Lady Revealed (18 page)

Though it was early to call by Society standards, Acker could not wait any longer to see Juliette. The door was opened by a young maid who had not been there the evening before. No doubt Bentley had sent servants to attend to the household. She stood back so he could enter and he took in the scene. Boxes were stacked and there was a flurry of activity. She was leaving so soon? Hopefully it was in preparation for the country and not that her mother had decided to move somewhere again.

Juliette breezed into the small entry. “Good morning, Lord Acker.”

He gestured to the trunks beside the door. “You were going to disappear on me again?”

She chuckled softly. “I was going to send a message but I did not have your direction.”

Her words pacified him somewhat.

“When are you leaving?”

“Tomorrow morning. Bentley will send a traveling coach for us.”

It was quicker than he had anticipated. He would have to rush home, after he visited with Juliette of course, and see that his belongings were packed.

“How is your mother? Did the physician visit?”

What smile she held earlier disappeared and tears sprang to her eyes. Acker resisted the urge to pull her close. “What is it?”

Juliette glanced about the area overrun with servants. “Come with me.” She grasped his hand and led him out of their set of rooms, down the stairs and out of the building. Once she reached outside she took a deep breath and glanced around. Several people were out walking and if Juliette wished to speak in private it could not be done here. “Walk with me?”

Acker offered his arm and let her take the lead. She sighed a few times, sniffed and blinked, as if trying to maintain control of her composure. Adele’s health could not be so bad, could it?

They came to a small park and Juliette led him to a bench. He sat after she did. “Tell me.”

“Maman has consumption.”

He did not know much about the condition but knew it was usually fatal. “How bad?”

Juliette blinked and a loan tear slid down her delicate cheek and she told him what the doctor had said. “I hope that once we are in the country she will recover.”

Acker wanted to warn her to not hope but how could he? Adele was her mother and he knew he would be devastated had he received the same news about his own.

“That is why the move is happening so quickly.”

“Yes, Bentley has seen to all of the arrangements and sent some of his servants to help us prepare.”

“I am glad I will be with you.”

She smiled weakly at him. “As am I.”

Acker wanted to pull Juliette into his arms, protect and comfort her but they were in a public park with several people about. If only he could take her burdens from her but it was impossible. There was nothing he could do to ease the pain of her mother’s illness and it frustrated him to no end.

Acker searched his mind for topics to take Juliette’s mind off her troubles and then he remembered. He had not told her in Milan his true purpose for being there, but now he could. “I lied to you in Milan.”

She frowned at him. “About what?”

“I was not on my grand tour.”

Juliette’s brow knitted with confusion. “Then why travel there at all?”

“First, I must swear you to secrecy.”

She nodded and he took a deep breath. “I was there at the request of the Home Office.”

“What is the Home Office?”

Acker searched for the right words to explain. “They are a department interested in war, and the downfall of our enemies.”

“Such as Napoleon?”

“He was our main concern until late.”

Juliette sighed. “I am glad he is no longer in control.”

“You understand why I could not tell you in Milan.” Acker wanted to make sure she was not angry for deceiving her. “My purpose was to meet with those in the government who wished the removal of Napoleon from power.”

She chuckled and shook her head. “Of course I understand. You couldn’t very well have announced to me that you were there to spy.”

“I wasn’t exactly spying.” There were others better suited for that work. “I was on a diplomatic mission.”

She nodded. “You still couldn’t have announced your purpose for fear of being arrested.”

“It isn’t that I didn’t trust you.” He stopped. “No, that isn’t correct.”

She lifted an eyebrow as if affronted. “You didn’t trust me?”

“I did.” He thrust his fingers through his hair. How did he explain? “I didn’t know your loyalties. You had been raised in France, during the Revolution and Milan was also governed by Napoleon.”

She placed a hand on his cheek. “Lord Acker, I understand.”

Relief flowed through him. He and Juliette had argued before and he didn’t want this to be one more thing that stood between them.

“You should know, at one time I was glad Napoleon was in charge of France.”

Her confession startled him. He knew of very few who thought the man should rule anything.

“At first I thought he was good for the country. France was coming out of a terrible time and it looked as if the country would once again thrive and life was getting better for many.”

“When did you stop liking him?”

“When he decided France was not enough and wished to conquer every country he could.”

Perhaps Napoleon may have been a good leader, had he remained within the borders of France and not named himself emperor. They would never know. “Well, I never liked him.”

Juliette laughed. “Of course not. He is French and you are English.”

