He awoke with a start. Squeezing his eyes shut against the bright sunlight, he willed his mind to focus back to the present.
Abruptly, the previous events that led him to that very room came rushing back, his eyes flew open and found himself staring at Julianne who is staring him back with a faint smile playing on her pale lips.
"Julianne?" he whispered, disbelief lacing his voice.
The young woman in question was silent, instead she gave his fingers a light squeeze.
"Your Grace. Good morning" she rasped, barely audible.
Gavin blinked owlishly, not believing. "Julianne? I don't believe this!" The duke rushed to her side drawing her into his arms tightly, refusing to let her go. His eyes brimming with tears of joy.
Lord, thank you. Thank you. He silently offered a silent prayer as tears streaming down his cheeks.
"Your Grace. Please" Julianne gasped. Suddenly the duke caught himself and quickly relinquishing his firm hold.
"Sweetheart, I'm sorry. Are you hurt? Are you in pain?" Julianne managed a weak laugh.
"If I may have a sip of water, Your Grace?"
The duke nodded and scattered about the room to locate a pitcher of water.
Ever so gently, he assisted Julianne drink from a glass. "How are you feeling, love? Are you in any pain?"
"Truthfully my chest hurts" Julianne frowned painfully as she let Gavin took her glass away.
She struggled to shift her body into a sitting position and grimaced when she failed.
"Careful, love. Don't over exert yourself" He awkwardly fussed over her, lending her a strong arm to assist her.
"What happened to you?" she whispered, tracing her fingertips lightly on the duke's overnight stubble. Gavin caught her hands, placing soft kisses on her palms before replying "You scared the hell out of me, Julianne. Promise me you will never leave me. Ever" Julianne smiled weakly.
"Forgive me Your Grace, but I cannot seem to recollect what had happened" She paused, frowning. "I did remember we were on our way to London" Then her eyes rounded horrifically.
"My home.. The estates" she broke off as ripples of coughing and wheezing overtake her words.
"Sweetheart. Julianne love. Please calm yourself"
"No.. no.. I need to do something.." She protested as she attempted to raise from the bed yet she collapsed back, her breath came in short gasps. Gavin felt the tears stinging at his eyes, all the while blaming himself at Julianne's act of defiance.
"Sweetheart, none of that matters now. What is more important is for you to regain your health" The duke leaned over placing a soft kiss on her forehead.
Julianne fixed him a stern look. "What do you mean 'none of that matters'? We are talking about my livelihood" The duke vigorously nodded his agreement.
"Yes, my love. I know" he said softly, unconsciously infusing tenderness in his tone. "I have been a stupid fool. I am sorry for everything I had done to you. And I hoped that you find it in your heart to forgive me" never once tearing off his gaze from her, he whispered, "I love you Julianne"
When she was at loss for words he continued huskily, "You do remember I told you that, don't you?"
"Vaguely" she murmured, feeling unsure.
It came no surprise for Gavin, if Julianne did not return his feelings. He smiled tenderly despite of the disappointment circling his heart yet he chided himself to change to be a better man, and hopefully a potential husband that Julianne could be proud of.
Now that he had confessed his feelings to her, he was determined to seize the future together with her. But he will not do so if Julianne was still hesitant. He will lie back, graciously granting the opportune time and space that she probably needed to fully accept him, his flaws and his strength.
"Your home and the Estates" the duke continued softly "It was never mine to begin with. It is and always be yours" He paused again kissing her cold fingers, his green eyes never leaving hers.
He gazed at her with a look of such tenderness she was overwhelmed with jumble of emotions, she turn her head slightly suddenly feeling shy.
The duke clearly a bit hurt by her reaction which of course he erroneously interpreted it, swallowed the ache, instead he smiled and kissing her temple he whispered, "May I have the honor of you becoming my wife, my lover, my companion and my duchess, my dear sweet Julianne?"
Julianne swallowed, obviously stunned by the turn of event, was at loss for words. "I-I.."
The duke leaned down slightly, placing a soft kiss on her pale lips. "It is alright, my love. You don't have to answer now" Gavin dimpled urging a new rush of emotions entering her heart. "What is more important is for you to get better. I will wait for your answer. Even it takes a thousands of years. I will wait for you to accept me" his eyes held so much love, Julianne could see it, she could sensed it.
Gavin kissed her lips again with lingering sense of undying love, she felt her eyes water.
