Chapter 4 4

I hate having this hips, Julia muttered. Sebastian was looking at her trying to decide if she was serious or not. Most ladies of marriageable age like her wouldn't even think to say things like this, at least not in the presence of a Duke. She was like a breath of fresh air.

Cocking his head to one side so that he might observe her better he said: you can't possibly mean that.

At least temporarily, I do hate it, if it means I would have to be accosted by men old enough to be my father. She said sighing heavily as if she carried the weight of the whole world and he wanted to shake her and tell her something, anything as long as it could stop her from looking so forlorn, but he held still and kept quiet.

They were coming to the end of the waltz, he realized, and he could have sworn that time flew fast. He was surprised he really did enjoy her company, after all, she wasn't at all what he expected.

*********

Julia was sprawled out on the sofa, she had six callers today, six! She was beside herself with happiness. She was almost impressed with herself, almost, but not that impressed. she still did not have the two most important people, the two lords that were top on her marriage list. Lord Wakefield and lord Cole weatherly.

Her six callers were mostly besotted with her, but they were not her top choice. She and Vicky had carefully organized this list with lord weatherly and lord Wakefield emerging as the top two.

Worrying her lower lip she thought of what to do. Lord weatherly hardly attends functions. If he didn't even attempt to attend balls how was she supposed to dazzle him? Maybe, just maybe she could enlist the help of lord Sebastian Dashwood. He has proven to be a very good accomplice. Of course, she was not stupid enough to reveal all her secret, that she was out to ensnare the earl.

she could tell him that she was in love with lord weatherly. She could do this she found herself musing. After all lord Cole and lord Sebastian have been the best of friends since childhood. He wouldn't want any less for his friend. She would have to be on her best performance to be able to fool lord Sebastian into believing that she was in love so that he might be able to help her.

Maybe they could use his house as a meeting ground since lord Cole always frequents there and also happens to reside there. She could easily go there without incurring any unnecessary attention.

Saddling her horse, she prayed that both Sebastian and Victoria was at home.

The heavens must have been working with her because both Victoria and Sebastian happened to be at home. How did she know this? Because right now she was sitting in the drawing-room with Victoria reviewing her plans. Victoria was going to secure a meeting with Sebastian while she waited in the drawing-room helping her self to the biscuit that was provided earlier.

Vicky was soon back signaling that she could go to his study. She was almost quaking with fear, now that the moment has arrived, she was surprisingly terrified. Puffing out-breath from her mouth she made her way to his study.

When she entered his study he was sitting behind a desk staring her down with his arms crossed over his chest.

To what do I owe this visit. He snapped out.

She was momentarily lost for words. Staring at him sitting behind his desk glowering at her. I need your help she bit out.

He looked stunned for a second. My help? He asked.

Didn't your sister tell you anything? She visibly asked.

He shrugged saying Nothing, just that you wanted to talk to me. So what is this about. he said cocking one brow up, the brow in question disappearing under his hair.

I need your help, she said.

You have already said as much. He snapped out.

Ignoring him, she said, I think I am in love with lord weatherly.

You think you are in love with him or you are in love with him, which is it. He bit off.

I don't know, I guess both, she said.

And that is my business because?

Because he is your friend and I was hoping that I could enlist your help. She said.

Pray tell, how am I supposed to be of service. He muttered.

One she said, ticking it off on her hand. It is a known fact that lord Cole Weatherly doesn't attend any social functions and he often Comes here. I was hoping you could afford me the opportunity to get acquainted with him. She said.

Pray tell how am I supposed to do that. He muttered resting his head on the wall behind him. He was very much the picture of bored nonchalance.

By sending off a note to me anytime he is about the estate, the rest I can handle on my own. She said.

I don't doubt that, he said. Cole wouldn't know what hit him. Very well, I might as well comply. He said sounding bored.

Thank you very much. She said.

Sebastian watched Julia until she exited his study. He was irked, but he couldn't pinpoint the particular thing that was irritating him. If he understands her well she meant to seduce Cole, he shouldn't care but why does the thought of that depress him.

Cole wouldn't know what hit him, he was awfully quiet most times and she, she was like a thundercloud.