Chapter One
Juliana Sherbrooke walked through the large oak doors of Pembrooke Hall, into the entrance hall. She took a deep breath and smiled. She loved this place. The walls were covered in pictures of the previous Duke's and Duchess's of Pembrooke, along with some of their children. Her thoughts were interrupted by the Pembrooke butler, Mason.
"Your grace, you're back. How was London?" he asked taking her cloak and riding gloves and handing them to one of the footmen.
She smiled at the older man she'd known all of her life. He was an inch taller that her, and had snowy white hair. He looked like Moses, she thought.
"Everything went as expected. How are things here?" she replied.walking into the dining room. She found plates full of food, allready out.
"Just fine my lady." Mason said as he pulled out her chair at the foot of the table. "Would you like me to fetch Andrew?" he asked.
"No, it is far to late. I shall see him tomorrow. You may retire for the night Mason, I think I can take care of myself." she said with a smile.
Mason nodded, and smiled back. He turned anf walked to the doorway. He turned and looked at her once more, before leaving her to her solitude.
When Juliana heard the door to the large dining room click shut, she sat back in her large oak chair and sighed. 'Home,' she thought.She looked about the dining room. The walls were covered in maple wainscotting and their were ancient tapestries hanging. The large windows at the opposite side of the room looked onto the gardens, as did most windows at Pembrooke Hall.
She picked up a scone and spread a little butter on it. She chewed it thoughtfully, thinking about her recent trip to London. Everything was going well. She was as happy as anyone should be. But something was missing. Something she quickly dissmissed.
Juliana awoke to rays of warm sunshine on her face. She smiled and felt a ball of warmth of her right side, and down by her left foot. She looked over and saw a little boy nestled in the crooke of her arm, sleeping softly, and a tiny white dog at her foot, also sleeping. She gently brushed the hair out of the little boys face and smiled.
The little boy's eyes fluttered open and he smiled at her. "I missed you mommy." he said innocently.
She smiled and pulled him closer. "I missed you to darling." She kissed his forehead.
The little boy sat up, and watched his mother sit up as well. "What did you do in London mommy? Did you bring me anything?" he asked with a hopeful smile.
Juliana shrugged her shoulders, "I dont know. We'll see after breakfast okay? she replied with a smile.
There was a knock at the door and Juliana gave a sweet, "Enter." In walked a young, pretty little girl with a tub of water.Three men folowed behing her with steaming, hot buckets of water as well. "we've brought your bath up my lady. Shall I assist you?" she asked.
"Yes,"she said then turned to the little boy, "Andrew, go on and do your lessons. At lunch time, you'll get your present."
Andrew lit up, and threw his arms around his momma. He leaped off the bed and skipped out the door. Juliana rolled out of bed and disrobed, and slid into the big copper tub that was steaming. She let out a sigh.
"Shall I was your hair miss?" her maid asked.
"Yes please, Darla." she replied.
Darala loved her mistress' hair. It was so soft and rich with color. You couldnt possibly count how many different shades were in it. There were light blondes, all the way to dark browns. It was magnificent. She scrubbed it as Juliana washed herself with rose scented soap.
Juliana walked down the large mahongany staircase that led into the entrance hall. She went into the breakfast perlor and took her seat at the head of the table. She ate a little bit of eggs, and bacon before heading into her library.
This was her absolute favorite room in the house. The walls were covered with shelves packed full of books. She had read everyone of them, most of them five times a piece. She sat down at her large mahognany desk and shuffled a few papers around.
She was so busy scrolling and checking extate balances, she didnt see Mason enter the room, with a tray of coffee.
"I brought you coffee miss. And the 'Gazette.'" he said setting the try on the corner of her desk, and pouring her a cup of black, rich smelling coffee.
"She looked up and smiled, "Thank you." She took a sip and gently placed the sup on the tray. She looked at it. It was her mothers favorite china. Her mother, Melanie, collected all sorts of china.
"Miss, is everything all right?" he asked, watching a myriad of expressions on her face.
