Lady Revealed (9 page)

Juliette didn’t have far to travel as all the theatres in London were fairly close to one another. Her hands still shook after coming so close to Lord Acker. He was far more handsome than she remembered. If only she could forget him altogether then she wouldn’t be plagued by the dreams and ache with longing. But why should she long for him, he only wanted her to warm his bed. Why was she the only one who had partially fallen in love?

She blew out a breath, angry with herself. What did she know of love? He was simply a gentleman who showed her a great deal of attention, more than she had received from any man previously. She had been foolish enough to fall for his charm, thinking he cared for her too. He only wanted in her bed.

The knowledge didn’t make the pain any less and Juliette vowed to put him from her mind and heart and hopefully she would not see him again.

Her steps slowed. But, he would know where to find her, if she was able to secure a dancing role. Perhaps she should concentrate on acting and have Hélène disguise her so Acker couldn’t recognize her. She could even change her name. Many actresses did.

There was also the chance he was no longer interested. It had been a year. What if he had married?

Oh, that was too painful to think on and she dismissed the idea.

She would dance, hopefully. It didn’t matter if Acker could find her or not. She was not giving up her passion for any gentleman. If he chose to pursue her again, she would be wiser this time and not give him a moment of her time.

Mind made up, Juliette lifted her chin and marched toward the stage door of the King’s Theatre. She gave it three sharp raps and waited. It was opened within a few moments.

“Have the auditions already been held for
Adolfo E Chiara
.”

The larger man frowned down at her. “Yes.”

That one simple word made her want to cry. “Will there be ballets in the future and will there be auditions?”

“Who is inquiring?” An older man came to the door. He was thin and of average height with dark hair greying around the temples.

“Juliette—“

“—Mirabelle,” he finished for her, grabbing her hand and pulling her inside the back of the theatre.

“Do I know you?” She didn’t think she knew anyone in London, other than her mother and sisters of course, and now Acker, and wouldn’t she remember this man? His features were striking, though he was a quite a bit older than she.

“I saw you dance in Milan.”

Heat stole into her cheeks. She had become accustomed to those in Italy recalling her name. At least those in their small dancing community. It warmed her that someone in England knew who she was.

“You were magnificent. Who did you train under?”

“Pierre Gardel until I was eighteen—.”

“—Ah, that explains your accent,” the man interrupted. “You are originally from Paris.”

“Yes, but my family moved to Milan.”

“Obviously, you continued to dance.”

“Yes, under Salvator Viganò, and I wish to continue, now that my family has moved to London.”

The man frowned and Juliette tried not to let the disappointment consume her.

“The company is already set for the season.”

“It is what I feared.”

“However, if something were to happen to a ballerina, I would like to know where to find you.”

Though Juliette hated if anyone was injured and would never wish it on another dancer, in this instance no injuries could very well mean she might not dance this year. Unfortunately injuries happened all too often if a dancer did not take care. Muscles had been strained and ankles twisted. She could only hope that if there was an injury, it was not serious. She wrote her direction and handed it to the gentleman who slipped it into his pocket. “I wish you well, Miss Mirabelle, and will let you know the moment we have an opening.”

She smiled gratefully at him. “You would still wish for me to audition.” She waited for his confirmation.

The gentleman laughed. “I’ve seen you dance in a few productions. There is no need.”

Heat stole into her cheeks again. Even in Milan, she needed to audition for the roles she wished and a bit of pride burst inside that what he had already seen was enough to put her on the stage, if only there were a place for her.

“Thank you, Mr…”

“Fortier,” he answered.

“Thank you again, Mr. Fortier.”

He followed her until she had exited the building and once Juliette was alone, she walked toward the road leading home. Her heart was heavy in that she had not found placement, but hope lingered that perhaps Mr. Fortier might find a place for her in his company. But just in case, she would visit
The Adelphi Theatre tomorrow
.

*

When Acker emerged from his meeting, it was already growing dark. The entire afternoon and early evening had been spent in discussion and argument at times, on the best ways to ensure Napoleon arrived at Elba and stayed on Elba, as well as the several military actions involving England around the world.

