Chapter Seventeen

As Juliette stepped out onto Belgrave Square, the crisp November air greeted her, carrying with it the mingling scents of autumn leaves and distant chimney smoke. The fashionable denizens of Belgravia, wrapped in layers of luxurious fabrics, strolled past the high-end boutiques and shops and homes. Despite the urgency in her step, she couldn't help but notice the vibrant display of colors from the changing leaves and the elegant clothing of the ton .

As she made her way through the thoroughfare, a gentle breeze whisked fallen leaves around her ankles. A street vendor peddling roasted chestnuts called out, "Fresh chestnuts, miss? Warm your hands and your heart!"

Juliette smiled, declining the offer with a gracious shake of her head. "No, thank you!"

Her fine rose silk gown, though slightly out of place, garnered approving glances from passersby. A well-dressed couple stopped her for a moment, complimenting her attire. "Your gown is exquisite! A creation from your own hands?" the lady inquired.

Juliette inclined her head, grinning. "Indeed, it is. Merci for the compliment."

The gentleman, intrigued, added, "Do you have a shop nearby? I'm certain my wife would love to explore your creations."

As Juliette explained the location of her modiste shop on Bond Street, a twinge of sadness crept in, given the state it was currently in. She would restore it—she would. And she'd start as soon as she was done with this task.

The sun cast long shadows on the cobbled streets as Juliette approached Grosvenor Square. Tall, elegant townhouses framed the square, each exuding opulence and refinement. The sunlight filtered through the branches of ancient trees, casting dappled shadows on the cobblestone paths. Carriages rolled by, their wheels creating a rhythmic clatter on the cobbles.

Her destination, Tipton House, the grandest residence on the square, loomed ahead. Its imposing fa?ade, adorned with intricate carvings and tall windows, spoke of generations of aristocratic splendor. A wrought-iron gate with the Tipton family crest welcomed guests into the opulent home beyond.

Nerves fluttered in her stomach as she approached. Tipton House was the residence of the Duchess of Seawell and her husband, Lord Castlebury, Catamount's brother. It was also the home of the dowager countess, a lady she had adorned with several gowns over the past three years. The societal hierarchy of London added an extra layer of formality to the visit, and Juliette's finely tuned modiste instincts urged her to ensure a favorable impression.

The scent of blooming flowers greeted her as she stepped onto the perfectly manicured grounds. The vibrant hues of the garden contrasted with the muted tones of the surrounding buildings, creating a picturesque scene. Juliette's eyes darted around, taking in every detail—the symmetrical layout, the carefully tended topiaries, and the occasional rustling of leaves in the gentle breeze. Approaching the grand entrance, she hesitated for a moment. The brass knocker on the imposing door gleamed in the sunlight, and she took a deep breath, gathering her resolve.

With a firm tap of the knocker, the sound echoed through the square. Moments later, the door swung open, revealing the elegant foyer of Tipton House. A footman in black and white livery stood at attention, his expression impassive as he awaited her announcement.

She offered a polite smile and announced herself. "I am Madame Juliette Toussaint, seeking an audience with the Her Grace Sadie Castlebury, Duchess of Seawell. I bring tidings and hope for a moment of her gracious consideration." With any luck at all, Lady Carenza would also be at Tipton House.

The footman, trained in the art of discretion, nodded and ushered her inside. The scent of polished wood and fresh flowers enveloped her as she stepped into the vestibule. Polished wood floors gleamed underfoot, and the richly detailed painting on the walls hinted at the storied history within the grand residence.

At that moment, Lady Carenza stepped into the foyer. Glossy golden curls cascaded around her shoulders, and sapphire-blue eyes sparkled with warmth as she approached. "Juliette! Mon ami! " Lady Carenza exclaimed. She wrapped Juliette in a warm hug, a gesture that spoke of their years of friendship. "It's been too long, cherie . I've missed your laughter in these halls," Carenza continued, holding Juliette at arm's length to take in her appearance. "And what a vision you are! The gown, the hair—simply exquisite." She linked arms with Juliette, leading her further into the residence. "Come, let us find a comfortable spot. I'm positively eager to catch up. It has been too long since I've visited your shop, shame on me. How have you been?"

As they walked through the lavish corridors, ease settled over Juliette. Lady Carenza's genuine enthusiasm and the familiarity of the surroundings reassured her, making Tipton House feel more like a haven than a place of incredible status and wealth.

The drawing room, in soothing shades of blue, welcomed them as Lady Carenza led Juliette to a pair of elegantly upholstered chairs. The air carried the faint scent of freshly brewed tea as a maid arranged a silver tray with delicate cups and saucers.