"I think it is best for me to have my rest now, Your Grace" Julianne muttered softly. For a brief moment, she saw a look of pain flickering the duke's eyes but as quickly as it also vanishes.
The duke nodded, smiling sheepishly. "Yes, of course, sweetheart. Hull should be summoned immediately to check your condition. Is there anything you want to eat in particular?" The duke hesitated, as if measuring her with only a look he could assessed her state.
"You should have something love. You haven't eaten for so many days now" The duke pushed again, not liking how pale she look. Julianne shut her eyes, feeling rather drained.
"Julianne?" the duke implored, evidently he is eager to get Julianne to have something to eat.
She thinned her lips, feeling the nausea bubbling up her throat at the mere thought of food.
"Yes Your Grace.. Please summon Alda for me. I will inform her"
Gavin nodded vigorously. "Fine then love. I will see you later" he leaned down again, briefly touching her lips with his own. "Make sure you eat something"
Julianne sighed softly, closing her eyes. "Yes, Your Grace"
"Sweetheart?"
"Yes, Your Grace?"
"Stop calling me 'Your Grace'. And I love you. You know that, don't you?"
"Yes, Your Grace" The duke frowned deeply as he watched Julianne slowly fell asleep.
"Julianne?" She didn't stir.
"You will marry me" It was not a question and it was met with total silence. Gavin faltered a bit, obviously torn, chewing over whether he should wait for her answer. After a few minutes, he heard Julianne's soft snore. The duke smiled humorlessly. That was really a good sign. Gavin finally breathe a sigh of relief. Slowly he closed the door to her bedchamber but not before peering one eye between the door panels then he shut the door completely.
* * * * * * * * *
"I swear I would have blood coming out from my ears if I should hear any more of his nagging of my eating habits" Julianne distractedly pushed the serving tray away. Edward chuckled humorlessly.
"Maybe you should forgive him on that matter, Jules" he sighed, adjusting his seat more comfortably. "Granted, he have been through hell and back ever since that day"
Julianne eyed Edward with annoyance yet she knew that the man was not at fault. It has been weeks since she was confined to bed under strict order from Gavin. And his staffs knew better than to challenge their master even she ranted and rave.
"I feel fine" Julianne confirmed. Even Edward did not dare to disregard Gavin's command as he reiterate Gavin's words: bed rest, eat healthily and drink lots of fluids.
Nevertheless, Gavin's continuous pestering has its merits. Julianne's health had improved drastically only in two weeks, her gunshot was healing steadily, thanks to Gavin who nags Charles Hull to move temporarily to St James Street so that he could look after her twenty four seven, moreover the Duke has also assigned an army of his servants and hand maids to cater to Julianne's needs which infuriates her to the end.
Edward chuckled, shaking his head in disbelief of how different Gavin and Julianne were but how similar they were. Stubborn as a mule.
Julianne sighed loudly as she laid back against her pillows. She felt utterly bored, she wanted so much to go out into the sunshine. Julianne thought as she longingly watched a lone branch tapping repeatedly on her window.
It was autumn, Julianne could feel the atmosphere and breeze is changing. She noted the alteration of the colors of the leaves, how they turned from gold and then brown and as time permits, they inevitably float to the ground creating endless wave of gold and brown sea.
"I wish I could go out" Julianne mused aloud looking over to Edward who is now settling himself with a newspaper. "You can bring me out, can you Edward? Please?"
The duke looked up from his newspaper and smiled, his eyes sparkled. "You know that is not possible, my dear"
She groaned. "Oh why not? No one should know. Moreover, the duke is not here, is he? He had moved to Mayfair just last week"
Edward sighed heavily. He folded his newspaper in half and put it neatly on the table beside him before addressing Julianne's remarks. "Yes he has moved his lodgings to his townhouse there, Jules. And mind you, you owe me a big favor by persuading him" Edward could not ever forget how arduous and grueling it was to execute that task, given how persistent Gavin's nature is. It took him hours and a great deal of lengthy logical explanation of how inappropriate it was for him to remain any longer in St James Street under the same roof with Julianne, even if he declared himself as her betroth.
Julianne had pleaded to Edward to aid her on that matter as she could not tolerate anymore of Gavin's constant badgering.
