Sweet Surrender Page 3

  That night, over a snifter of brandy in front of a warm fire in her brother’s library, Julianna confided in Hartford, the Earl of Somerton.

  “Hart, I must admit to you, it feels quite strange being back in London after all these years.”

  The earl smiled kindly at his younger sister. “Are you being worn ragged chasing after my hoyden of a daughter? Are you enjoying it at all, or is it a dreadful chore for you? I never really considered your feelings, I’m sorry to say, sister. I rather assumed you would be delighted to come.”

  Julianna knew her brother quite took her for granted, but she loved him with all her heart nonetheless and would have been willing to do just about anything he asked of her. But she was happy to be able to say with all sincerity, “No, Hart, it is not too much of a chore.” After a momentary pause, she inserted, “Except maybe the shopping.” She allowed a low chuckle before returning to her usual seriousness.

  “You know I would not miss Dee’s Season for anything despite my reluctance to return to London. I love her more than I could ever properly express to you. After all, you allowed me so much say in the raising of her and Fletch when I came home after my own ill-fated Season. Although I would not say she is hoydenish, I do fear we shall have our hands quite full once the Season gets fully underway.”

  With a slight shudder, Hartford heartily said, “I shall be glad to leave all that to you as usual.”

  With resolution, his sister set her chin stubbornly and looked him in the eye. “Not this time, my lord,” she began formally, making the earl eye her askance. “I was happy to have you out of my hair when the children were younger, but you are going to have to take an interest now. This is very serious and much more the father’s place than mine. Your daughter is here to look over prospective husbands, and it is your job to guide her and protect her.” Julianna stated these points forcefully before continuing in kinder tones.

  “Odelia is such a sweet girl and quite pretty. With the generous dowry you have set up for her, I am afraid she may be the target of certain gentlemen with less than honorable pasts or intentions. I shall do my best to guide her, but you will need to show your presence on occasion to lend the air of protection she will need as an earl’s daughter.”

  Hartford’s face held an arrested expression as though this was a revelation for him. Since Julianna had returned to their ancestral home seven years ago, just before his wife’s death in childbirth, he had been quite happy and comfortable leaving the running of his household in her capable hands. He had given little thought to the burden of responsibility he had left on her young shoulders. He resolved to give it more thought, but in the meantime he needed to acknowledge the reasonableness of her request.

  “I will, of course, be visible at times, but please do not tell me you are expecting me to be tied to my daughter’s apron strings throughout the entire Season, are you?” he demanded incredulously.

  “Of course not, Hart, I only expect you to be a bit more visible than you usually are, especially whenever we are entertaining here at our house. As you hopefully know, we are planning an official ball for Odelia to mark her come out. You will have to lead her out for her first dance. That is to be held in ten days. As well, you should escort us to the theater and at least a few balls and such over the next several weeks. I shall let you know which invitations we have accepted, and you can let me know which you can join us for.”

  In kind tones Julianna continued, “I know you are very busy in the House of Lords and with running the estates, but this is important, too, Hart. I do not expect your constant attendance on us. I can handle most things, but I do think it is best for you to be visibly about during the Season, keeping an eye on which gentlemen are showing an interest in your only daughter.”

  “You are right, Jules. Thank you for bringing this to my attention. I know I rarely acknowledge how much in your debt I am for taking over my house for me when Lucretia died, but I really do not know how we would have survived without you. I know I have not been around the children nearly enough, but since my wife died I have found running the country to be the only thing that I truly enjoy.”

  Julianna clasped her brother’s hand warmly. “No, Hart, I would not have survived coming home in disgrace if you had not given me full reign. You must not thank me, I am most grateful that you let me take over your house and children.” Then she grinned at her brother. “We are really most fortunate that the children turned out so well considering they only had us to bring them up. They really are quite lovely young adults now, aren’t they,” she said with a great deal of loving pride evident in her voice.