She looked up, "Yes, did yuo know that these were my mothers?" she said lifting the cup.
A small smile appeared on his face. "I did. She was a lovely woman. You look just like her." he said.
She smiled and nodded. "That is what everyone says."
"It is true." he replied and left her.
She took another sip and continued with her work.
She rubbed her forehead and stood up from behind her desk. Almost immediately the door to her library flew open and Andrew came bouncing in.
"Mommie, Mommie, can I have my present now?" he asked.
She smiled and catched him in her arms. She was a strong woman and proved this by hoisting the five year old up in the air. She laughed and spun him around.
"Yes, you may have your present now. Come on." she said and set him down. He placed his small hand in hers, and they walked through the entrance hall and outside. They walked to the large stables and inside.
She stopped in front of a cubicle and lifted him up. "There is your present Andrew. His name is Hopper. I bought him just for you." she said and watched his face light up.
Inside the cubicle was a beautiful pony, one that looked like a miniature of her stallion Bolt.
"Wow! Can I ride him mommie? Can I? Can I? Can I?" he asked tugging on her arm.
"I suppose, but you will only when there is an adult around. And you are going to get proper lessons." she said and set him down on the ground. She opened the gate and stepped inside, Andrew close behind her.
The pony trotted over to them and nudged her shoulder.She patted him on the nose and lifted Andrew so he could pet him.
"It's so pretty mommie, thank you." she said and kissed her cheek.
"Would you like to go riding now?" she asked.
"Yes!" he yelled, excitmentin his eyes.
She set him down and called for the stable boy, Martin. Martin saddled up the pony, and the large stallion and pulled them out. He helped Andrew on and held onto the reins. Juliana jupmed on Bolt and patted his neck.
"Ok Bolt, we are going to take it slow. Andrew is with us and I dont want him hurt or anything. If he does, its going to be your head on the chopping block, alright?" she said sweetly.
The horse neighed and shook his head. She trotted him out of the stable and Andrew trotted up beside her. She took hold of his reins and they left the stable, and explored the grounds.
An hour later, they were back at the stables and dismounting. Juliana climbed off and pulled him into the cubicle. He neighed at her and she patted his large black nose. "I'll give you a better ride this evening alright?" she asked.
The horse shook his head and she laughed. She loved her horse. He was big and strong and obeyed her to a fault. Many of the stablehands wee afraid of him, but not her. He was black and had a streak of brown going down his nose, that resmebled a lightning bolt.
She saw Andrew runnning back to the house and followed him. She saw one of the footman holding a brown, large stallion and she wondered who was there. She walked inside and saw Andrew tearing across the room.
"My lady, Lord Rochester is here." Mason said.
"Which one?" she asked heading to the drawing room.
"Your eldest brother, Ryder, ma'am."
Juliana smiled and walked into the drawing room to see her brother Ryder spinning Andrew around. She leaned against the door frame and watched the handsome man play with her son.
Ryder set the little boy down and looked up at the beautiful woman leaning against the door frame. She was tall, and beautifully made. Much different from the wiry girl he knew years ago. She had turned into a graceful and desirable woman.
"Jules, how are you dear sister?" he asked making his way towards her.
"I am just peachy brother, and yourself?" she replied and hugged him tightly.
"Excellent. I tried to meet you in London, only to find that you had already departed." he said, stepping back from her.
"Mommy got me a pony!" Andrew piped in, not wanting to be ignored.
Ryder turned and knelt down beside the little boy. "Really now? well when you are older, I'll see to it that you get a real horse. After you beat your momma in a race of course." he said and rubbed his hand on his head.
"Why do I have to beat momma?" Andrew asked.
"Because she is the best rider in all of England." he replied with a smile.
"Andrew, I believe that you have to go to your lessons. Your uncle and I have some things to discuss. Go on now." she said and watched him pout a lip.
"Do not make that face Andrew. Go on." she said, her voice sweet, yet demanding.
Andrew shuffled out of the drawing room and went upstairs. Juilana turned back to Ryder and motioned for him to sit. He shook his head and leaned his large frame against the mantle.