He paused on the curb and pushed his fingers through his hair, exhaustion settling around him. He certainly was not up for another ball this evening, though his mother expected him to attend. It wasn’t that she wished to spend time with Acker; she wanted him to find a bride and settle down. More importantly, she wanted grandchildren, which she reminded him of at least weekly.

How could he concentrate of looking for a bride or even giving any of the available debutants any consideration? Juliette was in London! She was the only woman he wanted. She just might not have him.

He had barely been able to concentrate in the meetings because of thoughts of Juliette. Everything changed when he saw her. Even if Juliette had not returned, none of the ladies on the marriage mart this Season intrigued him. He hadn’t even bothered with obtaining a mistress since his return. He had broken from the last one before he left on his travels and once he was back, none of the willing ladies would do.

They weren’t Juliette.

Though he anticipated that he might not ever see her again, Acker couldn’t bring himself to engage another woman in an intimate relationship. As such the house he kept in Covent Garden for the sole use of a mistress had remained unlived. However, it was well-staffed since Acker didn’t want to let the servants go and the place was always kept ready in the event that it was needed.

That was where he should go this evening. Mother didn’t even know about the townhouse so wouldn’t look for him there, thus he wouldn’t be pressured into another bloody boring ball, or have to listen to her lists the numerous fine qualities of the young women being presented. He had already attended enough balls this season to know that none of them would do.

None of them were Juliette.

Acker crossed to where his carriage waited. Hopefully there was still time for cook to prepare a small supper. He settled back against the squabs and ran a hand over his face before he closed his eyes. A fine meal and a soft bed was all he need this night. Tomorrow he would be refreshed and continue his search for Juliette.

The carriage came to stop before the three story townhouse in Covent Gardens. He alit from the conveyance and instructed the driver to return home.

The front door opened before he reached it and Martin, the butler stepped back. “We were not expecting you, Lord Acker.”

He gave his hat and cloak to a footman, whose eyes shifted from Martin to Mrs. Hart, the housekeeper. A young maid stood in the center of the stairs, biting her lower lip. Something was deuced odd with them this evening. Of course, he had not been here in months but a quick glance assured him that his servants had not been lax in their duties while he was away.

“You do usually send a note when you are going to be visiting,” Mrs. Hart reminded him.

Ah, so that was it. They feared he might be angry if everything wasn’t as it should be. Hadn’t they worked for him long enough to know that he didn’t require much and had never been a tyrant? “If you must know,” he grinned. “I am hiding from my mother who wishes to match me with every available debutant this Season. I am frankly too tired for such nonsense and thought to escape.”

Martin started to smile but controlled his features, which Acker took to mean that the man was in complete agreement with him, whereas Mrs. Hart pursed her lips in disappointment. Acker wondered if Mrs. Hart would betray her employer and report to mother where he was hiding.

“If it is not too much bother I would like to take supper before retiring.”

The maid bopped a quick curtsey. “I’ll inform cook.” She darted down the rest of the stairs and toward the kitchen before Acker could reply.

“Would you care to go into the library and I will pour you a glass of brandy,” Martin offered.

“That sounds splendid, Martin.” When they entered the library the butler rushed past him and poured a glass of brandy, handing it to Acker.

“Please have my supper delivered here.”

He nodded and quit the room. Acker wandered over to the window to look down on the street below. The house stood almost in the heart of Covent Garden and there were people walking in either direction and several hackneys and carriages traveling as well. He shouldn’t be surprised. This area of town was usually thriving well into the early morning hours. He studied each woman who passed, paying close attention to hair color, and if it even resembled a red he looked at the face, willing the person to be Juliette, but he did not see her.

Where had she gone and where did she live? He would hope it was in Covent Garden, and it would make sense since the majority of London’s theatres were located in this area of town. But, no matter how much he wished it, Juliette never walked past the house.

