Aunt Geraldine’s gaze shifted between Juliet and Glenraven, searching, probing. Mrs. Murthy’s hand found Juliet’s, a silent pillar of support.
“Lady Rosefield,” Hughes came forward. “I have drafted a marriage settlement with the help of both Glenraven and Miss Hayward. As her parents are in Scotland, they asked that you witness them sign the document after, of course, you review it.”
Hughes handed her the parchment. Aunt Geraldine’s eyes scanned the document, her finger tracing the lines of text. “No dowry?” she finally said, her tone incredulous.
“Under the family’s circumstances, there is no need for a dowry,” Glenraven assured her, his hand finding Juliet’s shoulder.
Yet Aunt Geraldine was resolute. “Mr. Hughes, the following is to be added.” Hughes sat at the table. Mrs. Murthy provided ink and a quill.
“I’m ready, Your Grace,” he said, poised with the quill.
Aunt Geraldine bent close to Hughes and gave him the words to write.
“I’ve made the change. The document is ready to sign.” Hughes stood and held out the quill. Juliet scanned over the document, looking for whatever changes her aunt had requested. Everything remained the same except for the addition of another stipulation after the first:
2. The Bride, being the sole surviving child and heir to her father, the Baron Fairmont, shall bring forth a dowry amounting to £1,500. This sum shall encompass the land and all appertaining valuables, which shall be held in trust for the benefit of the couple and their issue.
“Aunt Geraldine,” Juliet knelt at her aunt’s side. “Father cannot provide—”
“No, he cannot.” Her aunt softly touched Juliet’s cheek. “You have worked hard to protect your family. Consider this my wedding gift to you. Now, if Mr. Hughes will surrender the quill, I will gladly sign the document and make it official.”
Hughes passed the quill to each of them, sanded the parchment, and handed the document to Juliet. “Keep it safe.”
“What do you intend to tell your mother?” Aunt Geraldine had a gleam in her eye as she faced Juliet. “Knowing you well, I suspect you have a plan.”
Juliet handed her aunt the drafted letter she and Duncan had created. “I thought the information would be best coming from you.”
“Did you now?” Aunt Geraldine read the letter and nodded. “Well done.” She glanced at Juliet and Duncan, who came up beside her. “It almost sounds like something I would write. I will add my wedding gift and have a rider off to Scotland in the morning. Is there anything else?”
“Mr. Wilcox, Mrs. Murthy,” Juliet began, her hands clasped before her, “you have both been important in this house, and it would bring me great joy if you would attend my wedding to Lord Glenraven.”
Mr. Wilcox, an outwardly stoic man, allowed a rare smile, his eyes crinkling at the corners. “It would be my utmost honor.”
Mrs. Murthy’s response was eyes glistening with unshed tears. She nodded, her lips curving into a smile that spoke volumes.
“A moment, if you please,” Aunt Geraldine beckoned Juliet and Glenraven and brought them to a quiet corner of the room, away from the others. “Tomorrow’s vows will make you man and wife, soon after, in the eyes of the world,” she began, her words measured. “Yet, until the time is ripe for such an announcement, no one can know.
“Not even a wedding night You must walk separately in public.”
“My lord, court Juliet under the prying eyes of theton, and none will be the wiser until you deem it prudent to announce your marriage.”
“I agree with all that you’ve shared, Your Grace.” Glenraven glanced at Juliet. They both gave a nod of understanding. “Idon’t know how to thank you for your understanding and your wisdom.”
She led them through the doorway to the sitting room. Glenraven stood with his arm cradled around Juliet’s waist while Aunt Geraldine placed herself in front of them. “You can thank me by loving my Juliet with all your heart. But under these circumstances there will be challenges, more precarious than you can imagine. Being in love and separated is not easy, but being in love and seeing each other with other people and not being included is, well, it will take great courage.” She paused. “After the ceremony, we can give you one afternoon and evening together, but that is all until your marriage is announced publicly.”
“I will make the arrangements, Lady Rosefield. I will protect Juliet with my life.” Glenraven’s gaze never left Juliet’s.
Aunt Geraldine smiled a knowledgeable older woman’s smile. “I do not doubt that you will.” She stepped back. “Enough said. You both will do the right thing. We should return to the others.”
Aunt Geraldine caught the butler’s eye. “Mr. Wilcox, would you be so kind as to pour us a small sherry?”
“With pleasure, Your Grace.” Mr. Wilcox’s movements deft as he handed served everyone the rich, golden liquid.
Once everyone had a glass, Aunt Geraldine lifted hers, prompting the others to do the same. “Tomorrow,” she said, her gaze touching each face in turn, “and to the union it shall bring.”
“Hear, hear,” Hughes, Duncan, Mr. Wilcox, and Mrs. Murthy said in unison.
The sherry was savored, and there was a quiet moment of whispered good wishes before Mr. Wilcox and Mrs. Murthy excused themselves.
