Chapter Four

He looked shock. Julianne was not certain if the man was breathing or not. He stood stock still in his position and wondered if she ever encountered men falling on their faces in a dead faint.

The duke stood staring at her immobilized, fixing his beautiful angry eyes at her.

Julianne was taken aback by his powerful presence as he stepped into her parlor that morning. The duke was unusually a large man, maybe at six foot three, with jet black hair, broad-shouldered, his beautifully well muscled yet sculptured being clothed in his most masculine color, tailored in expensive attire from his superfine in Bath tailoring, snug breeches molded to his thigh like a second skin and black Hessian boots.

She never encountered such man before with the most cold and angry eyes she ever seen.

Julianne didn't expect to discover the new Duke of Hemington to be young and have a temper that could flare with only a flicker of spark. The new duke brought an air of arrogance with him, Julianne was certain about that and felt her own anger surfaced.

How dare he came barging in her house, demanded to see Cosgrove and all the while stated that the matter was not any of her concerns?

"If you be so kind, my lady to summon Cosgrove from his hole or shall I drag him out from wherever he may be?" the duke waved his hand impatiently and make a good show of looking about the room.

"I will no longer be insulted in my own home, your grace so if you please state your affairs or get out"

Julianne snapped bringing her hands to her hips. "Jules Cosgrove. I must see him about the estate affairs" Gavin repeated, loving the rose color deepened her cheeks.

"I am Jules Cosgrove" Julianne almost screamed at the duke but caught herself. Her blush rising, as it was her arrears for not properly introduced herself. "I am Jules, Julianne Cosgrove as you called it, your grace"

"You are Jules Cosgrove?" the duke confirmed in disbelief. "You were the one who wrote me a letter and sent me a cheque for 30,000 pounds?" Julianne nodded to both questions.

"Forgive me for misleading you" Julianne said, cupping her heated cheeks. "I always signed as 'Jules Cosgrove' in all of my correspondence" she swallowed the lump lodging at her throat at the look of incensed on the duke's face.

"Now what is it that you wanted to talk about, your grace? Or would you prefer to glower at me all day?" Julianne challenged, decided not to let the duke know the effect he caused on her.

Gavin was silent, his brain refused to acknowledged this regal golden haired beauty is Ledbury's offspring. She swept across the room to call for tea and biscuits be brought in. Julianne resumed her seat on her settee, demurely rearranging her books and reading glasses on the coffee table.

"Your grace, please have a seat or I may fear you shall sprout roots" Julianne sighed as she gestured to the seat across from her.

"I-I rather stand." She sighed again and offered her smile to the duke as a sign of truce. The sheer beauty of her dimpled smile stunned Gavin to the core, the force more greater than the moment she revealed herself as Jules Cosgrove.

There was an awkward silence as they waited for the tea and biscuits to arrive. Julianne fidgeted nervously as she felt the duke's piercing stare directed to her.

Julianne couldn't understand why the duke was so angry with her. He has the deepest scowl as his jaw

flexed noticeably.

Just then, the door opened and Swinton walked in bearing a tray of biscuits and generous amount of pastries followed by another footman carrying a tea tray. Swinton , who held the door , raised his brows in question to his mistress. Julianne answered with a quick nod of her head.

At the click sound of the door, Julianne turned her smile to Gavin.

"Please have a seat, your grace and have some tea and pastries" she admonished, not caring if the duke complied. Anything to distract her from his piercing green eyes.

Surprisingly, Gavin did as he slid his powerful frame on a settee beside her.

Julianne nearly dropped the teacup that she held for Gavin as their fingers brushed momentarily while the duke cursed under his breath. Julianne raised her bewildered gaze at the duke, the heat in his eyes was something that she could not fathom. Her heart was beating wildly against her ribcage as their gaze held. Sapphire blue collided with moss green. Angry at first, then confusion clouded the perfect color.

Then abruptly, Gavin cleared his throat rather loudly and quickly stood.

"If you really are Jules Cosgrove, I would really appreciate if you could cede me the deeds to the Ledbury estates" He drawled hastily, distancing himself near the hearth.

At first, Julianne did not hear him as she felt her head was spinning and her heart beat so rapidly she felt she could burst.

"The deeds?" Dread lacing her voice. Her heart sunk.

"Yes. The deeds, my lady" Gavin repeated as if he was speaking to a daft person. "The deeds to this estates. Now. I need to be on my way" he took out her letter and cheque and placed it on the mantel.

