Page 58 of The Ice Queen
“And of course, you both know my cousin, Miss Caroline Saunders,” added James.
As James introduced her, Caroline finally turned to face them. She gave a small nod. “Gentlemen.”
Julian took a hurried step back as Timothy Walters rushed forward and attempted to seize Caroline by the hand. She shied away. Walters gasped at the sight of the bandage.
“Miss Saunders had a small accident and injured her hand. I rendered assistance and managed to stitch the wound,” explained Julian.
“Oh, my dearest Caroline, you poor thing,” gushed Timothy.
Out of the corner of his eye, Julian caught Timothy Smith fix Caroline with a thinly-veiled look of disgust. There was clearly some bad blood between them.
Timothy Smith bowed low to Caroline, but did not offer her his hand or any words of greeting. Julian gritted his teeth as he forced down the burning desire to teach Mister Smith a lesson in manners.
“How are you enjoying your stay in Derbyshire? Radley here tells me you have a commission for a series of paintings,” said Julian.
“Yes,” replied Walters, his gaze not moving from Caroline.
“They are headed up to the Marchington Woodlands tomorrow to do some initial drawings. I was thinking I might go with them. I would only be gone for a few days and could find my own way back to Newhall Castle. Do you think Lady Margaret could act as chaperone for Caroline while I am gone?” said James.
Walters took another step closer to Caroline. “You would be welcome to accompany us, if you wished. Fair Caroline, I would so love to show you the wild countryside of Derbyshire.”
The hairs on the back of Julian’s neck raised as he heard the longing in Walters’s voice. The prick of jealousy he had felt on first seeing Walters now flared bright in his heart. “I have been showing Miss Saunders much of the countryside around Newhall Castle. She does appreciate the greener parts of England.”
He turned to James, keeping his voice steady. “I am certain my aunt would be more than happy to look after Miss Saunders while you are gone, Radley. They are already such good friends. That is, of course, if Miss Saunders finds it agreeable for her to continue to stay at Newhall Castle.”
He added emphasis to the last Miss Saunders. He hated the familiar way Walters spoke to Caroline. In his world, only he had the right to address her by her Christian name.
Walters looked at him and a silent battle of wills began. Julian comfortably held the other man’s gaze. Walters may well have considered himself to be talented enough to lure a young lady with his artwork, but he had not counted on Julian Palmer.Try it, lad. I have a title and a bloody great big castle. Not to mention a very possessive dog. What could you possibly offer her? Caroline is not the sort of girl who would enjoy living in a freezing attic while you pursue your next poorly paid commission. Step away.
“Yes, it is lovely around Newhall and I have become quite settled during our stay. Thank you for your kind offer, Mister Walters, but I shall remain as Lord Newhall’s guest for a little while longer,” said Caroline.
When she offered Julian a welcome smile, he knew he had won the battle. While the gushing Walters had tried to force Caroline into doing his bidding, Julian had played a smarter hand and actually asked her what she wanted.
That’s what comes from making an effort to get to know a woman. Consider yourself vanquished Walters. She. Is. Mine.
“Well then, we must be going. James, since you are coming with us, you might wish to purchase some personal supplies from the local shops for the trip. Miss Saunders, Lord Newhall, it has been a pleasure to make your acquaintance,” said Timothy Smith.
James and Caroline made hurried goodbyes, with James promising to return as soon as he was able. When Caroline insisted that her cousin take as long as he wished with his friends, and not to be in any great hurry to return to Newhall, Julian serenely nodded in Timothy Walters’ direction.
As James and his friends walked away, Caroline let out a sigh of relief.
“Thank you. I had hoped to avoid that encounter. I don’t know what I would have done if you had not been there to save me from Mister Walters and Mister Smith,” she said.
He was about to ask her why she needed saving, from Mr. Smith in particular, but she looked at him and simply said, “Let us talk once we get home.”
Home.
The word rolled easily off her tongue.
As they continued to walk the town square, and finally met up with Lady Margaret, Julian was deep in thought as to how he could make Caroline’s word become a reality. How he could make her see that her home was at Newhall Castle.
That her future lay with him.
