CHAPTER 14

It was almost funny that Philip had come for a ride in Hyde Park to escape all of his problems for a while, just to find himself staring at the woman who had started this intense stirring within him. Who had him overthinking absolutely everything. Of course he was drawn to her picnic party.

It was almost as if he could not control himself around her. If Verity was close by, then he was pulled towards her, like a magnet had complete control of him. It was a sensation unlike anything else that he had ever felt before.

He brought Midnight to a stop and, carefully dismounting, greeted everyone with a charming smile. Unfortunately, he found it impossible to drag his eyes off of Verity. His gaze lingered on her far too long, in a way that he was sure would be deemed scandalous. But he could not help himself.

"It's so good to see you, Philip," James declared, speaking to him warmly. It had been a while since their paths had crossed, but an acquaintance from the House of Lords was someone he would always have time for. "You must join us for a picnic on this lovely day."

"Oh, I would not want to impose…"

"Don't be silly," James boomed with laughter. "You would not be imposing at all. We would love to have you here with us. We have plenty to eat and drink. You would be most welcome. Plus, we have a lot of catching up to do."

Philip glanced around at the group, who all appeared to agree with James.

As he settled onto the picnic blanket, listening to the lively conversation around him, which eventually drew him in, Philip was surprised by how content he felt. There was a true sense of camaraderie here, giving him a sense of belonging that had evaded him for far too long. This was how he used to feel when he was married. In Julianna he had a family, he had friendship, he had everything that he needed, which only made it that much more challenging to lose her.

"So, Philip, tell me," James began, leaning forward slightly, "how have things been at the House of Lords? Any interesting debates recently?"

Philip smiled, appreciating James's genuine interest. "It has been as lively as ever, James. There was a particularly heated debate last week about the new trade regulations. Lord Danforth nearly lost his temper."

James chuckled. "Danforth? That is not surprising. He always has strong opinions. What is your take on the matter?"

Philip took a moment to gather his thoughts. "I believe the new regulations could benefit our economy in the long run, but there are certainly some short-term challenges we need to address. The opposition is quite vocal about the potential negative impacts on smaller merchants."

James nodded thoughtfully. "Indeed, balancing progress with the needs of all sectors is always a challenge. I must say, I don't envy you the task of navigating those waters."

"It's a challenge, but it's also rewarding," Philip admitted. "There is a sense of purpose in trying to shape the future, even if it's a small part."

James's eyes twinkled with admiration. "I always knew you had a knack for this, Philip. You have a way of seeing the bigger picture and finding common ground."

Philip laughed lightly. "You give me too much credit, James. It's a collective effort. Besides, I am sure that you have been keeping busy with your own ventures."

"Oh, absolutely," James agreed, his enthusiasm bubbling to the surface. "Faye and I have been working on expanding our estate. We have recently acquired some land, and we are planning to turn it in to a vineyard. It has been a dream of ours for a while."

Philip's eyebrows raised in surprise. "A vineyard? That sounds wonderful. I had no idea you were interested in wine making."

James grinned. "It's a new interest, I admit. But Faye is quite passionate about it, and her enthusiasm is contagious. We have already started planting the first vines."

Philip could not help but be impressed. "That sounds like quite an undertaking. I wish you both the best of luck with it. I am sure it will be a success."

All of a sudden, he felt Verity's eyes burning through him and he turned to catch her looking at him across the picnic blanket. Philip felt so captivated by her grace and the way that her smile absolutely illuminated her face, he allowed himself to forget about the pressure that his mother was putting on him. He even pushed away the burden of his responsibilities for a short while.

As the conversation carried on despite his lapse in attention, he was able to sidle subtly towards Verity and speak to her in an undertone.

"I owe you an apology," he told her quietly, grateful to get this weight off his chest. "For the gossip that has spread through the scandal sheets following our dance at the soiree."

Verity offered him a graceful shrug. "The fault does not lie with you. The ton will latch on to any morsel of speculation."

Philip smiled. "Yes, you are right about that. It's hard to make any moves in society without someone having an opinion on it."

"Or everyone," she chuckled back. "It seems like everyone has to have an opinion on everything. I do hope it has not caused you too much trouble."

Philip shook his head. As he stared at Verity, it was hard to recall any issues that he had faced at all. His heart ached at the unfairness that held women to such impossibly high standards in society. "Nothing that I cannot handle."

Verity nodded resolutely. "I am sure the ton will find someone else to talk about soon enough. There is always someone getting themselves into trouble. Then we shall be all but forgotten."

