"The alliances we have are becoming increasingly harder to maintain, there is a shortage of money to funnel to our allies, and there is a lack of popular support for this war." Pitt ran his fingers through his hair. "The problem is, Royston, that I simply do not trust Napoleon Bonaparte. Give me your thoughts on this offer of a truce."
Nicholas hesitated for a brief moment, then spoke decisively. "In my opinion, the only reason Bonaparte wants a peace treaty with Britain is because we have the finest navy in the world. He fears we will eventually defeat France. I firmly believe you are right not to trust him."
"Lord Grenville has given me the same advice. Your honest assessment, coupled with my own instincts, has helped me reach a decision. I will reject this peace treaty out of hand. Thank you for your service, Lord Royston."
When Nicholas stepped outside onto Parliament Street, he felt good that he had not compromised his integrity out of concern for Michael's safety. His thoughts turned to Julia, and he decided to visit the jewelers and look at engagement rings. His mouth curved. Since she had a mind of her own, he would let her choose her own ring, but advice from a goldsmith wouldn't be amiss.
It doesn't seem possible that only last night I was the happiest woman in London and this morning my joy has all evaporated. Julia's heart ached as the seeds of doubt her mother had sown took root. She felt as if she must get out of the house so she could think clearly. Usually, when something upset her, a long walk in the park helped her think through her troubles and resolve them.
She deliberately chose a pretty hat and stepped outside into the late July sunshine. She walked all the way down Mount Street, crossed Park Lane, and entered Hyde Park. It seemed to Julia that all the carriages today held beautiful ladies and their escorts, and she began to feel sorry for herself. She walked around the Serpentine where even the ducks and swans seemed to be mated pairs.
The question she had to resolve was whether Nicholas Royston loved her for herself or for the property she would inherit in Hertfordshire. Her heart told her one thing; her head told her another.
This is ridiculous. There is only one person who knows the answer and that is Nicholas. I shall simply go and ask him.
Julia made her way to Curzon Street, rehearsing what she would say when she bearded the lion in his den. But when the servant who answered the door informed her that his lordship was not at home, she felt suddenly deflated. With a heavy heart and lagging steps she returned home.
Julia sat down at her desk and took out her writing. She asked herself: What would Bess do? So many times in her life just as Elizabeth Hardwick was about to reach a goal, Fate swept everything out of her reach, but no matter how many times she was knocked down, Bess always got up again and carried on.
Soon, Julia was transported back to Elizabethan times, lost in her writing. She didn't hear her mother leave on her afternoon visiting rounds, and she didn't hear the door knocker, nor realize that Hastings had admitted Nicholas Royston. But when Dora came to her chamber door and cleared her throat, she looked up from her writing.
"I'm sorry to disturb you, Lady Julia, but your grandmother would like to see you."
"Thank you, Dora." She put down her pen and followed the maid.
When she arrived in Dottie's sitting room, she was surprised to see Nicholas. "I had no idea you were here." Julia gathered her thoughts. "I have only just found out that my grandmother has willed Ashridge Place to me." She glanced at Dottie. "She never told me, but apparently she told you."
Nicholas could clearly hear the accusation in Julia's voice. "Yes, she did," he readily admitted.
"You make it sound like a conspiracy," Dottie protested. "I can assure you that I didn't use it as bait to catch you a husband, in spite of Claire's accusations."
"It is an easy enough matter to prove your mother wrong," Nicholas said firmly. "I'll draw up a marriage contract that puts the inherited Hertfordshire property in trust for you and your children."
"Oh, Nicholas, that's so generous of you." Julia felt as if a great weight had been lifted from her shoulders, and a red rose began to bloom in her heart. "I love you so much."
Nick grinned. "Get your hat. I've spent the last two hours looking at betrothal rings. I've had a dozen set aside, but you're going to have to make the final decision."
Julia's heart soared; her happiness was fully restored.
