Chapter Thirteen
Justina let Bessie play with her hair. The maid had begged to try a few different styles for Justina’s hair, but she had never been interested.
Until now.
Suddenly, her appearance was important to her. She wanted to look her best anytime she might be in David’s company. Bessie was thrilled with this change in her mistress’ attitude, and they had spent a few hours this afternoon, with Bessie experimenting.
“I like this one best, my lady,” the maid said, sliding a final pin into place.
She looked at her mage in the mirror. “I agree, Bessie. You certainly know what you are doing. You were so devoted to Mama, always helping her to look polished. I am happy you agreed to stay on and serve as my maid.”
Bessie rested her hands on Justina’s shoulders. “Lady Traywick would be so proud of you.”
The servant’s words brought a lump to her throat. “I know we both miss Mama.”
The maid squeezed Justina’s shoulders, letting her hands fall away. “We always will, my lady. But I see so much of the countess in you.”
Smiling, she replied, “That is the best compliment I have ever received. Now, let us find something for me to wear to tea with the duke.”
Bessie pulled out three different gowns, placing them on the bed for their inspection.
They debated the merits of each, and Justina finally chose one in a dusty rose shade.
The neckline was a bit lower than she liked to wear, so she had Bessie place a fichu in order to make it appear more modest. Naturally, this caused her to think of David removing the one she had worn yesterday.
Suddenly, she could feel his lips on her breasts, his mouth feasting.
“That will be all. Thank you, Bessie,” she managed to say, her cheeks turning pink.
The maid left, and Justina wondered what else she might explore with David.
Though Verina and Lia had made her aware of what relations were like between a man and a woman, hearing about it versus physically participating in kisses—and beyond—was radically different.
She would never consummate her relationship with him because she would never risk becoming with child, but she believed there were a good number of pleasurable things they could do together, ones which would satisfy the both of them.
She left her bedchamber and went downstairs, stopping to knock at Tray’s study. Entering, he glanced up.
“Is it already time?”
“Yes. Will you be able to accompany me to Norwood this afternoon?”
He rose. “We can leave now.”
She shook her head. Ladies must change their gowns and restyle their hair anytime they left the house, while gentlemen merely left as they were.
Their butler had already summoned the carriage, and they boarded it for the drive to the duke’s estate.
“Will Lord Marbury be present?” Tray asked.
“I assume he will be. I also believe Mr. Rochester has been invited.”
“Both have made a good impression upon me. And though Lady Elinor is younger than you are, I hope you will enjoy a friendship with her.”
“She is lovely. Since she has been away at school for several years, she does not really have friends in the neighborhood. I am already fond of her. And His Grace has been so very nice.”
They arrived at Norwood and were taken to the drawing room. The duke and both his children were present and greeted them. Moments later, Mr. Rochester was announced, and he joined them.
“You look a bit windblown,” Tray told him.
“I walked from Kidsgrove straight here. It is a little over three miles, and there is a strong breeze today.”
“I have told David he is welcome to any horse in my stable,” the duke said. “He is a stubborn one, though.”
“I just may take you up on that offer, Your Grace. Of course, your stables are almost a mile from my cottage. By the time I walk to them and collect a mount and ride into the village, I would still have to return the horse to Norwood and walk a mile home. That is about equal to my walk into Kidsgrove.”
“You are living nearby?” Tray asked.
David nodded. “Yes, in a cottage which was vacated by one of His Grace’s tenants. Fortunately, it is on the side of the estate closest to Kidsgrove.”
“How is your shop coming along?” her brother asked.
“Very well. I have a regular set of customers and have drawn in a few others. The books His Grace donated to my lending library have arrived.” He smiled at her. “Your sister was kind enough to come yesterday and spend all day organizing them to her liking.”
Tray laughed. “Oh, I am certain she did so. Justina enjoys a big project. Even though she is the youngest of the Fulton siblings, as well as all of our cousins, she just may be the bossiest.”
“Watch what you say,” she warned facetiously. “Or you may find I have gone in and reorganized your entire library or wardrobe.”
“I appreciated Lady Justina’s help,” David said. “Because of it, I will be able to open my lending library come Monday. I already told a few others, and I believe word is spreading quickly.” He paused. “Tell them of your idea about discussing books, my lady.”
