Lord Robert and his bride (The Duke's Brothers Book 2) Page 4

  As she made her way along the path, lost in her thoughts, she noticed the iron gate a short distance away. She drew in a deep breath, pushed it open, and stepped onto the grounds of Finlay Hall.

  Chapter Six

  “Robert, will you join us? It is such great fun,” Abigail said, calling out to Robert.

  Abigail, along with Emma and a few other guests, were on the lawn, playing a very spirited game of croquet. James had joined as well, although usually he would be on the terrace with Robert.

  This year, however, James was much too preoccupied with Abigail.

  Nevertheless, Robert was happy for his older brother. He had not seen James this happy in a very long while, and it was delightful to see him in such high spirits. He laughed and conversed with the guests as though he were a perfectly normal man, and not a war hero who was troubled and haunted by what he had experienced. Perhaps it was through his love for Abigail—and her love for him—that he had mended the broken pieces of himself. James seemed to be happy and could finally live life to its full capacity.

  For a moment, a hint of envy bubbled to the surface. Before it was able to affect him, he pushed the thought from his mind and scolded himself inwardly. He was not allowed to be envious of James finding love. The lack of his own romantic life was solely his own doing.

  He simply could not speak coherently to a beautiful woman, which was precisely the reason why Robert did not wish to attend Charles’ soirees and social events. The thought of being forced to speak to ladies at the gatherings made him anxious, and he would be forced to retreat to safety.

  “No, thank you,” Robert said, waving his hand at Abigail. “I am quite all right here on the terrace.”

  Abigail pouted briefly but returned to the game within a few moments.

  Robert was convinced she was merely being kind, as she did not wish for him to be excluded.

  How did Charles and James come to be so lucky? The women in their lives were delightful, and despite still causing him to be nervous and stammer over his words, Emma and Abigail were two of the few women with whom he was able to speak comfortably. It was merely a matter of becoming familiar them.

  “Pardon me, my lord,” the old butler said as he stepped onto the terrace.

  Robert turned to him. “John?”

  “Pardon the interruption, but there is a Miss Julia here to meet with you. She mentioned it is a rather urgent matter,” John said.

  “An urgent matter? Regarding what?”

  “A legal matter, my lord.”

  Robert nodded and clenched his jaw, rather annoyed that anyone would wish to meet with him regarding his legal services at his family home. Although, it certainly did provide him with a valid excuse to miss the games Emma and Abigail wished to drag him into.

  He sighed. “Very well.”

  “I requested her to wait in the library. I hope that suits you,” John said.

  “Indeed. Thank you, John,” Robert said gratefully and rose to his feet.

  “Where are you going, Robert?” James asked.

  “I have a meeting with a client. Please do excuse me,” Robert said.

  It seemed to keep his brother at bay, and Robert turned to the door of the terrace and stepped inside. The inside of the manor house was much cooler than the terrace and Robert drew in a deep breath as he made his way towards the library.

  He was not certain who this woman was and why she insisted on arriving at the estate without prior notice or respect for his personal time. He was also not certain what she wanted to speak to him about, and he had reservations that the matter was indeed as urgent as she had made John believe.

  He opened the doors to the library and stepped inside.

  “Miss Julia, I believe,” he said when he noticed her standing with her back turned, scanning the bookcase in front of her.

  His original thought to send the woman away with a rebuke was swiftly replaced by shock as she turned around to face him. The young woman was younger than he had anticipated, and the mere sight of her caused him to stop abruptly.

  “Indeed, Barrister Melton,” she said and slowly approached him. “My name is Julia Gould and I would not have come if it was not a matter of great import.” Robert opened his mouth to respond but he was startled speechless by the beautiful young woman. Her rich brown hair, which had escaped from her dark green bonnet, sparkled in the sunlight from the window behind her, adding an ethereal halo-like glow around her.

  “I do sincerely apologise for arriving unannounced and without an appointment,” she said after a pause. “But I must speak with you.”

  “Regarding?” he asked.

  “Lady Arabella. She is my great-aunt and—”

  “Is she all right? Has something happened to her?”

  “Indeed. She is merely distressed, but she requires your assistance,” Julia said and clasped her hands together. “She mentioned to me that you have given her legal advice on prior occasions.”

  “I have. Despite what many people think of her, she is quite lovely,” Robert said. He had a genuine fondness for the neighbour, who many thought brash and unkind.

  “Indeed, she is.” Abigail said with a fervent nod. “I care very much for her, which was precisely the reason why I hastily made my way here. I do hope I am not intruding.”

  “Oh, no. Not at all.” Robert said with a dismissive wave of his hand. “Truthfully, I was rather relieved when John informed me of your presence.”

  “And why is that?” she asked, her eyes sparkling with intrigue.

  “My brothers and their wives wanted me to join them in a few games on the lawn. And...”

  “And you would rather assist Arabella than take part in their games?”

  “Indeed,” Robert said, and cleared his throat. “What seems to be the trouble?”

  “She wished for me to escort you back to Kinsley Hall, but I do not want to take you away from your family. Especially not without prior notice. I do understand that an appointment is required. I would much rather you hear it from her, as I do not know the precise history of her relationship with her son and grandson.”

