The Abduction of Julia (38 page)

Silence reigned as all eyes turned to Alec.
“One thousand pounds.”

Even Julia gaped, but Alec stood impervious, his furious gaze locked with Nick’s.

The Dowager swept forward.
“How generous of you to donate so freely to our charity auction, Lord Hunterston.
Surely Lord Bridgeton will concede your right to own such a beautiful painting.”

Flicking an imaginary piece of lint from his cuff, Nick shrugged. “It is only a painting.”

With a gracious nod, the Dowager signaled Lord Dunston to proceed with the next item. And though people showed an annoying tendency to watch Alec and Nick, the bidding resumed once more.

Julia almost
sighed
her relief aloud when Nick finally lost interest in the proceedings and melted into the crowd.

The auction went on for another hour, but Julia was only aware of Alec’s brooding presence behind her. Discourse was impossible with so many people surrounding them, so Julia was thankful when the last bid was recorded.

When the musicians struck up a waltz at the Dowager’s signal, Alec held out his hand and led Julia into the dance. The instant they could speak without being overheard, he shot her a hard glance and pulled her close. “I should strangle Nick for his insolence.”

“I’m not convinced your cousin had anything to do with the portrait.”

Alec’s mouth thinned. “How can you say that? He planned the entire thing.”

“No, he took advantage of the situation. It appeared to me as if Therese had orchestrated the whole tiling. I have a feeling he was just as surprised as you.”

“I am well aware of your
feelings
, madam.” Alec’s hand tightened on hers. “I do not care for them.”

A mortified blush ran from her ears all the way to her toes. He rejected her love so easily, without hesitation. Struggling to swallow the hurt, she tried to increase the distance between them.

His grip tightened even more and he crushed her against him, impervious to the dancers swirling about them, watching and whispering. “Are you so anxious to be rid of me, love? Perhaps you would rather be dancing with Nick?”

All of the day’s disastrous events swelled into anger. Anger with Nick and Therese for plotting against her, anger with the people who had stood by and watched her public embarrassment with avid attention, anger with Alec for mocking the one thing she had left—her love for him.

Squaring her chin, she stared at him. “At least Nick would have the good manners not to maul me on the dance floor.”

For an instant his face froze,
then
he abruptly ceased dancing. “If that is the way you feel, madam, then I will no longer burden you with my presence.” Without another word, he dropped her hand, turned on his heel and made his way through the ballroom.

Julia stood alone. Pitying stares and sly smiles surged past as the dancers feasted on her humiliation. How could Alec treat her so? She steeled herself not to betray any emotion as she made her way through the horde of twirling couples.

Despite her best intentions, her emotions clogged her throat and blurred her sight. Deeply weary and strung as thin as a cobweb, she had only sheer determination to hold back her tears as she struggled to the edge of the floor.

Suddenly Nick stood before her, taking her hand and bowing. “How kind of Alec, to remember you promised me this dance.” His gloved hand closed warmly over hers as his arm encircled her waist. “Shall we?”

Julia hesitated, but he persisted, murmuring, “Come, Julia. Show them you are not to be so cavalierly treated.”

She managed a jerky nod and allowed Nick to swirl her back into the pattern of the dance, her thoughts settling into a muddle of hurt and anger.

“Everyone is watching you, my dear,” Nick said. “You must smile if you wish to disappoint the curiosity seekers.”

“Why would you care? I’m surprised you are even dancing with me, especially after Alec popped your cork at White’s.”

A flash of anger tightened his features before retreating behind a polished smile. “Last night was a simple disagreement, nothing more.” His hand gently squeezed hers. “I do not hold Alec’s faults against you, my dear. I think of you as very… separate people.”

Julia had to bite her lip to keep it from quivering. “You still haven’t told me why you are helping me now, Nick. I don’t mean to be rude, but I don’t trust you
.“

He laughed. “Perhaps I suffer from the same quixotic impulses that plague my cousin. But it does not matter. The important thing is that you do not allow anyone to suspect you were harmed by Alec’s rudeness.”

Julia lifted her chin. “I don’t care what anyone thinks about me.”

