A Gentleman for Lady Juniper (Clairvoir Castle #6)

Chapter 19

CHAPTER 19

T he next afternoon, the sitting room of the townhouse was quiet, the kind of silence that deepened with each passing second, pressing down on the occupants like an unseen weight. Lady Benwaith’s hands lay idle in her lap, her sewing forgotten, while her husband stared into the hearth, though the fire offered little warmth to the somber mood. Richard and Katherine sat close together, her hand resting on his arm as though to offer comfort, while George absently turned a book in his hands without opening it. Susan’s expression was tight with concern as she sat beside Emily, who had barely spoken a word since returning home from the ball the evening before. Her pale cheeks were a stark contrast to her reddened eyes.

The family had gathered without meaning to, each of them wandering into the room which felt the most like home since their arrival in London. Silently supporting one another with their presence, none of them knew of a solution to the problem at hand.

By the window Jack stood with his back to the room, watching the people outside go about their business. The muted murmur of London’s streets drifted through the glass, the distant sounds of carriage wheels and laughter a painful reminder of the world that had turned its back on them. It should not matter—gossip, cruel words, Society’s capricious whims. Yet it did matter, more than it should. It mattered because it was his family’s good name which had been tarnished, Emily’s joy which had been taken…and it mattered because he had promised himself that he would protect them.

Jack flexed his hands at his sides, frustration and helplessness knotting in his chest. How many times had he assured Emily that things would improve? How often had he tried to bolster his parents’ spirits, to give them hope that the whispers would fade, that Society would come around? It all felt like hollow promises now. The scene at the ball, the tears on Emily’s cheeks—those were the only truths that mattered.

And he had failed.

His jaw clenched as Jack turned from the window, his gaze sweeping over his family. They were strong, each of them in their own way, but at that moment they felt fragile, as if even the air was too heavy to breathe. It fell to him to restore their spirits, to find a way through this tangled web of rumor and resentment and ruin. As he wrestled with the words he might say, he found no comfort in any variation.

He didn’t know how to look after them this time.

A knock at the door interrupted the oppressive quiet, the sound almost startling in the stillness.

A footman entered, his expression as composed as always, but there was a hint of curiosity in his eyes as he announced, “My lord, my lady—Her Grace the Duchess of Bedford and Lord John Russell have arrived and wish to speak with you.”

The words hung in the air for a moment before they could fully sink in. Jack’s brow furrowed in disbelief, and he exchanged a brief glance with Richard, who looked equally bewildered.

The Duchess of Bedford and her stepson? What could she possibly want with them, especially after such a disastrous night?

Lady Benwaith straightened in her chair, her composure returning with remarkable swiftness. “The Duchess?” she repeated, her tone a blend of surprise and curiosity. “Well, by all means, show them in at once.”

The footman bowed and withdrew, Jack’s pulse quickening as the murmurs of conversation beyond the door grew louder. He glanced at Emily, who looked up with wide eyes, the faintest glimmer of hope flickering across her face. For the first time since they had returned home, a sense of urgency stirred in him—an awareness that something unexpected was about to unfold.

As the door opened again and the Duchess of Bedford swept magnificently into the room, Jack found himself taking a step forward, wariness gripping him. The rest of his family had stood as was right—thank goodness some of his lessons had registered—to greet her with bows and curtsies.

Her Grace was the picture of poise, her dark hair elegantly arranged, her gown a deep blue that gave her an aura of quiet authority. Beside her Lord John Russell, her stepson, was less imposing but carried himself with an easy grace that suggested he was not unfamiliar with difficult social situations.

“Your Grace,” Lady Benwaith said as she rose from her deep curtsy as the rest of the family followed suit. “It is an honor to welcome you to our home.”

The duchess inclined her head graciously. “Thank you, Lady Benwaith,” she replied, her voice warm but measured. “I apologize for calling unannounced, but I felt it was important that I speak with your family as directly as possible.”

Jack’s gaze flickered toward Lord John Russell, who stood a half-step behind the duchess. The man met his eyes with an understanding look, as if sensing the question that lay unspoken in Jack’s mind. Why are you here?

