As they sat there, she took another deep breath, the pain evident in her eyes. “Bradley… he took his own life. The shame of his gambling debts was too much for him to bear.” A single tear escaped, tracing a path down her cheek.
Ewan put a reassuring arm around her. “I am so sorry for your loss,” he said softly, his thumb gently wiping the tear away.
Juliet’s heart ached with the telling, but Ewan’s warmth provided a small comfort. “Thank you, Ewan. Your kindness means more than you can know.” Her voice was steadied by his touch.
He gazed at her, and she felt a bit uncomfortable. She could see his mind working, putting some pieces together.
“Bradley,” she stared at the carpet. She couldn’t look into Ewan’s face where he’d see her embarrassment. “He was a poor card player. He thought he could win his losses back.”
Ewan’s back straightened, but he never let go of her hand.
After several heartbeats, she faced him. The warmth in his eyes caught her off guard, prompting an involuntary deep breath.
Ewan spoke softly. “Your father’s finances have been compromised as well.”
She glanced at his hand holding hers as a tear, her unwanted, uncontrollable tear splashed on his hand. She nodded. “And there are vowels.”
He held her close, blocking out the world for a moment. She would never forget his support. She gently moved out of his embrace and wiped away the tears that dared to fall. “I mustn’t weep,” her voice firm despite the tremor she couldn’t conceal. “There is still hope. We Fairmonts are made of sterner stuff.”
“I am aware of what a strong woman you are. I’ll return tomorrow to speak with your father,” he said as he stood to leave.
“You can’t,” she blurted out. He stopped in his tracks. “Father is away in Scotland speaking with the family,” she said, a bit panicked. She didn’t know what else to say.
Ewan stared at her. She could see his mind working. Finally, he asked, “Can he count on the family’s help?”
Another response she couldn’t answer. Juliet’s heart clenched, fearing what her father’s visit might lead to. She looked away.
Ewan gently reached around and turned her head toward him. “Juliet, whatever assistance your father seeks from kin, know you have an ally in me.”
Ewan’s declaration and intent were clear, but her pride bristled at the thought of entangling him in her family’s misfortunes. “This is not your battle,” she protested, her voice fortified with stubborn purpose. “I told you because… because you deserved to know the truth from me and not some gossip. I am not asking you for assistance but for yourunderstanding. And allow you to decide whether you wish to continue our association, knowing the full extent of my family’s circumstances.”
His smile was gentle yet unwavering. “Juliet, knowing the truth only deepens why I love you,” he confessed. The word ‘love’ slipped into the conversation with an ease that startled them both. “Your strength, your honesty, and your loyalty are what I admire most about you. I am devoted to you, not just in the good times but through every challenge we may face together.”
Juliet’s eyes grew wide, and a flutter of astonishment seized her chest. She stood up, needing some space between them. “You can’t mean that,” she whispered, the word echoing in her mind. “I cannot allow you to be drawn into this mess. Everything has been quiet so far, but it will not last long. That is when the financial instability of my family, as well as the scandal of Bradley’s passing and what he left behind, could taint your family as well. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if that happened.”
“Juliet, you’ve shared much with me, and I’m grateful for your trust.” His voice was calm and insistent. “But there’s something more, something you’re not telling me. Please, whatever it is, tell me. I cannot help you unless I know everything.”
Juliet hesitated. She hadn’t told anyone of the threats. It would only worry them. As she met his gaze, she recognized not only his concern but also his unyielding strength. “There have been threats, Ewan. Anonymous notes warning of dire consequences if my brother’s debts aren’t settled.”
His expression hardened. “Show me these notes,” he demanded gently, his hand outstretched.
She pulled a note she had just received from her pocket, handed it to him, and stood by as he read it.
Miss Hayward,
Consider this a friendly warning. The debts of the past have a way of reaching into the present. It would be a shame if the beauty of Fairmont were marred by misfortune. The consequences unbareble if actions are not taken. I trust you’ll find a way to settle accounts before matters take an unfortunate turn.
A Concerned Observer
“No one threatens you without facing my retribution.” Ewan’s firm determination was evident in the set of his jaw, a silent pledge of his protection.
Juliet’s breath caught as the air between them became charged with a tension that was both thrilling and terrifying. She heard his declaration spoken with purpose and sincerity.
“I cannot let you be drawn into my family problems.” She shook her head and took a step back. But he took her by the shoulders. She could not turn away.
“You have no say in what I allow myself to be drawn into,” Ewan said, his voice low and unwavering. “I refuse to stand idly by when I can help.”
He drew her in closer, close enough for her to feel the warmth radiating from him. Juliet’s earlier decision melted under the intensity of his gaze. She knew she should maintain a distance and protect both their hearts from the potential pain of a future denied. Yet, as she looked up at him, all thoughts of caution vanished.
