His actions and looks bespoke affection, perhaps love for her, but Lady Juliane longed for the a.s.surance of words. Love had been a stranger long in coming. She was afraid to trust her judgment. Her thoughts whirled in confusion.

"Time to be up and about, my lady," said Bess. "They will dine earlier than usual this night. We mustn't keep them waiting."

Lady Juliane opened her eyes. Had she truly fallen asleep? The shadowed sky answered her.

"Goodness, Bess, why did you allow me to sleep so late?"

"Never fear, my lady, your hip bath is ready. Let me unfasten you now. Go on in, I'll lay out your things.

Call as soon as you're ready for the towel. I have it warming."

Lady Juliane untied her wrapper as she walked across the room. She had found the small corner room equipped as a lavatory the most decided luxury in the house. Removing her wrapper, she stuck a hand tentatively in the water-perfect. She eased in and relaxed in the warmth.

"Now, my lady," Bess bustled in carrying a large towel that had been warmed before the fire. "We mustn't dawdle. I have everything laid out and Satter will be here shortly.

"Do you think after the ball I might try my hand at powdering your hair? I've been practicing and think I could do it."

Letting Bess chatter, Lady Juliane dressed. The sound of the girl's voice soothed, like the babble of a spring.

"Ah, la, my lady, the gown must be the latest from London. I have never seen anything like it."

"Yes, I feel positively naked with only two petticoats but I dare not wear my pannier; anything more than the hip pads will ruin its lines," Juliane reasoned, more to herself than to Bess.

Lady Juliane had seen such gowns in Lady Tretain's latest fashion magazines but had never thought to wear one. "Come, come," fluttered Satter, as she entered all in a pother. "We must hurry, I still have so much to do for Lady Tretain. None can please her as I do." Setter held out the floor-length frock coat which was meant to protect the wearer's undergarments. Managing Lady Juliane expertly into it, she seated her and went deftly to work. Miffed because she had not been asked to comb her ladyship's hair, she sniffed at the lack of height and breadth to the style. When she had completed the dusting, the last auburn tress whitened, Setter begrudgingly allowed the effect was most becoming. Cla.s.sic in detail, it set off Lady Juliane's facial lines and the soft curls lessened the severity into courtly elegance. Satisfied, Setter removed the frock coat and whisked out of the room without waiting for a dismissal or a thank you. "Oh, my lady," breathed Bess. "You are-" "Let us refrain from judgment until we have the complete effect. Do you think it is time for the gown?" "Yes, my lady. Best to be a step ahead instead of three behind. Let me fetch Nell, she's been helping Alva. We don't want to chance crushing it."

While she waited, Lady Juliane walked to the wardrobe. The gown had been hung on a pole across the open doors since early afternoon. Hesitantly, she reached out. The gown did not disappear at her touch.

She was not dreaming.

"I hope you won't mind my bringing Alva, my lady?"

"Should you have left the children, Alva?"

"Nell is watching them. Bess said this won't be takin' long. I so wished to help," pleaded Alva.

"All right, but let us hurry. We must not take any chances with their safety. Do watch them closely this

evening. There will be many strangers about," counselled Lady Juliane.

"Aye, m'lady.

"What do I do, Bess?"

"You have to help guide the skirts. Step up into that chair, my lady."

"The chair?"

"It's the only way I know of to get you into it without crushing it," a.s.sured Bess.

This manoeuvre done, not without many girlish giggles on the part of all, Bess eased the sleeves up, one "Now for the fastening. Alva, I think that's all we need you for. You can go back to the children."

"Away with that frown," said Juliane. "I will visit the nursery before we go down. Tell the children I will be there soon and-thank you," Lady Juliane said, smiling.

Bess began lacing the gown up from neck to mid-hip. After working down to mid-back she said, "My

lady, I think we will have to tighten your stays a bit." She was surprised at the demure acquiescence, for

Lady Juliane had protested any tight lacing.

Tightening completed, the ribbon was tugged through the last loops, tied off, and tucked under. Bess straightened and flounced the skirt, then stepped back to appraise the effect. She turned Lady Juliane to the gla.s.s. "Look, my lady."

