Again the look of confusion passedover his features. “Do I need to?”
“Of course not,” Acker answeredfor her.
“Is there anything in particularyou wish to know because I would like to have it done withnow?”
“Julia, we only care about you.That is all,” Matthew said. “I apologize if my brothers made thetrip difficult for you.”
She sighed and let her head fallback. “It doesn’t matter and I apologize for myrudeness.”
“It is alright,” Grace offeredwith a kind smile. “I am sure you are exhausted. You could not havegotten much sleep last night.”
Juliette looked at her.
“Your room was next to mine andAudrey’s. We could hear your mother coughing.”
“I am sorry if we disturbedyou.”
“Oh no,” Grace rushed to assureher. “Like my husband said, our only concern at the moment is you.It is not easy when a parent is ill.”
Juliette relaxed at her words. Shewas so exhausted. Juliette’s spine was always erect and her chinup. He had assumed the posture came from years of ballet training.This morning she barely resembled the ballerina with the way hershoulders were slumped and she relaxed against the squabs. IfJuliette did not find rest soon she might become ill as well andthat would never do.
“I am sorry, but I don’t recallyour name. I am not even sure we were introduced.”
“We weren’t,” Grace assured her.“I am Grace, and married to Matthew, the former vicar.”
Juliette returned Grace’s warmsmile. Acker had liked the young woman the moment he met her. Shehad a way of putting everyone at ease.
“I’ve been in your situation and Iwant to assure you that I will do anything I can do to help,” Graceoffered.
Juliette studied her. “Your motherhad consumption?”
“No.” She shook her head. “Mymother died when I was a child.”
“Oh!”
“I was speaking of my father. Afew years ago he fell and a horse kicked him in the head. Afterthat he could not speak or use the right side of his body, and hesuffered seizures.”
“I am so very sorry,” Juliettesaid with deep sympathy. “Did he suffer long?”
An impish grin came to Grace’sface. “Papa is doing quite well, as a matter of fact.”
“He recovered?”
“He is still the same physicallybut he gets on very well. It was that first year that was the mostdifficult as we had to adjust to his condition.”
“I am happy he is still with youand doing well.”
Matthew reached beneath the seatand pulled out two small pillows and blankets and handed them tothe ladies. “Both of you need sleep.”
In that he was correct. Ackercould not recall Juliette looking so tired or ever having darkcircles beneath her eyes. Even her cheekbones seemed morepronounced. Hopefully she wasn’t losing weight from the currentstress. He would need to make sure she ate a gooddinner.
“Thank you,” Juliette said as shetook the offered pillow and turned to Grace. “If you don’t mind measking, and it is probably none of my business, but why did youshare a room with Audrey when your husband is traveling withyou?”
“Not enough room at the inn,”Acker answered. “While the ladies slept in comfortable beds, thegentlemen were relegated to tables, chairs and floors in theprivate dining room.”
“I am so sorry,” Juliettestarted.
He was not about to let her takethe blame on herself. “We were as comfortable as you,” Ackerinsisted. “Even though Bentley snores.”
“He is rather loud isn’t he,”Matthew agreed. “I don’t know how Eleanor puts up with it nightafter night.”
“That was probably the best sleepshe has gotten since they married.”
“Unless she makes him sleep in aroom at the end of the hall. I know I would if I were her,” Matthewlaughed.
“And Eleanor’s younger brothersthought it was a grand adventure.”
“I was wondering if they wouldever settle down long enough to sleep.”
Acker glanced across the coach atJuliette. She had curled up in the corner with the pillow beneathher head and a blanket pulled up to her chin. Her lovely mouth wasparted ever so slightly as she took even breaths. She was soundasleep and love for her welled up within him. Please let her bemine one day.
When had he fallen in love withJuliette? He wanted her; that was never a question. Desired hermore than he had anyone before, but when did he come to love her?Had he been in love in Milan? Acker didn’t think so. All he knewwas that he hated the idea of leaving her. Was thatlove?
It didn’t matter. What wasimportant was that he realized his feelings now.
“I know that look.”
Acker was startled from histhoughts by Matthew’s quiet comment.
“Look.”
“You are in love with mysister.”
He wasn’t ready to confirmMatthew’s suspicions and said nothing.
“Does Julia love you?”
Acker looked back at the sleepingwoman and his heart clenched. “I don’t know.”
Juliette slowly opened her eyesand looked around. How long had she been asleep? The coach was inthe yard of an inn and only Acker remained inside withher.
“How are you feeling?”
She blinked and tried not to yawnbut it was impossible not to and she brought a hand to cover hermouth. “I apologize.”
“You have nothing to be sorryfor.” There was warmth in his blue eyes and tenderness in his smilethat Juliette had not noticed before. Maybe her mind was stillsleep muddled but when Acker looked at her in such a way all shewanted to do was pull him close and kiss him.
Juliette blinked and shook thecobwebs from her mind. What was she thinking? She needed to get outof this carriage and walk in the fresh air before she did somethingfoolish as actually kiss the man.
“Where is everyone?”
“They’ve gone in for a lightmeal.”
Her stomach grumbled at his wordsand she placed a hand against her abdomen. Acker chuckled and movedto exit the coach and help her out. “We should get you something toeat as well.”
First she yawns in front of himand now her stomach made the most unladylike noise. What must hethink? “How is maman?”
“She is doing well, according tomy mother.” He offered his arm to escort her inside. “Like you sheslept a good portion but appears refreshed and ready to continueon.”
Juliette nodded. At least hermother’s condition had not deteriorated. That was all she couldask.
They found the family gathered attables in a private dining room. Most had finished their
