“You once asked me why I have refused to marry. Ever.” She lifted her chin higher. She had never thought to utter these words to any man, least of all Edward. “You have seen my mother and father together. It cannot have escaped your notice that there is acoldnessthere.”
Edward winced and looked down at their connected hands again. He brushed a thumb over the back of her wrist. It was an intimate touch, one that was so soft she found herself leaning toward him.
“I confess, I did notice,” Edward said with a nod.
“There is also power.” Julia couldn’t keep the disdain out of her voice. “My father controls my mother. She cannot issue an opinion without being shouted at and belittled.”
“Does he hurt her?”
“Never physically, but emotionally, very much so. She hides in herself and in that house. She cannot speak her mind.” Julia held Edward’s gaze, wanting him to know the truth. “I vowed long ago that I would not go to that same fate. I do not want to repeat the life my mother has lived. I will not be beholden to any man. I will not be quietened and barked at like a dog in the corner.”
Edward lifted her hand between them. That action made her words end. He turned her hand over and kissed her open palm, his lips against her skin so soft that she couldn’t stop staring at what he was doing.
“I am so sorry, Julia,” Edward whispered. “It should not be your mother’s life, and you are right. It is not the life you should lead either, but… may I say one thing in mankind’s defense?” She nodded, encouraging him on. “Not all men are like that. I promise you that. Think about it.” He lifted her hand one last time and kissed it, before he drew her out into the rain, escorting her to the carriage.
Julia wanted to ask him why he was willing to get wet just to see her to the carriage, but she didn’t. She held onto his hand instead as they walked through the rain. Once they reached the carriage, he helped her inside.
No words passed between them. Once she was in, he stepped up, leaning toward her. He glanced back once, clearly to ensure no footman or any other could see them together, then he moved his lips to hers, kissing her gently.
It wasn’t like their other kisses. This kiss was not of fire and passion, but of gentleness. For one brief second, Julia thought it was possible to earn Edward’s heart.
“Goodbye, Julia,” he whispered the words before taking his leave.
Julia stared at him through the carriage window as she departed, with one question repeating itself in her mind.
Is it possible that man can fall in love?