It wasn’t as simple as that but he would not argue with her. Juliette had just laughed and her mood was lighter and he had Napoleon to thank for it. Not that he would ever tell anyone such a thing.

The smile dimmed from her lips and she looked down at her lap. Acker had hoped to make her forget her burdens for a bit longer.

“Juliette? What is it?”

“There is something you should know about me and my family as well,” she said quietly.

“That Napoleon also happens to be a distant cousin?” He teased, hoping to bring her smile back.

She offered a light chuckle but shook her head before looking up at him. “We are friends, are we not?”

“Yes,” he automatically responded though he hoped for more.

“Despite the past and what we have shared, I hope that you will remain my friend.” She searched his eyes as if she were truly concerned.

“Of course,” he insisted. Why was she so serious all of a sudden? Acker reached out and grasped her hand in his. “What is bothering you?”

“You should know everything about my family, my mother’s family, before you decide if you wish to continue to be my friend.”

“Nothing can be so dire that I would turn from you,” Acker assured her.

“My great grandmother, who lived in Paris, was a courtesan in her younger years.”

Acker lifted his eyebrows. He had not known this, but why should he?

“I don’t know who my great grandfather was, and I am not sure she does either.”

“Your mother was born in England though.”

“Yes,” Juliette confirmed. “When my grandmother was eighteen she met a gentleman who
was
on his grand tour,” she said with a teasing smile. “They fell in love and he took her back to England.”

He was braver than Acker had been. Had he followed his heart, he and Juliette would have been married a year by now.

“He knew what my great grandmother’s profession was, and that my grandmother was a bastard, but he did not care. Besides, they would be in England and it was unlikely anyone would learn.”

“That is the family secret?” Acker asked, wondering how this could affect Juliette, or them. That was the distant past.

She took a deep breath and let it out. “Maman became a courtesan in France, to survive.”

This he was not expecting to hear. “Does Bentley know?”

“Yes, she told my brothers last night.”

Acker nodded for her to continue.

“Maman continued as such until we moved to Milan and then she started her life over, being a mother and nothing else.”

“Being from England and knowing how actresses and dancers were viewed, that is why she wanted you to having nothing to do with gentlemen. She did not want you to follow in her footsteps.”

“Yes, however, she was more adamant when it came to you.” She shook her head. “I didn’t know at the time, but maman was afraid that you would recognize her, or note the resemblance I have to her.”

“I never suspected until I came home and Bentley told me that Adele and Julie had not died.”

She looked up at him.

“You both left England around the same age to live with a grandmother in Paris. You moved to Milan at the same age Julia disappeared. The more I thought on it the more I was convinced it was simply a coincidence until the night in the theatre.”

“When Bentley recognized me.”

He nodded.

Juliette squeezed his hand. “Thank you for taking me from the theatre before they could find me. It would have been too much to face the four of them there.”

“It was my pleasure.” He picked her hand up and kissed her knuckles. What he wouldn’t give to pull Juliette into his arms at this moment, to shield and comfort her. She spoke of friendship, but he wanted so much more.

The breeze kicked up and Juliette shivered. Clouds moved above and Acker suspected that if they didn’t get out of the elements they would soon be rained on. It was Juliette who stood first. “We should get back.”

Acker offered his arm and they turned toward her home. “Your great grandmother never divulged the name of your great grandfather?”

“No,” Juliette answered.

“So, it is possible that you could be related to Napoleon after all.”

Juliette chuckled. “I highly doubt so. But if I were, I certainly would not advertise the fact.”

“Does Bentley know you plan on joining us?” she asked a moment later.

“No, I thought to leave it as a surprise.”

“What the bloody blazes are you doing here?” Bentley demanded when he and Jordan rode up to Juliette’s home the following morning. Acker was standing in front of the building, his own traveling coach waiting behind the one Bentley had provided while the servants loaded the traveling trunks.

“I plan on accompanying Juliette.”

“I don’t recall you being invited,” Jordan reminded him.

Acker had expected some opposition because this was a family matter and they all liked to keep their lives private. “Juliette asked it of me.”

The brothers shared a look. “If you wish to carry on with my sister,” Jordan warned.

Did the gentlemen think he had no redeeming qualities? “In truth, she nor her sisters trust you entirely,” Acker began. “They trust me, and I am a friend of the family.”

Bentley nodded. “It is probably for the best. Julia needs all the support she can gather around her right now, as do her sisters.”