“Bravo, Cousin. That is exactly the attitude we must project. Suppose we discuss something more near and dear to your heart. Tell me, how does your urchin progress? I notice you did not bring him with you tonight.”

“He has a slight cough.” Julia relaxed slightly, thinking of Muck’s fuzzy smile as he drifted off to sleep, one of Mrs. Winston’s famous mustard plasters warming his chest.

“And the lovely Desiree?”

Julia frowned. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you about that. You knew she would be recognized.”

“Oh, I counted on it.” His hand tightened on hers, but he did not attempt to close the space between them. “You would be wise to cultivate my favor, Julia. Once I have the fortune, I might grant some funds for your projects.”

“Oh
?‘
she asked, all polite disbelief.

His mouth curved in an indolent smile. “In exchange, of course, for certain favors.”

“Don’t be too sure you are getting the fortune, Nick. Alec and I have a meeting with the executors tomorrow. Once we explain everything, they will realize none of this has been our fault.” At least, that’s what she hoped would happen. Perhaps she could convince some of the members of the Society to speak with the executors on their behalf.

Nick’s smug voice cut through her thoughts. “I fear it will do little good. Though I did not plan tonight’s entertainment, it was the final nail in a very well-built coffin.”

“Once the executors hear about your part in this, they will not allow you near the money, either.”

“Ah, but you don’t know them as I do. My grandfather became a strict, stern man in his dotage. He surrounded himself with philanthropists with no taste for life and less understanding of the misfortunes of it.” Nick shrugged. “They will be especially offended to read the newspaper article suggesting you had less than pure motives in pursuing charity work.”

“I can’t believe they would heed such drivel. I will speak with them myself and explain everything.”

“Once word of the painting reaches their ears, I would be very surprised if they allowed you to speak at all.”

Thankfully, the dance ended before Julia had to respond. Her face ached from maintaining the fake smile. “Thank you for coming to my rescue, Nick. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I must find Aunt Maddie.”

His gaze went past her, a flicker of surprise crossing his face just as a hand touched her arm.

Julia turned to find Lady Burton beside her. The woman’s proud face softened slightly. “Lady Hunterston, 1 was hoping to catch you this evening. Lord Burton and I wanted to invite you and Lord Hunterston to visit us at Burton Park this fall when the leaves change.”

Lady Burton spoke loudly, much louder than necessary. Julia glanced about and found others marking their conversation. With a flush of gratitude, she smiled. “Lord Burton has spoken many times of the park and how beautiful it is. We would love to attend.”

“Excellent.” Lady Burton patted Julia’s hand and smiled, her gray eyes twinkling. “He’ll be pleased to hear you will be joining us.” Nodding pleasantly, she left on the arm of her nephew.

Julia turned to look for Lady Birlington and Nick caught her arm. “Tell me, Cousin, do you have much discourse with Lord and Lady Burton?”

Surprised, Julia shook off his hand. “Some. Her husband is one of the members of the Society. I spoke with Lady Burton today for the first time, though I must say she has been excessively kind.”

A faint crease appeared between his brows. “Has she?”

Julia searched the crowd, her heart pounding every time she saw a dark head rise above the crowd, though none proved to be her recalcitrant husband.

Nick placed her hand in the crook of his arm and led her to a chair. “If you are looking for Alec, he disappeared into the game room just as our waltz ended.”

“I wasn’t looking for anyone,” she said stiffly, hoping Alec had seen her dancing with his cousin. It would serve Alec right if she hung on Nick’s arm for the rest of the evening.

“Would you like some refreshment, Julia? At least allow me to make amends by procuring a glass of ratafia for your enjoyment.” He offered a rueful smile that for a moment made her think of Alec. “It is all I ask.”

Julia sighed. She supposed it would not hurt to sit another few minutes. Alec was nowhere to be seen and she had caught a glimpse of Lady Birlington deep in conversation with the Dowager.
“Oh, very well.
I’d prefer sherry, though.”

He bowed.
“As you wish, my dear.
When I return, we will toast the executors and their making the best choice possible.” With a final smile, he disappeared in the direction of the refreshment room.

