A Friendly Alliance (Heirs of Berkshire, #1) Read online

  “I am sure Peter will do a fine job of making sure your beau is up to snuff once you bring him home to meet your father. He will likely be worse than ten blood brothers!”

  “You are probably right.” Juliana chuckled. “Between him and father, I am doomed to die a spinster.”

  Lady Seton’s smile dimmed, and the light faded from her eyes. Juliana cursed inwardly at her poor choice of words. “I am sorry. That was insensitive.” Juliana rushed to correct her mistake.

  Lady Seton leaned in to place a kiss on Juliana’s head. “I need your spirit. You will be greatly missed by us all when you leave us behind for London.”

  “I shall work fast at securing my husband, so I can race home again.”

  “Oh, my dear, I’m afraid you will be snatched up all too quickly and we will lose a vital part of our family in the process.”

  Juliana pushed back the lump in her throat in being included as this woman’s relations. “I promise to find someone who resides in Berkshire so I can be as close as possible.”

  Lady Seton smiled. “Just be sure to follow your heart, and all will work out in the end.”

  That took Juliana by surprise. She’d never dared tell anyone her hopes at finding a love match, not even Peter. Especially not Peter. He would make a joke of it, surely. But the idea had always been there, abstract as it was. She took in her breath as she thought on her prospects. It was finally her time.

  Her happiness was squashed quickly at the poor timing in all of it. She would gladly postpone London for another year. In fact, she wished it now. It would not be the same without her friend to guide her through its complexities. She would leave for London in two weeks. By then, Peter would be more acquainted with his new role, and she would be able to start her season with its new world beneath her feet.

  She brought her head to the door as it opened slowly. Peter slipped through, taking in the sight of her kneeling so close to his mother. His eyes softened as he moved into the room, never wavering from his observation of them.

  “As I watch my two favorite women, I loathe to separate you. But Juliana, your father is looking for you. I fear he is quite worried.”

  Juliana shot up, not caring at how uncouth she must look, and bolted for the door. Peter caught her hand before she could escape. She startled at his quick movement, but she stopped and turned her eyes to his. He just kissed her hand and whispered a quiet thank you.

  She knew she was throwing convention to the wind, but she did not care. She moved to Peter and wrapped her arms around him. He brought her close without hesitation. He squeezed tightly before loosening his grip and pulling away. He was no longer smiling as she moved from the room. Juliana couldn’t help feeling that things were changing with each step away from him she took.

  When she walked out of his home. She was walking out of her childhood. An ache settled in her stomach at the thought. Even if Peter were still to accompany her to London, things would naturally change. They would be forced to change. Though she felt differently, Peter was not her brother, and she had better start acting as such.

  Chapter Five

  Juliana’s aunt was a practical woman and Juliana once thought her a bit of a bore. Her aunt would much rather keep to herself with a good book than socialize. Her husband on the other hand, was an outgoing, cheerful soul who often spent time calling on friends and acquaintances. As Juliana grew up, she realized her aunt and uncle complimented each other well.

  Juliana found that her aunt rarely went to social parties, so when Juliana accompanied her uncle Henry to an event, she was often left to fend for herself while he took to the open bars or loitered with the other fathers and guardians. Hardly the men she wanted to become acquainted with. Rather unconventional, but Juliana had never been associated with that title, so it was little concern to her.

  At her first ball in London, she spotted a group of girls who looked merry as their eyes constantly roamed to the men dispersed throughout the room.

  Juliana tugged on her uncle’s sleeve after a few introductions were made. Arriving late seemed to be the theme of her life at the moment. “Can you introduce me?” She pointed to the girls.

  He pulled his quizzing glass to spy the girls in question. “The one with blonde curls and a mint green dress is the daughter of our hostess tonight, Lady Latisha Allen. I believe the daughter’s name is Rebecca. Same age as you, and the last of her offspring to need a match.”

  “Let’s not waste any time, then.” She linked arms with her uncle, as he led her to the girls. They turned to Juliana as she approached. The one her uncle had pointed out, Rebecca, smiled widely at her, but the mirth didn’t reach her eyes.