  “You sound just like a doting mama,” laughed the earl.

  “Maybe so,” acknowledged Julianna, not really wanting to think about the fact that they really were not her children. She carefully brought a subtle change to the subject. “When do you think we can expect Fletcher to be joining us here in London?”

  “Oh, did I forget to tell you?”

  “Probably,” replied Julianna dryly.

  “I just had a letter from Fletch’s tutor. John wrote they expect to be here within a se’ennight.”

  “What excellent timing!” declared Julianna. “They should be here for our ball. Hiring John was another stroke of luck for us, wasn’t it? I so look forward to hearing all about their travels in person! They have not been the very best correspondents this past year, I must say.”

  Hart teased his sister, “Are you going to expect Fletcher to lend his appearance to Dee’s Season, as well?”

  “Well, of course! I think a big brother might be more protection than even a father,” Julianna teased back not expecting the reaction she got from her brother.

  The earl became instantly serious. “I was no protection at all when you came for your Season, so I do not see where you get that idea.”

  “Oh, Hartford, that is old news. Do not trouble yourself over my misbegotten Season. It is done and over with. You were tied up with young children and a sickly pregnant wife, besides still figuring out the estates Papa left for you.” Julianna then changed the subject again. “Now pour me a wee bit more of that lovely brandy and I shall be off to my bed. We have a dancing master coming in the morning so I had best get a good rest. I shall need all my energy keeping up with the young ones,” she laughed.

  After downing her glass, she bade her brother a fond good night and went off to seek her bed unaware of the brooding state in which she was leaving the earl. With Julianna’s departure, Hartford spent some minutes thinking over all that his young sister had sacrificed in coming to look after him and his children.

  There was a large gap in their ages since their mother had lost several pregnancies after his birth. Their parents had never intended to have another child after the losses, so when Julianna had come along they had been overjoyed. But it had meant that the two of them had lead quite separate lives. By the time their parents died in the carriage accident, Hart had been married with two children, but Julianna was still a teenager. He probably shouldn’t have allowed their grandmother to bring her to Town for her Season when they were barely out of mourning for their parents but he had been too distracted by his wife’s surprise pregnancy. Then his grief had made him selfish and he hadn’t cared what Julianna might be giving up when she returned home.

  “What do you think, Charlie?” he asked the faithfully attentive spaniel at his feet. “Should I have made my sister come back to London to find a husband after her engagement shattered her heart? Was I a completely selfish cad for keeping her at home with me and the children when she should have been establishing her own household?”

  Charlie’s ears cocked in response but he didn’t have much to say beyond a feeble tail wag.

  “You are correct, Charlie. I should have done more for her. No doubt our grandmother would have ensured that no scandal had attached itself to her so she could have returned and would have been welcomed back amongst the beau monde.”

  Charlie placed his paw on his master’s k
nee, whining.

  Reaching down to scratch the dog’s ears Hart agreed. “Maybe you’re right, Charlie. The duchess really should have made a push to rescue her darling granddaughter. She should have come and gotten her or at least talked some sense into her. But then where would the children and I have been? Maybe Julianna is right. It is all part of the past, and we just need to do our best for Odelia now.”

  Hart sat in thought for a few more minutes. “Julianna should really have a home of her own, filled with her own children. I have no idea how this can be changed though, at this late juncture. And really this is all the Duchess’ fault, so she should cudgel her brain on the matter. Perhaps I will make a call on her to discuss it.”

  Not usually one for such self-reflection, after a few moments Hart resolved to think of it later, enjoyed a last swallow of his brandy, then took himself off to his own bed.

  Chapter 4

  The next day began later than usual for the country-bred lady but with Julianna up and about despite her rather restless night.

  Maizy breezed into the room carrying her mistress’ toast and chocolate. “Good morning, milady!” she declared with great cheer as she threw back the curtains to let in the sunshine. “I’m sorry to say so, but you don’t look nearly rested enough this morning. Did you want me to close the curtains and let you sleep a wee bit longer?”

