Page 20 of Juliet's Touch

Gloves?On in record time.

Satchel in one hand, reticule in the other, Juliet tiptoed down the stairs, through the kitchen, and out the servants’ entrance.

By the time Juliet reached The Coach and Horses on Bruton Street, a heaviness sat on her heart. Melted snowflakes weighed down her bonnet, mud caked the bottom of her skirt, and her feet were as cold as the dickens. But these were only minor inconveniences. The primary source of her disappointment was that she hadn’t found Mister Brown Eyes. She’d retraced her path from the previous morning to no avail. She had even stood where she’d fallen when he’d lifted her onto her feet. While there, she willed him to appear like some hero out of a gothic novel, but her prayers had gone unanswered. Then, her mind began to play tricks on her. Twice, she thought he was watchingher from afar. She’d wiped the snowflakes from her eyes to find herself staring at a townhouse in the distance.

Soon, Betty would discover she was missing. Eventually, the poor woman would have to report Juliet’s disappearance to her parents. Thereupon, a bombastic drama would unfold. A search party would be sent with orders to bring her home immediately. No one wanted that, least of all her, so Juliet had no choice but to let go of her ridiculous fascination with this man and trudge to this coaching inn so she could leave town before there was a scene.

“A fine lady like you traveling without a companion,” a man in his middling years said as he sat beside her.

Although it was none of this man’s business, Juliet sent him a friendly smile. “Thank you for your concern, kind sir, but I’m traveling to meet my husband.” The wordhusbandsoured in her throat, but the lie placated her nosy seatmate.

“What a lucky man,” he said.

The coach swayed unmercifully, causing Juliet’s empty stomach to churn. At one point, a wheel caught in the mud and got stuck. The mishap added almost another hour to the trip. At least she was able to choke down what she thought was a beef pasty when the coach stopped at the Candlelight Inn to change horses.

It was late afternoon when Juliet finished the first leg of her journey. As exhausted as she was, she plastered a smile on her face, grabbed her belongings, and searched for a carriage to deliver her to Chesterhill Manor.