Fate

Chapter 5

"Mrs Byron, the lord...he's here!"

Linda came running upstairs as she saw the lord's carriage outside the gate. Today was Susan, Lady Byron's daughter's birthday. Today, she would be turning eighteen years and would make her first appearance in the ball in a few days.

Julia was also there with her, helping her in baking some small muffins while the lady was busy baking Susan's favourite cake.

"Oh Linda, is it true? My son is here," Mrs. Byron asked.

"'tis true. He's outside the gates." Saying this, Linda went away from the kitchen.

'She must be preparing hot water for the lord to bathe', thought Julia. It was so abrupt to leave a conversation like that.

"Ah, my son is back. I will give him a good scolding. Such a fool he is."

Julia chuckled softly at the expressions of the lady. She often missed her mother as she looked at Mrs. Byron. She loved her children a lot, just like her mother loved her.

Mrs Byron got up from her chair. Julia brought her walking cane and gave it to her.
"Julia, please remind me to not beat William up with my cane. My boy thinks he has grown up so much huh?"

Julia nodded as she tried not to laugh. The two walked down the stairs. The Byron mansion had a lot of stairs.

When the two reached the main door, Lord Byron was getting down from the carriage.
On seeing his mother, William left the door as it was and jogged towards her.

"Oh mother, I missed you so much. Dear Lord! London is so exhausting. I never got the time to reply to your letters. I read two out of the nine letters you sent me. I am really sorry mother."
William didn't tell her why he had to go to London. He didn't want her mother to worry about him unnecessarily. He knew that he could handle this situation alone.

The anger on Mrs Byron's face instantly melted away.
"I was worries about you son. You must remember that you are a Lord now. You should be a little responsible. You could have written me one letter at least. Anyways, do you remember what is today?"

"Yes mother. Susan's birthday. I bought her favourite dress from London," the lord said, as he pointed inside the carriage.

Suddenly, his eyes landed on her. He saw Julia looking down, fiddling with her locket. Her eyes were closed and she seemed to be muttering something to herself. She was looking prettier than he had last seen her. Her pink dress hung beautifully from her body. The dress might be Susan's, but it looked so good on her. Her hair waa up in a bun, wisps of hair peeking from the sides. Her red, swollen lips looked soft and plump.

Julia opened her eyes after finishing her prayer. Mrs Byron reminded her of her mother. The love she showed to her children was the best thing the lord and his sister could get. She saw the lord adverting his gaze from her.

William didn't want to get caught for looking at an unmarried woman like that. He hoped that Julia didn't notice him. His mother's voice forced him to look away from the beautiful lady, playing with her locket nervously.

"So, come in now and tell me why did you all of a sudden," Mrs Byron asked sternly.

"Mother, that's something about a conference. About trading," he lied without stuttering. He didn't want her mother to get worried after knowing the truth.

Mrs Byron simply nodded her head. At the same time, Linda came back and bowed I'm front of the lord.

"Lord, your water is ready," she said, and made her leave.

"Julia, show the room to William. I decorated it for you son. I put your favourite books in the shelves and some blank canvases for you to paint. And I did not forget to put your favour vases and flowers. Hurry Julia, show it to him."

Julia nodded her head and went to the lord.
"My Lord, pls follow me," she said softly, her gaze fixed in the ground.

William's heart seemed to skip a beat. He did not say anything, afraid that he might stutter. He simply nodded his head and followed the dark haired girl.

The two were passing through the hallway. An awkward silence was following them.
Until William mustered up the courage to speak.

"How are you doing Miss Barn?"

Julia turned around to face him. She must thank him. "My Lord, I am so thankful of you. I am really obliged to you. Thank you for saving me," she said, as her eyes pooled with tears.

William wanted to hug her and console the beauty standing in front of him. But he knew that it would be wrong. He nodded his head.

"Miss Barn, please don't be upset. As for saving you, it's you who saved me." It was too late. He couldn't takes the words back.

Julia wiped her eyes and looked at him. "What do you mean my Lord?"

"Uhh. I meant that you saved me from doing a sin. I couldn't help u that day, but here I am helping you. So you saved me from a guilt." He looked at her to see if his lie had worked.

Julia was still confused with his answer yet she didn't dare to say a word. She just nodded her head as if she was convinced with his answer.

She turned back in front of the staircases. William let out a silent sigh of relief. His eyes were fixed to the beauty leading her to his bedroom. The way her hips swayed naturally. And the curves of her waist...he wanted to hold them, pull her close and kiss her. He shaked the thoughts out of his head. He should respect Julia. But the way she was making him feel. It was difficult for him to hold the urge to kiss her.

"My lord, we are here," she said, as she broke his chain of thoughts.