Page 52 of Juliet's Touch

Chapter sixteen

Julietawokewithhermind whirling. She had not been alone with Eric since their assignation in the library a few days ago, but that hadn’t stopped their secretive looks during meals, walks, and family activities. Meanwhile, her fantasies continued to dominate her thoughts.

Luckily, an early morning constitutional was the perfect cure for both. The best part was that no one would nag her for strolling the grounds without a chaperone. She threw off her counterpane and hurriedly dressed in a warm frock she borrowed from Emily.

Wrapped in her cloak, she meandered along the path that wound through Alexander’s tranquil garden, filling her lungs with the crisp air. Her exhales morphed into misty, white clouds that slowly rose until they dissipated.

Snow glistened beneath the golden early morning light. Sparkling icicles hung from the white branches. Crystallized flakes blanketed the shrubs and seasonal greenery like a delicate lace coverlet. Witnessing the winter wonderland made the chillnipping at Juliet’s cheeks and cutting through her garments worth the painful sting.

She’d been correct. Not only was the scenery breathtaking, but the invigorating excursion was also the perfect way to sort through her emotions as memories of her assignations with Eric Stone bombarded her.

Every time he spoke, his deep voice vibrated low in her belly, and now that he had become more loquacious, the oscillating thrum was almost nonstop. She adored that his kisses were tender one moment and demanding the next. And his velvety tongue exploring her body brought her a treasure trove of pleasure.

Her cheeks heated, recalling the way she’d fallen apart when he’d stroked her pearl. She’d wanted to spend the entire night exploring each other’s bodies. Unfortunately, he’d sent her away—probably because she had been indecently loud when she’d blissfully cried his name. She had no idea if anyone had shown up to investigate the strange noises coming from the library because she had hurried to her chamber.

Eric had other superior qualities beyond being a handsome, masterful kisser. First and foremost, he didn’t seem to care that she was inexperienced in lovemaking, and remarkably, he also didn’t make her feel wanton—when the truth was, she was both inexperienced and wanton. Well, not as inexperienced due to their secret encounter. She smiled at the naughty revelation.

She was exceedingly comfortable around Eric. Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined sharing her every thought with a man without him judging her. But Eric was so open-minded. He wasn’t opinionated or full of masculine hubris in the least.

She felt safe in his presence. Not even her father made her feel this secure. There was only one other man who’d ever made her feel so protected.Knight Roamer.

Criminy!What was wrong with her that she was still thinking about her mystery man when there was someone as amazing as Eric in her life?

Closing her eyes, she exhaled a huff of frustration. Knight Roamer might be mysterious and heroic, but he probably kissed every woman he saved. Eric Stone, on the other hand, was sweet and gentlemanly, and, she suspected, would dote on the woman he cherished.

A head-to-toe shiver wracked her body.

As much as she loved the outdoors, the cold sliced through her like a sharp knife. Since she was freezing, and it was almost time to meet everyone in the dining parlor, she headed inside.

No matter what she did, Juliet couldn’t warm her ice-cold bones, which was quite unlike her normal response to winter temperatures. She shivered the entire time Esther arranged her hair in a simple twist and continued quivering long after changing into a fresh dress. She tried wrapping a shawl around her and even huddled into a ball. When those things didn’t help, she eyed her counterpane.

Esther pursed her lips. “Miss Juliet, you need to warm up or you’re going to catch your death.”

Juliet might be on the slender side, but she was still much too hardy to die from the cold. However, she had to do something to thaw her insides, because her chattering teeth were starting to grate on her nerves.

“You need a warm bath,” Esther declared.

A warm bath sounded heavenly—especially if it was in the luxurious bathing chamber. If only there was enough time.

Juliet frowned. “But then I shall be late for the morning meal.”

“Not at all, Miss. You rose so early that you have plenty of time. Why, ladies are supposed to rest most of the morning. But not you. You are up and—” Esther winced. “Sorry, Miss. ’Tisn’t my place to talk about such things. I’ll go and see to the warm water.”

Juliet’s uncontrollable clicking teeth kept her from responding with anything other than an almost inaudible, “Thank you.”

“By the by, Miss, I mailed your missive.” Esther pulled her shoulders back and preened. “I had an unfortunate incident, but I didn’t let it stop me.”

Dare Juliet inquire what this unfortunate incident was?

“I had on my green pelisse and hat, and my boots and I was coming down the stairs when I ran into Lady Emily and I mean, I ran into her. I don’t mean any disrespect, but the lady has some issues staying on her feet. Anyway, she fell down first, and then I fell down. And then I dropped the letter.

“Whilst I helped her up, I kept saying, ‘I’m sorry, my lady.’ She is so sweet so she wasn’t upset with me. Then she said she recognized your handwriting and asked me if I was taking a letter into town for you. Of course, I didn’t want to divulge your secrets, so I didn’t tell her who it was to. Then, Warrington came upon us and was a bit upset about the broken vase.”

“Broken vase?” Juliet asked.

“The one that broke when Lady Emily and I fell.”

“Did Emily hurt herself?” Juliet asked.