11. Chapter 11

Chapter 11

T heo paced the gazebo. What in the hell had just happened? How could she abandon him and break his heart as if it were nothing? She said she loved him, but she walked away. He kicked a pebble. How had they gone from blissfully happy to agonizingly miserable in a matter of a few minutes? Wasn’t finding love supposed to be a joyous, wonderful occasion? Didn’t love conquer all or some shite? If heartbreak and misery were what he could expect, he wasn’t certain he wished for any of it.

He left the gazebo and started back towards the house. Once he was back inside, he went to the salon, hoping he might find a tumbler of brandy. At least, in that regard, luck was on his side. He poured a glass and immediately drained all of it. Theo poured another and swirled it a few times before downing all the liquid again.

“You do realize it isn’t even noon yet, my lord.”

Theo spun around. “Lady Lily, shouldn’t you be off with Lord Knox somewhere?” He wasn’t in the mood for mindless chatter.

“He is supposed to meet me shortly. But you seem to be in a state.”

He turned back to the sideboard and refilled his glass, then waved his hand as he spoke. “If rejected, miserable, or crushed are considered a ‘state’, then you are correct.”

“Lady Juliet, I assume?”

He released a low growl. “The very one.” This chit was too smart, and nosy, for her own good.

“What did you do?”

He turned back towards her and glared. How dare she blame him for what occurred? He had done nothing wrong. Had he? “Why do you assume it is I who did something?”

“Forgive me, my lord, I shouldn’t have assumed. What has occurred?”

He nodded towards the terrace and then exited through the door, glass in hand. She understood his intention and followed him.

“The woman agreed to marry me and then dropped it on me how she wishes to open an art gallery. One that will feature women’s art, regardless of their position in society.”

He waited for her to react, expecting her to gasp or express some kind of shock. Clutch her necklace, perhaps? Every second that passed where she didn’t only annoyed him further. “Well?” he finally asked.

“I’m still waiting to hear the problem.”

He wanted to groan and storm off. Why was he even discussing this with her? More of his folly for the day.

“Surely you jest. A titled woman of society opening and running an art gallery? One where she will also feature her own art pieces and that of other women in society? The ton would never allow such a thing. It’s nonsense.”

Lady Lily sucked an intake of air. “Please tell me you didn’t use those words with Lady Juliet.”

“I spoke the truth.”

She shook her head. “Foolish man.”

“See here—” he started, but she cut him off.

“Lord Camden, you called your beloved’s dreams nonsense. Can you not see how that might make her upset? Also, it isn’t nonsense. I happen to believe she would garner a lot of support from the women, and in turn the men, who wish to keep their wives happy.”

He clenched his fists. “I can’t risk that. I made a promise to my—”

She held up her hand to silence him. “Don’t explain it to me. If you have reason to be concerned, you must explain that to her. Then come to a resolution together. But keep your wits about you and don’t diminish and belittle what she wants just because you are a man who believes he knows best.”

“I don’t…”

“You do, my lord. You all do. It isn’t easy being a woman in a society where we are the property of the men in our lives. First our father and then our husband. So if you truly love her as you say you do, perhaps you might put yourself in her shoes and imagine how she might feel. That should help you come to an agreeable solution.”

He groaned. The chit was right. She was far wiser than he wished to give her credit for. Even if he wasn’t ready to accept the notion of the art gallery, he certainly couldn’t leave things as they were. He loved Juliet too much to just let her walk away from him. Even if it stung his pride that she had done so.

“Thank you, Lady Lily. I shall think about what you said.”

If he thought she was finished lecturing him, he was mistaken.

“These men you worry so much about appealing to are pompous arses who also believe they know best, and you think to blindly follow their expectations for you? You must ask yourself if their opinion of you matters more to you than that of Lady Juliet’s.”

He really hated how right she was and how no matter which way he looked at, he was the arse. Even if he had his reasons.

“I appreciate that you didn’t hold back your sharp tongue, my lady. I wish your future husband the best of luck.” He smirked, then gave her a small bow. “If you will excuse me, I must speak with her. I ask for you to keep this matter to yourself.”

She flashed him an amused grin. “My lips are sealed.”

Theo nodded and quickly took off, determined to go to Juliet and discuss everything with her and resolve things between them. He reached her door and tried the knob, finding it locked. He lightly rapped his knuckles on the door. There was no reply. He knocked harder.

“Yes?”

“Juliet, please let me in,” he loudly whispered.

