Miss Radley's Third Dare (Miss Mayhem 3)

“I do. I just don’t want to cause another scandal.”

George smiled. “I’ll be discreet, I promise you.”

Nine

Julia waited as Linus locked up the townhouse behind him. “Thank you for coming with me.”

He snorted and fell into step beside her. “As if I could allow my sister to go to the market alone when there is so much at stake. You don’t know how lucky you are.”

She had an inkling of what her marriage meant to him. Now that she’d secured what he termed a proper match, Linus was even more determined that she behave appropriately. The fact that Valentine stole kisses and met with her after dark to talk had escaped his notice entirely. She held in a smile. If not for those stolen moments, she would never have consented to the match, ruined or not.

However, she would not argue with Linus today and held her tongue on the subject of her imminent marriage. If she thought of that coming day for too long, her stomach began to twist into knots. She would be Mrs. Merton soon. She glanced at her list quickly as panic assailed her again. “Mrs. Baker wants a pair of plovers today and whitebait delivered tomorrow.”

“How long before the cut on her leg is healed enough to return to full duties?”

“Her foot,” Julia corrected yet again. “A few more days, just to be safe. The last time she walked as far as the market it began to bleed. I do not like that, so she must rest.”

“Do not speak of the matter to anyone.”

Linus hated that while Mrs. Baker rested, the household errands fell to her to manage. She could have sent the scullery maid Julia had insisted Linus hire as additional help, but Mrs. Baker was so particular about whom she purchased from and the girl always went to the wrong stalls.

“Oh look, I see Miss Long is coming toward us,” Linus said as they neared the first market stall. “And your betrothed is at her side. Hide that list this instant and pretend we are merely passing through.”

“They are out early today,” she murmured as she tucked the scrap of paper inside her glove while keeping an eye on their progress. Miss Long smiled suddenly. She faced Valentine, her face lighting up with joy as she spoke to him. Then she caught his arm and dragged him laughing into a nearby haberdashery shop. The door closed slowly but Valentine never had a chance to see them because his attention was riveted to his cousin.

Julia’s feet turned to lead and she turned away to stare into an apple cart. She ignored the growing ache in her chest as she inspected the apples until her worry abated. The cart’s owner moved closer. “How much for a pair?”

The old woman smiled. “A shilling for you, lovey.”

She paid over the coin gladly and dropped the firm fruit into her basket. “Thank you.”

She found Linus unsmiling, hands on his hips. “I swear they saw us. At least Miss Long recognized me.”

“I’m convinced she did too.” Too certain. When Julia added up the subtle snubs over the past weeks and months, she could not help the inevitable conclusion she came to. Teresa was no longer her friend. She had somehow lost her regard and likely it was because of Valentine.

“We should catch up to them.”

“No,” Julia protested as she retrieved her list. “I have all this to organize before luncheon for Mrs. Baker or she might come looking for me.”

Linus grimaced and then relented. “Very well. But let’s be quick about it.”

“Miss Radley!” Melanie Merton called and Julia spun around, quite unused to the sound of Melanie raising her voice, especially on a public street. The woman rushed over, her maid trailing behind. “I was afraid you would not see me.”

“Good morning.”

They exchanged pleasantries and comments about the weather then Melanie grasped her arm. “I was hoping to call on you today but you were not at home?”

Julia glanced at the arm twined about hers so familiarly and then at her brother. Would her next words spoil this friendly meeting? “I’m running errands for cook.”

“On account of her sore leg.” Melanie winced. “Hmm, Valentine’s housekeeper mentioned there had been an accident in your kitchen. I’m glad to see you’ve managed to make her rest.”

“It has been quite a battle,” Julia informed her.

“I imagine so.” Melanie laughed softly and looked toward the paper. “What does she require this morning?”

Reluctantly Julia unfolded the sheet, aware that Melanie was scrutinizing her cook’s shopping list with a critical eye.

“Do you mind if I join you?” Melanie asked suddenly.