A number of people seem to want to know you, Juliana remarked.
It is remarkable how popular a title makes one, Nicholas retorted.
Oh, it takes more than a title, Juliana said. Money helps.
Again his grin flashed, softening the hard lines of his face. Neither of them was aware of how others interest in Julianas identity was heightened by the look he turned toward her.
Cynic, Nicholas told her. Dont you know that you are supposed to protest that it is my wonderful qualities that others admire?
It has been my experience that most people never bothered to look for your wonderful qualities, Juliana answered truthfully. I am sure none of these people are aware of them, either.
Indeed, I think you were always my only champion.
Not much of one, Im afraid. I never managed to save you from punishment, as I recall.
He shrugged carelessly. No one could have, much less a nine- or ten-year-old girl. My fate was sealed the day my father and mother died.
Your grandfather could have taken you in, Juliana pointed out. He should have taken an interest in you, at least.
His only interest was in his various aches and pains, real or otherwise. There may have been some estrangement between him and my father. I dont remember visiting him or his coming to us before my parents died. The first time I remember seeing him was at my parents funeral, and then he turned me over to Uncle Trenton. And from my uncles reports of me, I feel sure he felt little desire to see me.
Twas no excuse, Juliana maintained stoutly.
He looked at her, his dark eyes unreadable. I think that you dont remember me as I was. You were a better friend to me than I deserved.
Nonsense, Juliana retorted. I knew you were not a saint. You were quite often sullen, and you were rude to our governess and frequently bloodied Crandalls nose.
Ah, then you do remember.
Yes. I also remember that few people deserved having their noses bloodied as much as Crandall. He was a vile boy who grew up into a vile young man. And Miss Emerson was not merely strict, she was unkind. Perhaps you should have been less hard on Seraphina. She wasnt really mean, I think, merely selfish and silly. But how could you not have hated your uncle? He was a terrible man. When I heard that he died, I can tell you that I felt not the slightest bit of regret.
Nor did I. He slanted a smile at her. Are we villains together, then?
I think not. Merely human.
You do not know what else I have done, he reminded her, watching her steadily. Its been many years that Ive been gone.
Juliana looked into his eyes, deep and black, and she saw in them, as she had seen those many years ago, a terrifying aloneness. Impulsively, she put her hand upon his arm, saying, I think that whatever you have done, Nicholas, you did because you had to.
And does that make it right?
I dont know. But I think it means you do not have a wicked heart.
He gazed at her for a long time, unspeaking, and the lines of his face softened subtly. He shifted the reins to one hand and placed his free hand over hers on his arm. For a moment they remained that way, unspeaking, and then he moved, letting his hand fall away.
And your heart, I think, is a generous one, he said lightly, and the moment was past. Now, we had best get you home before your Mrs. Thrall starts breathing fire.
Julianas hand tingled where his hand had touched it, and her cheeks were suddenly warm. It took a great deal of restraint not to lay her other hand on the spot where he had touched her; such a gesture would, she was sure, reveal too much of what she was feeling. She wished, with an intensity that both surprised and shook her, that he had not taken his hand away. That he had, instead, leaned closer to her and kissed her.
Juliana pressed her lips together tightly and directed her gaze out onto the streetanywhere but at Nicholas. He considered her a friend. She could not let him know that what she felt for him was something different.
CHAPTER FOUR
WHEN JULIANA RETURNED to the house, she found Fiona loitering in the hallway just inside the front door. The girl had obviously been waiting for her, for she turned to her with a sigh of relief and, taking her hand, pulled Juliana into the empty front drawing room. Juliana opened her mouth to ask the girl what she was doing, but Fiona held her finger to her lips, glancing upstairs in a rather dramatic fashion.
Fiona closed the door behind them softly and turned to face Juliana. You had best stay out of Clementines way. She has been storming about the house for the past hour, ranting about you. Shes in a rare snit.
Oh, dear. Juliana sighed. She had thoroughly enjoyed the ride alone with Nicholas, but as she had expected, she would have to pay for it now.
What happened? She talks as if youd ruined her life, Fiona remarked. Its much worse than when I lost her favorite comb last month.
Im afraid that Lord Barre took me for a ride in his curricle without inviting Clementine to come along.
Fiona let out a laugh. Is that it? I wondered what she was talking about. She kept saying you had stolen something from her, but I knew you wouldnt have done anything like that.
Juliana grimaced. I suppose Id best go face the music.
I wouldnt, if I were you. Ive always found its better to let her calm down a bit. Shell still be quite angry, but shell be less likely to slap you. Why dont we go for a stroll?
Juliana was frankly tempted, but she replied, No. Better not get you into trouble, as well. But I appreciate the forewarning.
She left Fiona and went out into the hall, starting toward the rear sitting room. Fiona was doubtless right about giving Clementine a chance to calm down, and while Juliana was not about to hide from the girl, it only made sense not to provoke her.
However, Clementine apparently heard the sound of Julianas footsteps on the floor, for she appeared at the head of the stairs. There you are!
Hello, Clementine, Juliana said pleasantly, nodding to her.
How could you? Clementine exclaimed.
I am afraid I dont know what you mean, Juliana replied calmly. Why dont we retire to the sitting room and talk about it?
Talk about it? Talk about it? Clementines voice dripped disgust. Do you think that you can try to steal Lord Barre from me and then make it all right by talking about it?
Juliana kept a firm grip on her own temper, saying, Clementine, I assure you that I did not try to steal Lord Barre from you.
What else would you call it? Clementine retorted, color flaring in her cheeks. You cut me out! You
I did no such thing, I assure you. Lord Barre explained that there was room for only two in his curricle, and
And I should have been the one to go with him. Clementine clattered down the stairs, stopping on the second step from the bottomacting from, Juliana presumed, a desire to loom over her, since she was taller than the girl.
Lord Barre invited me, Juliana pointed out. I could scarcely have made him take you instead.
You connived against me. You inveigled him into inviting you.
Clementine, please calm yourself. This is nonsensical, Juliana protested.