  “As lovely as that thought sounds, Maizy, I have far too much to do today. I had too much on my mind when I went to bed last night, and it kept me tossing and turning for some time. But I think I have come up with some solutions, so it was not all in vain.”

  “You were worryin’ about your niece again, weren’t you?” demanded the ever-loyal servant. “You surely ain’t the only one that should be workin’ on this.”

  “Hush, Maizy. Odelia’s mother is not here, and it really does not fall into the realm of what a father can handle. Hart has left all the decisions to me as to what Odelia should or should not be permitted to do as he is much too busy in the House of Lords to deal with most of it.”

  Somewhat mollified, Maizy demonstrated her curiosity. “What exactly has you so concerned? I thought you had all the details worked out before we even left the estate.” She kept her watchful gaze divided between her mistress and the wardrobe from which she was selecting Julianna’s gown for the morning.

  With a heartfelt sigh, Julianna concurred as she took her seat in front of the vanity to allow Maizy to style her hair. “Most everything is worked out. But a few issues have arisen. One big question is whether or not Odelia should be allowed to learn the waltz.”

  The maid regarded her in the mirror with rounded eyes. “That is a tough one, isn’t it, milady? You don’t want her to seem fast, but you don’t want her to be left out either.”

  “That is my exact dilemma!”

  “So what did you decide in all that tossin’ and turnin’?”

  “I came up with a compromise. We have already arranged for a dancing instructor to come by today to help us perfect our steps. I shall ask him to teach us the waltz, but I will withhold judgment on whether or not she may actually dance it in public until I see it for myself and approval has been given by the patronesses of Almack’s.”

  “That sounds like a right good idea, milady. And I can’t imagine that took you so long to figure out. Was there something else worryin’ your head?”

  Julianna let another sigh escape but followed it up with a warm smile at her favorite maid. “You know me too well, Maizy! Odelia and I were in Gunther’s yesterday and we ran into an old school friend of mine. When she learned I was to chaperone Odelia’s debut, she offered to hold an entertainment of some sort in her honor. It is a terribly generous offer, but I cannot decide on the propriety of it.”

  “So did you come to any conclusions at all?”

  “I must admit I only made a partial decision on the subject. I have decided to wait and see. Lady Chorney has invited me to come for tea. I shall hear what suggestions she may have and come to a conclusion from there. Really, what harm could it do? And it was very kind and generous of her to even suggest it.”

  “That sounds quite reasonable, milady,” answered the maid deferentially but with a delightful twinkle in her eye, knowing how much her mistress was agonizing over every decision. “I just hope you can have a wee bit of fun while we’re here in Town. It’s not just milady Dee who should be enjoying herself.”

  “None of that now, Maizy. I must run. The dancing master should be here any moment. My hair looks quite lovely. You always do such a good job of it.”

  “You are most skilled at avoidin’ certain things, milady. But I’m certain you’ll come about all right and tight. Have fun with the dancing master.” With a cheeky grin, the faithful maid left the room.

  After a last glance to ensure she was appropriately dressed and everything was in place, Julianna left the room just as a maid approached to announce the arrival of the dancing instructor.

  “Thank you, Jane. Please make sure Lady Odelia is also informed of our visitor.”

  It was a trifle unorthodox to have their lessons so early but they had been fortunate to be able to arrange them at all since they had not thought of it until they had arrived in Town. Despite the early hour, Julianna and Odelia were both ready to face the rigors the dancing master would put them through as he helped them practice all the steps they would need for the many balls and soirees they would attend over the next weeks. Both girls, of course, were quite familiar with the steps for the country-dance, the cotillion and the quadrille, but the waltz had yet to be introduced to the assembly rooms near their home estate, so Lady Julianna thought it best that they learn it. Despite the knowledge they already had, the skilled dancer had several suggestions as well as a few new steps to offer them.