  “Good evening, ladies,” Uncle Henry said with a bow. “May I have the pleasure of introducing my niece, Juliana Gibbon? She is new to this year’s season and eager to make new friends.”

  “Good evening.” Rebecca’s polite demeanor intrigued Juliana, for she knew this girl did not seem to like her. “Do tell us where you hail from.”

  Satisfied that Juliana was taken care of, Uncle Henry bowed out of the conversation, leaving Juliana alone with the four girls. “Benham Park, just west of Newbury,” she replied. “It sits next to Alder Court if you’ve heard of it.”

  Rebecca’s eyes widened. “I have, indeed. It’s a pity the new Lord Seton is not attending this year’s season.”

  One of the girls barely concealed her annoyance at Rebeca’s change in demeanor. “You are only sorry because he’s now a wealthy earl,” she said, confirming Juliana’s assessment.

  Juliana choked back a laugh at the girl’s comment. Rebecca spun on the brunette who’d just spoken, narrowing her eyes. “Patience, one day you’ll end up with some penniless fool and wonder why you didn’t aim for higher prospects.”

  Patience raised a brow. “Careful Rebecca, our new friend will begin to question your character.” She shot a conspiratorial smile at Juliana. “Tell me, Juliana, is Lord Seton more handsome now that he is an earl?”

  Juliana felt an instant liking for Patience as she held back a giggle. “No. In fact, he may become hunchback from the burden of his new-found responsibility. Would that be worth the fortune, Rebecca?” She turned to the cat like hostess.

  Rebecca looked to the other girls beside her. “I believe I am being goaded, come, let us take a walk around the room until they can behave as they ought to their host.”

  The moment Rebecca and her friends were out of earshot, Juliana and Patience burst into a fit of giggles. “She can be deplorable, but she is entertaining,” Patience said, regaining her composure.

  Juliana’s cheeks burned with mirth. “I fear I’ve made a terrible first impression.”

  “Just compliment her later and all will be forgotten. It’s her mother you’ve got to worry about.”

  “Lady Allen?” Juliana wondered at the hostess as she took her eyes to the lady. Her back was ramrod straight and looked commanding, as if she knew her worth in society. Juliana wondered if she would ever be able to display such confidence here in London.

  Patience nodded as the mirth in her voice disappeared. “Her soul purpose in life is to match her daughter with the most eligible bachelor—and she plays unfair.” Patience lowered her voice. “I’ve heard she once soiled a girl’s reputation, just so she could marry off her eldest to a duke. Apparently, the other girl was a threat.

  Juliana covered her mouth with her fan. “She didn’t!”

  “Those are the rumors. Rebecca denies it up and down; says the poor girl ruined her own reputation. But I wouldn’t put it past Lady Allen to have had a secretive hand in it.”

  “That is deplorable.”

  “Some matchmaking mamas are absolute monsters,” Patience agreed.

  Monster or no, Juliana was beginning to feel vile for talking about their host in such a way. “You are not after the title, I presume?”

  “Title? What does a title have to do with my happiness?” Patience scoffed, absently fingering one of her dark curls.
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  Juliana’s interest was piqued. “You sound as if you already have a suitor.”

  “I did once.” Patience’s voice grew softer. “He is working as a barrister now. He asked for my hand the year last, but my parents refused him because of frivolous things like title, status, and fortune.” She shook her head. “I will never love another man as I love Walter Longman.”

  “A barrister is not so bad,” Juliana said, wondering that so small a reason would stop a marriage. “A man of the law can make very good connections and a decent salary.”

  “Decent, exactly,” Patience huffed. “Not enough for my parents. I still hate them for refusing Walter. One day perhaps they’ll see how unhappy I am without him.”

  “I am so sorry.” Juliana didn’t know how to comfort her new friend. She had never been in love herself, so had only abstract ideas about how wonderful it might be.

  Patience shrugged. “Enough about me. Do you have your heart set on anyone?”

  Juliana knew Patience was putting on a strong front for her, and Juliana didn’t want to intrude on her new friend’s confidence. “No. I am hoping to make more connections here in London. I’m afraid I don’t know any of the men in attendance here besides my uncle.”

