Chapter 11
The Most Annoying Man in the World
Juliet was furious. Not that anyone at the International House, where she was having her lunch, could tell she was. Outwardly she seemed perfectly at ease with herself. Sipping English Orange Pekoe from an elegant porcelain teacup and nibbling delicately from a diminutive egg-and-watercress sandwich, she was a picture of cool, composed dignity. But inwardly…now, that was another question. Inwardly there was a fire roaring. A fire so blazing, she felt as if she were choking. Never, never in her life had anyone been able to agitate her the way this annoying, arrogant, pig-headed peasant of a man had done it. Of course, she never had taken so much pleasure out of being annoyed on end, as well. But she wouldn’t admit that right now.
When she had met Adam Cartwright at the Ponderosa those few days ago, she instantly had been attracted by the handsome man with the deep voice. And his eyes of course. Everything he didn’t say was to be read in his eyes. Juliet wondered if he realized that she had seen the pleasure in his eyes when he looked at her while they had their business talk over the horse. Never a believer in love at first sight, Juliet yet had to admit that Adam had made quite an impression on her. Actually, she had immediately considered him as a man worthy of her attention and therefore even allowed him the use of her first name. Miss Westlake, her governess back at Barnstoke Hall, would have had a fit. Juliet smiled in spite of herself when she recalled Miss Westlake’s ever-present rebuke “A lady wouldn’t do that, Juliet.”
Now things seemed a bit more complicated. Adam had come into her workplace, a place she considered sacred, and had attacked her in a way no one had ever done before. Usually a raised eyebrow, a short stern glance and a few well set words made people back away. But Adam had stood and fought his battle. And, Juliet realized, extraordinarily enough, he, a man, had taken her, a woman, as an equal. He hadn’t been easy on her, just as she hadn’t been easy on him. Juliet felt the flames inside slowly subside. He had given her a good fight, stubborn, inobstinate and unfaltering as he was. A pig-headed peasant…pig-headed, oh yes, but a peasant? No, not at all. Adam Cartwright was anything but a humble crofter; but she liked the alliteration anyway. Pig-headed peasant, frog-legged farmer…ox-willed author. She was surprised he hadn’t come up with something like this himself. Especially since it would have been quite true…. He had settled for a sarcastic Mylady that she didn’t find too offensive—she was a lady after all. The tone, however….
A giggle tickled at her throat. She took another sip from her rapidly cooling tea and got herself under control again. She couldn’t hold back a short shake of her head and an amused smile, though.
Why in heaven’s name hadn’t he simply asked nicely for a rewrite? Quite possibly she’d given it to him freely—in spite of company policies. But then again—what would have been the fun in that? Maybe he had taken pleasure in their brawl, too?
Adam, Juliet thought, was a dormant volcano under his normally calm posture, and she found she liked volcanoes. Well, she liked Adam, and she could pinpoint the one second she had realised that. It was when she had had lost herself in his eyes. These usually tranquil pools of whiskey that had turned to blazing fire through their battle. That was when she couldn’t argue anymore, only stare. She would make sure not to make this mistake again. Well, not during an argument, anyway.
Sunday, and her first riding lesson was only two days from now. She would see what more those eyes had in store for her.
I just love so much that you developed a friendship between Adam and Juliet in this series before developing a romance (though of course there were sparks from the start). ? I just always feel like friendship is so important for a couple …
Enjoyable, as your writing always is. So glad there’s more to go. Thx for writing! (And hope all is well w you …)
Oh, oh, I’m so happy you are starting to read the series!
I agree, friendship is important for a couple. And I really wanted to explore why they would fall for each other rather than making it love at first sight. Even though I suspect ghat at the end of the day it was love at first sight, only they did not recognise it for what it was.
I hope you’ll enjoy the otherbstories, too.
(And yes, all is well. Just keep my fingers crossed it stays so.)
I would pay to give Adam a bath!!!? Like the way this is headed.
Well, yes, who wouldn’t? 🙂
Thanks a lot, Neano, for reading this and for letting me know you liked it. It’s very much appreciated!