The Redemption of Julian Price(3)

Her life had irrevocably changed.





CHAPTER ONE


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Bishop’s Castle, Shropshire, 1815

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HENRIETTA HOUGHTON OPENED HER EYES to sunshine streaming brightly through her violet-and-rose chintz curtains. Staring through the matching canopy of blooms above her bed, she allowed herself the indulgence of lingering a little longer in her fantasy. She’d dreamt that she was once again thirteen and walking between Julian and Harry at the Michaelmas Fair. As before, when Harry left her unchaperoned to take his turn at darts, Julian had offered to buy her a raspberry ice. This time, however, when he pulled her into an alcove to steal a kiss, rather than punching him, she’d let him kiss her. But this kiss was nothing like the brusque peck he’d planted on her cheek at their parting six years ago.

In the dream, Julian’s warm and soft lips moved over hers in a way that made her tingle to her toes. She’d awakened from the dream with a strange sensation resembling fluttering butterflies deep in her belly that spread their wings outward to the sensitive juncture between her legs. She studied the canopy of flowers with the discomposing realization that this was the third time she’d dreamt of Julian and his kiss since his return to Shropshire.

Ah, Julian. She sighed his name and extended her limbs in a long and languid feline stretch. He’d appeared out of the blue, arriving without the least concern that he’d interrupted the frenzy of wedding fever that had once more struck her family. But that was Julian, never a care or a thought beyond himself. She supposed it was the natural consequence of his careless upbringing. Still, she had been indescribably happy to see the feckless rogue.

Julian’s return wasn’t the sole source of her joy. Today marked her twenty-first birthday. Surely the sunshine that now greeted her after weeks of dismal and dreary days was a good omen of things to come.

Henrietta sprang from her bed as her maid entered the chamber to light the fire. “You need not bother with that, Millie,” Henrietta said. “The day is fair, and I don’t plan to spend it in my room.”

“Ye wish to go out, then, Miss?”

“Yes, I do,” Henrietta replied eagerly. Knowing Harry would be occupied all day with Penelope, Henrietta hoped Julian would be free to join her on her morning ride. It had been many years since they’d raced one another over the dales. “I’ll take a short ride this morning, after which, we shall begin packing.”

“Packing, Miss? Where are ye going?” Millie asked.

“I’m off to London tomorrow to visit my great aunt,” Henrietta exclaimed.

The family at large disapproved of Lady Cheswick, who had been quite a notorious woman in her youth. Her great wealth, however, ensured they kept their sentiments private—especially since she’d sponsored all six of the Houghton girls’ debuts, and contributed sizeable sums to augment their dowries. Henrietta’s sisters had all achieved respectable matches during their respective London seasons, but only Henrietta had attained favor with the old woman. The recent invitation was further testimony of her goodwill toward her youngest great-niece.

In contrast to her older sisters, who were easily shocked, Henrietta had been fascinated by Lady Cheswick’s salacious tales. Perhaps that’s why the dowager had taken such a liking to her. Although Henrietta had received several invitations from her aunt since her debut, familial obligations had always kept her at home. But now, having reached the age of majority, she could finally make her own decisions, the trip to London being the first of those.

“Would you like to accompany me, Millie?”

“To London?” The maid’s eyes became as wide as saucers.

“Yes. Mama is far too busy planning the wedding even to think about leaving, and I simply cannot wait another month until it’s over.”

Henrietta was thankful that Harry’s was the last family bridal she’d have to endure after five consecutive years of spring wedding celebrations. Now they were rapidly moving on to christenings. The thought of all the yet-to-be-conceived nieces and nephews always made her a bit heartsick, especially since her own marital prospects were dim at best.

The maid worried her lip. “But I’ve never been any farther away than Shrewsbury, Miss.”

“Think what an adventure it will be, Millie! The shops, the museums, the playhouses. Surely you wish to see it. Please, Millie,” Henrietta cajoled. “I cannot go completely alone.”

The young maid remained uncertain. “How long would we be gone?”

“No longer than a fortnight. By the Shrewsbury mail, the journey shouldn’t take us more than two days.”

“Ye don’t think the missus will mind if I go?”

“Surely Mother can spare you for such a short time,” Henrietta insisted.

“All right, Miss,” Milled conceded at last. “I’ll have Higgins bring up the traveling trunks. How many will ye be needing?”

“One should suffice.”

“Only one trunk, Miss?” Millie eyed her skeptically. “When yer sisters went off to London, they needed a second coach for all they took.”

“Yes, Millie. I only need one. I only intend to bring a few day dresses and one evening gown, should I need something appropriate for a play or a party. I can take some extra lace and a second shawl in case I have need to wear it twice. At three-and-eighty, my aunt doesn’t get about very much. It’s not as if I’m going to make my debut. I’m finished with all of that stuff and nonsense.”