The man was unable to answer it, however, as Her Grace continued, her expression softening as she looked toward Emily, whose eyes remained downcast. “I hope you will forgive the intrusion, but after the events of last evening, I thought it only right to offer my public support to your family.”

A ripple of surprise passed through the room, and Jack felt his heart give a cautious thump of hope. “Support, Your Grace?” he echoed, his tone uncertain. “I confess we could never have expected such a kindness.” It ought to have been his father who took the lead, or even Richard as the heir. Jack had become so used to his family’s reliance on him, he’d spoken without thought.

No one seemed surprised by the impropriety. Not even their guests.

The duchess’s gaze settled on him, and there was a glint of determination in her eyes. “There is no kindness, nor honor, in remaining silent while good people are wronged, Mr. Sterling,” she said. “I have heard what has been said about your family, and I do not believe any of it is just or fair. It is time we put an end to such talk.” She lifted her chin. “The Duke of Montfort has put his faith in all of you. That is enough for me to do the same. So let us begin at once. It is nearly the fashionable hour for riding through Hyde Park. Lady Emily, allow me to introduce my stepson, Lord John Russell. John.” She nodded to the duke’s third son, a much sought after bachelor.

Lord John stepped forward and bowed deeply to the youngest Sterling. “Lady Emily, would you do me the honor of accompanying my mother and me on our ride through Hyde Park today? With your parents’ permission, of course.” He looked to the earl and countess with a smile that was bright and genuine. “In fact, if Lady Benwaith wishes to join us, I am certain my mother would enjoy her company.”

Emily looked to her mother and father, and they nodded. Jack stood in some shock as arrangements were made quickly, but calmly, and both his mother and sister left the room to change for the carriage ride. His father smiled with the good manners he had always possessed, and did what he would have done should the duchess have arrived at his cottage door: he warmly invited the duchess to sit, and she graciously engaged Jack’s rather startled sisters-in-law in conversation about the ball the evening before.

Lord John came to stand next to Jack, a polite expression of interest on his face. “Mr. John Sterling, it is a pleasure to meet you at last—though I believe I have caught glimpses of you before, while visiting Lord Farleigh at Clairvoir.” His naming the Duke of Montfort’s son and heir did not surprise Jack in the least. In his time as a guard, he had seen many members of the Duke of Bedford’s family visit with the Duke of Montfort’s family, but having one of such high rank remember him made Jack take in the lord with greater interest.

“Indeed, Lord John. I am surprised you would remember a servant.”

The other man’s smile changed from polite to amused. “But you were no mere servant, were you, Mr. Sterling? Farleigh told me the secret, you know. I was worried for the safety of my own family at one time, and I spoke to him openly of the concerns I shared with my father. Farleigh suggested we mimic Montfort’s use of former soldiers as footmen. It was sound advice.”

Jack didn’t know what to say, though his eyes darted to his family to ensure none of them had overheard the conversation. When he turned back to Lord John, he said quietly, “My family does not know the particulars of my employment.”

“Ah. I see.” Lord John gave a succinct nod. “I will be discreet then. But I do wish to tell you that I admire your dedication and loyalty to those in your care. You are a rare sort, Mr. Sterling. I hope to come to know you better, in time.”

What could he do but accept the compliment? “It would be an honor, your lordship.”

“It is interesting, you know. To see how your family, though its origins are humble and unlooked for, has inspired such loyalty and friendship in those who know you.” Lord John’s expression turned contemplative. “Lady Juniper spoke with much determination and vigor on your behalf.”

Jack’s head turned so sharply his spine protested. “Lady Juniper spoke to you? Of me—us?” Shock sparked through him, followed closely by a feeling of longing and warmth. “But when?”

“Last evening, at the ball. Mrs. Erasmus Grey introduced her to my mother, and from there we took a private room to have a most in-depth conversation on the state of your family’s reputation. As both Lady Juniper and my mother are avid readers of Mr. Grey’s work, they found much in common in their admiration for honoring those who are good people.” Lord John’s smile turned crooked. “If I had such a lady looking out for my interests, Mr. Sterling, I would certainly let her know of my appreciation for such a kindness.”