Juliana sat on a red, velvet settee and looked up at him. He was built like a soilder, for he was one. He was dark as well. His black hair was pulled back and his dark brown eyes were assesing her smokey blue ones.
"How was everything in London?" he asked.
"Everything is fairing well. I talked with Charles Engle, my estates manager. I could buy a continent with all the money I have. I didnt know that Jeremy had that much money. And the estates. Those alone total to more than I could ever imagine." she said.
"Aye, it is a very, very rich woman you are. Be careful who you befirend. You are a wonderful judge at charecter, and if that information just happens to get out, well then you need to make sure you use that talent." he replied protectively.
"I know. Why were you in London? Buisness or pleasure?" she joked, with a mischevieous grin.
His eyes narrowed and he shook his head. "Buisness. I had to make sure that my baby sister was in good hands."
She stood and fisted her hands, "Listen! I do not need you to check on me everytime I decide to do something. What I do is my own affair."
He smiled at this rush of anger. "I was only helping."
"I thank you for helping, but know that I am capable of taking care of myself and Andrew and all the people who serve me and ar under my protection. I have been taking care of everyone for a long time." she said.
He nodded, "Aye, you have. But you need someone to take care of you. It has been six years since Jeremy died. You need to..." but he couldnt finish.
"I need to what? Go to London and get a husband? A man to use me and my money? I think not." she said, her face flushing.
"Jules, calm down. I just want you to be happy that is all."
"Ryder, I am happy. I have a son who I adore, I have brothers who I love beyond description. I need nothing else." she said in all seriousness.
"Ok then. I will say nothing more about it." he replied, giving up, holding his hands up.
"Shake on it." she said and spit in her hand and thrust it out to him.
He rolled his eyes and smiled, spit in his hand and shook hers. "I cant believe that you still do that." he said.
"Im full of surprises big brother. Now how long will you be staying at Pembrooke?" she asked.
"A week or so, how often do I get to be with my wonderful sister?" he answered.
"Your only sister." she corrected.
Juliana Sherbrooke walked through the large oak doors of Pembrooke Hall, into the entrance hall. She took a deep breath and smiled. She loved this place. The walls were covered in pictures of the previous Duke's and Duchess's of Pembrooke, along with some of their children. Her thoughts were interrupted by the Pembrooke butler, Mason.
"Your grace, you're back. How was London?" he asked taking her cloak and riding gloves and handing them to one of the footmen.
She smiled at the older man she'd known all of her life. He was an inch taller that her, and had snowy white hair. He looked like Moses, she thought.
"Everything went as expected. How are things here?" she replied.walking into the dining room. She found plates full of food, allready out.
"Just fine my lady." Mason said as he pulled out her chair at the foot of the table. "Would you like me to fetch Andrew?" he asked.
"No, it is far to late. I shall see him tomorrow. You may retire for the night Mason, I think I can take care of myself." she said with a smile.
Mason nodded, and smiled back. He turned anf walked to the doorway. He turned and looked at her once more, before leaving her to her solitude.
When Juliana heard the door to the large dining room click shut, she sat back in her large oak chair and sighed. 'Home,' she thought.She looked about the dining room. The walls were covered in maple wainscotting and their were ancient tapestries hanging. The large windows at the opposite side of the room looked onto the gardens, as did most windows at Pembrooke Hall.
She picked up a scone and spread a little butter on it. She chewed it thoughtfully, thinking about her recent trip to London. Everything was going well. She was as happy as anyone should be. But something was missing. Something she quickly dissmissed.
Juliana awoke to rays of warm sunshine on her face. She smiled and felt a ball of warmth of her right side, and down by her left foot. She looked over and saw a little boy nestled in the crooke of her arm, sleeping softly, and a tiny white dog at her foot, also sleeping. She gently brushed the hair out of the little boys face and smiled.
The little boy's eyes fluttered open and he smiled at her. "I missed you mommy." he said innocently.
She smiled and pulled him closer. "I missed you to darling." She kissed his forehead.