Her reflection amazed Lady Juliane. The gown, of finest sky-blue silk, overlaid with the sheerest of silver silks, took her breath away. Fashionable off-shoulder, tiny rosettes of matching colour formed shoulder straps and ran down either side of the centre front insert to the floor. The delicately gathered skirt flowed from the waist at side and back. Sequins had been worked in small floral patterns on the bottom third of the skirt and also over the full, half-sleeves.

"My lady, I found these in the box that the dress was in. What would they be for?" asked Bess, holding single blue and silver rosettes in her hand.

"I ... Why, would they not enhance my hair? The pins, let us try this. Yes, I do believe-what do you think?" she asked, seeking rea.s.surance.

"Just the right touch, my lady. You are so lovely," sighed Bess.

Lady Juliane turned slowly in front of the gla.s.s. She felt beautiful for the first time in her life.

"I shall see the children before Lord Adrian is ready."

"No, my lady. We shall see the children together," the earl said as he entered through the connecting

door.

To Mallatt, who followed him carrying a small wooden chest, he said, his voice full of pride, "Did I not

tell you?" He waved a hand toward Lady Juliane.

"Yes, my lord," answered Mallatt. He bowed deeply to Juliane. "You are most lovely, my lady."

"Thank you, Mallatt," she answered shyly.

"I will take that, Mallatt. You may go.

"Bess, please leave us also."

Mallatt winked knowingly at Bess, crossed the room, and ushered the maid out. He knew of the

betrothal ring and of the plans for after the ball and was determined that no one disturb the pair this time.

Lady Juliane grew increasingly nervous under Lord Adrian's scrutiny. "You are looking most handsome

Running an appraising eye over his evening dress, she took in the formfitting breeches and coat, which were of a sky-blue silk matching her gown. His small clothes were of silver silk. Gracing his immaculate white shirt lace, a lighter blue cravat matched his stockings. Silver shoes with sparkling silver buckles completed his ensemble. A modest periwig was the crowning touch. She knew they would be a striking pair.

"You lack but one thing," the earl noted quietly. "As Lady of the House of Tretain you must wear these." Lord Adrian opened the wooden chest and withdrew a simple tiara fashioned in diamonds which he carefully settled in her hair. Next he handed her droplet earrings.

As she fastened them on, he said, "I had this piece cleaned especially for you. It arrived along with something else of import this afternoon. I hope you approve." Slowly Adrian raised a stunning diamond necklace.

As he secured it about her neck, Juliane watched in the gla.s.s. Fingering it, she realized it was a simple rendering of the Tretain crest. Raising her eyes, she became captivated by his as he stared at their reflection.

"Absolutely exquisite," Adrian breathed as he slowly turned Juliane to face him. Pride and tender pa.s.sion covered his features. Slowly he embraced Juliane, drawing her very close.

She did not resist his lips as they claimed her own, but answered their gentle movement with a surge of feeling that startled her.

Adrian responded hungrily and some time pa.s.sed before he eased his hold and looked pensively at her.

Juliane's mind searched for words, her heart pounded tumultuously. "My lord," she began shakily.

"Adrian," he corrected with a slow smile.

"My lord ... Adrian ... we shall be late. I ... I promised the children..." She was stayed by his look.

The softness had left his expression, a question replacing it. He smiled tersely and made a leg. "Your wish is my command-for this night at least." A twinkle lit his eyes.

"I, dare to command you, my lord? Who could judge me guilty of that?" Lady Juliane asked, attempting to equal his bantering tease.

Both knew their relationship had altered, deepened, but a further probing would have to wait until after the ball.

Becoming conscious that they both had suddenly become very prim, the pair exchanged a bow and curtsy with mock seriousness, then broke into laughter.

Warmth and security enveloped Juliane as she took Adrian's proffered hand and walked slowly with him to the nursery.

CHAPTER 19.

The guard, Morton, opened the door to the nursery for them as they approached. Lord Adrian remained at his side for a few moments, checking instructions, while Lady Juliane entered.

Alva hastily grabbed both Leora and Andre's hands to prevent them from running to Lady Juliane and mussing her gown.

Lord Adrian entered as Juliane finished a slow pirouette before them.

Andre, his eyes shining, clapped enthusiastically. Less interested, Leora was drawn by the flash of the sequins as the skirt swirled, the light of the setting sun causing them to glitter.

"You are most beautiful," said Andre softly. Tears suddenly sprung to his eyes. "I cannot but think of..."