Her poise and lack of fear impressed him, though he longed for a way to ease her troubles.

There were so many things that he wanted to say in that moment, but he knew he could not. It would not be proper, and he did not want his mother to have another scandal sheet to throw in his face. It was better for him to keep his words to himself so that he did not cause any trouble.

"Philip, did you hear about what Lord Pendleton did?" James asked, suddenly drawing his attention away from Verity. "I was quite shocked, as I am sure you will be too."

Philip truly did try his hardest to listen to the story that James was telling him, but it wasn't easy. Not when the magnet continually drew him back to Verity. Especially when he could see that she was struggling to focus, just as much as he was.

It really was like they had found themselves trapped in a little bubble that only the pair of them could enter. They knew that they were surrounded by others, but the sizzling connection between them did not include anyone else. No one else was in focus quite like Verity was.

As he looked at her out the side of his eyes, Philip realized that not only was she an artist, but a work of art herself, and the emotions that she stirred in him were utterly magnificent and overwhelming.

Time spent in her company was the best way that he could spend his day.

This was a picnic that he did not want to end at all.

***

Upon returning to his town house after what had turned out to be a wonderful afternoon, Philip found a message from Thomas on his desk inviting him for a drink.

The invitation was a welcome distraction for Philip, whose thoughts were still consumed by his unexpected encounter with Verity in Hyde Park.

As he arrived at Thomas's stately home, Philip was greeted by a footman who led him to the billiard room. The room was warm and inviting, with a crackling fire and the familiar scent of polished wood and leather. It had been a long time since Philip was last here, but he recalled every part of this room well.

Thomas was already there, leaning back in a plush chair, studying Philip with a knowing look in his eyes.

"Philip, it's good to see you," Thomas greeted, gesturing for him to take a seat. "I hear you have been making quite an impression lately."

Philip smiled wryly as he settled into a chair opposite Thomas. "You could say that. It seems I cannot escape the gossip these days."

Thomas poured them both a drink, handing one to Philip.

"Gossip has a way of finding us all. But I know there is more to this story than just idle talk. What is going on, Philip?"

Philip took a deep breath, the weight of his thoughts pressing heavily on his chest. He needed some advice, which was why he did not hesitate to be honest.

"It's Lady Verity. I cannot seem to get her out of my mind." He sighed heavily. "Every time I see her, it's like I am pulled towards her. She makes me feel alive in a way I have not felt since… since Juliana's death."

Thomas nodded, his expression thoughtful. "It seems like there is a connection between you two, something undeniable. But what are you going to do about it? Have you yet decided? You should do so fast before your mother decides for you."

Philip stared into his glass, swirling the amber liquid as he gathered his thoughts.

"I don't know, Thomas. The scandal sheets have already started their whispers about us, which is of course going to impact her. I don't want to cause Lady Verity any trouble. Her situation in society is tenuous, and I've already made things harder for her with my attentions. And yet, I cannot ignore what I feel. When I am with her, everything else fades away."

Thomas leaned forward, his gaze intense. "Philip, life is too short to live in fear of what others might say. You have been through so much already. If Lady Verity makes you feel alive again, that is something worth fighting for. But you need to talk to her, understand her feelings and her situation. Only then can you decide the best course of action. This is the same advice that I have given you before, but it bears repeating."

Philip nodded, appreciating his friend's counsel. "You are right. I need to talk to her, to understand what she wants. But I am afraid, Thomas. Afraid of what this could mean for both of us."

Thomas clapped a reassuring hand on Philip's shoulder. "Courage, my friend. You have faced greater challenges before. This is just another one, and I have no doubt you will find your way through it. And remember, whatever happens, I am here for you."

Philip felt a surge of gratitude for Thomas's unwavering support. "Thank you, Thomas. Your words mean more than you know. I have been struggling to work out what the best move is, but it seems like you are right. I cannot continue to do nothing."

"You deserve a second chance at love and happiness."

Philip felt a renewed sense of determination as he absorbed Thomas's words. "Perhaps you are right."

"I am always right," Thomas laughed. "You should know that by now."

It was a wonderful notion, but the idea of actually confronting his mother about this was terrifying.

The thought of being open and honest about his feelings with Lady Verity was even scarier. But if he did nothing, then his life would be decided for him, and that concept was even worse.

Thomas raised his glass in a toast. "To second chances," he said, and Philip clinked his glass against his friend's.

The warmth of the brandy spread through him, fortifying his resolve.

Frightening as it was, he was going to have to try.