Chapter 16
Chapter sixteen
Juliet awoke with her mind whirling. She had not been alone with Eric since their assignation in the library a few days ago, but that hadn’t stopped their secretive looks during meals, walks, and family activities. Meanwhile, her fantasies continued to dominate her thoughts.
Luckily, an early morning constitutional was the perfect cure for both. The best part was that no one would nag her for strolling the grounds without a chaperone. She threw off her counterpane and hurriedly dressed in a warm frock she borrowed from Emily.
Wrapped in her cloak, she meandered along the path that wound through Alexander’s tranquil garden, filling her lungs with the crisp air. Her exhales morphed into misty, white clouds that slowly rose until they dissipated.
Snow glistened beneath the golden early morning light.
Sparkling icicles hung from the white branches.
Crystallized flakes blanketed the shrubs and seasonal greenery like a delicate lace coverlet.
Witnessing the winter wonderland made the chill nipping at Juliet’s cheeks and cutting through her garments worth the painful sting.
She’d been correct. Not only was the scenery breathtaking, but the invigorating excursion was also the perfect way to sort through her emotions as memories of her assignations with Eric Stone bombarded her.
Every time he spoke, his deep voice vibrated low in her belly, and now that he had become more loquacious, the oscillating thrum was almost nonstop.
She adored that his kisses were tender one moment and demanding the next.
And his velvety tongue exploring her body brought her a treasure trove of pleasure.
Her cheeks heated, recalling the way she’d fallen apart when he’d stroked her pearl.
She’d wanted to spend the entire night exploring each other’s bodies.
Unfortunately, he’d sent her away—probably because she had been indecently loud when she’d blissfully cried his name.
She had no idea if anyone had shown up to investigate the strange noises coming from the library because she had hurried to her chamber.
Eric had other superior qualities beyond being a handsome, masterful kisser.
First and foremost, he didn’t seem to care that she was inexperienced in lovemaking, and remarkably, he also didn’t make her feel wanton—when the truth was, she was both inexperienced and wanton.
Well, not as inexperienced due to their secret encounter. She smiled at the naughty revelation.
She was exceedingly comfortable around Eric. Never in her wildest dreams could she have imagined sharing her every thought with a man without him judging her. But Eric was so open-minded. He wasn’t opinionated or full of masculine hubris in the least.
She felt safe in his presence. Not even her father made her feel this secure. There was only one other man who’d ever made her feel so protected. Knight Roamer.
Criminy! What was wrong with her that she was still thinking about her mystery man when there was someone as amazing as Eric in her life?
Closing her eyes, she exhaled a huff of frustration. Knight Roamer might be mysterious and heroic, but he probably kissed every woman he saved. Eric Stone, on the other hand, was sweet and gentlemanly, and, she suspected, would dote on the woman he cherished.
A head-to-toe shiver wracked her body.
As much as she loved the outdoors, the cold sliced through her like a sharp knife. Since she was freezing, and it was almost time to meet everyone in the dining parlor, she headed inside.
No matter what she did, Juliet couldn’t warm her ice-cold bones, which was quite unlike her normal response to winter temperatures.
She shivered the entire time Esther arranged her hair in a simple twist and continued quivering long after changing into a fresh dress.
She tried wrapping a shawl around her and even huddled into a ball.
When those things didn’t help, she eyed her counterpane.
Esther pursed her lips. “Miss Juliet, you need to warm up or you’re going to catch your death.”
Juliet might be on the slender side, but she was still much too hardy to die from the cold. However, she had to do something to thaw her insides, because her chattering teeth were starting to grate on her nerves.
“You need a warm bath,” Esther declared.
A warm bath sounded heavenly—especially if it was in the luxurious bathing chamber. If only there was enough time.
Juliet frowned. “But then I shall be late for the morning meal.”
“Not at all, Miss. You rose so early that you have plenty of time. Why, ladies are supposed to rest most of the morning. But not you. You are up and—” Esther winced. “Sorry, Miss. ’Tisn’t my place to talk about such things. I’ll go and see to the warm water.”
Juliet’s uncontrollable clicking teeth kept her from responding with anything other than an almost inaudible, “Thank you.”
“By the by, Miss, I mailed your missive.” Esther pulled her shoulders back and preened. “I had an unfortunate incident, but I didn’t let it stop me.”
Dare Juliet inquire what this unfortunate incident was?