"You're not the only one who's being courted," Dottie declared. "Alex Hamilton has invited me to his Oxford University reunion for the weekend, and I've invited him to dinner tonight."
Julia laughed. "Gather ye rosebuds while ye may, Dottie, and I shall do the same!"
Chapter Seventeen
"Let's settle on a date for the wedding, so I can make arrangements at St. George's. You know I don't want to wait, and it will be August in a few days." Nick helped her from the carriage at Gerrards on Albemarle Street.
"Why don't we get married in Hertfordshire? I'd much prefer a country wedding."
"If we get married at St. John's in Royston, most of the town will expect invitations."
"That's only fitting for the marriage of Lord and Lady Royston. We can marry as soon as the banns are read. How about August 23rd?"
"Perfect!" He hugged her happily. "I'll drive down tomorrow and make the arrangements."
When the couple entered Gerrards, the goldsmith who had set aside the rings for Nicholas, greeted them warmly. Julia sat down and a black velvet cushion displaying the rings was placed on the glass counter before her.
"I'm so excited. This will be the first jewelry I've ever owned. Up until now Dottie has allowed me to borrow her jewels for special occasions."
"Then it's time you had some of your own," Nicholas said indulgently.
One by one, Julia tried on all the rings, and each time held up her hand for her groom's approval. He liked the square emerald, surrounded by diamonds, even though it was the most costly, but wisely he allowed Julia to make her own choice.
Finally, she slipped on her favorite. "They are all lovely, but I like this oval amethyst best. The surrounding diamonds contrast dramatically with the deep shade of purple."
"It's the same color as your eyes." He kissed her hand. "It's perfect for you."
"I love all shades of purple. I consider them lucky for me. See how well it fits? May I keep it on?"
"I shall get you a ring box, my lady." The goldsmith opened a drawer and put a black velvet box into a Gerrard's bag for her. "It has been a great pleasure to serve you, Lord Royston."
Julia's eyes twinkled. "My thoughts exactly," she murmured.
On the short carriage ride back to Berkeley Square, the happy couple discussed plans for their upcoming wedding.
"I want my brother to be my best man. I think the timing will work out well. He'll be finished his training, but won't yet have left for Gibraltar where his regiment is to be stationed."
"I'll ask my friend Charlotte Fane to be my maid of honor, and when Dottie returns from Oxford, we'll go shopping for my bridal gown."
"When I get back from Royston, I'll come and confirm that I've made the arrangements at St. John's for August 23rd. Convention decrees that I should formally ask your mother for your hand, sweetheart. We don't want to put her back up by ignoring the formalities."
"You're right, of course, Nicholas. I'm sorry that she is so difficult at times."
When the carriage arrived at Berkeley Square, Nicholas walked her to the front door and kissed her goodbye. Julia went inside and found her mother and grandmother in a heated discussion about the menu they would serve tonight when John Fane and his daughter came to dinner.
Claire wanted a show of elegance, both in the food and table decoration, and was insisting on serving caviar, then quail for the main course.
"Men prefer more substantial food such as sirloin of beef. The way to a man's heart is through his stomach is a cliché because it rings with truth," Dottie declared.
Julia had more good sense than to take sides between these two fem
ales who had such strong opinions, and managed to escape to her own chamber where she could be alone to admire her ring, and decide what she would wear to tonight's dinner with the Fanes and Alexander Hamilton.
When Dottie came upstairs to dress, Julia asked who had won the food fight.
"At my suggestion, we compromised. I agreed on caviar for the appetizer, and Claire grudgingly gave in to sirloin of beef for the main course."
Julia held out her hand to display her engagement ring. "As soon as I saw the amethyst I fell in love with it. I couldn't wait to show you."
"It's absolutely beautiful, my dear. You have elegant taste."
"Thank you. I've decided not to wear it tonight. It would make me the center of attention, and that certainly wouldn't please Mother. Nicholas is going to Royston tomorrow to make arrangements for us to be married at St. John's. We both prefer a wedding in Hertfordshire rather than London."
