me Father,” Chesterhill said.

Eric swallowed. “My father just presented me with another gift.”

Juliet folded her hands in her lap, waiting for Eric to continue.

He flashed his perfect teeth. Whatever this present was, it must be something Eric really wanted to warrant such a sincere grin. Since he’d already accepted the money to purchase their home, and a home for Athena, Flynn, and the girls, there was only one other material thing he desired.

“Harvey is officially mine,” Eric said.

“Oh, splendid.” Juliet infused her smile with warmth. “How generous of you, my lord. Eric does favor him.”

“Pssh.” Lord Chesterhill swished a dismissive wrist. “’Twas nothing. He was my newest horse, so I never really bonded with him. Besides, I have stables full of the four-legged creatures.”

If Juliet’s memory was correct, Esther had indicated the marquess was quite taken with the stallion, hence the reason Walter had brought him to the estate. She truly admired the man’s devotion to his illegitimate children.

As much as Juliet would like to stay with her sisters, it was time to move on. Standing, she grasped Eric’s hand. “If you will excuse my husband and I, we should personally thank all of our guests for spending the morning with us.”

Moments later, she and Eric stood in the corner of the drawing room with Athena and Flynn. There was no way that anyone would guess that Athena had spent her life in a brothel, orthat Flynn was her devoted protector, especially since Eric had introduced them as his mother’s sister and his favorite cousin.

“You look beautiful, Juliet,” Athena said.

“As do you.” Athena’s light blue gown had to have been designed by one of the finest modistes in London, and her hair was braided and twisted into a coiffure worthy of a queen. “How is your new home?” Juliet asked.

Athena patted Eric’s cheek. “Charming. Chelsea is lovely, and the girls are pleased with their new lives.”

Flynn leaned close to whisper, “Malestorm, however, is far from happy. He stops by at least once a week to beg Auntie to marry him.”

Athena snorted. “I suppose if he truly favored me, he shouldn’t have resorted to extortion.” She perused the room to ensure no one was listening, then whispered, “While we were at the church, Lord Chesterhill approached and asked to speak privately. He promised us an ongoing allowance. Eric, he offered enough for us to live comfortably so that you no longer need to worry about us. No strings attached. He said that it is to pay us back for raising you, and to make up for the money that your mother never collected.”

Eric’s Adam’s apple moved ever so slightly as if he were swallowing a bittersweet pill. Juliet fought the urge to wrap him in her arms.

“Thank you for coming,” Juliet said. “It means the world to us. I hope you will both come to dinner at our new home.”

“That invitation extends both ways,” Athena said.

After saying their goodbyes, Juliet guided Eric out of the drawing room and down the hall. She stopped short, blinked, and refocused. Her vision had not failed her. Hugh had caged Charlotte against the wall, and his lips were locked on hers.

Eric cleared his throat. Hugh stepped back and licked his lips.

Seeming undaunted that they’d been caught in a public display of affection, Charlotte rushed to Juliet, the hem of her skirt swishing about her ankles. She clutched Juliet’s hand. “What a lovely morning.”

Hugh approached and clapped Eric on the back. “Congratulations, mate.” His gaze slid down the empty hall, as if he was about to divulge information, after he ensured there were no witnesses. “I heard from my mother,” he said, his voice barely above a whisper. “Your friend has settled in and is doing well.”

“Thank you,” Eric said. “I plan to repay you for what you did to help her. I also still owe you for the job I hired you to do for me.”

“We will work all of that out later,” Hugh said. “Stop by my office someday next week.”

“By the by,” Eric said, his voice soft, so that he would not be overheard. “How did you find Dixon?”

“Easy, really,” Hugh said. “I figured if he was missing fingers, he probably lost them in one of the mills or factories. So, I asked about him in the bars that those workers frequent.”

Eric huffed. “Why didn’t I think of that?”

“Because I’m the investigator,” Hugh said with a lopsided grin.

Charlotte kissed her husband on the cheek. “He is the best investigator in all of London.”