  “Freddy Montclair,” Robert said, his hand tightening into fists at his sides. The man didn’t deserve the title of “gentleman.”

  Julia’s eyebrows fluttered up, obviously surprised that he knew that Freddy was the one to whom she referred without even having to say it. “Indeed.” Julia said slowly. “Has she spoken of him?”

  “Many times. He only calls upon her when he needs something from her, and for the most part, it is money. Is this the case?”

  “Indeed. He arrived at the estate last evening and invited himself to stay for a few days. He is rude and rash and abrasive. He does not care if he crosses a line and he is very inappropriate. He demanded money from Arabella and when she refused, he said things that were horrible and tried to manipulate her. He even went as far as to...”

  Her voice trailed off and Robert grew concerned as she paled as though traumatised. It was not surprising, as Freddy Montclair had a history of tormenting women and acting as though he were superior to everyone else. What was indeed surprising, was how concerned he felt for Julia’s safety.

  “What did he do to you, Julia?” he asked and stepped towards her.

  Julia’s lips trembled and as her gaze met his, the sound of footsteps approaching came from the doors behind him. Robert glanced over his shoulder and saw Emma, along with a maidservant with a tray containing a pot of tea, and two teacups.

  “Robert, pardon the interruption,” Emma said apologetically. “I thought you and Julia would care for some tea.”

  “Good afternoon, Your Grace,” Julia said with a deep curtsey.

  “Lovely to see you again,” Emma said.

  “You two ladies know one another?” Robert asked.

  “Of course. In fact, Julia and her great-aunt are attending Charles’ soiree at the estate tomorrow evening,” Emma said.

  Robert glanced at Julia and her cheeks flushed.


  “That would be lovely. Thank you,” Julia said with a nod.

  Robert stepped towards Emma. “I have come to realise that I made a terrible error.”

  “And what is that?” Emma asked.

  “I barged in here without a thought or regard for Julia’s reputation,” Robert said. He was mortified for not considering her and how this may affect her. Luckily only Emma was aware of his blunder, but it did not seem to bother either Emma or Julia.

  “Do not fret, Robert. The door was still ajar and it is a business meeting, after all. Please do not apologise,” Emma said.

  “Indeed, my lord. There is no need to apologise. I came here seeking legal counsel for my great-aunt. This is strictly a business meeting. My reputation still remains intact, and you need not fret over it.”

  Robert glanced gratefully at Julia and nodded. Emma instructed the servant to place the tray on the table beside the wall and poured hot tea into the two teacups.

  “Julia is right, Robert. There is no need to feel guilty for your actions,” Emma said.

  “Thank you, Emma.”

  “I will leave you to speak in private,” Emma said and stepped away.

  Robert nodded and waited until the servant and Emma left the library before he turned back to Julia. He retrieved his notebook from the inside pocket of his jacket and motioned to Julia to sit at the table where their tea awaited them.

  “Please, do have a seat,” he said.

  Julia and he sat on either side of the table, sipping their tea.

  Then Robert asked, “Please tell me what Freddy did.”

  “He was merely being inappropriate. I am his second cousin and the things he said would most certainly be frowned upon. Heavily.”

  Although she was vague with her words, Robert could only imagine what Freddy had done. He gently urged her to tell him everything that occurred while he scribbled in his notebook, writing down every detail of what she told him.

  “I am not a solicitor, but I will do my best to find a suitable one for Arabella. A person who specialises in family law, to ensure that he cannot simply walk into Kinsley Hall and demand money. I will prepare the necessary documentation as well.”

  “Thank you, Robert. That is, if it is acceptable to address you as such,” Julia said.

  “Of course,” he said, and a smile formed on his lips.

  “You are a true gentleman,” Julia said as she rose to her feet. “And I thank you for your time. I ought to go back to Aunt Arabella, so that you may return to your games with your family.”

  Robert chuckled as he rose to his feet and walked to the door of the library. “Unfortunately, I have work to do now. And I must thank you for that.”

  “I am glad to be of service, Robert,” she said with a smile. “There is no need to escort me back. I will find my own way. And once again, thank you for your time. It is much appreciated.”

  “It is my pleasure, Julia.”

  Robert watched as Julia made her way along the hallway leading to the front of the manor, and the smile still lingered on his lips. His eye caught the grandfather clock standing tall on the other side of the hall and his brow furrowed.

  He had spent the last thirty minutes speaking to a very attractive young woman without muddling his way through the conversation. He did not stutter or stammer at all.

  Was it simply because it was the nature of the conversation? She was a client, after all. Or perhaps it was due to her genuine and calming nature that did not leave him feeling intimidated or inadequate.

  Or perhaps it was both.

  Chapter Seven

  The sky seemed bluer and brighter, the grass greener. The sweet sound of the birds singing in the trees was more melodious as Julia wandered back to Kinsley Hall.

  Her meeting with Robert had gone exceptionally well. Not only did he offer to assist Arabella with the trouble she was having with Freddy, there was something in his eyes that made her believe that he would assist her with Freddy as well. She was unable to explain it, but Julia had felt completely at ease and safe while in Robert’s presence. It was rather strange, but she did not wish to spoil her wonderful mood by worrying about it.