Acker tipped back the glass and drained the contents. Even if Juliette did live in the area, how as he to find her again? London was far too large to search for a single female and he had no idea where else she might be.

Still, she was in London, which was more information he had a day ago. If anything, he would simply visit the theatres and find out if she or her sister had been hired. Surely that shouldn’t take long and then he would have her direction.

Juliette jerked awake. She stared into the darkness, listening for what had disturbed her slumber. The hacking coughs of her mother came from the next room. She rose from bed and when she pushed her mother’s door open Juliette found the woman reclining in bed, a glass of water in hand. A lamp was lit low on the small table, casting shadows on her mother’s pale and drawn face. “Can I get you something, Maman?”

She shook her head just as another coughing fit hit. Juliette came forward and settled on the side of the bed. “I wish you would see a doctor.”

Her mother smiled weakly. “We cannot afford it, nor is there anything he could do.”

“We don’t know that,” Juliette insisted.

“I do. Besides, I am getting better, I assure you.” Mother reached forward and squeezed her hand. “Go back to bed. I will be fine.”

Juliette wasn’t so certain. Night after night she was awakened by her mother’s coughing. They needed to get her medicine. “I’ll make you some tea. That will help settle your cough and perhaps you will find sleep.”

Mother nodded and then let her head fall back, closing her eyes.

Juliette silently left the room and made her way to the kitchen where she stirred the fire and put a kettle on to boil.

“She doesn’t seem to be getting better.”

Juliette looked up to find Hélène standing in the doorway. Dark circles framed her light blue eyes. Hélène was too young to look beaten down and one of the reasons Juliette had not told her sisters about the bloodstained handkerchiefs. They all had enough to worry about already. “Did you not sleep?”

Hélène sighed and moved further into the room, a basket in her hand which she placed in the center of the table.

“What is that?”

“I’ve been up all night stitching.” Hélène opened the basket and removed a stack of handkerchiefs. “Madame Dupree said that if I could prove my skill with a needle she might have a position for me.”

Juliette picked up the delicate linen and fingered the tiny stitches before she turned it over. Hélène’s work was as neat on the back as it was on the front. Juliette didn’t have the patience to sit for long periods of time bent over with a needle and thread. Even if she tried, Juliette would never match her sister’s skill. Hélène could make anything from Shakespearian costumes to the most delicate ball gown for Society. “Isn’t Madame Dupree a modiste? Why does she need embroidery? Wouldn’t your small stitches be enough?”

Hélène pulled out a chair and sank into it. “The girl who does the more intricate work and embroidery is increasing. Madame needs someone to fill the position for a few months.”

Even if the job was not permanent, and if Hélène were able to gain the position, they would have two incomes coming into the family. “I am sure she will hire you the moment she sees your work.”

Hélène smiled weakly before bringing her hand to her face to cover a yawn.

“Why don’t you get some sleep,” Juliette suggested. “I will wake you before I leave.”

Her sister straightened. “Should we both be gone at the same time? What if Mother needs something?”

Juliette bit her bottom lip. “I am sure maman will be fine for a few hours.” She turned to the stove and lifted the kettle of boiling water and set it on the wooden table. “I need to check with other theatres. I need to find a position that will allow me to be home during the day and you can’t miss this opportunity.”

“I have no doubt that you will,” Hélène assured her and stood. “Please wake me in two hours. I want to be at the dress shop before it opens.”

Juliette promised and began making a cup of tea for her mother as Hélène shuffled out of the room. “Please let us both find a position,” she whispered to the empty room.

*

Acker stood at the edge of the street glancing one way and then the next. Why had he sent his carriage home last evening? It could have been kept in the stews behind the row of houses. Should he hail at hackney or walk? It was a fine day and the sun was already burning away the early morning fog. A walk would do him good. If he tired, he could always get a hackney if necessary.

Voices and vendors calling grew louder as he neared the Piazza. The coffee houses were busy and the square was already filling with servants to purchase produce and floral arrangements for the grander homes. Acker couldn’t remember the last time he had awakened this early. Was it always this active during this time of the day?