"Perhaps it would be wiser to keep it from Claire for the moment. She's sure to fly into a petulant tizzy, do her utmost to make your life miserable, and totally ruin the dinner party to boot."
"Nicholas is going to make a formal call on Mother to ask for my hand. We don't want to antagonize her."
"Royston is a wise man, and a damn lucky one too, I might add."
Their guests arrived promptly at eight and dinner was served at nine. Julia looked across the table at Dottie and Alexander. They are such a well-matched couple. My grandmother cannot resist a witty bon mot, and Alex Hamilton never fails to be amused. He knows that I used to write Scandal by the Ton, and that Dottie took over where I left off, but he is the soul of discretion where my mother is concerned. I bet that he and Dottie laugh about it in private.
Julia's glance traveled to the other couple, her mother and John Fane. They are not a good match. Mr. Fane is completely unpretentious and unfailingly kind, while mother's conversation strives to impress. She wants all to know she is on a first-name basis with everyone from the Prince of Wales to the Duchess of Devonshire. Mother considers herself too good for John, but she's so desperate to remarry that she has set her cap for him.
Julia leaned toward her friend Charlotte. "I have some news to share with you after dinner."
"You are absolutely glowing tonight, so I know your news has made you happy."
"I'm happier than I've ever been in my life," Julia murmured.
When the meal was over, Hastings served after-dinner drinks in the drawing room, and Julia took Charlotte to her bedchamber, ostensibly to show her the progress she had made on the book she was writing. Julia closed the chamber door, and brought the jeweler's box from her desk drawer.
"You're engaged!" Charlotte's eyes shone with admiration as she gazed at the Amethyst and diamond ring. "Why aren't you wearing it? Is it still a secret?"
"I only got it this afternoon. I didn't wear it to dinner, because Mother doesn't know about it yet. Nicholas and I have decided to be married in Hertfordshire. He's driving there tomorrow to make the arrangements, and then he'll come and formally ask Mother for my hand."
"Have you decided on a date?"
"Yes, we hope to be married as soon as the banns are read. We are planning it for August 23rd. and I would like you to be my maid-of-honor, Charlotte."
"Oh Julia, this is so exciting!
"Next week, Dottie and I will go shopping for my bridal gown. Why don't you come too and choose your gown?"
"Oh yes! What color would you like me to wear?"
"Charlotte, whatever you decide will make me happy." Julia grinned as she slipped on her ring. "Actually, I've forgotten what it's like to feel sad."
The following day, Julia remembered her prophetic words, and wished she'd never uttered them out loud. After Dottie had departed for Oxford with Alexander Hamilton, Julia decided to break the news to her mother about her upcoming wedding. It's sheer cowardice to keep the news secret. If she throws a tantrum, there's only me here to endure it, and by the time Nicholas comes to formally ask for my hand, she'll have it all out of her system.
She opened the velvet box and slipped the beautiful ring onto her finger, then went down to join her mother for lunch.
"Mother, I want you to know that I have accepted Nicholas Royston's proposal of marriage. He has generously offered to put Ashridge Place in my name when I inherit it." Julia held out her hand to display her engagement ring.
Claire glanced down and her nostrils quivered as if she smelled something nasty. "I presume his lordship is prepared for a long engagement."
"As a matter of fact, we wish to marry in August, in Hertfordshire."
"If wishes were horses, beggars would ride."
Julia ignored the snide proverb. "Nicholas has gone to make arrangements at St. John's Church in Royston, and when he returns he plans to formally ask you for my hand, as custom dictates."
"And of course, I shall refuse." Claire picked up her spoon and proceeded to enjoy her lobster bisque.
Julia remained calm and hung onto her temper. "Nicholas is showing deference to you. It is merely a polite formality. I hope you will receive him with civility."
"My permission is not a mere formality, Julia. My permission is imperative. According to England's marriage laws, a lady who is under twenty-one can only be married with her parent's permission."
