Part 25 (1/2)

Swallowing hard, he ran and threw himself upon his bed, and broke into sobs.

Leora was baffled by her sibling's action. ”Ma mere, ma mere,” she cooed. Lady Juliane walked to her and held her hand. ”Alva, come and take Leora into the other room for amoment.” Letting go of the little girl's hand, Juliane went to Andre. She sat on the bed and placed a handcomfortingly on his back, rubbing it slowly.

”I am sorry,” he gulped out between sobs.

”Do not be, Andre,” Juliane answered softly. ”I understand. We will talk about it on the morrow. Now, dry your tears. You do not wish to spot my gown,” she teased gently, trying to draw him out.

An overwhelming sadness filled her. Her appearance in ball dress could not have failed to evoke

memories of a mother who loved parties far better than anything else.

I should have thought of it, she mused, unhappy to have caused sadness on what appeared to be thebeginning of a joyful night. ”Andre, your Tante Juliane will believe herself unfit for the ball if you continue crying,” added Lord Adrian. He took one of Juliane's hands in his.

”Do you not think she is lovely?”

Juliane looked up at Adrian. His eyes told her that he knew most of the story-that he too wished to

ease the boy's melancholy thoughts.

Sitting up and wiping his tears away, Andre flashed a weak smile.

”That is much better,” smiled Lady Juliane in return. ”We must go now. Obey Alva and let no one enter

your rooms.”

”Can I not see you dance?” he asked.

”Not this evening, son,” answered Lord Adrian. ”But you may watch our very next ball. All night if you wish.”

”Oh, merci.” Thinking on it a moment, he frowned. ”That will be so long from now.” ”No,” laughed Lord Adrian, tousling Andre's curls. ”It will be but six weeks hence, soon after we open our house in London. I will tell you more tomorrow,” he added, not only to Andre, but also in answer to Lady Juliane's questioning look.

”Alva,” he called, ”make certain the doors are secured.”

Returning to the room carrying Leora, the girl nodded. ”Aye, m'lord.”

”Let us go, Juliane. I cannot wait to see Louis' expression.”

”He cannot help but appreciate our appearance, although he may not be pleased with your looks,” she said, a sparkle in her eyes.

”Why is that?”

”Your attire cannot but put his to shame this evening, my lord.”

Lord Adrian halted at the top of the stairs. ”You will never succeed with such flattery. Besides, I thought we had reached an understanding.” Placing a kiss lightly upon her lips, he said sternly, ”I will do this every time you fail to call me by name this evening.”

Blus.h.i.+ng, Lady Juliane blurted, ”You would not dare.”

”We shall see. Your hand, my dear,” he said, raising his. ”We must make a suitably formal entrance.”

Holdt watched the earl and his lady glide gracefully down the stairs. Although he succeeded in tempering a smile at his pleasure in them, he failed to hide his pride. As the two continued toward him, he stepped through the double doors into the drawing room and announced sonorously: ”Lord Adrian, Earl of Tretain and Lady Juliane, Countess of Tretain.”

A thrill sweep through Juliane. If only it could be. She looked at Adrian and was buoyed by the love she saw in his eyes.

The silence that fell was broken only by their footsteps as Holdt's announcement ended. Everyone stared.

Lord Adrian led Lady Juliane to his mother. She curtsied low as Lord Adrian made a leg.

”My children, you are an a.s.sured success.” She took Juliane's hand. ”Tomorrow and all the days after

you shall reign rightfully as Lady Tretain. No,” she stopped Juliane from speaking, ”as much as I dislike the t.i.tle, I am most pleased to be the dowager countess.”

Lady Juliane thought she saw a tear in Lady Tretain's eye, but the older woman snapped her fan open

and turned.

”Comte de Cavilon,” she ordered, pointing at him with her fan. ”You will have the honour of escorting me this evening.”

”I am most pleased to be so distinguished,” he answered.

”Lady Juliane, may I say you are tres belle this evening?” he added. ”Only when I am present,” interposed Lord Adrian lightly. The comte smiled and nodded. He had noticed the pair's new rapport, their beaming faces, and loving gazes.

”Holdt, what are you waiting for? Announce dinner. I do not wish to be rushed,” said Lady Tretain as she placed her hand on Cavilon's arm.