  “I must introduce you, then!” Patience took Juliana’s hand as she looked about the room. “Come, you must meet Mr. Westcott. He’s adequately charming, and the matchmaking mommas are staying away from him this year because he’s the second son of The Viscount of Highfield, and there are much bigger fish to catch this season. I do feel for his poor brother. He’s absolutely swarmed by women.”

  Patience led Juliana toward a man with dark hair, and quite a handsome frame. His brown eyes glittered with mirth as he spoke with another man. As they moved closer, his eyes shifted and found Juliana’s in an instant.

  Patience stopped in front of him, his smile moving to her. “I’d like to introduce you to my new friend, Miss Juliana Gibbon. Juliana, this is—”

  “Westcott, at your service,” he said, bowing lightly to her.

  She made a slight curtsy, taking her eyes to his. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Wescott.”

  “The pleasure’s all mine, I can assure you.” His eyes sparkled as he took her in.

  “Juliana has just arrived in London,” Patience said. “From Newbury, was it?”

  Juliana nodded. “Yes. My arrival was delayed because I stayed behind to attend the funeral of a dear friend.”

  “The late Lord Seton?” Patience inquired.

  “Yes, Peter’s—I mean Lord Seton’s father.”

  Lord Wescott tilted his head. “You are familiar with the Seton family, then?”

  “I am.” Juliana’s pride grew for Peter, as he seemed highly esteemed in society. “My father’s estate is next to Alder Court. I practically grew up with Lord Seton.” She knew Peter, his every habit, at home at least, but she was beginning to wonder if she knew this new person he had become. Lord Seton had made a name for himself in London while she had stayed back at home, growing up.

  “He’s all the talk lately,” Lord Wescott said. “All the girls are eager to give him the jump when next he arrives in London. We’ve heard he’s amassed quite the fortune after his father passed away.”

  “Perhaps, but Lord Seton’s fortune isn’t his only superior quality,” Juliana admonished. She didn’t like the idea that people liked him for his money. “He’s put up with my stubbornness and still deems to call me friend. Any young woman should be lucky to wed him.”

  Patience raised her brows. “Including yourself, perhaps?”

  The idea made Juliana burst into laughter. Several people turned to stare at her outburst. She quickly silenced her laughter. “Pet—Lord Seton is like a brother to me. I am not intended for him, nor do I want to be.”

  Lord Wescott chuckled. “That boorish, is he?”

  “Absolutely not. Have you met him?”

  “I’m afraid I have not had the pleasure. But from the talk of the ladies, I may not need to too form an opinion about his character.”

  “Oh?” Juliana asked, her interest piqued again by this man. She told herself that she was interested in the man before her, and not Peter. “What do they say?”

  “Some say he is a bit snobbish for not coming to London this year. Others rave about how gallant he is, as if he were a knight errant.”

  Juliana scrunched her eyes before she could stop herself. “His father just passed. He is still in mourning. How could they call him a snob? As far as gallantry goes, I suppose he has some of those qualities. But he’s no knight errant, I’m afraid. He doesn’t have the daring spirit of a knight.”

  Patience laughed and Mr. Westcott nodded thoughtfully. “You’ve made an intriguing study of this man. Tell me, what can you glean from me?” He stood straight, placing fingers on his chin and raising his brows comically.

  Juliana had to bite back her laughter. “From only exchanging a few words with you, I can guess that you have a natural charm around women and men alike. You find pleasure in unconventional conversation and don’t mind gossip—in fact, I’d rather say you crave it.”

  Mr. Westcott’s eyes gleamed. “Impressive. I suppose time will tell if your opinion of me will change this season.”

  Juliana shared his smile but noticed Rebecca from the corner of her eye. She looked on disapprovingly, her eyes shooting daggers.

  An older, slightly balding man dressed in the finest clothes here, though he looked like a stuffed sausage in them, sauntered up to Lord Wescott, bowing to Juliana and Patience. “Mr. Westcott, I find you in the company of two very handsome women. Pray, may I beg an acquaintance?”