“I had on my green pelisse and hat, and my boots and I was coming down the stairs when I ran into Lady Emily and I mean, I ran into her. I don’t mean any disrespect, but the lady has some issues staying on her feet. Anyway, she fell down first, and then I fell down. And then I dropped the letter.
“Whilst I helped her up, I kept saying, ‘I’m sorry, my lady.’ She is so sweet so she wasn’t upset with me.
Then she said she recognized your handwriting and asked me if I was taking a letter into town for you.
Of course, I didn’t want to divulge your secrets, so I didn’t tell her who it was to.
Then, Warrington came upon us and was a bit upset about the broken vase. ”
“Broken vase?” Juliet asked.
“The one that broke when Lady Emily and I fell.”
“Did Emily hurt herself?” Juliet asked.
“Oh, no, Miss. She falls a couple of times a week and she never hurts herself.”
That sounded about right. Maybe her evil slippers were responsible for the mishaps.
“And I’m as sturdy as a castle made of diamonds. I ain’t really a diamond, but I am robust, so I didn’t get hurt either.”
Shame on Juliet for not asking. Although Esther was here animatedly chattering on, so one would hardly think she’d suffered any misfortune.
“Then, Lady Emily told me to enjoy my ride into town. I felt better about the crash and the vase, so I went to the stables. Tommy wanted to take me into town, but I wanted to wait for Walter. He was in a meeting with his lordship because of the horse.” Esther’s cheeks colored up.
“A black stallion from London that his lordship has had his eye on. He is quite good with the horses. Walter, not his lordship. I don’t mean any disrespect, maybe his lordship is good with horses.
I honestly wouldn’t know. But I could ask Walter.
Sometimes I wish I could live in London closer to him.
Is London as filthy as they say? Or is it exciting and wonderful? ”
This conversation was making Juliet’s head ache and her heart drop. “Esther, did you post my letter?”
“Oh, yes, Miss. Don’t you worry. I’m taking good care of you.” Esther bobbed, then took her leave.
Juliet paced the room, trying to bring feeling back to her numb toes.
Eventually, she gave up and was planning to crawl under her counterpane, shawl and all, when Esther bound back into the room without knocking.
Placing her hands on her hips, she bent forward and gasped for air.
Suspecting that the maid had sprinted in her attempt to be dutiful, Juliet patiently waited.
At last, Esther straightened. “Miss, his lordship already sent the footman up with the buckets. I just passed them in the stairwell.”
The marquess certainly was an attentive host. Although devoted, the Coldpepper’s servants took much longer to warm the water and fill the tubs. No wonder Emily loved living at Chesterhill Manor.
Seeming to have experienced a second wind, Esther lunged for Juliet. “I’ll assist you with your bath, Miss.”
Juliet tried not to shake her head too vehemently. The dear woman was simply trying to be helpful. “I don’t want to be a burden. I’m sure you have other chores to attend to.”
“It’s no burden at all,” Esther said. “It’s an honor to help a lady such as you.”
She did not relish being firm, but Juliet had no choice if she meant to convince Esther to pace herself. Additionally, Juliet would have to insist on privacy.
“I prefer to bathe myself,” she said. “Please wait here and rest. You are working yourself into a frenzy.”
“As you wish.” Esther’s words were obliging; however, her shoulders sagged. “Howbeit, I should help you out of that dress.”
There were a dozen delicate buttons on the back of the bodice that needed to slide through tiny holes, and there was no way Juliet could do it herself. She turned her back to her substitute maid.
Esther hummed as they exchanged the recently donned dress and stays for a fresh shift. Since she had to dart across the hall, Juliet aimed for modesty, wrapping herself in Emily’s soft robe.
Smiling, Esther walked Juliet to her chamber door. “Don’t you fret, Miss. I’ll wait right here, and I’ll help you dress in the blink of an eye. Now, you go warm yourself.”
Juliet thanked Esther, then slipped into the hallway.
While hurrying the short distance to the bathing chamber, she reminded herself to lock the door so that her overly eager maid didn’t surprise her by barging in and continuing her story about a broken vase, living in London closer to Walter, and a black stallion.
Pushing on the door, Juliet charged into the room, then stopped short.
Swirling steam mingled with the scent of Pears’ soap. Even through the heavy condensation, Juliet saw the man in the tub, his Herculean bare back on display. Obviously, Esther was mistaken, and the water was for the only other person staying in the guest wing.