Page 61 of Juliet's Touch

“Why would I break his heart?” she asked.

“Because Jules, he may be Lord Chesterhill’s by-blow, but he is not of our class. I don’t care one whit about such things, but you do.”

“Not anymore,” Juliet declared. She was no longer a clueless child or a doll to be dressed up and presented to society. She was a grown woman with her own mind. Desire and passion flamed deep within her.

“Once you leave here, the spell will break, and you will discover that you are not prepared to be married to a pugilist with questionable parentage. You will no longer be the most popular woman at society events because…well, because you won’t even be invited to them.”

“I don’t give a farthing,” Juliet said. “I refuse to be a frivolous debutante whose sole purpose is to become a brood mare for a cruel man. I will marry for love, or I will never marry. And just so you know, you still sound rather judgmental and imperious.”

Emily beamed at her as if they were not having the argument of all arguments. “I am thrilled to hear that you feel this way. There is nothing more wonderful than loving your spouse with all your heart.” Emily opened the door and called over her shoulder, “I dare say, my little sister has grown into a wise woman with admirable priorities. Mayhap Mr. Stone is your true love.”

The door clicked into place, leaving Juliet alone and flabbergasted. Emily had referred to her as a wise woman. What a wonderful compliment. It appeared someone believed in her. Most importantly, she believed in herself.

She plopped onto the middle of her bed, lay on her back, and stared at the ceiling. First of all, Eric Stone made her heart pitter-patter as it swooped and soared. And secondly, there had to be something she could do to save Mister Brown Eyes. But what?

“Think, you silly goose,” she whispered.

Warn him,her inner voice advised.

But how? Obviously, she couldn’t warn him from the guest chamber at Chesterhill Manor.

Go to London.

How in the devil was she to do that?

You got here, didn’t you?

But that was different. She’d been able to walk to a coaching station from Mayfair. Here she was out in the middle of nowhere with nothing.

That wasn’t quite true because she had an overly eager maid.

An overly eager maid who knew someone named Walter who had a carriage.

Eureka!She bolted upright.

Emily was correct. She couldn’t hurt Eric. But would she destroy their budding romance if she ran off to save anotherman? A man she’d kissed. The man who had first awakened her passion.

Closing her eyes, she huffed out a low, mournful exhale. Truly, she had no other choice. At least not one she could come up with at the moment. Besides, if she wanted people to see her as a mature woman and not a frivolous ninny, she needed to behave like one. This meant facing her demons and telling the entire truth to everyone, including the man she fancied.

She settled herself at the escritoire in the corner. Luckily, the drawer held everything she needed.

Dearest Emily,she penned on a fine piece of stationery embellished with the Chesterhill crest.

Thank you for believing in me. It means the world to me, so I shall let you know my intent. Please don’t blame poor Esther if she agrees to assist me. ’Tis not her fault. I intend to beg her to go along with my plan.

I am going to London. First, I shall find Knight Roamer and tell him what happened. Hopefully, I can convince him to leave the city until word gets out that he did not abduct or harm me.

Then I shall go to Mother and Father and tell them everything, including that Charles tried to sacrifice me to the thieves, so I broke our engagement. I will tell them that, like you, I am marrying for love.

Next, I will boldly confront Lord Riley and tell him that I will not spend my life living in fear of him.

It is imperative that I repair the damage I have done. I know you will respect my wishes and not interfere. Please keep my secret for just a little longer. I will ask Esther to deliver a note to Mr. Stone later today. I want him to hear the truth from me. I need to make amends for my mistakes before I am a suitable companion. I assure you, I have no intentions of hurting such a dear man.

Your Loving Sister,

Jules

Juliet stretched her neck from side to side and shook out her fingers. Setting a fresh piece of stationery in front of her, she again put pen to paper.