"Why would I care of what others may think?" Edward remembered Gavin's retort. "Furthermore we will be married as soon as possible"
Edward let out an impatient sigh. "Be that as it may, you have two things to consider, Gav" The other man was silent and Edward continued "One, you surely don't want Julianne to be the victim of gossip amongst the ton, living without proper connections with you? " Edward held out his second finger "And two, had Julianne informed you about the date of your nuptials? Had she agree to be married as soon as possible?"
The duke grinned as he patted his breast pocket. "I have acquired a special license yesterday"
Edward's eyes rounded in disbelief. "Bloody hell, Rutherford. You certainly are out of your mind"
His friend grinned awkwardly. "Don't tell Julianne about this. Swear it"
"Fine. I will not say anything about that" Edward's words trailed off as he gestured at Gavin's pocket.
"But you have to promise me to move yourself to any one of your other residences except here"
He directed his serious look at Gavin to demonstrate his point firmly.
"What will Julianne say if I suddenly transfers to another place?" Gavin said worriedly. Edward sighed.
"Believe me she will never know you have gone"
That was weeks ago yet Gavin habitually visited Julianne every chance he got. He will be there when Julianne was about to have her breakfast, he insisted of having his lunch with her and before returning to his bachelor townhouse in Mayfair, he made sure he spent his dinner time with her after which he either spent the entire afternoon by taking her out for an impromptu brunch or having tea at Twinning's or he simply took her out for a brief drive around Hyde Park and sometimes he took her to Vauxhall Garden for a romantic walk beneath the stars, which Julianne favored immensely.
Julianne nearly screamed in madness at the duke's unwanted attention but as Edward quickly outlined that all of Gavin's actions were his subtle way of telling his circles that he is currently betrothed, rather seriously, in fact, Julianne did not have the heart to tell him off.
Gavin was surprisingly a loving man as he spoke more tenderly to her, his eyes held her with so much warmth and love, she did not know he had an ounce of affectionate bone in his body. She never encountered the duke's soft side before and truthfully, it scares her immensely.
Just then, the door to her bedchamber was knocked and as expected, Gavin strode in bearing a bouquet of red roses. Fleetingly Julianne caught Edward's eye. Edward shrugged and instead smiled to his friend.
"Good morning sweetheart" Gavin muttered as he briefly kissed her lips and proudly presented the bouquet to Julianne.
"Thank you, Your Grace. They are beautiful" She took a whiff of its perfume suddenly realizing how much she missed rose gardening.
Gavin acknowledged Edward with a nod as he took a seat on her bed. "I thought I stopped by before going to King Charles'" the place he mentioned is the street where his office located. Lately, he had been often visiting his office, Julianne thought. Doing what and why, she had no clue.
Then he turned his utmost attention to Julianne. "How are you today, love?"
"It seems like Jules here felt like she was being cooped up too long in the house" Edward supplied lifting one brow.
Gavin crossed his arms as he regarded Julianne. "I'm sorry, dearest. As Hull's said, another week of bed rest should followed up if you want the dressing for your wound to come off"
Julianne groaned loudly. "Why should I get anymore rest? I have rested enough for a lifetime" She turned pleadingly to Edward.
"I do apologize on Edward's behalf, love but he is busy afterwards"
"I am?" his friend cocked his eyebrow in question.
Gavin nodded grinning, silently signaling to Edward as he raised to his booted feet. "Yes. I have something urgent to discuss with you. Now" kissing the top of Julianne's crown, he continued "I will see you at luncheon, sweetheart. Have a good rest" then he stretched his powerful frame down, he whispered huskily to her, his face close "I love you"
He hadn't expected Julianne to say anything on the confession of his feelings which he had uttered countless times, he reflected grimly, straightening. As predicted, Julianne's face lit up into a heart stopping smile, squeezed his big hands briefly which Gavin saw now as her way of telling him that she acknowledged his words.
Gavin left the room with Edward trailing behind him.
"I think it be best to let Jules go out for a walk on her own or something once in awhile, Gav. Why, you have been practically glued to the woman's side for weeks, I could not even began imagine her stress"
Gavin grunted as he preceded to his study. "You may consider your thoughts on that after what I am going to say to you" he firmly shut the door while Edward took his seat in front of the hearth.
Edward's eyebrows shot up at his solemn look but ask anyway. "Right. What urgent matter that in need to discuss now that we have hidden ourselves?"
