“Do not be concerned.” Juliana held a hand up dramatically. “I shall endeavor to remember tea first, milk second. I should hate to cause another war between Britain and the Continent.”
Callie laughed, accepting a cup of perfectly poured tea from the younger woman. “I am certain that Parliament will thank you for your diplomacy.”
The two shared a smile before Juliana continued, “So, were I to meet a duke or a duchess—” Juliana said as she carefully placed a piece of cake on a small plate for Callie.
“Which you most certainly shall do,” Callie pointed out.
“Allora, when I meet a duke or a duchess, I shall refer to either as ‘Your Grace.’ With all others, it is safe for me to call them ‘my lord’ or ‘my lady.’”
“Correct. At least, all others who are either titled or who have courtesy titles because of their parentage.”
Juliana cocked her head, considering Callie’s words. “This is more complicated than tea.” She laughed. “I think it is a very good thing for my brothers that I am only here for a short time. Certainly, they can quickly repair any damage their scandalous Italian sister might do in a mere two months.”
Callie offered a reassuring smile. “Nonsense. You shall set the ton on its ear.”
Juliana looked confused. “Why would I impact society’s hearing?”
Callie’s smile broadened, shaking her head. “It is a figure of speech. It means you will be a great success in society.” She lowered her voice to a conspiratorial whisper. “I predict that gentlemen will clamor to meet you.”
“Just as they did with my mother, no?” Juliana’s blue eyes flashed, and she slashed her hand through the air. “No. Please put the idea of a marriage for me out of your head. I shall never marry.”
“Whyever not?”
“What if I turn out to be just like her?” The quiet words gave Callie pause; before she could find the right response, Juliana continued. “I am sorry.”
“There is no need for you to apologize.” Callie reached out, setting one hand on Juliana’s arm. “I can imagine how difficult this must be.”
The younger woman paused, eyes on her lap. “For ten years, I have pretended that my mother did not exist. And now I discover that the only family I have left is because of her. And these men…my brothers…” Her voice trailed off.
Callie watched the younger woman carefully before saying, “They do not seem much like family now, do they?”
A flash of guilt crossed Juliana’s face. “It is that obvious?”
Callie shook her head. “Not at all.”
“I do not think they like me.”
Callie shook her head firmly. “Impossible. You are an exceedingly likeable young woman. I, for one, enjoy your company immensely.”
Juliana smiled a half smile before saying, “I believe that Nicholas has warmed to me. But Ralston…” She met Callie’s eyes, and her voice quieted. “He does not smile.”
Leaning forward, she placed a hand on the younger woman’s arm. “I should not read much into that. I believe I could count on a single hand the number of times I have seen Ralston smile.” And not for lack of watching.
Juliana shifted her gaze to where Callie was touching her, staring for a brief moment before placing her own hand on top of Callie’s. When she met Callie’s eyes, the younger woman’s expression was filled with doubt. “I am rather a lot of trouble for him, do you not think? The orphan daughter of a woman who deserted them appears one day, looking for a new family.”
Callie knew she should end this inappropriate conversation. After all, the intricacies of the Ralston family matters were just that—Ralston family matters—but Callie couldn’t help herself. “Not a new family. An old one,” she corrected. “One you were always a part of…you simply had to claim your place in it.”
Juliana shook her head. “No. They know nothing of me. I do little more than remind them of our mother. She is our only connection. I am certain that Ralston sees only her when he looks at me. I think he will be happy to see me go in two months.”
Despite her immense curiosity about their mother, Callie refrained from probing more deeply about the woman who had so callously abandoned three such remarkable children, instead saying, “Your brothers may not know you, Juliana, but they will. And they will love you. I would guess they have already begun. I predict that they will not let you leave in two months. And even if they would allow it, I hope that you will change your mind and stay.”
Juliana’s brilliant blue eyes filled with tears. “Seven weeks and six days.”
Callie’s heart clenched with sympathy for the young woman. She smiled softly, “Honestly, after spending an afternoon with you, I find that I am rather committed to your future as well. I think we shall be very good friends.”
Juliana offered Callie a watery smile. Taking a deep breath, the young woman straightened and brushed her tears away, choosing to put her insecurities aside. “Have you been a friend to my brother for a very long time?”
Callie froze at the question. “A friend?”
“Si. It is clear that Ralston holds you in high regard and considers you a friend. He was quite eager to inform me this morning that he had secured your agreement to sponsor me in society. If you were not friends, why would you be here, risking your own status to guide me through my every misstep?”
Callie knew she couldn’t tell the truth. You see, Juliana, there comes a point in a woman’s life when she’s willing to do anything to be kissed. She paused, searching for the appropriate words; Juliana misread the meaning of the silence.
“Ah,” she said, a knowing tone seeping into the single syllable, “I understand. You are more than a friend, si?”
Callie’s eyes widened at the words, “Whatever do you mean?”
“You are his…” Juliana thought for a moment, seeking the correct phrase. “His inamorata?”
“I beg your pardon?” The question ended in a strangled squeak.
“His lover, yes?”
“Juliana!” Outrage took over, and Callie pulled herself up into her most regal of poses, adopting her very best governess tone. “One does not refer to lovers or paramours or…any other personal matters with guests!”
“But you are not simply a guest!” Juliana looked confused. “You are my friend, are you not?”
“Of course I am. However, one does not refer to such personal matters with friends either!”
“I apologize. I did not know. I thought that if you and Ralston were—”
“We are not!” The words came pouring out as Callie’s voice trembled. “Not lovers. Not even friends! I am here to help you because I like you. I enjoy your company. The Marquess of Ralston has nothing to do with it.”
Juliana looked Callie directly in the eye, waiting several moments before responding. “I enjoy your company, as well, Lady Calpurnia, and I am happy to have you with me on this journey.” She then leaned forward, one side of her mouth up in an impish smile. “However, I believe there is more to your being here than goodwill. Else, why should you so passionately deny it?”