Sizzling Nights with a Tempting Earl: A Steamy Historical Regency Romance Novel by Emily Honeyfield

Author:Emily Honeyfield [Honeyfield, Emily]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-05-13T18:30:00+00:00

Chapter 16

Graham’s head spun with an infinite number of questions.

If Lord Wentworth was not the source of Freddie’s tears, then why was she so distraught?

Why did she seek comfort in here—with Juliet?

And perhaps most importantly…

Why am I still clutching Juliet’s hand, reluctant to watch her walk out of my sight?

“Graham,” Juliet said gently, her eyes searching his, “I can see you are discomfited, but allow me to put your mind at ease. Lady Frederica spoke sincerely. She will be well after she gets a good night’s sleep. She is still mourning your father and…”

“Ah,” Graham sighed. “Now I understand.” He gripped Juliet’s hand tightly. “Thank you for attending to Freddie. I should have known that at least one of my sisters would have an adverse reaction to the ball. I had not expected Freddie to be the one to break, but as Solomon interminably reminds me, we all process our grief differently.”

“Yes,” Juliet murmured, “my heart breaks for your sister. She gives off every appearance of being stoic, but I suppose that is a family trait, as you all seem to be pressing forward.” She paused and her eyebrows lifted faintly, indicating her concern for him. “Are you having any of the same feelings as your sister? Has the ball brought up any memories that you would care to share with me?”

Graham was touched that Juliet should even contemplate such ideas. “I have many fond recollections of these midsummer balls,” he commented, “and that is why I sought to renew the tradition.

It was this time of year when my father was always in his jovial and I must confess that I feel his presence here tonight with us. It is as if he is smiling upon this gathering, wishing us all the best of health and lives full of merriment.” He sighed woefully. “I do wish Freddie felt the same.”

“She may see fit to regard this event differently in the years to come,” Juliet remarked, “but for now, I think it is best that she retired.” She breathed deeply. “I was contemplating doing the same.”

“But you are not leaving?” Graham was astonished. “The soiree has only just begun.” He stared at her quizzically. “You are not displeased in some way, are you?”

“Displeased,” Juliet whispered. “No, if anything, I’m delighted to see the way things turned out.” A small smile tugged at the corners of her lips. “When one is planning such an event, they create an image in their mind of what they hope it will become. I am happy to report this soiree has far exceeded my expectations.”

“Then why should you leave?” Graham prompted.

“I…” Juliet hesitated. “I feel out of sorts,” she said slowly. “I only know you and Colonel Selkirk and…”

“Yes,” Graham said abruptly, “I noticed that you danced the first two songs with Solomon.”

“And I saw you dancing with a lovely young woman as well,” Juliet countered.

“Do you mean Lady Isabella?” Graham asked.

“Were you dancing with someone else?” she returned in a bit of a waspish fashion.

Graham snorted.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.