Anger flashed almost instantly, her body shook with fury as she struggled to her feet.

"I told you in my letter. I will pay for whatever amount you demanded" her fist balled.

Gavin gave a rough chuckle and shook his head. "My lady, no matter of amount will reimburse for my estate"

"It belonged to Cosgrove authority. I do not care if the earl auctioned it off, it is still belongs to this family" Julianne's voice was dangerously low and she felt the lump rising in her throat and tears gathered at the corners of her eyes but she won't shed no more tears. Especially not in front of this obnoxious man.

"How much more do you want? I will pay you. Just name your price and go away!"

Gavin's humor of the situation faded as he felt his own anger rising for being so easily dismissed. He had enough of it to last him a lifetime. Daniela chased him out of her house the day he came to proposed. The humility of it all as it took four footmen to trashed him down the steps.

"Have care, my lady. I always get my way. Now" Gavin strode towards Julianne, facing her but instead he was mesmerized by her flush look. Her eyes were bluer. Her color was at its highest and her body was shaking with barely contained fury. Gavin thought he will gladly ruffle her feathers anytime just to view her angry profile.

For a moment, Gavin forgot what he wanted to say as his gaze locked on her twitching lovely lips. He wondered if it tasted sweet as it appears.

Her chest was heaving and Gavin noticed her breast swelled against the damning bodice.

"I need the estate ledgers" Gavin managed yet he was not sure that it's what he really needed. "I inherited this properties, the Hall and the surrounding areas fair and square"

"No" her curt answer nearly pushed him over.

"No" Gavin repeated not believing his ears. He saw her chin lifted stubbornly and her eyes flashed with determination.

"I told you, your grace" Julianne sighed detecting the stubbornness in the duke. "I will settle for whatever amount that you demanded. The properties stay with me" her last words came in a whisper as if pleading him. Gavin felt the blood rushed to his head and he felt dizzy. Damn. Her sweet scent

was not helping his anger at all instead he felt himself hardened.

They stood gazing at each other, her blue eyes pleading, her features softening. Her hands demurely clasped in front of her, obviously she was changing her tactic. Her honeyed golden hair, with arrays of curls spreading about her shoulders and back glowed like a halo around her. Gavin felt itched to run his fingers over her curls, longed to bring it to his nose, whether it smelt of strawberries and rose as was her body.

The corners of his lips lifted slightly. "And I told you, my lady, no amount whatsoever could reimburse it, unless.." his voice trailed off and dropped into a lazy purr. "I think I have something in mind that will clear our misunderstanding" Julianne's eyes narrowed horrifically as the duke advanced closer to her, collecting a generous amount of her strayed hair in the process. Gavin was astounded as he felt the golden curls were softer than he expected in his large hands.

He couldn't resist himself of smelling them. Ah, sweet as strawberry. His mouth curled.

Rising a shaking hand to him, Julianne slapped the duke across the cheek.

"I am not that kind of woman, sir" Julianne whispered angrily. Her eyes were deep sapphire and her cheeks were flushed from embarrassment. He supposed he deserved it even though he didn't mean it anyway.

Gavin watched the lady moved to her settee, clearly trying to regain her composure with queenly movement. Gavin saw Julianne took a deep calmly breath before whirling to face him.

"My apologies, my lady" Gavin drawled, bowing his head slightly. "As you have stated in your letter, I am a very busy man" Julianne held up her hand effectively silencing the duke.

"I am afraid we do not come to an agreeable terms of the estates, your grace. I suppose we should continue our sparring of the estates through our respective solicitors since I see that nothing of conclusive are to be gained from us facing each other" Her tone had grown cold, distant.

Julianne cocked her gold head slightly as she offered him a cool smile, without a touch of sincerity as she offered him before. "Let us leave it to the professionals now, shall we?" her voice stiff as she offered him the failed attempt of humor to the question.

Gavin was render speechless, unable to think of anything witty to say. She was dismissing him.

"I bid you good day, your grace. Please stay and have refreshments before you leave" Julianne smiled stiffly to him and made a move to pass him to exit the parlor but only to be forestalled as the duke caught her arm. His grip was gentle yet firm and Julianne felt her arm burnt through the fabric.

Her heart was beating frantically as she dragged in a ragged breath and raised her eyes to meet his cold ones. Why are they always cold?

