“How did he know we would be at the Gilded Lily? And this? Laughing at me. Is that what—”
Her accusations were met with Duncan’s unwavering honesty. “No. Lass, we didn’t laugh at you. Ewan demanded to know where you were I told him I could not tell him. We almost came to blows, but I wouldn’t raise my hands to him. Instead, he asked that I keep you safe, and we parted ways.”
“Parted ways? That’s not possible,” Juliet whispered. The revelation that Ewan and Duncan’s friendship had been tested to its limits left her reeling.
“You gave me little choice. I knew what I was doing when I made my pledge to you. I couldn’t let you and Aunt Geraldine go to the Gilded Lily alone.”
“Come, Juliet. I’ll help you change while Duncan waits here for you.”
Behind the closed bedroom door, Aunt Geraldine’s anger mirrored Ewan’s—a reflection of the trust Juliet had shattered. “How could you demand such secrecy from him?” she demanded.
“I never meant to—” Juliet’s protest died on her lips as she faced the results of her actions.
“I’ve never thought you selfish, but this quest you’re on isn’t about Bradley. This is all about you. Why else would you make such a demand of Duncan? This isn’t a game with your brother who you had to best at every turn.”
Juliet stepped back in horror. “No. That’s not true.” Her voice was a whisper.
“Isn’t it? Think about it when you’re alone, hiding from everyone,” Aunt Geraldine challenged.
“I left to protect Ewan.” Juliet insisted, clinging to the justification she had woven around her actions.
“Do you really believe that? He is more capable of dealing with this than you are. All you’ve done is abandon him,” Aunt Geraldine countered. “You are still his wife. I know. I was there when you spoke your vows in front of the archbishop. Yourleaving and hiding doesn’t change that. All you’ve done is leave him to face everything by himself. You even took Duncan away from him. It will be a miracle if Ewan speaks to the man again.”
Juliet sank onto the edge of her bed. “What should I do?”
“That is for you to decide.” Aunt Geraldine’s advice was clear and unyielding. “Neither Ewan nor Duncan deserve what you’ve done.”
Aunt Geraldine headed to the door and spun around to face her. “Your brother didn’t run away. I never believed he committed suicide. He died trying to save his family.”
Juliet followed Aunt Geraldine down the stairs and into the drawing room. Duncan stood as she entered. She glanced at the invitation to Aurington Hall she had tossed onto the table, a mocking reminder of the challenge and the choice to be made.
The carriage ride back to the summerhouse was shrouded in silence, a tangible reflection of the turmoil within Juliet. Aunt Geraldine’s scolding words still echoed in her ears, a stinging reminder of the rift she had caused. Duncan sat opposite her, his presence a silent comfort despite everything.
As the horses trotted along the familiar path, Juliet gazed out the window, the landscape a blur of shadows and moonlight. She wanted to speak, to fill the void with apologies and promises of change, but the words eluded her, caught in the web of her own making.
Finally, as the summerhouse came into view, a sanctuary and a prison all at once, Juliet found her voice, though it was barely a whisper. “Duncan, I am so sorry.”
Duncan’s eyes met hers, but they were unreadable. He saw her going inside and left without saying a word.
Chapter Thirty
April 28, 1820
The morning lightfiltered through the windows of Fairmont Abbey. Aunt Geraldine, Mrs. Murthy, and Juliet sat together, the remnants of last night’s discord hanging silently between them. Yet, there was work to be done and plans to be made. They could not afford the luxury of dwelling on regret.
With a collective breath, the three women leaned in, their voices a hushed murmur against the stillness of the room. The plan was simple yet bold. They would spread rumors of an impending announcement at the Aurington Gala. These whispers would not only draw the curious and the concerned but would also serve to unsettle Sebastian, ensuring his attendance.
Aunt Geraldine’s gaze was steady, her voice firm. “You’re doing the right thing, Juliet. It’s time the truth came to light.”
Juliet nodded, “I’m glad you agree. We only need a spark to ignite the curiosity of theton.” Her mind raced with a variety of scenarios. “A carefully dropped hint here, a veiled suggestion there, and the gossip will circulate rapidly.”
“There is no time to lose. Monday isn’t far away.” Aunt Geraldine had paper and pencil ready in front of her.
“There are several less obvious places we could use to move the rumors quickly,” Mrs. Murthy offered. “The grocer’s wife is a reliable source. I could speak with her when I go to the market. She has nine children who are all in service. We won’t evenhave to ask for their help. Tell their mother the rumor, and the offspring will take care of the rest.”
“Do you know anyone in service for Lady Ashfield?” Juliet looked hopefully at Mrs. Murthy.
“Yes. Her housekeep makes a particularly tasty punch.”
