Unraveled By The Rebel (14 page)

Even if it meant transforming himself into a different man.

“I
’ve been wanting to visit Madame Benedict’s shop for
years
now.”

Juliette hid her smile at Amelia’s thrilled excitement. She had agreed to take her younger sister with her, but with the solemn oath that there would be no mention whatsoever of their involvement in Aphrodite’s Unmentionables. A maid and a footman had also accompanied them, to help carry any parcels they might buy. Both servants kept a discreet distance from them in the shop, allowing them time together to speak.

“Do you suppose she has the corsets on display?” Amelia wondered aloud. “Or does she have them hidden in a secret part of the store?”

Juliette ignored the questions. “We’re here to find out which colors and designs are selling the best. Nothing more. Promise me you won’t breathe a word,” she whispered in her sister’s ear. “This isn’t only about us. It’s about Victoria’s reputation as well. If anyone found out about her involvement…”

“They won’t,” Amelia promised. But her face filled with delight as she saw other women speaking with the dressmaker, while Madame Benedict held out swatches of colored silks and satins. Her sister drank in the sight of the beautifully made frocks, and when she moved closer to the other women, Juliette could tell that Amelia was eavesdropping.

She didn’t fret over it, for perhaps her sister would learn something. In the meantime, her mind was fixated upon other possibilities. If her sisters each married well and she continued Aphrodite’s Unmentionables on her own, the profits would continue
to grow over the years. Eventually, she might amass her own fortune.

One that would allow her to live close to her son.

At the moment, Matthew was heir to an earldom. After Juliette had learned she was pregnant, she’d sought help from her aunt and uncle. Charlotte had taken her away to have the baby and afterward had returned to London, claiming the child was hers. Lord Arnsbury had embraced the idea, recognizing the boy as his heir. Matthew would never know he was illegitimate. He had parents who adored him, a fine house to live in, the promise of an education, and a title.

It should have been enough.

And yet, it was slowly killing her to watch Charlotte raise the boy as her own. Although her aunt and uncle had been childless for years, seeing Matthew grow up with another woman as his mother was worse than she’d ever imagined. Each time she visited him, Juliette couldn’t repress the desire to get him back, though she knew it was futile.

Hearing her sisters talk about winning a husband, or whispering secrets in the dark about men and women, made her all the more determined never to face the same circumstances again. She would make a new life for herself, one that didn’t involve men.

Madame Benedict was now revealing undergarments to the ladies, one of whom was to be married in the next few weeks. She held out a corset of soft rose silk, embroidered with green.

“Now this one, my lady, is an exquisite creation, one that will support your daughter’s figure and enhance her beauty,” the dressmaker began. “See how soft it is.”

The young lady appeared fascinated by the material, and Amelia now made no secret of her interest. Inching her way closer, her sister said loudly, “It’s the most beautiful corset I’ve ever seen.”

“It’s entirely inappropriate.” The older matron dismissed it with a hand. “Show us something made of cambric or linen.”

“My mother gave me one for my birthday,” Amelia lied. “The silk is breathtaking against one’s skin. Why, I feel as if I’m wearing nothing at all.” She sighed happily, and the girl’s mother appeared aghast. Before she could snap out another refusal, Amelia continued, “Of course, it was frightfully dear, and I understand if it is too much of a luxury for you to afford. I suppose I’ll be very lucky if I receive another one when I am betrothed.”

“There is no luxury too dear for my daughter,” the matron responded in a huff. “She can have whatever she desires.” Gesturing toward the rose corset, she remarked, “She is going to marry a marquess, after all. She should wear garments befitting a lady of her station.”

Amelia nodded solemnly in agreement, then turned and winked at Juliette when the woman ordered three more sets of matching corsets, chemises, and petticoats. After they had left, Madame Benedict beamed at Amelia. “You are Lady Lanfordshire’s daughter, are you not?” With a broad laugh, the Frenchwoman added, “Lady Everett had no intention of buying unmentionables until you hinted that she could not afford them. I must thank you for the sales, mademoiselle.”

“I was only telling the truth,” Amelia said, feigning innocence. “But if you would like to offer a better price on the evening gown I intend to order, that would be good of you.”

