CHAPTER 484: NEW SUITOR (1)

Back in Lockwood, Julie walked the busy road of the market with her family. It was a beautiful day, so the Chambers decided to spend time together before Reed and Caleb would become busy with work.

Julie walked beside Eleanor, watching as her father and uncle bickered about the scent of fish.

"We can never be secretive when those two are together," Eleanor sighed.

"Uncle Caleb does tend to enjoy a fish lunch. I believe he did it on purpose to annoy my father. We shouldn’t get too close to him since it is an awful smell," Julie said, fanning her nose.

"It is, but we mustn’t say anything to join your father in teasing your uncle. Simply remain behind your uncle. Now that we are alone, I have something I have been meaning to speak to you about. I heard from the queen that you are to be introduced to the count," said Eleanor.

"I have already been introduced, and that man is insufferable. He is from the countryside, so he is not used to the ways of Lockwood. I am almost certain that he says things that are silly just to get a rise out of me," Julie said, annoyed just by the thought of what she heard.

"Men are like that at times. They think the best way to get close to us is by annoying us. Still, it is good for you to be courted by a count even if you won’t ever marry him. It will show that you are desirable to a nobleman," said Eleanor.

"Did you not hear me, mother? I said that he is insufferable. I was only being kind since he is a friend of Prince Tyrion and Elijah. That and the fact that he had some stories to share about the countryside. You should be more interested in the man from the palace courting Ally," Julie said, trying to shift the attention.

"I am thinking of you both. I have already heard that Ally has taken a liking to her suitor. Your grandmother seems to think highly of him as well. It won’t be long before we hear wedding bells for someone in this family," said Eleanor.

"Are you hoping that you would have the chance to say that I am getting married? Do you want me to be a count?" Julie asked, willing to do so for her mother.

"No," Eleanor shook her head. "I don’t mind you taking your time. I only want to know that you are enjoying the season and the men courting you. You don’t tell me about any of your suitors, so I have to hear about it from others."

Eleanor worried that her side of the family was affecting Julie’s season.

"If there was trouble, you would speak to me or your father, right? I know I have been busy with my books, but I can always set aside time for you. I have been thinking of taking a break so I can be more involved in your season," said Eleanor.

"What do you need from me, Julie? Tell me and I will do it."

"I think you must calm yourself. I have not told you anything since there is nothing to share. I have been enjoying the season, and when there is something worth sharing, I will tell you. Oh, no," Julie said, moving to hide behind her mother. "Why is that man suddenly everywhere?"

"Who?" Eleanor asked, looking around for the source of Julie’s discomfort. "Is it the count or another man? What does he look like?"

"How can’t you tell which one he is? He’s the one who appears as though he will ruin your day. Aren’t we going to visit the dressmaker? I say that we slip away and reunite with the others later," Julie suggested.

"It might be too late for that. He has approached your father and uncle," Eleanor said, enjoying what had occurred before her.

The count was a handsome man, but since Eleanor didn’t know much about him, she was still guarded.

"I hear that he doesn’t usually leave the countryside. He is only here because of the coronation, and the king requested that he stay longer. He isn’t dressed to give off the impression that he is a count. That must be why the ladies walk by him," said Eleanor.

"That or they sense that he has a headache. Why is he coming this way? Mother!" Julie whined as her hand was held.

"It would be rude of us not to greet the count, and I have not raised you to be rude. Greet him properly, and then we will be on our way," Eleanor promised.

Julie stepped from behind her mother to greet Count Hudson Delancy.

Julie curtsied alongside her mother.

"You must be the wife of the second twin. Are you Eleanor Chamber?" Hudson asked, his attention on the young woman who threw a book at him.

"I am. I am the wife of Reed Chambers," Eleanor answered. "And this is my daughter, Julie Chambers."

"I have been introduced to your daughter during the time that she was in the palace. She has quite the strength in her arms," Hudson commented.

"When did you meet my daughter?" Reed’s voice was heard behind Hudson.

Reed towered behind Hudson. His ears were keen to hear when men spoke of his daughter. He hadn’t heard of Hudson and Julie crossing paths.

"This was yesterday. I met her in passing when she was walking with the queen and king. She was accompanied by the queen and her maids," Hudson said, knowing Reed feared a scandal was on the horizon.

"I didn’t hear a word of this," Reed said, turning to Julie for answers.

Julie tried to shy away behind her mother once more. "I am introduced to many of the palace guests each time I am there. I didn’t think there was a need to speak of each guest. Count Delancy and I didn’t speak for long."

"What is this mention of you having strength?" Reed asked, fully invested in Julie’s time with the count.

"Nothing, I swear. Brendon was there too as well as the king and queen. I only met the count in passing. Right, Count Delancy?" Julie asked, giving Hudson a look.

Hudson took his time to answer, so Julie wished she could crawl somewhere and hide.

"She is right. Your daughter was well guarded the day I met her and surrounded by other ladies. It is not what you may be thinking," Hudson promised.

"That doesn’t explain the strength you spoke of," Reed said, suspecting there was more to it.