Page 25 of Juliet's Touch

Criminy, no!Betty had never dried Juliet after a bath. “I can manage,” she said. “Please close the door, and I will be out in a moment.”

“As you wish, Miss.” Esther bobbed a curtsy and left her alone. At least the overzealous maid seemed unaware of what Juliet had been doing to amuse herself.

Half-whimpering, half-chuckling, Juliet dropped her forehead into her hands. The almost discovery of her wanton behavior had been entirely too close for comfort, teaching her a valuable lesson. She would not engage in such brazen activities while visiting Chesterhill Manor.

Juliet twirled, her toes digging into the plush carpeting. Oh, how she loved this chamber. This past fall, she’d shared it with Emily when their family had attended the marchioness’ masquerade ball. It seemed like forever ago that she’d lost Emily to the handsome scholar. She couldn’t find it in her heart to be too jealous, since Emily was exceedingly happy, and Alexander treated her as if she were the queen.

Her arms wide, Juliet toppled backward, landing in the center of the massive bed. She folded her hands behind her head and took in the elegance. Rose wallpaper and rich red draperies adorned the chamber. A delicately carved writing desk satbeneath a round leaded glass window resplendent with colorful shapes. Pink satin and cream lace festooned the dressing table, and paintings in gilded frames covered every inch of wall space.

A knock, knock. Knock, knockthudded, Emily’s signature greeting announcing her arrival.

Smiling, Juliet sat up.

The door cracked open, and Emily peered in at her. Her grin wide, she barged into the center of the room. Esther tagged along at her heels, carrying a tray of cakes and a decanter of brandy.

Emily rushed to the dressing table and moved Juliet’s paltry travel possessions to the side, creating space for the tray. “Please set it here.”

Esther carefully lowered the treats, then turned to the sisters. Hands hanging by her side, she stared at Emily, her expression pleading.

Emily nodded at their unspoken communication. “Yes, of course, Esther.”

It seemed the two women were up to something.

“Juliet, Esther would like to act as your lady’s maid for your stay,” Emily said. “How do you feel about this?”

That was an easy enough question. Juliet wished she’d brought Betty, but since she hadn’t, Esther would do. The woman was a bit too eager, but sweet, nonetheless.

“That should suit,” Juliet said. Hopefully, Esther wasn’t looking forward to caring for fancy frocks, because if she were, she’d be sorely disappointed. “I’m afraid I packed quite light.”

“Oh, thank you, Miss.” Esther popped onto her toes. Then, seeming to think better of her display of emotion, she stood still, twisting her hands in her skirt. “I’ve never been a lady’s maid before, but I’m a fast learner.”

“I’m sure we will get along splendidly,” Juliet said. She would explain later that Esther should not walk in on her when she wasbathing, not that she’d put her handsdownthereagain during this visit.

“That will be all for tonight, Esther,” Emily said.

Esther bobbed a curtsy and left the sisters alone.

Since Emily was in her loose nightdress, she easily crawled onto the bed and sat beside Juliet. Her expression serious, she grasped Juliet’s hand. “There are cakes for good little sisters who tell their big sisters what in the dickens is going on.”

Juliet sighed. “As you already guessed, I ran away.”

“Why?”

Perhaps the easiest way to handle this was to blurt out the truth. “Because I no longer want to marry Charles.”

Emily gasped, then blinked. “I can’t say I’m disappointed. I dislike him immensely. Why don’t you start at the beginning?”

Juliet searched her memories, trying to recall when she had first changed her mind about marrying Charles. Maybe it was a few weeks ago, when he’d lecherously stared at one of the maids, licking his lips. She’d conveniently shoved that image deep inside her, but here it was, plaguing her thoughts. Or perhaps it was all those nights he left dinner early, looking sheepish. Even though she made flimsy excuses for him, she’d known he was up to no good. But it was the second he’d forbidden her to see her own flesh and blood that she realized she despised him. And then he’d behaved like a coward, solidifying what she’d known for weeks.

“Last night, after we left the theatre, we were set upon by thieves,” Juliet said. “Lord Riley hid behind me and even pushed me into the path of one of the bandits, who held a knife.”

Her mouth wide, Emily clutched her chest.

“I doubt Mother and Father will allow me to break the engagement. I think they will force me to marry him.”

“Mayhap you are mistaken,” Emily said. “Did you tell them what he did?”

“No. What is the point? Father has already met with the earl. As far as they are concerned, our families are to be joined. The truth is, I don’t trust Charles. My instincts tell me there is another woman. Or women. I don’t want that. I want what you have with Alexander, a man who loves me and only me.”