Juliette watched as her mother pulled herselfto a standing position and moved toward her room.
Genviève went to Maman’s side. “I will helpyou.”
“I’ll make a cup of tea to help you sleep.”Hélène made her way to the kitchen, leaving Juliette completelyalone.
She looked forward to returning to Milan inthat she would be able to dance again and did not have to live insecret. Yet, a part of her wished to know her brothers better. Notthat they cared to know her. They were quick to agree with maman’splan to leave England. Eager even since Bentley was willing tosupport them for the rest of their days. Though they were strangersit hurt just the same. They only shared a father but Juliette likedto think she would not casually dismiss her siblings had she beenin his position.
After she returned to Milan she would not seeAcker again either.
Juliette sighed and wandered to the window.There were still a number of people out this evening and it wasn’toverly late.
It was probably for the best she had no morecontact with Acker. If only she could convince herself that is whatshe really wanted.
Oh dear. Her eyes widened. Jordan hadchallenged Acker. They had a dawn appointment. What if one of themwas gravely injured? Though she didn’t know Jordan she certainlydidn’t want to see him shot. And what of Acker? If he were killedshe could never live with herself. Even though it wasn’t her faultthat Acker had made the proposition, she was still involved and hedidn’t deserve to die.
She whirled about and took in the room,trying to think of what to do. She had to stop the duel, buthow?
Bentley! He was the head of the family. Ifshe appealed to him maybe he could make Jordan see sense. But shedidn’t even know where he lived.
Maman did. If Juliette asked would her mothertell her?
Juliette rushed from the room and caught aglimpse of her reflection in the mirror. She had completelyforgotten she was still in costume. She couldn’t travel throughLondon and call on Bentley dressed in this manner so she alteredher steps until she was in her room. Juliette wasted no time indivesting herself from her costume and chose a dark walking dressto call on her brother. Once she was finished she made her way tomaman’s room, took a deep breath and pushed the door open. Mamanwas resting against several pillows. She had not been able to layflat in bed for some time because it always made her coughmore.
Juliette tiptoed toward the bed to check onher and found the woman asleep. Juliette blew out a silent sigh andopened the drawer beside her mother’s bed. Inside was the envelopeaddressed to Bentley. Now she remembered, he lived in Mayfair. Itwas a bit far to walk, but it could be done though it would takeher a good hour.
She retreated to the parlor and settledbehind the desk Genviève often worked at when attempting to balancethe household accounts and find a way to save funds. Julietteopened the bottom drawer and pulled an old box from the back. Thisis where they kept all of their money. She opened it and retrieveda few pounds, hoping it was enough for a hackney. She hadn’t hiredone since being in London and couldn’t guess at the cost. But, theydidn’t have to worry about funds any longer since her brotherseemed eager to pay their way to Milan, or probably anywhere theywished to go just to get them out of England.
Juliette tried to understand his position andnot be bitter. He was looking out for a sister he had known all ofhis life and who was innocent in all of these lies. But Julietteand her sisters were innocent as well. Why should they be cast outwithout a thought?
Of course, he could have demanded maman leaveand insist Juliette and her sisters remain. That would have beenworse. At least he was letting them all stay together and hopefullyhe would be reasonable and help her stop the duel.
She placed the box into the drawer and roseto retrieve her cloak. With a deep breath she exited their set ofrooms and made her way to the street hoping a hackney came alongshortly.
“What is this about choosing a second,” LadyAcker finally asked once it was decided and agreed upon that Adeleand her daughters would remain in England.
“Jordan challenged me when he overheard andmisunderstood a comment,” Acker answered.
“Adele said you ruined Juliette,” Jordanclarified, glaring at Acker. “I heard that statement veryclearly.”
Acker sighed and shook his head. “I did notruin her. Her mother seems to think that was my intent.”
“Was it?” Bentley asked, his glare matchedJordan’s.
He looked from one to the other. “You two arevery protective of a young woman that a few minutes ago was goingto be shipped back to Milan and never seen again. I don’t see whereit is any of your business what my intentions happened to be at onetime.”
Jordan took a step forward, his hand balledinto a fist.
“Oh, Good God.” Acker tossed back his drink.“I wanted her, yes. I am not going to deny the fact. I justcouldn’t figure out how she fit into my life.”
“After what we have learned tonight,” Bentleysaid slowly. “I think it is very clear where she will be.”
Their eyes locked and held. Was Bentley nowordering him to marry Juliette? While he would finally have her,Acker didn’t appreciate someone else telling him what to do and whoto marry. When he could have forced Bentley to do the same, he hadlet the man come to the decision on his own. Acker would have likedthe same option.
“I think it is none of your business what Ido,” he growled and marched to the sideboard to refill hisglass.
The butler stepped into the room as Ackerturned back toward the gathering.
“A Miss Juliette Mirabelle is asking to seeyou, Lord Bentley.”
“Juliette is here?” Acker asked and took astep toward the door.
Jordan grabbed his arm. “She wishes to seeBentley, not you.”
Acker shook off Jordan’s hand.
“Please show her in,” Bentley
