Page 36 of Juliet's Touch

“You fell asleep in the tub, didn’t you?” Alexander asked.

Juliet gasped, and Emily giggled.

“You wouldn’t be the first guest to fall asleep while relaxing in there,” Alexander said.

“Juliet was in there for over an hour the other night,” Emily said. “I didn’t think she was ever coming to bed.”

Juliet had been in the same tub as him. Naked. Water beading in her lashes and hair and dripping from her nipples. Her buttocks touching the same tiles his arse had just touched. Unable to stop himself, Eric slid his gaze to the beauty across from him. Her cheeks flushed scarlet as she stared at the remnants of food on her plate.

She probably sensed his libidinous thoughts. Truly, he needed to temper the damnable things.

“How splendid,” Lord Chesterhill said. “It warms my heart when our guests enjoy the amenities.”

“Indeed,” Emily said. “And now, we shall have a splendid family day together?”

If Emily was implying that Eric was family, she and Juliet must know the truth of who he was. If this were the case, he would not fret. They would probably be more comfortable in his presence if they saw him as one of them.

“What is our plan for the day?” Juliet asked. “Are we still considering an outdoor adventure?”

“Yes. I think we should meet in the foyer in about two hours,” Emily said. “Following our constitutional, we shall enjoy tea and cakes in the drawing room. Tonight, after dinner, Alexandercan read to us. Mayhap something about a knight who saves a damsel in distress.” She grinned at Juliet.

Juliet glowered at her.

Alexander rolled his eyes. “Sounds like rubbish. May I suggest a tale about a Scottish king who descends into madness and tyranny while being taunted by guilt and paranoia?”

“Oh, I do so love Macbeth,” Emily said, her expression dreamy.

“Why don’t we let one of our guests choose the story?” Lord Chesterhill said.

Even though Auntie had taught him to read, Eric knew nothing about stories, books, and plays.

“What do you say, Eric and Juliet?” Chesterhill asked.

Eric sipped his coffee, giving himself time to think. Luckily, the perfect response came to him. “Please allow Miss Juliet to choose the story.”

Juliet’s lashes fluttered, and she sighed. “I would love to. I shall go to the library later and find something.”

His smile prodigious, Chesterhill nodded enthusiastically. “I dare say, that is a splendid plan. However, I will rest while you young people enjoy the great outdoors. My old bones can no longer handle the cold. I look forward to dinner and hearing all about your afternoon.”

“Of course, Father,” Alexander said. “Eric and Juliet, since you both packed light, if you need to borrow anything for our walk, let Warrington know, and one of the maids shall bring it to you.”

Eric had spent his entire life living with females, and he’d never known any of them to pack “light.” Unless she was running from someone or something. He should have known when he saw her in Mayfair carrying her satchel.

Hell’s thunder! Eric’s coffee soured in his throat. There were two things he had personal knowledge of that might cause a woman like Juliet to run. A scandalous kiss from Knight Roamerand/or her repulsive fiancé. If Eric’s kiss was the cause, he’d never forgive himself for his impulsive behavior.

“Ladies, have either of you written to your parents asking them to join us?” Lord Chesterhill asked.

“No, sir. But I believe Juliet is going to write to them today.” Emily cast a sidelong, questioning glance in Juliet’s direction.

“Splendid,” Lord Chesterhill said. “I will have one of the footmen post it from the village tomorrow morning.”

Juliet’s shoulders sagged. “So, I have until tomorrow morning.”

Stretching her arm to the side, Emily clasped Juliet’s dainty wrist and squeezed. “The truth of the matter is—”

“No,” Juliet said, her voice a soft plea filled with despair. “Please.”

“The Becketts are also family, Jules, and they need to know.” Emily hesitated. When Juliet didn’t respond, she addressed his lordship. “Our parents don’t know that Juliet is here.”