Madame Benedict smiled. “We shall see.” As the pair of them discussed a possible design, Juliette walked over to the window, staring at the people passing by. The shop was located in Pall Mall, near a linen draper’s and a tailor’s shop. She amused herself with watching the crowds, until Amelia had finished speaking with the dressmaker. Both the footman and maid joined them when they returned outside, but as they walked along the street, Juliette sensed that they were being followed.

She slowed their pace, wondering if she was only imagining it. The weather outside was fine, but before they could arrange for a
hackney, someone came up behind her and pressed something into her hand.

It was a bundle of violets. Startled, she started to turn around, but a voice murmured in her ear, “Meet me at your father’s house. I’ll be waiting, lass.”

It was the voice of Paul Fraser. The sound of his deep baritone startled her so badly, she couldn’t grasp a single thing to say. Why on earth would he leave Scotland?

For you,
her heart sang.
He came for you.

Before she could say a word, he sent her a knowing look and disappeared into the crowd of people. Amelia hadn’t noticed him, and neither had their footman, from the way the man’s attention was rapt upon her maid.

The bundle of violets was tied up in a small piece of string. Her traitorous heart gave a slight flutter that he’d thought to find her. But why had he told her to come to her father’s town house? Why wouldn’t he simply pay a call upon her at Aunt Charlotte’s?

Because it was unlikely that the Countess and Earl of Arnsbury would receive him.

Still, there was no one in residence at her father’s house, except for a handful of servants. Perhaps that was the reason—it would grant them privacy.

“Who gave you those?” Amelia asked.

Juliette didn’t answer but simply shook her head and shrugged. She wasn’t certain she wanted her sister to know the truth.

“You’re blushing,” Amelia informed her. “Was it a secret admirer?”

“I never saw the man,” Juliette lied, tucking the flowers into her reticule. But her heart fluttered within her chest at the knowledge that Paul hadn’t given up on her. Though it should have exasperated her, she found herself warming to it.

“It was Dr. Fraser, wasn’t it?” Amelia guessed. She beamed with delight, and Juliette stared at her.

“Now how would you think that?” A sinking suspicion grew strong within her, that her sister was matchmaking.

“I sent him a letter and asked him to come.” Amelia frowned a moment, crossing her arms. “But it’s too soon for him to be here. I gave it to Mr. Sinclair only a few days ago.” With a shrug, she remarked, “I have no idea how he traveled so fast.”

Juliette knew. It meant that Paul and Mr. Sinclair had traveled together, shadowing their journey. He’d asked her where she wanted to stay, and she’d told him London. She’d never dreamed that he would follow her.

Their footman hailed a hackney, and she and Amelia climbed aboard, their servants joining the driver. They continued along the road, toward the direction she’d seen Dr. Fraser go. Her heart beat a little faster at the thought of seeing him again.

They were not far from their parents’ town house, and she spied the familiar figure approaching their home. How could Dr. Fraser think to approach the town house? Her family wasn’t there, and surely he knew that. Her nerves tightened with apprehension and more than a little curiosity.

“Stop, please,” she blurted out to the driver, even as her common sense warned that this was a terrible idea.

“Why are we stopping?” Amelia demanded.

“Because Dr. Fraser is walking toward our house,” she answered honestly.

Her sister frowned a moment. Then she feigned a slight smile of surprise. “Why, you’re right. I can’t imagine why Dr. Fraser would come to Father’s residence.” The tone in her voice was filled with untruths, making Juliette wonder what on earth her sister was up to.

Juliette ordered their driver to take them closer. When they pulled to a stop in front of the door, she disembarked with Amelia. Then she ordered their servants to return to Aunt Charlotte’s, promising to join them soon.

“Juliette, is Dr. Fraser… bleeding?” Amelia asked, her face blanching.

Dear God, her sister was right. Although Paul was wearing a dark coat, it hung open slightly. From her vantage point, Juliette spied a bloodstained shirt, and she hurried forward. Horror struck her at the thought of him being injured.

“Are you hurt?” she demanded, without bothering to greet him. “The blood, it’s—”

“It’s nothing,” he said, opening the front door. “Your mother invited me to stay here while I sought employment as a physician. Won’t you come inside?” He glanced behind at Amelia. “And your sister, of course.”

