Free Susan Spencer Paul - [Enchanter 01] by Touch of Night Page B

Morgan. But that faithless act will be as nothing should she be persuaded into taking Ffinian Seymour for a husband. It
must
be stopped, Julia. Set your mind to it—” she looked very directly at her niece “—and don’t disappoint the family. No matter what is said or done, you must not fail us.”
    “I won’t,” Julia promised, slowly pushing her cup away. “And even if I should, Mister Seymour is clearly determined not to. We both know he won’t leave Castle Tylluan until his uncle has agreed to leave Aunt Alice in peace. That’s why you decided to let him accompany me.”
    “Precisely so,” Lady Eunice agreed.
    “Then all will be well, and there is nothing to worry over,” said Julia. “And now, if you don’t mind, Aunt, I believe I’ll go lie down for awhile. I fear I’m still rather weary from Lady Beatrice’s ball last night.”
    “Of course,” Lady Eunice said more kindly as Julia stood. “It’s an excellent thought. You must rest before tomorrow’s journey begins. I’ll have Jane wake you in anhour or so. We’re promised for your sister’s card party tonight.”
    “Oh, really, Aunt, must I go?” Julia protested. “I shall want an early night in order to leave on schedule in the morning. Mister Seymour insisted upon a timely departure. Surely Martha will have enough without me?”
    “She was quite specific about your attendance,” Lady Eunice said, “and I want your company, as well. You may sleep as long as you wish in the coach on the morrow. Jane certainly won’t mind.”
    “But—”
    “There is nothing to discuss,” her aunt said dismissively. “Your sister is expecting you, and it’s the least you can do for her. Martha serves a husband, and you do not. It would be unspeakably selfish for you to withhold from aiding her in that task. If that seems a cruel thing to say, and I grant you it might, you must take comfort in the knowledge that your family needs you.” Lady Eunice helped herself to another tart. “That should more than suffice.”
    Julia nodded and silently left the room, knowing full well that her aunt only spoke the truth. She had failed to marry, yet her family still held her in esteem. At least so far as she was useful and fulfilled her duties as daughter, sister, and niece. And for that, she was thankful. She could have far more easily been sent to live in the country, in exile.
    Yes, she was thankful. And she meant to be as dutiful and helpful as she possibly could. In the morning, she would begin the journey for Wales, and for Aunt Alice, in order to do her family’s bidding.

    “Gad,” Niclas muttered, tossing the note on the desk. “How many does that make, Abercraf?”
    “Today, both days, or this hour, sir?” the manservant asked calmly.
    Niclas glared at him. “Collectively.”
    Abercraf was thoughtful, then replied, “Including the first one that came before you arrived home following the Dubrow ball, this makes thirty-four.”
    “Thirty-four!” came a surprised voice from the open study door, which had previously been tightly shut, for Abercraf, though occasionally sardonic, was never lax in his duties. But closed, or even locked, doors were not a problem for the earl of Graymar, who now stood in the room looking very pleased. He went where he wished regardless of such trifles. “I’m terribly glad that you took my place on this journey. I’ve forgotten how insistent Lady Eunice can be in the small details.” He strolled forward, tugging off his gloves and placing them in Abercraf’s ready hands. “I’ve come as promised. How do your arrangements proceed?”
    “Slowly,” Niclas said, briefly rubbing his eyes with both hands. Rising, he moved around his desk and toward a high table set with various glasses and crystal decanters.
    “You may go, Abercraf. I’ll pour his lordship a drink.” He nodded toward one of the plain wooden chairs set in front of his desk as the manservant bowed himself out of the room. “Make yourself