For a minute, the duke was silent. He was looking down at her, as if gathering his thoughts of something to say.

"I am sorry for what I have said, my lady. I didn't-" Hell! He was tongue tied again. Gavin felt like kicking himself. Why did he try to explain himself?

Julianne smiled warily and calmly pried his fingers from her arm as she couldn't endured anymore of the heat spearing up to her arm, spreading to the peaks of her nipples and pooling between her thighs.

"Please. You do not have to apologize on my account and please address me as Miss Cosgrove. There was only one Lady Ledbury. And she was my late mother" Julianne stated quietly. "We shall correspond through our solicitors. I believe you have the name of Ledbury's family solicitors?" At the slow nod of his head, wordlessly Julianne slipped out leaving the duke smiling cynically to himself.

* * * * * * * * * *

The rain came down with a vengeance. But inside the Hall, the howling of the wind and the rough splatter of the rain was muted entirely.

Julianne finally emerged from the back parlor having completing her task of tending to the estate paperworks when Swinton informed her that the duke requested her to dinner later at eight that evening.

Julianne blinked.

"The duke is still here?" she questioned the butler in disbelief.

"It was a wise choice, Miss, since we could not send the duke in this horrible storm" Swinton colored slightly. " After all, he is now the owner of the Hall. I am sorry but it is been awhile we have a reasonable lord to tend to the people"

Clearly the duke had won Swinton over, her most trusted and loyal servant judging by the way he smiled fondly. "Do you know that His Grace proposed to build schoolhouses in each and every territory he owned?"

Julianne was not sure how to react at the supplied information.

Swinton prodded on. "His Grace took Kelly out this afternoon riding to the village inquiring about the affairs of the tenants. The good duke proposed to renew the tenancy agreement and Kelly was certainly amazed by his quick wit having him as a war veteran" Swinton cleared his throat almost suddenly and changed the subject.

"I have instructed Kelly to bring His Grace's baggage and assigned the master chamber for him, miss. If that meets your approval?" He furrowed his brow in question.

"Yes, yes, Swinton. Do whatever you think is deemed necessary" Julianne waved her hand nonchalantly but inside she felt sick. "Please inform the duke I will be joining him for dinner"

"Very good, miss"

Julianne turned on her heels to climbed the winding staircase to her bedchamber. God's blood. Clearly her refusal to hand over the deeds fell into deaf ears. The duke seems to ignore her declaration that the estates shall stay in Cosgrove possession judging by the turn of the events this afternoon.

Julianne continue to pace, plotting for her next move. If she bent to the duke's demand, whatever come of her? If not for the plantation, she will be a penniless vagrant with no future. She certainly have no dowry, having the late earl gambled to the last pence. Good God. She would have to marry Johnathan, she realized with rising panic. It is not that she has anything against Johnathan. It is the institution that trembled her. What would happen to her if Johnathan turned into a drunken craze with a zeal for gambling if they were married? Granted, Johnathan is nothing like her high-stickler father. But what if?

Julianne rubbed her temple vigorously as she felt the throb in her head. She hadn't had a decent night of sleep since she learnt what the earl had done. She was reluctant to seek for Johnathan's counsel even if he could provide her with a sound solution. She had been a troublesome to her friend and she decided to take the matter to her hands. But now, she found herself in a worse situation.

And it was residing in the master bedchamber and later that evening, she has to face that cold angry eyes again.

Julianne stiffened as she felt her heart leapt at the memory of him. Cold, insufferable beautiful man.

She humphed to herself as she stared across the darkened back garden. The duke was every inch like a greek god. Broad-shouldered with arrogant build. Julianne felt the heat raised to her cheeks as she remembered the way he stared at her. The way he touched her hair in her parlor that morning.

Her heart was beating hard now just remembering and she felt heat spreading within her and settled between her loins. It was a sensation she could not understand. Good lord. What is the matter with her?

A soft knock sounded on her door interrupted her thoughts.

"Yes?"

Alda, her abigail, peered in. "I thought you might be needin' me to dress for dinner, Miss Cosgrove?"

Her eyes widened at her mistress flushed look. "Are you all right, miss?"

Julianne cupped her cheeks trying to calm her breathing. Look at what the arrogant man had done to her. And he was not even present.

Deftly, Julianne nodded her head. "Yes, Alda. I am fine" she smiled at the maid and gestured her to enter. She decided not to think of the duke anymore as he did not make any sense to her senses.

