Cocky Earl - Annabelle Anders Page 0,94

toward the foyer.

Charley straightened her back and stepped through the door, closing it softly behind her.

“Shall we walk this way?” It was not a question, really, so Charley merely followed the countess’s regal figure through corridors that had become quite familiar by now. And ironically, enough, moments later they turned the corner that led to the gallery.

The countess stopped at Julian’s father’s portrait, and Charley waited silently, patiently.

“Has my son informed you of the scenario that led to my husband’s death?”

Cautiously, Charley dipped her chin. “He has.”

“I have no doubt Westerley cares for you. For all his charm and confidence, he is a sensitive man. He is a very good man and takes his responsibilities seriously.” The woman shrugged her elegant shoulders. “But there was a time when he did not. As most young men in his position often do, he sowed a few oats. More than a few, actually. And his father and I couldn’t help but be concerned. When Lord Casterley confronted my husband, informing him of Jules’ behavior with Lady Casterley, and that there would be a duel, my husband signed a contract with Lord Brightly—Lady Felicity’s father. They concluded that an official betrothal would bring an end to his recklessness—that such a commitment could allow him to put his irreverence for his duties and our family’s standing behind him once and for all.”

Daisy had been right—as had Mrs. Crabtree.

“But his father’s death did that instead,” Charley guessed, at the same time thinking that locking a person into such an agreement was not the way to keep them from rebelling.

“It hardly seemed necessary to bring the contract to light at the time. He was…” The countess’s eyes seemed bleak and for a moment, rather than feel resentment toward Jules’ mother, Charley sympathized with her. “He was not himself. Not only had he settled down, but he cut himself off from true happiness. He bears the guilt of his father’s death, and he will bear it forever.”

Charley knew this. It was a series of poor choices capped off with what ought to have been a miniscule miscalculation. Charley blinked away a stinging in her eyes at the thought. Her own heart would never stop aching for him because she knew he could never truly forgive himself.

“When Felicity told Lord Brightly of my son’s betrayal, the two of us decided it was time to bring the contract to light.”

This was even worse than Charley had imagined. Jules already carried a tremendous burden of guilt and now… “Surely, you didn’t tell him the reasoning behind it?”

“It was important that he understand why he wasn’t informed of it earlier. We kept it from him for his own good. But he is on the cusp of making a terrible mistake. It is nothing personal, Miss Jackson, but being an American, you could never become a proper countess. And although your mother was a gentlewoman, you’ve inherited far more of your father’s… American traits.”

Charley could only nod as the countess continued. Not that she agreed, exactly, but she could accept the woman’s assessment.

“I had not expected that my son and you would be alone together for so long. The storm made for more than one catastrophe. In your situation, however, this poses a few unfortunate complications. But my party is nearing its conclusion with the ball tonight and I’ve sent a messenger after your father, requesting he retrieve you here without delay. If he cannot, other arrangements can be made to convey you and your maid back to London.”

Charley swallowed hard, biting back the rage surfacing on Jules’ behalf. These people had manipulated his guilt to suit their own purposes. Of course, they rationalized that it was for his own good, but he was a grown man.

The scheme revolted her.

She inhaled through her nose, not trusting herself to open her mouth. This was Jules’ mother. She’d been brutally honest with her, at least, Charley would credit her with that.

It didn’t mean that she would fall into the countess’s plans, however.

“You understand then, why I must insist you remain in your chamber and keep away from my other guests.”

“Out of sight, out of mind?” The words came out before Charley could check them. Because surely, that was precisely what the countess meant by all of this. It was essentially what Crabtree had told her already.

“You do understand.” This time, Lady Westerley’s smile was almost genuine.

“Oh, my lady, there you are!” One of the housemaids had rushed around the corner. Her mob cap askew, and