Chapter 1

One

C ould her life possible get any worse? Lady Juliette Brooks fell on her bed and let out a frustrated sigh. She should be able to go out in society, and find a husband. Her only desire was to escape her father’s house and start a family of her own. Truthfully, she’d settle for escaping alone—her stepmother Eloise was the bane of her existence.

If only Mother hadn’t died… Everything would be so different, and Juliette wouldn’t have had her first season cut short. She’d not been out a fortnight before tragedy struck her family. There’d been no time to find proper suitors, and even if a gentleman had caught her eye no one noticed her. She’d made no friends, barely conversed with a soul, and found the sidelines much to her liking. At least that last part is what she kept telling herself. She’d never imagined she’d be a wallflower watching all the other ladies twirling around the ballroom and laughing with enjoyment.

None of it had gone as she’d planned, and the one person she’d wanted to see hadn’t bothered in too many years to count. After the mourning period ended, Juliette fully believed she’d rejoin society and the marriage mart. Nothing of the sort happened. Instead, her father had found Eloise and promptly married her. The new Lady Riverdale wanted nothing to do with Juliette. She’d not commissioned any new gowns and made no plans to re-launch her in society. Father had been too smitten with his new countess to bother with Juliette. She might as well have become invisible as much notice as those around her paid to her life. After a while she’d rather liked no one bothering her. She buried herself in books and embraced the life of spinsterhood. Why bother with marriage when she had all she needed at her father’s home. Who needed new frocks when her old ones could be redesigned and altered? At least that was what Juliette kept telling herself.

Until her little brother was born she kept to herself and did as she pleased. With father finally having his heir he suddenly realized he had another child. A daughter he’d neglected, and tossed aside for his new family. Juliette suspected Eloise prompted his sudden attention. She’d been eyeing her warily for a while, and made no secret she’d wanted her gone. So years after she should have had a second come-out Juliette’s season was being planned.

At five and twenty she’d let that dream go.

She couldn’t dawdle in her room much longer. Her father had summoned her presence in his study. What he wanted she could only guess, but ever since the maid had informed her of the request, Juliette’s stomach had been a flutter of unease. Slowly she strolled down the stairs and headed in the direction of her father’s study. She paused outside the entrance and listened.

“Lord Payne will make a wonderful husband for Juliette,” her step-mother cooed. “At her advanced age she has little choices, and a viscount is more than she could hope for.”

Juliette opened her mouth as a silent gasp slipped out. She lifted her hands and placed both over her face. Surely Eloise wasn’t that cruel. Did she not know the viscount’s reputation? He was rumored to beat servants and small children. What he considered his could be dealt with as he pleased. He’d not treat a wife any differently. She’d rather die than tie herself to such a man. Her father wouldn’t agree—he couldn’t…

“He does possess a good fortune,” her father replied. “His estates are flourishing, he’s neither given to excessive drink nor gambling.”

Juliette’s heart fell at her father’s words. There was more to a man then how much he imbibed or gambled. She did not want to be saddled with a poor man, but if given the choice she’d rather live in a hovel than be beaten every day. That was what her fate would be if they forced her to marry Lord Payne. Juliette stepped closer and peaked inside the slit in the door.

“He isn’t too old for her either.” Her step-mother sat down in her father’s lap. “She’ll still be able to have a family of her own. Juliette should know the joys of motherhood. It’s a good match. When Lord Payne arrives in a few days to sign the marriage contract, your daughter will be well taken care of.”

Juliette clenched her fingers together into a tight fist. How dare she? All she cared about was herself. She saw Juliette as competition, and was doing everything in her power to get rid of her. What was the hurry? The spring season wasn’t that far away, only mere months. Why was Eloise forcing the issue so soon? Did Juliette not deserve a choice?

She couldn’t take it anymore. If she had to listen a second longer she’d lose the contents of her stomach. This plan of Eloise’s must be stopped. Juliette eased the door open and cleared her throat. “Ahem, father, you asked to see me.”

Eloise and her father were locked in a passionate embrace. A gag rose in her throat at the sight. She should be used to it by now, but it always sat uneasily inside of her. Her new step-mother was an usurper in her life. She’d never take the place of her mother, and she’d never stop missing the woman’s love. The new countess while a beauty, was selfish and vain.

Eloise stood and crossed the room to meet her. “Please, come in dear. There’s much your father and I wish to discuss with you.”

She bet they did. They were about to unload a bunch of misery on her she’d not felt—well not since her mother’s death, and before that the abandonment of her only friend. What was one more momentous bout of melancholy to add to her list? This one would be the last if she had anything to say about it.

“Oh?” she raised an eyebrow. “Please continue.”

“Why don’t you have a seat dear.” Her father gestured toward a chair. “There is much we have to tell you.”

Juliette did as her father bid and sat in a chair. Her father’s study had been one of her favorite places as a child. At least in their London townhouse. Her favorite place to be was Riverdale Park, but she’d not been to her family’s country seat in years. Not since her mother’s death. Her father had chosen to remain in London instead of visiting a place of happier times. It had brought nothing but pain to him, and then he’d met Eloise. The new countess abhorred country life and begged him to remain in London. A part of Juliette longed for Christmastides of the past. When Riverdale Park was filled with visitors and the festivities lasted days.