"Now, let us decide which dress shall I adorned for dinner, shall we?"

* * * * * * * * *

Gavin was determined to change his tactic to persuade the lovely Miss Cosgrove to change her mind. He will be firm and atrocious. That should be the way to quell a manipulative female.

He didn't give a damn if she labeled him as vulgar as long as he set things straight later at dinner and gain possession of the cursed deeds and be on his way to London. And he will stay far away from Long Bennington as he can. Gavin reminded himself to conduct a personal list of places he should best avoid. Number one should be: Ledbury Hall, Long Bennington.

Yet, Gavin felt like laughing out loud. If he was so determine in evading the woman, why in the hell he requested the lady to join him for dinner then?

The only answer to that is stupidity, Gavin reflected. He couldn't understand the strange reaction he felt whenever she is around. Gavin couldn't stop thinking of how soft her lips look that morning and how her sweet smell invaded his senses. He shifted uncomfortably in his seat as he felt himself hardened again for god knows how many times just remembering her.

Just then, the library door was knocked before it swung open by Swinton as she strolled in. The very sight of her caught his breath. He slowly rose from his seat to greet her but the words stuck in his throat as he drank in the golden vision of her.

She had changed for dinner. She wore a simple blue sprig muslin and again out of fashion yet it was the expression in her eyes that caught him off guard. It was serene and her lips curled into a heartfelt smile. Her gold hair was coiffured into a swept style and loose gold curls artfully dangled at the sides of her face.

Her dress was modest in style and definitely old but it is the way they hugged her curves that caught his male appreciation.

"I hope I am not making you wait long, your grace" she started, breaking the awkward silence.

Gavin blinked and cleared his throat. The sheer musical tone of her voice was enough for him to have sleepless night tonight.

"Shall we adjourn to the dining room?" Julianne prodded on when Gavin was silent, still staring.

With a frustrated sigh, Julianne led the way to the dining room where Swinton and two footmen stood waiting to serve them.

"Allow me" at least the duke had snapped from whatever stupor that muted him as he held her chair.

Julianne smiled her thanks as Gavin took a seat across from her.

"I am surprised at you, Miss Cosgrove" Gavin admonished as Swinton and his minions bustled about them serving their meals.

"Surprised? Pray, enlightened me, sir"

"It is no wonder you are unwilling to surrender this estate. You have been keeping secrets from me"

Julianne couldn't be certain but she thought his tone slipped into a purr.

She glanced worriedly to Swinton who caught her gaze and pursed his lips. Silently, he served Gavin's turtle soup.

"Tell me" Gavin took his soup spoon. "How long have you been enterprising the tea plantation?"

Julianne felt his gaze lingered on her face, lips and throat.

She managed to swallow her soup before answering. "Too long. It has been in the family since I can remember"

Julianne shrugged her dainty shoulders. "It was mama's idea in the first place. After mama passed on, I merely continue what she started"

Gavin's thoughtful gaze rested on her. "What about your father?"

Julianne shook her head as Gavin sensed her mood changed. "The earl were never involved whatsoever in the interest of the plantation"

"Why?"

Julianne sighed warily. She was not so keen of discussing the late earl. He was gone and Julianne shamefully admit she was glad. The earl-her father as Gavin called it bring nothing but desolation first to her mother and then her. It was the earl pompous demands that drove her mother to depression and lastly to her grave.

"Julianne?" the duke's familiarity of her given name snapped her back to the present.

"Please, your grace. We are perfect strangers. I shall appreciate if you cease the use of my name"

Julianne replied instead. If the duke was surprised at the curtness of her request, he expertly hid it.

"And secondly, I shall be grateful if we don't discuss the earl anymore"

Gavin raised his brows but said instead, "Very well. What shall we discuss then?"

Julianne settled more comfortably in her seat. The second course was being served.

"How about if we settled our dispute on the estate over monetary fund? Now you know how prosperous this estate is, there will be no doubt that I can pay you handsomely"

"Ah, now there is where you are wrong, my dear Miss Cosgrove" Gavin waved his fork at her and Julianne's felt her heart sunk to her feet. "It evidently spurred my determination to acquire it even more" Gavin set his cutleries down and smiled charmingly at her.

