“Like fate did the afternoon at the Punch and Judy theater?” Aunt Geraldine asked.
“‘Together, we’ll find the strength to conquer all.’ That’s what we vowed. How quickly I forgot.” Juliet lifted her head, a serene smile on her lips. “I cannot avoid Ewan forever. The words my falcon offered publicly were a silent olive branch. And another thing. I love him. With all my heart. And I intend to fight for him.”
Aunt Geraldine threw her arms around her and held her close. “Welcome back, Juliet. I’ve been waiting to hear that strength.”
Her Aunt’s hug was a welcome anchor: “Come, my dear. We shouldn’t keep Lady Aurington waiting.”
Mrs. Murthy packed what she needed for the evening while Juliet slipped Bradley’s diary into her reticule. It contained the precious evidence of Sebastian’s duplicity. He was at Sir Giles, but he would be at the Aurington Gala tonight. She hurried into Aunt Geraldine’s room.
“Do you think it’s too early for us to arrive? She didn’t provide a time, but it isn’t even noon.”
“No, this is not too early.” Aunt Geraldine looked around one more time as Mr. Wilcox came in and took her baggage, as Mrs. Murthy entered.
“I’ve seen to your things. They’re being packed in the carriage now.” Mrs. Murthy, her job done, turned and left the room.
They went down the stairs and faced Duncan, who stood at the door with Mr. Wilcox.
“Duncan? Why are you here?” Juliet asked. Her heart skipped a beat at the sight of Ewan’s carriage outside.
“I was sent to bring you and Lady Rosefield to Aurington Park.” He said nothing else. And she didn’t pry but gave him a warm, welcoming smile.
“Ach, Lass.” His stance eased. “You’ve been sorely missed by all of us, everyone,”
Juliet’s smile turned into a combination of nerves and delight. “I’ve missed you all as well.”
Still chuckling, Duncan offered an arm to both ladies and handed them up into the carriage.
As they rode towards Aurington Park, Juliet’s thoughts were a whirlwind, but at their center was Ewan—her husband, her love.
The coach approached Aurington Park, the afternoon sun casting a warmth over the grand estate. The manor’s chief gardener and his team were in a flurry of activity, putting the final touches on the gardens in preparation for the evening’s gala.
They came to a halt, and the door opened. Ewan stood there with his hand stretched out to help them descend. Juliet was the last to step out of the carriage. She placed her hand in his and, at his touch, realized how much she had missed him. She steeled herself and said nothing as she stepped down.
Ewan nodded to Duncan as he released Juliet’s hand.
“This way, Lady Rosefield.” He gestured toward the manor entrance.
“I appreciate the formality, but I am Aunt Geraldine to you.” Aunt Geraldine’s smile was infectious as Duncan chuckled and tucked her hand on his arm.
Juliet waited as the footman took their boxes, then began to follow Duncan and Aunt Geraldine.
“Lady Glenraven,” he called.
She looked over her shoulder. “Yes.”
He offered a small, reassuring smile and gestured towards the garden’s secluded path. “Walk with me?” His voice was a gentle invitation. “The footman will see to your things. There’s much we need to discuss, and the garden offers a quiet, private place.”
Ewan led Juliet into the garden. The air was filled with the scent of roses and the distant sound of preparations for the evening’s gala. They walked in silence until they reached a secluded bench, a private place amidst the sprawling estate.
“I sent for you because I wasn’t sure you’d come on your own,” Ewan said, his voice betraying a hint of vulnerability. “I thought it best we talk away from the crowd.”
Juliet’s heart was a mix of emotions. “I considered staying away,” she admitted. “I feared you might reject me, given the last days.”
Ewan’s eyes held hers, but he was a master of controlling how much people saw of him. At the moment, he showed her nothing. “Juliet, I would never turn you away.”
Ewan led Juliet to a stone bench nestled among the roses, their petals a vivid reminder of the beauty that can arise from thorny situations. He took a moment before speaking, choosing his words with care.
“The recent weeks have been a journey of sorts.” Again, he stopped to choose his words with care. “A journey we’ve navigated together, albeit apart.”