London was rather ugly and drab in comparison.

“After careful deliberation,” her father began. “I’ve come to a decision regarding your future.”

“You have?” Juliette tilted her head. “Am I to shop for new gowns? I do need some current attire for the upcoming season.”

If her father was aware of her penchant for listening at doors he’d punish her for her insolence. For now she’d play along with his news, and then afterward she’d make a plan of escape. She’d not be marrying Lord Payne.

“I’m afraid that won’t be necessary,” Eloise said. Her lips tilted up smugly. “You won’t be having a season as planned.”

“I’m not?” She widened her eyes in feigned shock. “Why? Has something happened?”

She wanted to wipe that smug smile off of the countess’s face. She believed she’d won, but in time she’d realize she hadn’t. Eloise wanted her gone, and she’d get her wish one way or the other.

Her father’s gruff voice interrupted her musings. “I’ve been in talks with Viscount Payne. He’s interested in marriage to you, and it’s my belief it will be a good match. He’ll be here in less than a sennight to go over the marriage contracts.”

Juliette clenched her fingers together. She could not give into the desire to scream. It wouldn’t do if she showed any emotion. If she did Eloise would use it against her, and in turn drive her father in the direction she wanted him to go.

“Father,” she began. “I appreciate you looking out for me, but marriage to Lord Payne is not something I desire. While I don’t blame mother—I did miss out on my season. I’d prefer to at least have a small season.” She smiled encouragingly. “A choice at least in husbands.”

Please let him agree. She couldn’t marry Lord Payne. Hadn’t she already paid the ultimate price? No, she supposed not. That would include the loss of her life, and that price was too high… She had too much she wanted to do with her life.

“I’m afraid I can’t humor you, child.” Juliette almost snorted. She’d not been a child in years, but perhaps her father would always see her as such. “Lord Payne insists that I sign the contract now or not at all.”

That worked perfectly as far as she was concerned. She didn’t want to marry the viscount, and no amount of coaxing would change her mind. “I see,” she replied. “That would be a grave loss for sure…” She paused and considered her words. “But surely there would be others willing to marry me. Ties to the Riverdale line aren’t anything to scoff at.”

“You’re correct,” he agreed. “However the same could be said about Lord Payne. It’s a good match and I’m not changing my mind. The contracts will be signed before the end of Christmastide, and you’ll be married after the new year once the bans have been read.”

Juliette gulped down the lump in her throat. There was no reasoning with her father. He was fully ensconced in Eloise’s control. She was pulling his strings, and therefore she presumed Juliette’s. Well the countess would see in time that no one would ever control her. Before the day was out she’d be gone, and out of their lives.

“As you desire,” Juliette nodded demurely. She couldn’t give them even a hint of what she had planned. “May I be excused?”

“Yes dear,” her father said. “When Lord Payne arrives I want you to be on your best behavior.”

“Of course father,” she replied. “I’m always the proper lady.” Not that he’d felt the need to send her to finishing school. Her father could be quite miserly with funds at times. He’d believed it wasn’t necessary to spend a fortune on schooling a mere girl. The earl left her deportment lessons to her mother and governess.

She bowed her head and then stood to leave. When she reached the entrance her step-mother’s voice made her pause. “Juliette dear,” Eloise said. “I’ll escort you to your room. There is something I wish to speak with you about.”

Drat. What did the woman want? Hadn’t she done enough to ruin her life? Juliette turned and met Eloise’s gaze. “I look forward to it.” She waited for the countess to join her. They strolled side by side down the hall in silence. When was she going to say something?

“I hope you won’t put up a fuss about the marriage,” Lady Riverdale began. “Lord Payne will make a good husband for you.”

Juliette bit down on her bottom lip. A drop of blood trickled into her mouth from the impact. If she said what was truly in her heart Lady Eloise would make things much worse for her, and escape near impossible. For now she must appear as biddable as possible.

“I look forward to starting a family of my own. It’s what I’ve always wanted.”

“Good. I’m glad we were able to arrange an advantageous match for you.”

They reached Juliette’s chamber. Thank God. She could bid Eloise good night and start her plan of escape. “Good night Lady Riverdale.” She always addressed Eloise formally. It was what Eloise preferred. In her thoughts though she called her anything she wanted. The countess nodded her head dismissing Juliette.

After she was inside she locked the door and pulled out her reticule. She’d not be able to take much with her, but there were a few items she refused to leave behind. Most of it was sentimental in value as she had little worth. The little bit of pin money she had would have to do. She hoped it wouldn’t matter either way.

If he kept the promise he made her all those years ago, she’d not worry for anything. He was her last hope, and if he refused her she’d have no choice but to follow her father’s dictate. She prayed it wouldn’t come to that. It was a sad day indeed when her life depended upon the Duke of Kissinger—desolate rake, debaucher of anything in a skirt, and a reprobate of the highest level. The scandal sheets took pleasure in outlining many of his exploits.