The little boy sat up, and watched his mother sit up as well. "What did you do in London mommy? Did you bring me anything?" he asked with a hopeful smile.
Juliana shrugged her shoulders, "I dont know. We'll see after breakfast okay? she replied with a smile.
There was a knock at the door and Juliana gave a sweet, "Enter." In walked a young, pretty little girl with a tub of water.Three men folowed behing her with steaming, hot buckets of water as well. "we've brought your bath up my lady. Shall I assist you?" she asked.
"Yes,"she said then turned to the little boy, "Andrew, go on and do your lessons. At lunch time, you'll get your present."
Andrew lit up, and threw his arms around his momma. He leaped off the bed and skipped out the door. Juliana rolled out of bed and disrobed, and slid into the big copper tub that was steaming. She let out a sigh.
"Shall I was your hair miss?" her maid asked.
"Yes please, Darla." she replied.
Darala loved her mistress' hair. It was so soft and rich with color. You couldnt possibly count how many different shades were in it. There were light blondes, all the way to dark browns. It was magnificent. She scrubbed it as Juliana washed herself with rose scented soap.
Juliana walked down the large mahongany staircase that led into the entrance hall. She went into the breakfast perlor and took her seat at the head of the table. She ate a little bit of eggs, and bacon before heading into her library.
This was her absolute favorite room in the house. The walls were covered with shelves packed full of books. She had read everyone of them, most of them five times a piece. She sat down at her large mahognany desk and shuffled a few papers around.
She was so busy scrolling and checking extate balances, she didnt see Mason enter the room, with a tray of coffee.
"I brought you coffee miss. And the 'Gazette.'" he said setting the try on the corner of her desk, and pouring her a cup of black, rich smelling coffee.
"She looked up and smiled, "Thank you." She took a sip and gently placed the sup on the tray. She looked at it. It was her mothers favorite china. Her mother, Melanie, collected all sorts of china.
"Miss, is everything all right?" he asked, watching a myriad of expressions on her face.
She looked up, "Yes, did yuo know that these were my mothers?" she said lifting the cup.
A small smile appeared on his face. "I did. She was a lovely woman. You look just like her." he said.
She smiled and nodded. "That is what everyone says."
"It is true." he replied and left her.
She took another sip and continued with her work.
She rubbed her forehead and stood up from behind her desk. Almost immediately the door to her library flew open and Andrew came bouncing in.
"Mommie, Mommie, can I have my present now?" he asked.
She smiled and catched him in her arms. She was a strong woman and proved this by hoisting the five year old up in the air. She laughed and spun him around.
"Yes, you may have your present now. Come on." she said and set him down. He placed his small hand in hers, and they walked through the entrance hall and outside. They walked to the large stables and inside.
She stopped in front of a cubicle and lifted him up. "There is your present Andrew. His name is Hopper. I bought him just for you." she said and watched his face light up.
Inside the cubicle was a beautiful pony, one that looked like a miniature of her stallion Bolt.
"Wow! Can I ride him mommie? Can I? Can I? Can I?" he asked tugging on her arm.
"I suppose, but you will only when there is an adult around. And you are going to get proper lessons." she said and set him down on the ground. She opened the gate and stepped inside, Andrew close behind her.
The pony trotted over to them and nudged her shoulder.She patted him on the nose and lifted Andrew so he could pet him.
"It's so pretty mommie, thank you." she said and kissed her cheek.
"Would you like to go riding now?" she asked.
"Yes!" he yelled, excitmentin his eyes.
She set him down and called for the stable boy, Martin. Martin saddled up the pony, and the large stallion and pulled them out. He helped Andrew on and held onto the reins. Juliana jupmed on Bolt and patted his neck.
"Ok Bolt, we are going to take it slow. Andrew is with us and I dont want him hurt or anything. If he does, its going to be your head on the chopping block, alright?" she said sweetly.
The horse neighed and shook his head. She trotted him out of the stable and Andrew trotted up beside her. She took hold of his reins and they left the stable, and explored the grounds.