"Your father had not been doing a good job in maintaining his administration over the tenants, Miss Cosgrove"

The duke sat back in his seat, measuring her with a penetrating stare. "From what I had discovered this afternoon aside from the tea plantation, clearly most of the tenants are near illiterate. Most of their homes are in sorry state. Even though you provide them with employment at the plantation, it does nothing to their livelihood"

Julianne stiffened. Her stomach churned inside out. "I have you know sir that I am doing the best I can for these people"

His lips twitched wryly. "Your best is not enough, my dear"

Julianne felt she could throw up any moment. How dare this man was? She could see the horrid memory of the earl rebuking her for failing him rushed to her in an instant. She felt sick. Her palms clammy as she gazed the cynical man with growing resentment.

"Please forgive me for being a woman, your grace" she replied with sarcastic sweetness. "Unfortunately it was not my choice"

"You do have a choice. Cede the deeds to the estate, plantation and the Hall. Leave the management to the superiors, us. Men. I advise you to get married and have children" the duke drawled with an outrage mocking tone.

Julianne's fist curled tightly over her napkin. She wrestled with herself to control her overpowering fury.

"You, sir are a horrible monster" she whispered " You will have to drag me into the grave before you can get your filthy hands on the estates"

Gavin's own eyes flashed with fury the same instant. Clearly he had the temper to match hers. Discreetly Gavin welcomed the challenge as he had never met with a woman who could spark his interest more less his anger.

Her cheeks were crimson red now, and her sapphire blue eyes twinkled angrily, shooting daggers at the duke. Julianne felt she wanted to scratch that handsome face of him. She stood abruptly and Gavin sensed she was exercising great force to curb her temper.

"If there was nothing more to say about the matter, your grace. I appreciate it if you leave the Hall tonight" She turned and marched majestically towards the door. "We shall corresponds through our solicitors"

"I should warn you, Miss Cosgrove. I always get my way" Her hands rested briefly on the doorknob as the duke's words sunk in. Then she drew a shaky breath and slipped out the door.

The duke smiled in spite of himself. This was the second time the Cosgrove chit left their argument hanging.

Miss Julianne Cosgrove proved to be challenging quest despite her stubbornness and temper.

And Gavin wasn't lying when he said he always get his way. He always does.

* * * * * * * * *

The gall of the man! Julianne fumed as she resumed her pacing on her bedchamber floor.

"He was overbearingly uncouth man" she mused out loud. "He was heartless monster who cares nothing for people's feelings"

Julianne arrestedly sank at the foot of her bed, covering her face with her hands as she tried vainly to smother her tears. She had vowed not to shed any more of her tears . Yet Julianne felt the lump welling inside her throat.

Oh, what should she do now? She felt oddly helpless for the first time in her life. She always urged herself to be strong after her mother died. She kept reminding herself to be tough as a horse's hide whenever the earl chastised her. After countless years of struggling, Julianne felt she had burnt out of

strength.

Julianne had the premonition that she could no longer hold the fort anymore. The assailant came in great force, with jet black hair, mocking smile and icy green eyes. Beautiful icy green eyes.

How could a person with such charismatic features hides such fiendish heart?

Julianne heard the grandfather clock strike two down the hall. She didn't realized it was late.

As Julianne prepared for bed, she acknowledged in her heart she should acquire Johnathan's assistance after all. She would have to write to Johnathan tomorrow morning to summon him to come to the Hall.

Julianne hated to burden his friend that she viewed as her brother but she did not have anyone to turn to. She has exhausted of choices.

She fervently hoped the duke will return to London as she requested if he viewed himself as a gentleman. She could no longer bear his cynical smile and provoking comments. Julianne prayed that she would not ever have to lay her eyes on him again.

As she turned over the sheets down, she vaguely recalled their latest argument. They certainly fought with each other whenever they started a civilized conversation. That is one of the reason she should stay away from the Duke of Hemington.

But still, there is the matter of the estates. Julianne's brows furrowed worriedly. Her future was hanging in the balance. Julianne reflected.

The gall of the man! Julianne fumed as she resumed her pacing on her bedchamber floor.

"He was overbearingly uncouth man" she mused out loud. "He was heartless monster who cares nothing for people's feelings"

Julianne arrestedly sank at the foot of her bed, covering her face with her hands as she tried vainly to smother her tears. She had vowed not to shed any more of her tears . Yet Julianne felt the lump welling inside her throat.

Oh, what should she do now? She felt oddly helpless for the first time in her life. She always urged herself to be strong after her mother died. She kept reminding herself to be tough as a horse's hide whenever the earl chastised her. After countless years of struggling, Julianne felt she had burnt out of strength.