  Robert Melton was incredibly handsome. Even more so than his brothers, in her opinion. She would most certainly not mind seeing more of him.

  He was intelligent, spoke politely with her and maintained eye contact at all times. He was from a very influential and noble family and was unmarried as well. An overall perfect catch, which did not spell good things for Julia.

  There was no possible way a man such as Robert Melton would take a second glance at a woman such as Julia. Her family was not as noble as his was, and certainly not as wealthy.

  This, however, didn’t stop her from seeing his handsome face in her mind, never to be forgotten for his kindness.

  It was a shame that Robert was not able to accompany her back to Kinsley Hall, but understandably he was already occupied. Julia had not expected to speak so openly to Robert as she’d never met him prior to that afternoon. He had made her feel at ease from the moment he stepped inside the library. Looking back, she had been unnecessarily nervous to meet with him.

  A smile still lingered on her lips as she opened the gate and closed it carefully behind her. The crushed stones underneath her feet crunched as she walked, Emma’s words still lingering in her mind. They’d been invited to the duke’s soiree at the estate tomorrow evening and she would have the opportunity to see Robert again. He was a charming young man, and the first gentleman she’d ever met with whom she wished to become better acquainted.

  Her wonderful mood suddenly took a nosedive when she spotted Freddy standing in front of one of the large windows of the manor house, staring directly at her through the glass panes.

  An uneasy feeling rose inside her and she drew in a nervous breath. She was, however, partially comforted by Robert’s words. He had said that he would ensure Freddy would no longer make a nuisance of himself, and that neither Arabella nor she should fear for their safety any longer.

  She made her way to the terrace stairs and ascended them in a calm manner. She did not wish to alert Freddy that she had left the estate to seek legal counsel for Arabella regarding his actions. In fact, the less Freddy knew of what had occurred between her and Arabella, the better.

  As she walked through the long hallway towards the main stairwell, she hoped she would not run into the wretch. She did not possess the strength nor the patience to deal with his insolence and blatant disrespect.

  Luckily, she only encountered Freda, who informed her that Arabella was still in the confines of her bedchambers. Julia walked directly and with purpose to Arabella’s bedchambers and knocked on the door.

  “Great-aunt?” she asked.

  “Enter, my dear.”

  Julia opened the door and peeked into Arabella’s rooms. Arabella was seated on the chaise in front of the open window, breathing in the fresh air of the late morning.

  “How are you feeling, Aunt Arabella?” Julia asked.

  “A little better. Thank you for asking, dear.”

  “I did as you asked. I spoke to the barrister and explained the situation as best I could. I am not familiar with every detail of your relationship with your son or Freddy, but I did mention to him Freddy’s behaviour last evening and the fact that he invited himself to stay at the estate without prior arrangement or permission.”

  “And what did he say?” Arabella asked.

  “He made notes and said he will recommend a solicitor who can assist us in the matter. He assured me that he would do everything in his power to ensure Freddy does not make any more demands or obtain any more money from you. Robert also assured me that he will no longer be a threat to us. You, especially.”

  “He is such a lovely young man. He has assisted me in the past and always keeps to his word. He is very trustworthy. I am certainly fortunate to have him as a neighbour.”

  “Indeed. He is lovely,” Julia said, trying her best not to smile dreamily
. She most certainly did not wish for her great-aunt to see how infatuated she had already become. “He also wished to express his apologies for not being able to come back to the estate with me. His older brother had guests, and he did not want to appear rude.”

  “Such a gentleman,” Arabella said with a soft smile.

  Julia shifted her weight and paused for a moment too long.

  Arabella glanced at her with a furrowed brow. “What is it, dear?”

  “I had a brief encounter with the duchess while at the estate,” Julia said.

  “What kind of encounter? Arabella asked.

  “She extended an invitation to us for a soiree at the estate tomorrow evening. She insisted on it, actually.”

  “I certainly hope you did not accept her invitation,” Arabella sighed. “I do not feel well enough for a social gathering.”

  “My sincerest apologies, but I did agree, Aunt Arabella.” Julia said, trying hard not to smile. “I did not wish to seem rude. The duchess is a lovely woman, as is my friend Abigail, who will be there as well. Perhaps it will allow us to enjoy the evening without the burdens and trouble that are here at the estate,” Julia said.

  Arabella cocked her head at Julia. “I understand what you are referring to, my dear Julia. Allow me to ask one thing.”

  “Of course, Aunt Arabella.”

  “What would you wear to this soiree hosted by the duke?”

  Julia bit her lower lip and her shoulders slumped. “I have not a single dress that would suffice for such an evening at the duke’s estate.”

  “There is no reason to fret, my dear Julia. I will call upon Maria. She is a most wonderful and talented seamstress who can transform any gown into a masterpiece.

  “That is not necessary, Great-aunt.”

  “Nonsense. We must find a dress that is worth saving,” Arabella said, and stood from the chaise. “We have not a moment to waste.”

  A grateful smile formed on Julia’s lips as she approached her great-aunt and embraced her.