An hour later, they were back at the stables and dismounting. Juliana climbed off and pulled him into the cubicle. He neighed at her and she patted his large black nose. "I'll give you a better ride this evening alright?" she asked.
The horse shook his head and she laughed. She loved her horse. He was big and strong and obeyed her to a fault. Many of the stablehands wee afraid of him, but not her. He was black and had a streak of brown going down his nose, that resmebled a lightning bolt.
She saw Andrew runnning back to the house and followed him. She saw one of the footman holding a brown, large stallion and she wondered who was there. She walked inside and saw Andrew tearing across the room.
"My lady, Lord Rochester is here." Mason said.
"Which one?" she asked heading to the drawing room.
"Your eldest brother, Ryder, ma'am."
Juliana smiled and walked into the drawing room to see her brother Ryder spinning Andrew around. She leaned against the door frame and watched the handsome man play with her son.
Ryder set the little boy down and looked up at the beautiful woman leaning against the door frame. She was tall, and beautifully made. Much different from the wiry girl he knew years ago. She had turned into a graceful and desirable woman.
"Jules, how are you dear sister?" he asked making his way towards her.
"I am just peachy brother, and yourself?" she replied and hugged him tightly.
"Excellent. I tried to meet you in London, only to find that you had already departed." he said, stepping back from her.
"Mommy got me a pony!" Andrew piped in, not wanting to be ignored.
Ryder turned and knelt down beside the little boy. "Really now? well when you are older, I'll see to it that you get a real horse. After you beat your momma in a race of course." he said and rubbed his hand on his head.
"Why do I have to beat momma?" Andrew asked.
"Because she is the best rider in all of England." he replied with a smile.
"Andrew, I believe that you have to go to your lessons. Your uncle and I have some things to discuss. Go on now." she said and watched him pout a lip.
"Do not make that face Andrew. Go on." she said, her voice sweet, yet demanding.
Andrew shuffled out of the drawing room and went upstairs. Juilana turned back to Ryder and motioned for him to sit. He shook his head and leaned his large frame against the mantle.
Juliana sat on a red, velvet settee and looked up at him. He was built like a soilder, for he was one. He was dark as well. His black hair was pulled back and his dark brown eyes were assesing her smokey blue ones.
"How was everything in London?" he asked.
"Everything is fairing well. I talked with Charles Engle, my estates manager. I could buy a continent with all the money I have. I didnt know that Jeremy had that much money. And the estates. Those alone total to more than I could ever imagine." she said.
"Aye, it is a very, very rich woman you are. Be careful who you befirend. You are a wonderful judge at charecter, and if that information just happens to get out, well then you need to make sure you use that talent." he replied protectively.
"I know. Why were you in London? Buisness or pleasure?" she joked, with a mischevieous grin.
His eyes narrowed and he shook his head. "Buisness. I had to make sure that my baby sister was in good hands."
She stood and fisted her hands, "Listen! I do not need you to check on me everytime I decide to do something. What I do is my own affair."
He smiled at this rush of anger. "I was only helping."
"I thank you for helping, but know that I am capable of taking care of myself and Andrew and all the people who serve me and ar under my protection. I have been taking care of everyone for a long time." she said.
He nodded, "Aye, you have. But you need someone to take care of you. It has been six years since Jeremy died. You need to..." but he couldnt finish.
"I need to what? Go to London and get a husband? A man to use me and my money? I think not." she said, her face flushing.
"Jules, calm down. I just want you to be happy that is all."
"Ryder, I am happy. I have a son who I adore, I have brothers who I love beyond description. I need nothing else." she said in all seriousness.
"Ok then. I will say nothing more about it." he replied, giving up, holding his hands up.
"Shake on it." she said and spit in her hand and thrust it out to him.
He rolled his eyes and smiled, spit in his hand and shook hers. "I cant believe that you still do that." he said.
"Im full of surprises big brother. Now how long will you be staying at Pembrooke?" she asked.
"A week or so, how often do I get to be with my wonderful sister?" he answered.
"Your only sister." she corrected.