At that moment Lady Benwaith and Emily returned, ready for their ride through Hyde Park. The duchess and her stepson went out with them, and the rest of the family trailed behind them to wave them off as though in a dream.

As the carriage pulled away, Jack turned to the footman nearest the door. “Ready my horse at once.”

“Oh, are you going to the park too, Jack?” his father asked blithely, evidently still in shock.

Jack shook his head. “I am going to pay a visit to Lady Juniper.”

“It is about time,” Susan muttered.

Jack kissed her on the cheek, then Katherine, and did not waste a moment more.

He had been such a fool, putting distance between himself and the most admirable woman he had ever met. He loved Juniper. He ought to have had more faith in her resilience, in her abilities to help his family, to help him . Never had anyone taken up his burden as their own before.

Juniper had done so from the moment she realized it existed.

He loved her. He wanted to share everything with her—the good, the bad, and everything in between. He only hoped he wasn’t too late; that he hadn’t made too much a fool of himself the evening before, hadn’t disappointed her to the point she would view his change in attitude with cool suspicion.

Hope flickered in his heart. But of course she would not! This was Lady Juniper Amberton, an intelligent, compassionate, beautiful woman to whom he owed every pleasant thought he’d had since coming to London.

And he needed to see her.

Jack arrived at Lord Dunmore’s townhouse with a sense of mounting urgency. He knocked on the door, and when the young footman Henry answered, Jack peered beyond him to see servants hurrying about, the household clearly in a state of disarray. The boy’s round face was flushed, and he looked as though he needed to sit down.

“Good morning, sir,” Henry greeted him with a quick bob of his head, his expression one of surprise. “I’m afraid you’ve just missed them.”

Jack frowned. “Missed them? What do you mean?”

“The family, sir,” Henry replied, wiping his brow. “They left at dawn—in quite a hurry, actually. Headed for Clairvoir Castle.” He paused, then added in a rush, “Oh, but Lady Juniper left a note for Lady Emily, in case someone from your household came looking for her.”

A flicker of surprise passed through Jack, hastily chased by his stomach dropping in disappointment. The news of their sudden departure sent his thoughts racing. What had happened to make them leave so abruptly?

It could only be one thing: Lady Farleigh had birthed a healthy child, and the family was summoned to meet the new heir to the dukedom. As Lady Farleigh and Lord Dunmore were brother and sister, it was no wonder he would rush to be at her side, their mother in his company.

“Where is the note?” he asked, trying to keep his voice steady, though his heart pounded with some urgency.

Henry gestured for him to wait, then disappeared inside for a moment before returning with a small folded paper, unsealed. “Here it is, sir. I was to take it to your household, but I suppose you may deliver it instead.”

Jack took the note, the weight of the paper feeling heavier than it should. As there was no seal, after all, the contents were not private. He unfolded the paper and quickly read the tidy, looping hand of Lady Juniper.

My dear Lady Emily,

I hope you will forgive our sudden departure. We received word last evening that Lady Farleigh, sister-in-law to my sister, is safely delivered of a boy. His Grace has summoned the family to Clairvoir with all haste, and there was nothing for it but to leave at once. I am deeply sorry to depart so abruptly, especially given the troubles which have befallen your family. Please know that I shall think of you often, and I am certain that things will soon be put right—and I hope you accept the presumption of a continued correspondence between us. I have faith that those we count as friends will find a way to bring an end to these cruel whispers. Your brother Jack will know what to do, too. He is far more capable than even he knows.

Yours in friendship,

Lady Juniper Amberton

Jack read the note twice, his gaze lingering on the line about himself. She believed in him, even after everything, even after he had kept his distance and allowed the distance between them to grow. A strange mixture of relief and regret coursed through him. She had left, but not without leaving a sign of her faith in him, however small. He could not fail her, nor his family.

He folded the note and slipped it into his coat pocket. There was only one thing to be done: he would go to Clairvoir Castle himself. If Juniper and her family had gone there, he would follow. Not for his family’s sake, but for his own.

With a sharp nod to Henry, he turned on his heel and strode back toward his horse, already planning the quickest route to Clairvoir.