He was cutting through the crowd when sunlight glinted off the loveliest shade of red hair.

Juliette?

Acker altered his direction and followed the young woman. He had yet to see her face but only one other person had the same color of red. She moved from one vendor to another, picking up different flowers for what Acker assumed would be an arrangement for her home.

Had Juliette been hired to dance? He dearly hoped so and looked forward to seeing her on stage once again.

The woman paused before buckets of tulips. Acker rushed forward before she moved away again. “Miss Mirabelle?”

Her head came up and the young lady turned to look at him. Her eyebrows shot up in surprise.

“
Genviève
?”

“Lord Acker?”

“Might you know where I can find Juliette?”

Juliette’s sister frowned and pursed her lips for a moment. “She is visiting the theater this morning.”

Genviève
never did care for him, Acker reminded himself. “They did not hire her at the King’s Theater?”

The young woman narrowed her eyes in distrust and tilted her head. “How would you know she visited there?”

“I spoke with her yesterday, outside of Drury Lane,” Acker hastened to explain. “I directed her to the King’s Theatre because I knew they would be performing a ballet.”

“She did not tell me,”
Genviève
said slowly.

Acker suspected there was much Juliette had not shared with her younger sister. Or, at least he hoped that was the case. On the other hand, it would explain
Genviève
’s dislike of him.

“We barely had time to speak. We met as I was leaving the theatre. Her appearance took me completely by surprise.”

She snorted.

“Juliette was gone before I could ask anything further.”

“The company is already set.”

Perhaps she will be cast in the next ballet. “I would like to call on her. Might I have her direction?”

Miss Mirabella took a step back again. “You will need to ask Juliette’s permission.” She lifted her bouquet of flowers higher. “I must go.” She turned and hurried away.

Acker was not about to stand there and watch this woman walk away. It was bad enough he let Juliette run off yesterday and he wasn’t going to lose her sister too. He hurried after her, nearly knocking an older servant over in her pursuit. “But how can I ask her permission if I do not know where to find her?”

Miss Mirabella simply shrugged and continued walking.

“Please, wait.”

Her shoulders lifted and then dropped as if she heaved a heavy sigh before turning to face him. “I will not tell you where we live.”

“Then how am I to find her?”

Miss Mirabella glanced past his shoulder and a slow smile came to her lips. “Simply turn around.”

*

Juliette glanced around the flower market for Genviève. She should have known that it was too early to call on the theatres seeking employment but she was too anxious to wait around the house. She needed to find work. Even though maman slept after drinking the tea, she still coughed. Hopefully Hélène would gain a position with the modiste. That only left Juliette to find a job. But what else could she do in the evening besides dance. Someone had to be with mother at all times. Leaving Mother alone for a few hours, as she did this morning, would not cause any harm and she was sleeping. But, she couldn’t be alone all day. Not until she was well again.

The pounding began at the base of her skull and was climbing to the top of her head. All this thinking and worrying was getting her nowhere. She stopped for a moment and rubbed her temples before she once again looked for Genviève. She knew her sister would be here to pick out fresh flowers for her employer. Surely Genviève would have a suggestion, wouldn’t she? She hardly saw her sister as of late. Genviève usually left early in the morning, not returning until supper. There simply had not been much of an opportunity to ask if her sister had further suggestions of where Juliette could find a position that allowed her to be home during the day.

Across the Piazza she saw Genviève speaking to a taller gentleman. He was in the shadows of a canopy and Juliette could not make out his coloring of features. Had Genviève met someone? Life would be easier for everyone if one of them married, if the gentleman could afford to help maman. The remaining two sisters could survive alone but it was maman who needed help.

As she approached the gentleman slowly turned in her direction and Juliette’s heart stilled for a moment. Why was Genviève speaking with Lord Acker?

His smile broadened and he took a step in her direction. “I’ve been looking for you.”

She folded her arms across her chest. She would not succumb to his charm no matter how handsome he was in the sunlight. “To what purpose?” she demanded.

“Would you care to walk with me?” Lord Acker held out his arm.