Gavin took a deep breath, trying in vain to suppress his anger over what he had uncovered on the matter of Julianne's attempted murder and the arson. His smiling face fell replaced by a menacing scowl. Edward who was observing his friend for more than five minutes, tilted his head slightly in question. "Well?"
Gavin wavered for a mere second before plunging. "It seems that we have a slight shed of light on the subject of Julianne's matter" Edward immediately sat up.
Gavin looked over to his friend who was now frowning. "Never mind asking on how I obtain my information" he paused, took a deep breath and concluded "It is highly likely that the source leaked from Piccadilly"
"Piccadilly?" Edward's eye rounded. "You mean your townhouse in Piccadilly?" Then he sobered. "One of your people is supplying information on Jules' whereabouts. Is that what you are trying to say?"
Gavin shifted his footing as he weighed Edward's query. "All the evidence we have collected so far points to that fact"
"By 'we' do you mean to imply that you sought the services of Scotland Yard?" Edward asked suspiciously.
His friend ruefully shook his head. "You do know that I did not trust anyone outside our channel?"
"Then what can I do to help?" Gavin shot Edward a thoughtful gaze, debating whether it is imperative to enlighten Edward about his other findings. It is not that he didn't trust Edward. A great deal, as a matter of fact.
"What I need for you to do is to continue to act as per normal whenever Julianne is concerned"
Edward stiffened noticeably. "In what way did that contributes my assistance to you?" Inside he was a bit hurt that Gavin excluded him from participating in his investigation.
Sensing the friction in the air, Gavin noted Edward has suddenly grown quiet. "Do you remember Reilly?" Edward frowned, trying to remember.
"He is the young steward that came to call at Piccadilly a few months back"
In an instant, Edward's expression changed from confusion to realization as remembrance dawn . "You mean the Reilly chap? Is it really him?" he whispered fiercely. "In what way did he had any connections to all of this? When did Jules make his acquaintance? "
Gavin calmly shook his head over Edward's myriad of questions. When at first Kelly relayed the revelation, he was also as flabbergasted as him.
"Yes and no. Julianne didn't even know him. But mind you. Reilly is only the mediator. Kelly had the impression that Reilly was under the employment of someone else."
Edward pursed his lips in thought. "You mean, the mastermind" Gavin nodded.
"So? Have you discovered who it was?"
Gavin hesitated. What he didn't tell Edward is that somehow the trail that Reilly left behind ultimately leads to Daniela. How and why, Gavin was yet to uncover the truth. He was determined to dig deeper though, but for now, he would feigned ignorance. He felt it would be best if Edward and especially Julianne oblivious to his discoveries as to avoid the uneasiness that it will caused.
Moreover, Julianne should recuperate comfortably so that he could finally make her as his wife before winter is over. Deep down in his heart, he knew something was not right. Something sinister that lurks around his findings in regards about the connection between Reilly and Daniela. Gavin did not know what but his instincts were never wrong.
To point out his disinterest on that matter, he poured himself his best Scotch and offered another glass to Edward.
"We have yet to uncover that matter" he said finally, but inside he was nervous about Julianne's safety.
He was apprehensive that the culprits are someone he knows so well. What are Daniela's intention?
How much Reilly is involved in this? "My people are still looking into it as we speak" Gavin swallowed the endless questions along with his Scotch. It is better to leave them both in the dark while he alone together with his most trusted men doing some digging.
Gavin tossed back the remnants of his liquor and muttered "I think I would take up your advice of letting Julianne out for awhile" He grinned, directing his gaze briefly outside the window. "The weather is perfect for a brief ride, don't you think?" Gavin thought aloud and he turned to Edward, still grinning, he continued "Should you be somewhere else?" Edward sighed. Defeated, he got up from his seat, clearly interpreting his friend's aim to spend some time alone with Julianne. "I will leave you two lovebirds alone for now. Give my regards to Julianne" before exiting he eyed Gavin and said "Let me know if you have discovered anything, Rutherford" his expression somewhat grave, he turned the doorknob and strode out. Gavin let out the breath he has been holding. It appears as if Edward did not sense what he is up to and what he is hiding. Good. He thought as he exited his study walking towards Julianne's bedchamber. For now, he will act like nothing was the ordinary, for Julianne's sake.
In his head, he counter planned about what is his next step will be. Tomorrow, he will have an impromptu conference with Kelly and a few of his most trusted minions. Of course at the moment, he have put Green and Beere on Reilly's tail, as Gavin knew the two men are the most surreptitious than any of his people. Their work was clean yet thorough, so Gavin would not have to fret over them. He will expect a full report from them tomorrow.