The viscountess settled onto one of the chairs, her eyes brimming with curiosity. "Now, tell me, what brings you to Tipton House today?"

Juliette took the other seat. "I come seeking wisdom of a very personal nature. Troubles have found their way to my doorstep, and I thought of no better confidantes than the Castlebury ladies who have faced these monsters themselves."

Lady Carenza's mouth flopped open in shock, but before she could respond, the door opened, and the duchess entered, her sharp green eyes assessing the scene with a knowing glint. Her rich, dark brown hair framed her face, and her petite, fit build exuded a quiet strength. A genuine smile of warmth spread across her features as she greeted Juliette. "It's been too long! What a delightful surprise," she exclaimed, crossing the room.

The maid, attentive to her role, poured fragrant tea into delicate cups. The gentle clink of porcelain added a melodic note to the atmosphere as the women settled into the comfort of the drawing room.

"I hope you don't mind the intrusion," Juliette began, her eyes shifting between the women.

Sadie, with a reassuring smile, gestured toward the tea. "No intrusion at all. We're friends. We're more than happy to offer whatever aid we can. Now, let's share a cup of tea and discuss how we might be of help."

Juliette settled back into the plush chair with her tea, uncertain how and where to begin. Perhaps it was best simply to dive right in. "It's a long, complicated story, but I'll summarize the best that I can." Raising the delicate cup to her lips, she took a soothing sip. "For the past three I've been haunted by nightmares, visions of a night that I've recently come to realize is Seven Dials from when the Revivalists attacked. Do you remember that? It was in all the papers."

The ladies nodded.

"During the attack, I believe I suffered a head injury. Since then, I can't remember anything from my life before that night," Juliette confessed, her voice carrying the weight of the unspoken fear that had lingered in the shadows of her consciousness. "Truly. I woke in an alley in Covent Garden covered in blood from a wound in my head, a carpetbag in my hands. And I had no idea how I'd gotten there. I knew nothing about the bag in my hand or where I lived. I just sat there and cried for what felt like hours. Until I looked at the callouses on my fingers and realized that I must be a seamstress. I stood up, wiped my face with the torn and singed remnants of my dress, and went on from there."

Carenza and Sadie exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of concern and surprise. The revelation held a gravity that seeped into the very fabric of the room.

"I've lost three years of my life, and with it, all the memories, the people I knew, and the person I used to be," Juliette continued, her fingers tracing an absent pattern on the arm of the chair. "I've been grappling with fragments of a past that eludes me, and it's tearing at the edges of my sanity." A sudden realization flickered in her mind. She leaned forward. "Wait a moment. You both know Catamount. You know him well. Did he tell you about me? About a woman named Julie?"

Carenza and Sadie exchanged puzzled glances before turning back to Juliette.

"Catamount? Are you serious? We're privy to nothing private about that man. He's a brick wall of silence," Carenza scoffed.

"I assumed… I thought that perhaps, through Catamount, you might have known me before my memory loss. That maybe he had spoken of our connection. The one he keeps insisting we have. We tells me I'm a woman named Julie, not Juliette."

Sadie shook her head. "Catamount is a private man. Your past with him, if you have one, is a mystery to us."

Lady Carenza's brow furrowed as she processed Juliette's revelation. "Wait, why can't you remember? Could hitting your head have caused such a loss of memory?"

Juliette took a deep breath, her gaze drifting to the window. "I think it might have triggered some form of amnesia. But that's not the only problem. There's more to the story, something I'm missing. It's brought the Revivalists back to haunt me." As she poured out her fears, a terrible vulnerability gripped her voice. "What if I don't remember everything because I don't want to? What if there's something so terrible that I've buried it deep within myself, hidden even from my own consciousness?"

Sadie's eyes narrowed in thought. "Juliette, whatever it is, you don't face it alone."

Carenza nodded in agreement. "You're not defined by your past. Your actions now, your choices today and every day going forward, determine who you are."

Holding on to that, Juliette continued, recounting the ransacking of her modiste shop and the devastation wrought upon her flat. The brick through the shop window, the ominous messages—she shared it all.

Sadie's eyes blazed with fury. "Those damned Revivalists! To terrorize you in such a way, it's unforgivable!"

A sly smile curled Carenza's lips as a hard, fierce glint sparked in her blue eyes. "Well, I believe I have a plan," she announced. "Catamount and his Runners will be impressed."

Relief flooded Juliette.

She wasn't alone. She had Catamount, and his Bow Street Runners, and Sadie, and Carenza. She had people who cared.

"I knew coming to you for advice was the right course of action."

"Of course it was." Carenza beamed. "Cat's not the only one who in this family who can catch a criminal."

"Tell me your plan."

"Well, it begins with using you as bait."