Julia's heart sank. "Surely you wouldn't be so vindictive, Mother?"
"I'm not being vindictive, I am being protective. Since I'm constantly accused of being a bad mother, I am determined to make amends. In two years’ time when you come of age, if you still wish to marry, you may do so without my consent."
Julia took a deep breath and closed her eyes. She is actually gloating. How can she take pleasure in making me so unhappy?
"Do have some lobster bisque, my dear, it is absolutely delicious."
Julia's impulse was to slap the smug look from her mother's face, but she would not give her the satisfaction of behaving like a hooligan and stooping to her level. She turned on her heel and left the dining room without another word.
Julia felt as if she was suffocating and went outside so that she could get air into her lungs. Her happiness had turned to misery in the blink of an eye, and she knew she had to put distance between herself and her mother.
She walked briskly along Berkeley Square and stopped before Charlotte's house. The lump in her throat almost choked her, and she knew if she tried to talk to her friend, she would break down in tears. She carried on until she got to Mount Street, then just as she had done the last time she was drowning in misery, she crossed Park Lane and went into Hyde Park.
She kept walking, lost in thought, blind to the people in carriages, and the children out with their nannies. Eventually her steps slowed, and as she became aware of her surroundings, she realized she was in the beautiful spot that Nicholas had chosen to tell her that he loved her.
Julia blinked back her tears and smiled. She could feel the heavy pain begin to leave her heart.
Nicholas loves me, and mother can have no control over that no matter how hard she tries. And my love for him is so strong that I will willingly wait two years if I have to.
She walked over to the water's edge to watch the swans glide about. She admired their serenity and decided to emulate it. Mother cannot stop me from being with Nicholas. I don't give a fig that we cannot be legally married.
Once her mind was made up, she turned and retraced her steps the way she had come. The deep color of a flower bed caught her attention. Michaelmas Daisies! How beautiful they are. Julia bent down and picked some. She gazed at the purple petals and bright yellow centers that reminded her of Luna's lovely eyes. I'll keep them for luck!
Julia awoke early Sunday morning and her first thought was that this was the day Nicholas said he would come to Berkeley Square to formally ask her mother for her hand in marriage.
I cannot let him come. Her smug refusal would humiliate him beyond belief.
She donned her lavender linen walking dress and left the house without
taking breakfast. When she knocked on the door in Curzon Street, the manservant who opened it didn't even raise his eyebrows, and she realized that Nicholas must have told him that she would soon be Lady Royston. He escorted her upstairs to the breakfast room.
"I hoped you would still be abed," she teased.
Nicholas got to his feet. In spite of her playful tone he suspected something was amiss. He wrapped his arms about her and kissed her brow. "What is it, sweetheart?"
"It's Mother. Like a spider she is waiting for you to come into her parlor, so she can deny you permission to marry me. She claims I cannot marry without parental consent until I am twenty-one."
He held her away from him and looked down at her. "Technically, she is correct."
"You mustn't come. Don't give her the satisfaction of denying you."
"Of course I'll come. I shall reason with her."
"I'll come here and live with you. I don't care about us being legally married."
"But I care deeply about being married. I would never put you in such a compromising position. It would cause a scandal and ruin your reputation. Society would treat you as a fallen woman."
"Then why don't we elope? If it's a fait accompli, perhaps she would relent, to save face."
"Young ladies who elope are seldom accepted back into polite society."
"Nicholas, I'm willing to wait two years to marry you, if there's no other way. I love you!"
He dropped a kiss on the top of her head. "I must at least come and try to reason with her."
Julia stepped back. "But not today?" she implored. "Dottie returns from Oxford tomorrow, and perhaps she can persuade Mother to give her consent. With her voice added to ours, it will be three against one."
"If it makes you feel better, I won't come until tomorrow evening."
"Thank you, Nicholas; it truly does make me feel better. It only postpones the inevitable for one more day, but my grandmother has always been a staunch buttress against my mother.