She elaborated on how Sense and Sensibility would be the first book selected and that a gathering would be held to discuss its contents and various characters.
“Lady Justina suggested that we hold these meetings at Mr. Winkler’s inn,” David added.
“I have already spoken to him, and he was most agreeable. It will bring in business for him, and the dining room is large enough to seat many, as well as being in a general location which is easy to reach. I have already ordered several more copies of the book so that as many members as possible might read it.”
“I have already started it,” she revealed. “In fact, I am two-thirds of the way through.”
“But you only got it yesterday,” he protested.
“I could not help myself. I stayed up reading late into the night and picked it up again first thing this morning. I even read while my maid dressed my hair.”
“I do like how she arranged it,” Lady Elinor told her. “I would love to try something similar.”
“Then you must come to Traywick Manor for the day. I can show you around. Bessie could work with your hair. We could ride about the estate. Tray, you could join us if you have time.”
“I would be happy to show Lady Elinor around,” he said.
“I would like to be a part of this if I may,” Lord Marbury interjected. “I am interested in seeing how others run their estates.”
“Then you are also welcome to come, my lord,” Justina told him, seeing the disappointment cross David’s face.
As a working man, he would not be able to close his shop on a whim, merely to visit friends and ride about.
It let her see how different their lives truly were, and she knew nothing could be done about the widening gulf between them.
It also caused her to wonder just when and where they might be able to be alone in order to continue learning about kissing.
“Tomorrow is Sunday,” Tray said. “How about Monday? Would you be available then?”
“I can come,” Lord Marbury said. “What about you, Elinor?”
“If Papa will tell Miss Smythe I must be excused, I would happily go with you.”
The duke chortled. “I know you and your governess have been practicing the art of conversation. Spending the day with Lord Traywick and Lady Justina would be a good use of your time. You may go. I will speak with Miss Smythe on your behalf.”
Lady Elinor beamed. “Thank you, Papa. I appreciate it. It is not that I do not like Miss Smythe. She is very knowledgeable. It will simply be good to do something different for a change.”
“You mentioned she is tutoring you in dancing,” Justina said. “Have you ever attended the assembly in the village?”
“No. When is it held?”
“Once a month, on the third Saturday. Tray and I used to go every time, but since Mama passed, I have not been as interested in doing so.”
“Tonight is the third Saturday,” Lord Marbury said. “Perhaps we could talk you into meeting us there. Elinor could use the practice, and I always enjoy a dance.”
“So do I,” she said. “Dancing is one of my favorite things to do. Besides painting, of course.” Justina looked to David. “Might you wish to attend, Mr. Rochester?”
He shrugged. “Probably not, my lady.”
Disappointment filled her. “If you change your mind, it is held at the inn since Mr. Winkler’s place is the largest in the village.
All the tables and chairs are pushed against the walls, leaving plenty of space to dance.
I think it would be wise of you to attend, at least this first time.
You are a new face, and it might help if you spoke of your bookshop to others.
You might draw in new customers if you did so. ”
“He will go,” Lord Marbury assured her. “If I have to drag him there. You can dance with both Elinor and Lady Justina, David.”
“And I will be happy to also dance with Lady Elinor,” Tray volunteered.
“I hope I do not embarrass myself,” Lady Elinor said. “It is one thing to practice with Miss Smythe and quite another to dance with a true partner.”
“Why don’t we get a bit of practice in now, before tonight’s assembly?” suggested Tray. “Summon your governess, and we can go and dance a bit now.”
Lady Elinor looked extremely pleased. “That would be wonderful, my lord. Henry, will you come? And David, you and Lady Justina should, as well.”
“His Grace said that I might look in the attics for some furniture for my bookshop. I believe I will do that instead.” He looked at her. “Are you still willing to assist me in choosing a few pieces, my lady?”
“Certainly, Mr. Rochester,” she replied, thinking it would give them precious time alone. “Miss Smythe can also partner with Lord Marbury or Tray. That way, you could practice a few country dances together.”
“This is exciting,” Lady Elinor said.
They finished with their tea and then went their separate ways.
David rang for the butler, asking for a lantern so that they might explore the attics.
Once one was brought, he led her up the stairs, saying, “The attics are this way. I am not certain what we will find. I hope something which can be used.”