‘Yes, Adam is here, but out with his steward. You will meet him later.’
The two young women were seated together in the drawing room at Chadcombe, the large estate owned by Charlotte’s husband, Adam, Earl of Shalford. Juliana’s mother, claiming tiredness, was lying down and being fussed over by Adam’s great-aunt Clara, who seemed like a darling. Mama had suffered no relapse of her illness during the remainder of their journey, though had seemed relieved their voyage was ended.
‘The house is beautiful, Charlotte—and so large! How on earth are you managing as mistress of it?’
‘Oh, it is fine—I enjoy it, actually. There is a lot to do—and an army of servants to manage. I love it!’
‘Well,’ said Juliana doubtfully, ‘I am glad, for I could not imagine coping with the responsibility. It is all I can do to manage myself sometimes!’
Charlotte laughed. ‘That is such a Juliana thing to say! Oh, how I’ve missed you!’
‘I’ve missed you, too, Charlotte. But tell me about your husband. Is it true you are a countess now?’
‘Indeed I am, though I confess I always think they are talking about someone else when people mention Lady Shalford.’
‘Lady Shalford—just think! Though I must say you look and sound like the old Charlotte!’
‘I don’t think I have changed very much at all.’
Juliana considered this. ‘Something has changed, though, Charlotte. There is something different about you.’
Charlotte looked disconcerted. ‘Well, I hope I haven’t changed for the worse.’
‘Of course not, for I can sense already you are still as lovely—and as calm—as you ever were. Oh, how I’ve missed your calmness when I get myself in a scrape!’
‘And we certainly had plenty of scrapes together!’ Charlotte smiled. ‘Remember the time we stole the apple pie that cook had made for Herr Meindl’s visit? And we had to eat a full supper as usual so the teachers didn’t suspect it was us?’
‘Yes! And the time you got the love letter from that Italian Count, and we had to burn it quickly because the head teacher was on her way to our chamber?’
Charlotte sighed. ‘He was exceedingly romantic—and terribly tiresome! But I was pleased he actually noticed me. All the young men used to fall in love with you, Juliana.’
Juliana snorted. ‘Not all the young men, Charlotte. Why, in Dover...’ She tailed off and bit her lip.
‘Juliana...’ Charlotte’s tone was suspicious ‘...you might as well tell me, for I can read you easily. What is your latest scrape?’
Juliana grimaced. ‘Well, I am not sure I should tell you, for I feel quite ashamed of myself. But I was provoked beyond measure!’
‘No need to give me your fierce look! Tell me the whole—who has provoked you and what did you do that makes you feel ashamed?’
Juliana told the story. She knew as she did so that she wasn’t telling it well, or clearly—her emotions were too heightened for logic, though she thought Charlotte eventually understood the essentials.
‘And now,’ she concluded, ‘that horrible man is likely to visit us in Brussels, for Mama gave him our direction.’
‘If he does, many months will have passed and you might not feel the same way.’
‘I cannot imagine ever feeling any differently about him! Why, he has followed me everywhere!’
‘What?’ Charlotte’s eyes opened wide. ‘He followed you? Who is he? What is his name? We can report him to the army...’
‘Oh, no! His name does not matter, for of course I do not suggest he actually followed me! What I mean is—he haunts me! I cannot forget his disdain, or how unjust it was! Twice on the journey I saw dark-haired men and my heart leapt with anger, as I thought it was him. But it was not him.’
‘I see,’ said Charlotte, though she looked confused.
Juliana had had enough of remembering him. ‘Anyway, tell me more about your life here. Who else lives in this huge house, apart from you and Adam and his great-aunt Clara—and your army of servants, of course?’
Charlotte looked as though she was considering persisting with her questions, then let it go. ‘Adam has a younger brother and sister. His brother is with the army in France and his sister is visiting friends in Lincolnshire. And Papa lives here, too—though spends much of his time socialising in London.’
‘Dear Sir Edward! I was so shocked when you told me how he was attacked in France last year. I do hope he is well.’
‘He is and flirting with every widow in London! Though I do believe he has a particular fondness for Adam’s godmother, Lady Annesley. But he is quite shocking, you know.’
Juliana giggled. ‘I do not doubt it! Are we to visit London?’
‘Yes, we will all go in a few weeks, for the Season has begun. But first, I must prepare for a Public Day on Friday.’
‘A Public Day? What is that?’
‘It’s a tradition here, which Adam and I have revived since our marriage last year. We open the house and gardens to all the locals. We provide refreshments and Adam makes a speech. There is entertainment for the children and some sporting competitions—pony races, archery and the like. The night before, some of the local gentry come for dinner and those from further away stay the night. There is no little work in it.’
Juliana gasped. ‘And you organise all of this?’
‘Not everything, no. Adam and his steward manage the events. I focus on the work the indoor staff do—the food, making sure that bedrooms are all allocated and ready, preventing petty theft, that sort of thing. This will be only our second Public Day.’
Juliana was impressed. ‘I could never manage it. But I am happy to be directed. Tell me how I can help, for I would not wish to be a burden on your time.’
‘Really? You would not prefer to rest?’
‘Now, Charlotte, you know I am not restful. I never was. Sometimes I think my poor mama tires more from my company than she does from the journey!’
‘Oh, no! For I know she loves you dearly.’
‘And I love her. But we have chafed on each other during this journey. My energy tires her out and she needs time alone to revive herself.’
‘She will have plenty of rest and solitude here, if that is her wish. Chadcombe is the most peaceful, beautiful place I’ve ever known. I love it here.’
Juliana frowned. ‘I hope I don’t cut up your peace, Charlotte.’
‘Oh, no, my dear friend! Why, you never tired me out. In fact, you always gave me daring when I needed it. Sometimes when I need to be strong, I think “What would Juliana say?” or “What would Juliana do?” And then I find my courage.’
‘Oh, Charlotte! Now I shall have to hug you again, for you are making me cry! And now you are crying, too! I am so glad to be here and so sorry to make you cry!’
‘Now then, what’s all this? Who is making my wife cry?’
Juliana’s heart lurched. The dark-haired man who had just entered the room really looked like—Stop it! she told herself. Stop seeing that arrogant man everywhere! He is not worth your thoughts!
‘Adam!’ Charlotte stood and moved to embrace her husband. ‘I am crying because I am so happy to see my dear friend again.’ He looked down at her, smiling, and kissed her forehead. The warmth between them was evident. Juliana’s heart melted. It seemed Charlotte had found a man who truly