He was staying here? She didn’t at all believe her mother would do such a thing. Never in a thousand years would Beatrice invite Paul to stay in London. She was about to contradict him, but held her tongue when Amelia leaned in.

“It was my doing,” she whispered. “Don’t tell Mother. I wrote the letter because he needed somewhere to stay. I didn’t know he was already here—Mr. Sinclair must have found him sooner than I’d thought.”

The apologetic smile on Amelia’s face spoke volumes. Juliette wanted to groan at her sister’s interference, even as she handed her pelisse and bonnet to a footman. She greeted the butler, Mr. Culpepper, and ordered a basin of warm water and soap, as well as bandages.

“There’s no need for bandages,” Dr. Fraser corrected, “but a linen towel will do.”

“What happened to you?” Juliette asked. When Paul removed his coat, she saw that his hands and forearms were stained with blood, as well as his shirt.

Culpepper returned with the footman, who carried in the basin and towel. “Miss Andrews, Dr. Fraser was invited to stay by Lady Lanfordshire’s orders,” the butler explained. “However, I
am not certain she would approve of you paying a call, until she has returned. I fear that—”

“Mr. Culpepper, we are well aware of my mother’s invitation. Dr. Fraser is a friend of our family, and naturally, we were concerned when we saw him covered in blood. I assure you, we wanted only to ensure that he is all right,” Amelia intervened. “You may go now.”

The butler clucked over his clothing, and the footman set down the basin and towel. Both retreated, but Juliette didn’t doubt that they were close enough to eavesdrop.

“I spent the morning in the hospital,” he told them. “The blood isna mine.”

She wasn’t aware she’d been holding her breath until she exhaled sharply. He washed away the blood, soaping his hands thoroughly. “Why are you here, Dr. Fraser?”

“Why do you think?” he answered quietly. Juliette glanced behind her at Amelia, but it seemed that her sister had taken the opportunity to slip away, leaving them alone.

“You don’t like the city,” she protested.

“No, but if this is where you’re wanting to live, I’ll find my way.” His tone was entirely serious, making it clear that he was not giving up on her. When she stared into his dark blue eyes, she saw the steady faithfulness of a man who cared.

He rinsed his hands and regarded her. “I lost several years in courting you. I thought that before you decided to refuse me again, you should have me for a suitor before you make that decision.”

Juliette clutched the bundle of violets, and the cheerful purple color evoked memories of when he’d picked wildflowers for her when she was fourteen. It seemed like a lifetime ago. Her gaze traveled to his hands, which he’d soaped and rinsed. Those hands could heal the sick… and she remembered the touch of his fingers against her face.

“You needn’t court me,” she said quietly. But seeing him again made her heart falter. How long had he been here? That he’d already begun working at the hospital suggested at least a few days.

He dried his hands with a towel and then poured more water to wash his face. Water droplets gleamed upon his chiseled face. His dark hair was ragged, half-wild with the need to be trimmed. Her eyes rested upon the exposed skin at his throat, where his shirt collar was carelessly undone.

Her skin flushed at the thought of his bare chest, and she couldn’t seem to shut down her curiosity. If they were alone and she were his wife, she could almost imagine sitting in his lap, unfastening his shirt. Pressing her lips to the pulse at his throat while his hands moved through her hair.

Juliette closed her eyes for a moment, trying to erase her wayward thoughts.

“A fortnight, Juliette. Grant me that at least, for the sake of the friendship we once had.”

It wasn’t a wise idea, not at all. A thousand reasons why she shouldn’t see him were poised at her lips. And yet, she couldn’t bring herself to voice them.

You want to see him again,
her heart whispered.
Because you still care.

It was a truth she wasn’t ready to face. To push the idle thoughts away, Juliette reached out to help him wash away a spot of blood he’d missed. “You shouldn’t have left Scotland for me,” she said gently. “Your heart is there.”

“No. It isn’t.” Paul reached out and lifted her chin. “It’s here.”

The dormant feelings closed over her, despite her attempts to freeze them out. The touch of his hand against her face was a balm to her wounded spirit.

He was watching her with the eyes of a man who had no intention of walking away. The knowledge that he’d journeyed so far for her only deepened her guilt. With every moment she spent at his side, her willpower weakened.