Page 27 of Her Beastly Duke
“Where is Emmeline and the boys?”
“They had an early lunch, and they are having a rest.”
“I see. I suppose that means you have been here for a while.”
“Indeed. Are you well?”
“I am. Do I not look well?”
“Absolutely, and I noticed you are not wearing your mask. It has been years since I have seen you without it.”
“I no longer wear it at home, thanks to Miss Walcot. I will still wear it whenever I venture out in public.”
Baxter’s brows shot up, but Julius ignored his stunned and questioning expression.
“You are not one to lay abed, and you missed breakfast.”
“I was feeling rather tired this morning.”
“Hmm. You should be famished.”
“I am, so let us talk over lunch,” Julius replied as he walked toward the dining room. They sat at the dining table, and Julius waited for the servants to leave before he spoke. “Why were you intrigued by my letter?”
“Come on, brother. I have been trying my darndest to get you to crawl out of this cave, and you refused. I was beginning to think you would hide away forever, and you rarely answered my letters. So, imagine my surprise when you replied to the last one and said you would be going to town. That is an about-turn, wouldn’t you say?” Baxter pinned him with a gaze, but Julius was so hungry he was wolfing down his breakfast.
“Yes, it is.”
“I am curious. What brought this about.”
Now that Baxter was here, Julius knew he had to explain Briar’s presence. “The most unusual circumstance.” He paused.
Baxter arched a brow. “I am all ears.”
Julius explained the circumstances of Briar’s arrival at Berkley Estate but did not mention the night of passion he knew he would never forget. Baxter gazed at him raptly. Still, he did not interrupt.
“That is the measure of it,” Julius concluded.
“I can see that Miss Walcot's presence has had an effect on you. You have perked up, and you are regaining your confidence.”
“Indeed.”
“That is fantastic news, and I could not be more pleased to hear it.”
“I can hear a ‘but’ coming.”
“Well, I am sure you have thought about it, but I feel compelled to mention it. Being unchaperoned and alone with you risks Miss Walcot’s reputation.”
Julius sighed heavily, “I know that Baxter.”
“Are you forming an attachment to her?”
Julius was indignant. “Of course not.” He did not want to seem as foolish and reckless as he was in France. He did not know Briar well enough, so he could hardly say he was formingan attachment. Nevertheless, he could not deny her effect on him and how alive she made him feel.
“I wonder if you have thought carefully about the circumstances under which she came to be at Berkley Estate in the first place. She was prepared to break in and steal the painting. I have not met her, but this does give me cause for concern … regarding her character. If we consider our family line, she does not appear to be a lady who could be your duchess.”
“I understand that. I have committed to providing Miss Walcot with a dowery so when we go to London, she will be able to find a husband.”
“That seems perfectly reasonable. I have just had a thought. Emmeline can remain here, act as a chaperone, and travel with you to London.”
