A Bound Of Honour Part 25

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.

"We will follow you, my son," she added, smiling her approval.

"As you wish, Mother.

"Juliane."

The dinner went well. Sitting beside Lord Adrian, Lady Juliane found it a much more pleasant

experience than the previous evening.

Lord Adrian pointed out various neighbours who had been invited, adding pithy remarks to each name.

Lady Juliane's enjoyment and confidence increased as the meal progressed and she acknowledged the highly complimentary looks she received.

Then, much later, in looking from Lord Adrian to the Marquess of Bout who was seated on her other

side, Lady Juliane caught sight of Holdt, whispering in Lady Tretain's ear.

Nodding at his words, the dowager signalled to Lady Juliane that it was time to rise.

Lord Adrian had also seen Holdt and, after exchanging a mutual "now it begins" look with Juliane, he

stood. Immediately the remainder of the company rose.

The dowager Countess Tretain, Lord Adrian, and Lady Juliane walked slowly to their places in the receiving line just outside the ballroom.

"I have long dreamed of this day, my son-as you well know. You have made me very proud and

happy," Lady Tretain said as the first guests reached them.

"Do not be nervous, my dear," she added to Lady Juliane. "You could not be lovelier."

"You see, I am not alone in my view. Now you must believe me," smiled Lord Adrian, giving her hand a

rea.s.suring squeeze. "This will be over soon. Curiosity will prevent anyone from being tardy in arriving.

That is the custom in London, but not here."

Nothing in Lady Juliane's previous experiences prepared her for her position in the receiving line.

Accustomed to a.s.suming an un.o.btrusive place at the functions she had hosted for her brother, she was almost overwhelmed by the attention now shown her.

Her hand felt as if it would never recover from the clutches and crushes it received. Never had it been subjected to so many gallant kisses or her person to so many compliments. Finding it all tremendously uplifting, Lady Juliane completely forgot her worries and faced the prospect of the actual ball with more Placing a kiss lightly on her gloved hand, Lord Adrian laughed quietly. "Courage, Juliane. The inspection we are about to receive will be most critical. They will judge us and therefore feel free to dismiss us from their minds."

Lady Juliane trembled. She had never been the focus of attention in such a crush.

Noticing this, Lord Adrian whispered as they paused, waiting for the orchestra to strike their entrance

theme, "Courage. Envision all the periwigs and perukes of our elegant guests in danger of toppling off."

This drew the desired smile as the orchestra sounded the first chord.

Looking the length of the ballroom as they entered, Lady Juliane was stayed from faltering by Lord

Adrian's suggestion and the rea.s.surance of his firm hold upon her hand. Viewing the richly clad a.s.sembly

as he had advised certainly made them less imposing.

The required opening dance was mercifully brief. Leading the next set, they were joined by their guests, and soon the floor was filled by dancing, laughing couples.

At the end of the set, a swarm of men surrounded Lady Juliane. Each demanded a place on her dance program. Realizing she had received none, she looked to Lord Adrian, and found him watching with amused certainty.

"You must need apply to my lord, I fear," she said.

"Tretain, this is unheard of," complained one.

"Outrageous," added another.

"Her ladys.h.i.+p's card is filled," Lord Adrian answered carelessly and would not be swayed. His eyes