  Juliana curtsied as Lord Wescott obliged. “Lord Pincock, may I introduce Miss Patience Hawthorne and Miss Juliana Gibbon. Miss Patience, Miss Gibbon, meet Lord Pincock, Duke of Danbury.”

  Juliana studied the man curiously. If this were the prospects of unmarried girls this season, she would stay far away from catching a title.

  “And most unmarried,” Lord Pincock added loudly, eyeing both Patience and Juliana. Juliana hid her displeasure. She certainly wasn’t going to marry this old Pincock of a man, even if he was a wealthy duke.

  Lord Wescott laughed awkwardly. “As am I, Lord Pincock.”

  Lord Pincock clasped Mr. Westcott on the back. “You’ll be married soon enough; I am on the prowl for my third wife.” He turned to Juliana with a bow. “Would you do me the honor of joining me in the next set?”

  Juliana shuddered at forming a connection with the old man but knew it would be offensive to decline. “I would be honored, Lord Pincock.” Her grimace clearly said otherwise. The man didn’t seem to notice as he took her offered hand.

  Lord Wescott turned to Juliana before she could be taken off. “Perhaps you’ll save the next for me, Miss Gibbon?”

  “I will, thank you.” She showed him her smile before Lord Pincock led her onto the dance floor. The distinct scent of candlewax wafted around the man, but she resisted wrinkling her nose as the set began. She should be grateful she had caught the eye of a wealthy man, but she would have preferred her first dance to be with Lord Wescott.

  As she danced, she craned her neck, searching for Patience. Her gaze fell on Rebecca instead, who stared at Juliana as if she had insulted Rebecca’s entire family.

  She found Patience and Lord Wescott not too far away, dancing and conversing. Mr. Westcott looked Juliana’s way, and she smiled.

  “You are quite lithe on your feet, Miss Gibbon,” Lord Pincock observed. “Do you dance often?”

  “The Setons hold parties often in Newbury. Lady Seton is a very social creature.”

  “I heard about the late Lord Seton, how is Lady Seton faring?”

  “Decidedly less social, I can imagine.” Juliana forced her eyes back to Lord Pincock. “She is still in mourning and will be for quite some time.”

  As they made small talk, Lord Pincock nearly shouted every phrase he uttered. She wondered if he might be slightly hard of
hearing and tried to look as unembarrassed as possible.

  Once the dance was over, her partner led her back to Patience and Mr. Westcott. They both grinned as she made her way to them. Lord Pincock bowed before leaving her with her new friends.

  “Has he made an offer of marriage yet, promised to make you wealthy?” Patience teased.

  Juliana cast her eyes to the ceiling eyes before it was too late. “Hardly. I should be pleased never to dance with Lord Pincock again.”

  Mr. Westcott’s brows shot up. “That enjoyable, was it?”

  “It was that enjoyable,” she teased. Juliana decided that Mr. Westcott was perhaps worth pursuing this season, but only if he continued to entertain her.

  Mr. Westcott laughed and offered her his arm as another set started. “Shall we?”

  He swept her away, easily maneuvering her into place. “Lord Pincock complimented me on my lightness of feet,” Juliana remarked as they began the dance. “What do you think?”

  “I should daresay he’s right. Certainly a better dancer than my younger sister. She has two left feet, as it were.”

  “Are you the middle child, or the younger?”

  “Yes. I have an elder brother, as I see you are aware.” His easy grin held a slight note of annoyance.

  “Perfect, I find I envy your position in the family. I shall need to dance another set with you to glean more information about yourself.”

  That made Mr. Westcott smile considerably. “Do you have any siblings?”

  “I am afraid not. And my mother has been dead these past twelve years. My father likes to keep me close.”

  “I am sorry for that.”

  “It wasn’t as bad as it seems. I had Lord Seton close, and his mother of course. We kept each other company enough.”

  Something changed in Lord Wescott's eyes. Was it envy?

  “I shall enjoy another dance with you very much. “Mr. Westcott moved away to weave himself into the next step of the dance. When he came back to her, they continued their steps, falling into easy conversation again.