Julianne had the premonition that she could no longer hold the fort anymore. The assailant came in great force, with jet black hair, mocking smile and icy green eyes. Beautiful icy green eyes.

How could a person with such charismatic features hides such fiendish heart?

Julianne heard the grandfather clock strike two down the hall. She didn't realized it was late.

As Julianne prepared for bed, she acknowledged in her heart she should acquire Johnathan's assistance after all. She would have to write to Johnathan tomorrow morning to summon him to come to the Hall.

Julianne hated to burden his friend that she viewed as her brother but she did not have anyone to turn to. She has exhausted of choices.

She fervently hoped the duke will return to London as she requested if he viewed himself as a gentleman. She could no longer bear his cynical smile and provoking comments. Julianne prayed that she would not ever have to lay her eyes on him again.

As she turned over the sheets down, she vaguely recalled their latest argument. They certainly fought with each other whenever they started a civilized conversation. That is one of the reason she should stay away from the Duke of Hemington.

But still, there is the matter of the estates. Julianne's brows furrowed worriedly. Her future was hanging in the balance. Julianne reflected.

After a long disclose on the matter, she elected to sought for Mrs. Hopkins' assistance to secure an employment as governess or tutor if ever Johnathan's plan backfires.

Yes. She should have equipped herself with a backing plan. Julianne thought drowsily as slumber engulfed her. Everything will be fine. With Johnathan ideas, she could no longer have to face the conceited duke.

* * * * * * * * *

Julianne was certain she had created a hole on the floor as she paced for the umpteenth time when Johnathan finally arrived at 9 that morning.

"Where were you?" she demanded as she met with Johnathan's kiss on her cheek.

"Good morning to you too, Jules" he smiled down to her as he took her hands. "And I have been

at papa's warehouse. Sorry I am a bit late" Johnathan kissed her knuckles.

Julianne took a deep breath as she tries to calm herself. Now that Johnathan was here, she was not sure how to begin.

Julianne smiled fondly to her friend. "Have you breakfasted yet?"

"No. I was about to when I received your message" Johnathan quipped as they settled on a settee.

"What is it you wanted to discuss with me?"

Julianne collected her breath as she finally relayed to him the whole story.

"God's blood, Jules" Johnathan furrowed his brows, totally annoyed when she had finished. "Why had you not come to me? You know as well as I do, I could help you. Why in heaven have you not?"

Julianne was not able to look Johnathan in the eyes.

"I could not burden anymore of my problems to you" Julianne said softly hanging her head.

"Burden nothing!" Johnathan snapped. "I have told you countless times I will always be here to help you. You know that, do you?" Julianne have never encountered this angry side of Johnathan and she felt reluctant to meet his eyes.

Johnathan gave a weary sigh. He calmly took Julianne's hands. "I am sorry, Jules. I didn't mean to yell at you" When Julianne kept her gaze on her lap, he lifted her chin.

"Hey. I am sorry, okay?" Johnathan whispered, smiling ruefully.

Just then, the study door opened and she saw the duke halted in mid stride, staring at them in confusion.

The duke! What in heaven's name is he still doing here?

"Your grace" Julianne muttered as she raised from her settee. Johnathan also got to his booted feet.

He was dressed loosely in his town attire today. His broad frame donned in a white town shirt over a champagne washed pantaloons.

The duke was silent as he shot a disapproving look at Johnathan.

"Your grace, allow me to introduce my friend, Johnathan Hastings" Julianne said cautiously as she saw the men exchanged murderous look. Johnathan was ready to have the duke's blood as she noticed he curled his fist tightly before saying.

"Your Grace" Johnathan do so much as bowing his head stiffly in greeting.

"Indeed?' The duke returned as he cocked an arrogant eyebrow.

Both men are equally taller but the duke was more powerfully built.

Julianne nervously fidgeted her skirts as the room fell silent.

"I shall ring Swinton for breakfast. Have you breakfasted yet, Your Grace?"

"No" Gavin snapped turning his accusing eyes to her. "I fear I should take my leave today. Good day" Julianne jumped as the duke satisfyingly banged the door on his way out.

"Now I think you know why I am in dire need of your assistance?" Julianne raised a questioning eyebrow.

"You don't say? I never thought it was bigger than I expected" Her friend replied in astonishment.