* * *
Edward had never known this feeling before. Of course, he had disliked someone, but this hatred… It was new to him. It was as if his body was coiled like a snake, preparing venom for one target only.
How dare Lord Gillet stand over her and talk to her so?
Edward had only caught the end of the conversation by pushing the ajar door open further, but it was enough to know what had passed. Most of all, Edward could not stand how the man towered over Julia, looking down on her as if she were athing,some sort of item to be possessed, rather than a person of flesh and blood.
“You will take your leave, My Lord.” Edward pushed the door open further. When Lord Gillet didn’t move from his place beside Julia and her maid, Edward rapped on the door with his knuckles, just once. “Dally any longer and I will report you to the Earl for speaking out of turn to his daughter.” It was a thin threat, but one that seemed to work regardless.
Lord Gillet left the room quickly, his cold eyes settling on Edward before he left. With the front door banging behind him to signify his exit, Edward crossed the room instantly, tossing his top hat and tailcoat to the side, as he reached for Julia. At the same time, she rounded the chair her maid was in and walked to Edward.
They met in the middle of the room with their hands reaching for each other. It felt so natural to Edward now, to be touching her in some way, for there to be a connection there of some kind. He took her hands in his, hearing her heavy breathing, then he felt the tremble of her fingers.
“You’re shaking,” he murmured with worry.
“Did you hear what he said?” She attempted to laugh it off, yet those eyes nervously glanced at the window, as if looking for the man who had just left.
“Enough.”
“Then can you blame me? Edward, he is…” She trailed off and shook her head, looking down at their connected hands.
“He is gone. Think no more of him.” Edward could see his words did little good though. Julia’s hands were still trembling in his grasp, and she repeatedly chewed her lip, so much so that he could see a speck of blood forming. “Julia, all is well, I promise you that.” He drew her forward.
He didn’t think of the maid that was watching them together, for who would care when they were already betrothed if he was stepping out of line? Edward thought only of Julia. He pulled her into his arms and embraced her. With his arms slid across her back, it was the softest of touches, cradling her against him. When her temple rested on his shoulder and her hands came up to curl around the edge of his waistcoat, he felt his breathing vibrate through him.
Here, she is safe. Nothing can harm her now.
It was what mattered to him, more than anything else.
“All is not well,” Julia murmured after a moment. She looked up to meet his gaze, though she did not part from his arms to his relief. “Edward, he said he didn’t like tolose.He feels he has lost now, and he intends not to let this matter go so easily.”
“What can he do?” Edward shrugged and glanced to the door another time, ensuring her father or mother would not appear at any second to overhear them. “You and I are betrothed in the eyes of…” He paused, remembering the maid. He looked at her, seeing her smiling rather excitedly at the two of them.
“Maria knows the truth,” Julia said quickly. “She is the only one I trust with it.” Maria offered a wave in greeting as Julia spoke.
“Very well. We are betrothed in the eyes of theton. Lord Gillet cannot change that now.” Edward shook his head in emphasis.
“I fear we may be wrong about that,” Julia said, her voice so quiet he had to strain to hear it.
The door opened. Edward heard the creak and was forced to lower his arms from Julia, just as she retracted her hands from him, but they did not step away from one another. Edward saw in their movements that she had tucked something under her arm; it was the book he had gifted to her. She moved it back to her hands now, clutching it as if it were life itself. The thought of her treasuring his gift in such a way made him smile.
“What is happening here?” the Earl of Finch said, joining them in the room. “According to my butler, Lord Gillet just left, making something of a racket outside and causing his carriage to nearly collide with another’s.”
“That would be my doing, My Lord.” Edward turned his focus on Lord Finch, though he didn’t move away from Julia. He found himself longing there was still some connection between them as she looked down at the poetry book in her grasp. “I told Lord Gillet to leave as I did not like how he was speaking to my betrothed.”
“You should be careful what enemies you make, Your Grace.” Lord Finch’s warning left Edward fidgeting.
What do I care if I make Lord Gillet an enemy? That man does not deserve kindness, not after what he has said to Julia.
“Father, please,” Julia said, looking up from her book. “Lord Gillet was outspoken and rude, not to mention cruel in intent. Making an enemy of him is as natural as upsetting a wasp.”
“Julia, did I ask your opinion?” Lord Finch said tiredly.
Edward froze at the words, feeling his jaw hang loose.
Did he just address his daughter so?
Edward couldn’t believe it, even as Lord Finch shook his head.