Jordan looked grim but he nodded in agreement.

“Mother is joining us as well,” Acker announced. “She visited with Adele late yesterday afternoon. Adele is very aware of her condition and what little time she has left.”

“I hadn’t considered that possibility,” Bentley said after a moment. “Perhaps it will prolong the illness so my sisters don’t lose the only parent they have ever known too soon, or before they are comfortable enough to accept us as their family.”

“Mother said they visited for a very long time and still hadn’t caught up before Adele tired. It was Adele who asked her to come with her.”

“I am sure Lady Acker’s presence will be a comfort to her,” Jordan said.

A moment later Juliette and her sisters appeared on the stoop. They made their way toward the gentlemen as a footman carried Adele out of the building and toward the Bentley coach. His mother followed and waited as the footman settled Adele inside.

“I will ride with Adele,” she announced.

Bentley glanced inside. “It will be a bit crowded with all five of you.”

“I thought Juliette could share my coach,” Acker offered.

Jordan’s jaw tightened. Would that man not trust him? Of course, given Jordan’s previous reputation, he probably knew what was going on in Acker’s mind better than anyone. Not that he would seduce Juliette while they traveled. They weren’t in Milan any longer and she was a lady.

“I’ll ride with you,” Jordan said a moment later and tied his horse to the back of the coach.

“That is not necessary.”

“But it is,” he grinned. “There are few coaches for all of us so everyone must share.”

Acker could only hope that Mrs. Jordan Trent joined them as well because it would be deuced uncomfortable with Jordan glaring at him the entire time.

When had this brother become the most disagreeable one? In the past Jordan had been the easiest to get along with. Did it have anything to do with his recent marriage, or was it because he suddenly found himself with sisters and felt the need to protect them from gentlemen? Acker would have laughed given what he knew of Jordan’s past, but refrained. The last thing he wanted was a black eye to match the fading bruise on his chin.

*

Juliette glanced from one gentleman to the next. They both sat on the bench facing her and tension hung heavy in the air. They hadn’t even left the City of London and already she wished to scream. If the atmosphere didn’t calm soon she was liable to insist one of them leave.

The coach slowed and came to a stop before the Bentley townhouse and she glanced out the window. Three coaches similar to the one she traveled in waited before the mansion. The doors opened a moment later and the remaining Trent family exited and they disbursed themselves among the traveling coaches. Not only did she recognize most of them from the evening before, but there was also a young lady and three boys. Who did they belong to? Was there more family than she was aware of? One lady with golden blond hair and light brown eyes glanced about, a frown on her face. Jordan chuckled and stepped out of the carriage. “This way, darling.”

The woman, whom Juliette assumed was his wife, smiled lovingly at Jordan and came toward him. Bentley stopped before Jordan. “The coach carrying Adele will be the lead. They will stop whenever she tires and we will travel at her schedule.”

Jordan nodded and assisted the blond woman into the coach. She settled beside Juliette and smiled. “I am Audrey. There wasn’t a chance to be properly introduced last night given the circumstance.”

“I am pleased to meet you,” Juliette offered, hoping it was the truth.

“I so enjoyed you not allowing Bentley to dictate to you.” She clapped her hands.

Apparently nobody had defied his lordship. Well, at least they hadn’t until she arrived.

“I can’t wait to know you better and this is the perfect opportunity.”

Audrey’s enthusiasm was a bit overwhelming but much preferable to the tension that had flowed between the gentlemen before they stopped.

The sound of horse’s hooves on the cobblestones drew Juliette’s attention and she glanced out the window as the coach her mother was riding in passed. Maman looked tired, but she smiled at whatever Lady Acker was telling her. Juliette had thought she would travel with her mother to make sure she was kept comfortable and did not become over tired, but it was good that she was with her friend. Lady Acker would watch out for her, as would her sisters.

The gentlemen did not say much while they traveled but Audrey kept up a steady stream of conversation.

Juliette learned that Audrey was a bit horse mad and complained that ladies were not allowed at Tattersleys. “As if a lady can’t judge horseflesh as well as a man.”

This comment earned a grin from Jordan. “That is because they don’t know you, dear.”

“And,” Audrey continued in a huff of indignation. “If I wish for
my
horses to race, it is my
husband
who must belong to the Jockey Club. Not I.”

“Jockey Club?” Juliette questioned Acker.

“I am the one who taught Jordan how to race properly in the first place,” Audrey finished as if she hadn’t heard Juliette’s question.

