Part 14 (1/2)

Trees. Everything is arranged. Rest now. We will be home soon.”

”Alva with us? Home soon?” Juliane found it so difficult to reason. ”Home? Judith-the children, I must...” She drifted asleep.

Lady Tretain, who could not make sense from Lady Juliane's mutterings touched her son's elbow. ”What is she rambling about?” ”Mallatt, fetch Lady Juliane's cloak and then fetch a rug from the coach. I do not wish to risk her taking a chill.

”Meg!” the earl called loudly.

Disliking to desert Lady Juliane with such a harridan descending upon her, Meg had been hovering close

by the door. When she entered and saw Lady Juliane collapsed on the bed she gasped.

”It is all right, Meg. We gave her a draught to help her rest. You know how much she has overexerted of late.

”Will you have Alva ready the children? Are the warming bricks ready yet?”

Meg eyed those in the room with mistrust. Lady Juliane had not been happy with the idea of leaving.

Were these people to be trusted?

”The bricks be ready,” she said slowly. ”Be ye certain her ladys.h.i.+p be all right?”

Lord Adrian went to Meg and put a hand on her shoulder. He looked directly at her. ”I promise you,

Lady Juliane will have only the best of care from now on.”

”Ye make sure o' that, m'lord,” Meg choked. She turned away quickly and called to Andre to come with her.

With Mallatt's help, Lord Adrian wrapped Lady Juliane in her cloak.

His mother sat on the lone chair during this procedure. After Mallatt went for the rug, mother and son

a.s.sessed each other.

”Is she your wife?” Lady Tretain asked.

”Would I travel to Trees with her if she were not?” the earl parried.

”I know not,” she sighed. ”I am an old woman and not well. You have tried me sorely these years past. I

trust you have enough feeling for your heritage, if not for me, not to play such a farce.”

Returning, Mallatt said, ”The rug, my lord.”

”Let us wrap it about her. I will carry her. You shall take down the remainder of the baggage.

”Don't give me that look. I am completely restored and trust I can manage her,” Lord Adrian snapped

when Mallatt hesitated. He lifted Lady Juliane into his arms.

”Mother, if you will.”

Lady Tretain rose and haughtily swept from the room. If her son would not confide in her, she would soon see how this ”wife” withstood her ”welcome.”

Alva and the children were settled in the light carriage in which Lady Tretain's servants travelled by the time Lord Adrian's party reached the yard. His mother ordered her abigail to accompany the children and allowed Mallatt to hand her into the coach.

Since Lady Julianne had not proven a bit of fluff, Lord Adrian handed her to Jove. He glanced up and saw the coachmen absorbing every detail. They would store everything they saw and heard to share with the staff at Trees.

Doubting he could he forestall them he climbed into the coach and asked the farmer to hand Lady Juliane to him.

”Mallatt, I wish you to replay the coachman and take up the ribbons. Mind you, keep the pace easy.

”Meg, Jove. Thank you for your kindness. I will take care that Alva is happy in her work. You will be rewarded,” he told them.

”G.o.d speed to ye, m'lord,” Jove told him.

A footman closed the door at Lord Adrian's nod.

The interior of the coach was richly appointed and thickly padded with velvet cus.h.i.+ons. Lord Adrian settled Lady Juliane amongst these. Making himself comfortable in the opposite corner, he eased her head onto his lap.