I turned back to Robert. “I’m glad you didn’t keep your distance.” I said the words softly and found them to be true. A strange tug pulled at my heart, and I felt as though I’d been inconstant to the one person who had made my life bearable these past nine years.
Chapter Fourteen
Dinner that evening was a quiet affair. Though I tried to curb my reaction, I was disappointed and surprised when Halstead didn’t make an appearance. Much of the meal took place in silence. Over the past week, our small group had come close to exhausting the topics of polite conversation, and everyone took turns trying not to yawn. After a short time in the drawing room, it was with some relief that the party dispersed quite early.
As we made our exit, I purposely slowed my steps, waiting for Hugh to bid Lady Ellen good night. Robert was caught up in conversation with his mother, and I hoped for an opportunity to speak with Hugh alone. With his long strides, he caught up to me in no time.
“You’re looking more and more pleased with yourself every day,” I observed. I held my hands behind my back, still unsure how to broach the topic I wished to discuss.
He grinned, his arms swinging at his side. “Yes, I suppose I am. For all I doubted Mother, I do believe Lady Ellen and I will make an excellent match.”
I turned to him in surprise. “Are things settled? Have you asked her?”
He shook his head. “Not yet. We’ve been here only a week. But I feel quite confident she returns my regard. There’s no reason we won’t have things settled between us before we depart.”
Though I was certain my grin adequately conveyed my feelings on the matter, I couldn’t help but say, “Oh, that makes me very happy, Hugh. Lady Ellen is . . . well, I’ve never met anyone quite like her. And you do make a striking couple.”
“We do, don’t we?” Humility had never been a strong point of his.
I smacked his arm. “I know how your mother feels about the match, but I assume Robert is happy for you as well?”
Hugh nodded. “Yes, though he hasn’t said as much. I sense something is troubling him.” Hugh’s normally easy-going expression was replaced by a more discerning one. “That wouldn’t have anything to do with you, would it?”
I ducked my head.
“Juliet, what is going on between the two of you? The whole carriage ride here you barely spoke a word to one another, and now there’s an awkward tension that seems to follow the two of you about. You normally get on so well.” Something snapped into place, and Hugh turned to me, his mouth hanging open. “Did he finally confess how he feels about you?”
I let out a half groan, half sigh. “So you knew as well.”
“I am shocked you didn’t. Robert always looks at you as if he’s some sort of lovesick cow.”
An unwilling smile lifted the corners of my mouth. “He does not.”
Hugh raised his brows. “Just watch him. Now that I’ve pointed it out, you will notice.”
“Even if it’s true, that doesn’t make the matter any less complicated.”
“Complicated how?” This was what I was hoping for from Hugh—someone who would get to the heart of the matter. Be direct.
“I don’t know exactly. Only that I’ve never seen Robert in that way, and now it seems that everyone thinks I should.”
“Everyone meaning Robert?”
“And your mother.”
Hugh’s eyes narrowed, and his mouth drew into a line. “Really?”
“She told me so herself last night. I was as surprised as you are.”
He shook his head.
I turned fully toward him, wishing he would say something. “I was hoping for your advice—an opinion. You know Robert. And me.”
We had reached the corridor that led to my chamber, and we both stopped. “I think you know well enough by now that if you turn Robert down, he’ll be heartbroken.” He shifted, looking uncomfortable. “You’ve been a part of this family for a long time now. I can’t imagine that changing. But none of that holds a candle to how you feel. You can’t force your feelings with Robert.” Hugh gave a little shrug. “But that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t give him a chance. Give it a go and see what you think. Don’t make up your mind too quickly.” He gave me a brief smile. “You’re still young, after all. There’s no rush.”
He was right. There was no reason to feel as though I had to decide at once. “Thank you, Hugh. You are much wiser than I give you credit for.”
He laughed. “Not sure if that was a compliment or an insult, but you’re very welcome. Good night, Juliet.”
Several hours later I jolted awake to the sound of terrible thunder rattling the windows of my bedroom. Panic rose up inside of me, my heart pounding against my ribcage with dread. I clasped my hands over my chest, hoping to calm myself before I lost control. Rain pelted the windows, but all else was silent save for the moaning of the wind against the castle walls. I urged myself to take several large breaths—deep, slow ones that filled every corner of my lungs. I squeezed my eyes tightly shut, forcing my thoughts away from visions of my mother standing out in the pouring rain.
Just as my breathing resumed its normal rhythm, lightning flashed so brightly I could see it through the drawn curtains, and seconds later a large crack echoed through the room, pulsing through my veins. I jumped from my bed. I would spend the night in the corridor if necessary, but another moment in this room with its tall, gaping windows . . . Heart in my throat, I crossed the room in three large steps and yanked open my wardrobe, pulling my dressing gown out and throwing it around my shoulders.
With shaky fingers I clumsily tied my wrap and hurried out into the corridor as another momentous crash of thunder shook me