“I think you have quite worn out your arguments against the discrimination against ladies in the racing world,” Jordan offered with a twinkle in his eyes. “And I do wish you would quit telling people that you had to teach me to race.”

A blush stole over Audrey’s cheeks. “I am sorry.”

What had started as a simple discussion about Audrey’s upbringing and the horses her father raced had quickly escalated into her angry complaints against the racing world in general. Had she not been a woman, these matters would not be an issue. Did all of the ladies have something they were passionate about? Audrey seemed as committed to racing as Juliette did to the ballet and she suspected the two would get along well in the coming days. At least Audrey would understand a need to be part of a world forbidden to her, such as being a ballerina would be to Juliette if Bentley had his way. Or at least that is what Acker had indicated. She refused to give up the ballet for anyone and would fight to dance if necessary.

“The Jockey Club is an institution that monitors racing. Gentlemen who own race horses are encouraged to join,” Acker began to explain. “They keep a stud book of all the racers and the stewards attend every race.”

“I’ve never even sat upon a horse,” Juliette finally admitted.

“Yes you have,” Jordan said quietly.

Juliette looked to him.

“With all the wisdom my seven years allowed I thought you were old enough to ride a pony.” He shook his head. “I had you mounted and seated before me, riding in the stable yard when Adele came out. It was the one time I feared her more than father.” Jordan chuckled.

“You were squealing with pleasure and wouldn’t sit still,” he continued. “In truth, I am glad she came out because I was afraid I couldn’t keep you from falling. She would have certainly had my head had anything happened to you.”

Juliette tried to bring forth the memory but it wasn’t there.

“I will be glad to teach you to ride,” Acker offered.

Jordan shot him a look. “I think it is best if my wife saw to the task.”

Audrey arched a brow. “Unless Julia wishes to race and ride like a jockey instead of in a proper sidesaddle, Acker should be the one to teach her.”

Juliette looked between Audrey and Jordan. He did not like the idea of Acker being the one to teach her. “I am not sure I wish to learn.”

“Of course you do,” Jordan insisted. “You are a Trent. We were born to the saddle.”

She was a Trent. Why hadn’t she thought of that until now? She had been born Julia Trent. What would her life have been like if maman had not run away? Would she be a lady of society? Already married? She would have met Acker regardless, but she would have never danced. Juliette could not imagine her world without the ballet.

“After Acker has taught you to ride the proper way,” Audrey grinned. “I will teach you to race.”

“Oh no, you won’t,” Acker voiced before Juliette could respond.

“Why not?” Certainly he wasn’t going to try and tell her what she could and could not do as well.

“It isn’t proper,” he blustered.

“Neither is being a ballerina,” she countered. He had to know she meant to continue to dance.

“I don’t wish to see your neck broken either.”

He said it in the same tone she had used when she said she didn’t want to see him shot. “So, you do care for me,” she teased back with the same words he had said to her.

His blue eyes darkened to cobalt that nearly stole her breath. “That is a discussion we will have in private.” He shot a look to Jordan.

Goodness, what did he mean by that? She thought they were friends now. She hadn’t given much thought to what their relationship might become except that he didn’t dare pursue her to be his mistress. Her brothers had made it perfectly clear that would be impossible, as if she would have even considered the possibility. He hadn’t declared himself before and she didn’t expect him to now. She thought they would continue on as friends and he would remain the person she knew she could trust.

Juliette wasn’t sure how she felt about a potential change in their relationship and she did not dare hope he wished for something more permanent? If so, why now?

Because before she was a ballerina, now she was a lady. She was suddenly good enough to be his wife. That is, if he wanted something more than friendship.

Just the thought of this possibility angered her. She was no different than before and if she wasn’t good enough to marry then, she certainly did not want to marry him now, if that is what he planned.

The coach rolled to a stop and Juliette glanced out the window. They were at a coaching inn and she hadn’t even been aware they had left London behind them. “How far is Bentley Manor?”

“Usually two days by coach but it may take longer, depending on Adele’s needs,” Jordan answered.

Juliette nodded her head as the door was opened by a footman. Jordan and Acker exited and helped the ladies step down. It was good to stretch her legs and she made her way to her mother’s coach. She was curled in the corner, her eyes closed, sound asleep and Juliette turned to Bentley who had joined her. “Why did we stop?”

“We need to change horses.” He glanced inside. “Adele seems to be handling the trip well.”

Juliette nodded. “I hope it remains so.”