Gavin's mouth curled knowingly. Straightening his clothes, he schooled his features to more relaxed and blissful expression, knocking softly on Julianne's door. He will momentarily forget the issue for now. Gavin mused. He wanted to enjoy the day with his beloved Julianne by taking her for a drive to Hyde Park and later after he safely installed Julianne back at the townhouse, he will make his move.
* * * * * * * * *
"Damn it, Green!" Gavin banged his fist angrily on the tabletop, his stationeries shook. The man in questioned pursed his lips, clutching his crumpled hat in his grip he bravely risked a glance at his
Master. "It was not entirely me fault that I lost the Reilly fella, Yer Grace. Beere 'ere lets 'imself wearin' the wobbly boots whenever I took me eyes offa 'im, yes he did"
Beere grunted incredulously. "Jus' a fine minute 'ere, sod. Why'd ya got to go 'round blamin' me?"
Beere, a man of incredible height and build, not taller than his master shoved his companion on the shoulder. Green stumbled a bit yet he caught his footing.
"Well, mind tellin' the Master wha' 'ave ya bein' doin' when that whore start rubbin' 'er tits on ya?"
"Enough!" Gavin growled, he was close enough to snap their necks into two.
Both men went silent. "I don't bloody care if you want to kill each other but do it later out from my place. Now" Gavin swung his hard gaze on Beere. "Where in hell did you lost Reilly?"
Both Green and Beere looked at each other apparently hesitant. "Last seen he was in Southwark, Yer Grace" Green declared in a steady voice. "Afta that, he does magic. Poof.. into thin air, yes 'e does"
Beere chipped in. Green grunted in agreement.
Gavin paused, his mind reeling. He glanced at Kelly who was standing quietly next to him.
"Kelly?"
His personal groom shifted his weight. He looked at his master.
Gavin nodded lightly "Both of you are out of the commission. Kelly here will contact you if the need arises"
The duo was agape with disbelief. "B-but Yer Grace-"
"Out"
Kelly watched the two burly men shuffled their feet before Ward showed their way out.
Gavin stood up and walked over the fireplace, his expression harsh . Kelly and Ward did not dare to utter any word so they kept their thoughts to themselves.
They know rather well if the master's plans had crashed onto a brick wall, things will not be easy on them now. Kelly's mouth curled involuntarily as he watched his master fired up his cigar and took his glass to pour himself brandy.
"What are your thoughts?" without looking up, the duke directed the question to Kelly.
He cleared his throat. "I think we should tackle the root of this problem, Yer Grace"
Gavin took a moment before draining the dark brown liquid from his glass, his thick fingers curled the smoldering cigar. "You mean, Daniela?"
Kelly nodded. His Grace let out a breath. He was getting frustrated of how things were developing. It was a dead end to another.
"We can get the others to ride on her tail this time-"
"No" Gavin snapped, evidently he had made up his mind about the matter . "I will personally get to the bottom of this"
Kelly stared at him blankly. "Personally? Ye don't mean to imply-"
"Yes. I will have to charm my way to Daniela's side in order to conclude this mystery"
The other man looked at him in disbelief. "D' ye think it is a wise move, Yer Grace? How about the duchess?" Gavin hesitated. He totally forget about Julianne yet he knew he had to take out the trump card so that he could catch Daniela in action once and for all.
Gavin lifted his brows and said coolly. "I trust you will not say anything to Her Grace" it was an order, expected to be indubiously obeyed. The duke shifted his glance to Ward who stood poised near the door, his stern look was understood by him for he muttered faintly. "Yes, Yer Grace"
Kelly colored slightly. "Of course, master. But be careful"
Gavin chuckled humorlessly. "Don't worry. It will be over before you know it" he said, perhaps to reassure to himself rather than to the both men present.
The less Julianne know about his intentions, the more believable it will be. He determined, mentally crossing his mental fingers hoping the revamped arrangement was met with success this time.
Gavin's head was full of ideas of how he will slither his way into Daniel 's head and figure out what are her objectives towards Julianne.
After which he would be able to verify that Daniela is the guilty party, dragged her to justice then he could finally make Julianne as his wife. He decided. He will do everything in his power to execute the plan smoothly.