  Monsieur Francois Lemieux was a handsome, athletic young man forced by his family’s straightened circumstances to go into trade. He usually found these lessons exceedingly boring, but was soon happily surprised to find he had finally been hired by someone with skill. He was delighted by Julianna and Odelia’s proficiency and grace with the dances they were already familiar with and impressed with how quickly they were able to master the steps of the waltz.

  He had brought a copy of The Gentleman and Lady’s Companion Containing the Newest Cotillions and Country Dances. Julianna and Odelia had giggled over the subtitle of the book – to which is added, instances of ill manners to be carefully avoided by youth of both sexes.

  “Does that mean the older folks do not have to avoid the instances of ill manners?” Odelia had asked drolly as she leafed through the illustrated manual. That was just the beginning of the hilarity.

  Since there were two girls and only one man, the girls had decided they would take turns dancing with the instructor or on their own pretending to have a partner, which eventually caused them all to dissolve into fits of giggles and gales of laughter. The stiffly serious young dancing master also finally succumbed to mirth at Odelia’s antics as she pantomimed accepting an invitation to dance with various imaginary lords or other gentlemen.

  She dipped into a deeply formal curtsy. “Oh, my lord, I would be ever so honored to dance with you next,” Odelia simpered coyly while batting her eyelashes madly as Julianna and Monsieur Lemieux howled with laughter.

  It was into this chaotic scene of hilarity that a slightly dusty, but handsomely dressed young nobleman walked. After surveying the trio momentarily, with a slightly amused smile upon his lips, he cleared his throat loudly causing the other occupants of the room to turn in surprise. Odelia stared in delight, but it was Julianna who reacted most swiftly dashing across the room with a whoop of joy.

  “Fletcher Montgomery! What are you doing here? Have you just arrived? Of course you have, just look at you.” With that disjointed series of exclamations she proceeded to fling herself into his open arms to receive the warm, bear-like hug of her favorite, if only, nephew.

  Much less unconditional in her love, the young lord’s sister
declared, “Fletch, you are just in time to help us finish brushing up our dance steps. If Aunt Jules is done fawning over you, we can complete our lesson and let poor Monsieur Lemieux be off to his next appointment.”

  Fletcher swept his sister an elegant bow. “I am ever so gratified to see you missed me, sister dear,” was his sarcastic reply before he pulled her into a warm hug, too.

  With the greetings out of the way, he remembered his manners. “Sorry, Aunt Jules, I probably should not have come to greet you in all my travel dirt. Do you want me to go clean up, or should I do as this silly chit demands and help you polish up your dancing?”

  With a cheerful laugh Julianna answered, “Well, considering hugging us has probably gotten us fully covered in your dust, we might as well continue. Besides since you have just returned from the continent, perhaps you shall be nearly as skilled in dancing the waltz as our friend Monsieur Lemieux.”

  “Glad to oblige. I’ll do my humble best,” he replied as his aunt introduced him to the dancing instructor.

  “Monsieur Lemieux, please allow me to introduce you to my nephew. This is Fletcher, Baron Hanford. If you do not object, he could join us for the lesson so that we are equally paired.”

  “It is a great pleasure to make your acquaintance, my lord Baron. I have absolutely no objection to you joining with us. If you have nearly as much skill as your aunt and your sister, you will be a welcome addition.” With that gracious speech, the lesson resumed.

  The four, young people spent almost another hour in vigorous dancing, enjoying their energetic perambulations about the room. Despite their giddiness, with the help of both gentlemen the girls did manage to master the steps of the new dance as well as perfect their knowledge of the more familiar dances. Finally the dancing instructor declared they were ready to face the scrutiny of the ton.

  After Monsieur Lemieux politely took his leave of the young baron and bowed gracefully over Julianna and Odelia’s hands, the three young relatives adjourned to the morning room to be served some refreshments and get caught up on Fletcher’s news of his travels.