Tonight had been a total waste, Julia thought. Despite its promising beginning, everything had gone wrong. There was no reason to stay. She would seek out Aunt Maddie, make her excuses, and bring this painful evening to an end.

Nick returned and handed her a glass. “There was no sherry to be had, so I was forced to concede to the ratafia, after all.”

She took a sip and grimaced.
“Too sweet.”

“Drink it nonetheless. We must get some color back into those cheeks.” He lifted a hand to her face but Julia pulled away.

“Mind yourself, Nick. We are in public.”

“And if we were in private?”

“You’d have two black eyes instead of one,” she said promptly, taking another swallow. The quicker she emptied her glass, the quicker she could escape.

Nick chuckled. “You never rattle, do you?”

Julia ignored him and took another sip of the ratafia. For the first time since this morning, she felt calm and relaxed, as if she had no cares, no concerns. Perhaps she should go in search of Alec and tell him how silly their argument was.

But no.
Alec didn’t want her.

The thought brought an unexpected flood of tears. She took a swift drink to wash away the lump that lodged in her throat. There was less than a swallow left, the last mouthful unexpectedly bitter. Julia shivered.

Nick leaned forward, his chair much too close. “I have been meaning to tell you how lovely you look without those infernal spectacles.”

Though his forwardness irked her, a pleasant feeling of lassitude washed all negative thoughts away. “I wish I’d worn them tonight. I almost didn’t realize that picture was of me.”

“I was amazed at how quickly you dispatched Therese.” Nick’s voice came close to her ear, his arm brushing her shoulder. “Rarely have I had such a worthy adversary.” He lifted her hand and placed a kiss on her wrist.

Julia knew she should retrieve her hand, but her arm seemed laden with an invisible weight. She blinked fuzzily and watched with almost detached interest as the ratafia glass slipped from her other hand.

Nick caught it as it fell. “Perhaps you need some fresh air, my dear.”

Yes, that was what she needed. Fresh air to blow away the cobwebs that had descended over her brain. Julia stood and almost stumbled, her knees buckling beneath her. Nick grasped her arm and held her upright, his other arm slipping about her waist.

Julia leaned against him. “It’s so hot in here. I can’t breathe.”

“Hold onto me. We don’t have far to go.”

She was vaguely aware that he led her toward the balcony. It seemed as if the ballroom had narrowed into a long, thin tunnel of blue. Faces peered at her, whispers echoed like shouts. Julia concentrated on placing one heavy foot in front of the other.

Finally, after what seemed like an hour, they reached the balcony and the cool night air blew across her, chilling her through the thin silk. But the cobwebs did not go away. Instead, they increased until she was forced to lean against Nick, all her efforts focused on staying upright.

The world tilted first one way, then the other. “Good God. What’s wrong with me?” Her words sounded slurred to her own ears.

His breath stirred the hair at her forehead, his arms tight about her.
“Nothing but a touch of laudanum.”

Somewhere far away, the words sounded an alarm. But Julia didn’t have the energy to do more than mumble a protest.

“Come, Julia,” he murmured against her hair. “We have only a little further to go.” He placed an arm about her and half led
her,
half carried her into the garden and down a path. At some point they reached a coach, the jangle of the traces loud in the silence. The lights from the house seemed far, far away. Nick spoke a quiet command to his coachman.

“Nick,” said a sharp voice from the direction of the garden. “What are you doing here?”

Julia focused on the silver figure and made out Therese’s furious face.

“I am taking my cousin home,” he said calmly as if discussing the weather or the placement of a cravat pin. “She is not feeling well.”

Therese examined Julia. “She is drunk!”

He chuckled and stroked Julia’s hair with a strangely gentle gesture. “Go away, Therese. I have everything well in hand.”

“It looks like it,” she sneered. “What are you going to do with her?”

Nick shrugged, the movement causing Julia’s cheek to rub against his coat. He turned to his coachman who stood silently waiting. “Open the door.”

“Yes, my lord.”

The door opened and Nick lifted Julia onto the seat. She didn’t even have the strength to hold her head upright, but let it loll against the squabs. In the darkness, the voices outside the coach seemed even louder, echoing inside her head with painful clarity.

“If you take her with you, I will tell everyone what you have done.”