Juliette glanced back to her sister.

“Your sister is welcome to join us,” Lord Acker quickly assured her.

“I must return,” Genviève responded. “I am already behind and I don’t wish to be sacked.” She gave a quick nod and was gone.

Juliette glanced back at Lord Acker. He held out his arm so that she could link her hand through his elbow. Did she dare walk with him? Shouldn’t she return to Mother?

“Just for a few moments,” he insisted, as if reading her hesitation.

What would a stroll with Acker harm? It wasn’t as if they were alone in her classroom and there was no threat of rain at the moment so she should be safe. Juliette slipped her hand through the crook of his arm and he led her away from the crowds and down the walk.

“Why return to London after so many years?” He asked.

Juliette shrugged. She would like to know that reason as well as he, but her mother would not provide a reasonable explanation. “As I told you in Milan, Maman likes to move about and usually without a moment’s notice.”

“Clearly.”

What did he mean by that?

“I called on you the next day, to apologize for my behavior.”

Did she dare hope he saw her in a different light.

No, don’t think that way Juliette. If he were interested in a more permanent and respectable position, he would have never suggested she become his lover in the first place. Though, she wished she could have heard his explanation. Not that it mattered now. That was a year ago and he had probably moved on, as she had tried to do.

“Your entire family was gone and only a few servants remained with the stacks of crates.”

Despite herself, a smile pulled at Juliette’s lips. “That is the way with Maman. Once a decision is made, she doesn’t wait to plan.

“How long have you been in London?”

“Not long.”

“Where did you go when you left Milan? I’ve looked for you.”

She doubted he had looked but Juliette would humor him. “Where?”

Acker stopped and turned to stare down at her. “I will have you know that I hired investigators to visit the cities known for ballet to see if you were dancing in one of them.”

Juliette took a step back. She hadn’t expected him to go to so much trouble. Were his feelings deeper than she realized. “I haven’t danced since leaving Milan.”

He grasped her hand in his. “Where were you?”

Acker was so urgent in needing to know that Juliette decided to tell him. “We traveled to Genova and sailed to England. Once we arrived in Dover, Maman decided to travel around England and Scotland before coming to London.”

“And now you live here?” he gestured around Covent Gardens.

It wasn’t the nicest area of town, but certainly not the worst. Besides, it was no different than where she lived in Milan. It was full of the working class, theatres, and prostitutes if one was needed. Not that she ever needed one, but they were there just the same. As were the coffee houses and flower market. People living their lives without the benefit
or
judgment of Society.

Acker glanced at the coffeehouse they had stopped before. “Come inside. Sit and talk with me.”

Part of her wanted to spend more time with Acker, but she needed to get home to Maman. Besides, she couldn’t risk it. The shield she had tried to form around her heart threatened to crumble when she learned he had been looking for her. She couldn’t risk that pain again. “I can’t. I need to get home.”

“Let me walk you.”

Juliette pulled her hand from the crook of his arm. “No. You cannot know where I live.”

“Why?” He pushed his fingers through his hair in what she suspected was frustration.

“Maman still does not want me to associate with English Gentlemen.”

He opened his mouth as if in shock. “She brought you to England. Did she think you would meet a Spaniard?”

Juliette couldn’t help herself and chuckled. “She has nothing against Englishmen. Just
gentlemen
,” she emphasized.

Acker tossed his hands up as he spoke. “But why?”

Juliette straightened, no longer smiling. “Because they consider dancers little better than whores.”

The color drained from his face. “I never meant…”

Juliette turned to walk away, feeling better for having said the words.

“Wait!”

She stopped but did not turn around.

He rushed forward and stopped before her. “Please, let me explain.”

She studied his face. There was sincerity in his eyes. Did she trust him again? “I must go.” She moved to go around him and Acker gently grasped her arm. If she wished, Juliette could easily shake his hold so she did not feel threatened.

“At least meet with me tomorrow. I need to explain.”

She swallowed but would not look up at him. Would his explanation make her feel better or worse?