“I don’t wish to speak to you right now.”

He dropped his head into his hands, getting his wits about him before he took a running start at her door.

“Jules,” he said softly. “I beg you to let me in. We can’t leave things like this. I want to explain a few things, and I want to hear about your dreams. We can find a solution together. Please. I can’t lose you. ”

He looked around and only hoped that no one would come across him begging at her door. Not because he cared if they knew he was a besotted fool, but because he didn’t wish for a hint of scandal to force her to wed him. He wanted her as his wife because she longed for it as much as he did, and for no other reason.

The sound of the lock turning caught his attention. She cracked the door, then stepped aside so he could enter. He swept in and locked the door behind him.

“Thank you for letting me in, sweetheart.” The first hurdle had been cleared.

“What is it you wish to say?”

She was prickly at best, so he’d have to tread carefully, or he’d quickly find himself being pushed back into the hall.

He drew a deep breath. “The reason I am concerned about the estates and preserving the title is because I promised my dear brother on his deathbed that I would do so.”

Her expression softened, and he swallowed hard, forcing himself to continue.

“I should never have been the marquess. Thomas was born for the title. He was the responsible one, the one born to lead and born to ensure that the family name prospered.” Theo drew another long breath, fighting back the emotion that always came when he thought of his beloved brother. “Thomas was my best friend, and all I had after our parents died. He should be here.” He paused, swallowing hard so he could continue speaking. “But he made me promise I would do as he would. I have done my best, which isn’t good enough. I hired the best staff to assist and do most of the work. I don’t love the title or the responsibility, but I loved my brother, and I promised him.”

His voice cracked on the last few words, and she closed the distance between them and took him into her arms.

“Theo,” she whispered. “I had no idea. The expectations of that promise must weigh so heavily on you.”

“I’ll never be the marquess or even half the man he was.”

She hugged him harder. “You shall never be your brother because you are Theo. You were always meant to be Theo. You can do the best you can for the people in your care and still be true to yourself. It’s not fair for anyone to expect perfection from you.”

If he wasn’t already certain he loved her, her words would have sealed his fate. And he didn’t have a single doubt of her love for him. He heard it in her words and how she supported him and loved him for who he truly was, even when she was upset with him .

He hugged her back, burying his face in her neck. Glancing up, he noticed his drawing on her easel behind her.

“Jules, that is incredible.”

She released him and turned to see what he was looking at. “Well, a talented artist gave me the canvas. I just tried to see it through his eyes.”

“This is what you are meant to do, my love. This is remarkable. It is almost exactly what I hoped to capture in the drawing, and you brought it to life.”

“We make a good team,” she said, taking his hand and lacing their fingers together as they stood before her easel. “I am not the best at sketching but have made it work. Perhaps you can sketch, and I can turn them into paintings.”

He turned her to face him. “I am sorry I called your dream ‘nonsense’. I was an idiot.”

“I might have muttered something of the like, or even a bit worse, so I’m sorry for that.”

“Please don’t apologize for being right.”

“Theo, I understand your concern about protecting the estates and the title. I wouldn’t ask you to go back on a promise to your brother, as long as you don’t lose yourself in such a promise.” She touched his cheek, and the electricity of her touch reached his entire being .

“Of course you should have your art gallery,” he said. “We’ll figure it out. As long as we have each other, all will be well.”

She snapped her fingers. “I have an idea. Perhaps we keep the ownership of the gallery a secret. The ton loves a bit of mystery and intrigue, which would help draw more people to the gallery. We can work through a solicitor to hire the staff to see to the day-to-day management. I can still display my paintings there, and no one will be the wiser.”

“I don’t know. I don’t want you not to take credit for something you have wanted for so long.”

She draped her arms over his shoulders, clasping her hands behind his neck. “What I cared about was a place to display my paintings to share with others. And if we can draw in more support with it remaining anonymous, that is more artists we can ensure get their deserved attention. I think it’s an even better plan.”

“Only one small revision to your plan.”

She eyed him curiously. “I’m listening.”

“Might my name be included on the pieces we collaborate on? I would like the world to know what an excellent team we are.”

She pushed up on her toes, pressing her lips against his for a soft kiss. “I think we can weather the scandal of a marquess who is also a talented artist. Does that mean you still wish to marry me?”

“If you thought for a second I was going to let you toss me aside that easily, you haven’t been paying attention, beautiful.”

She giggled, and he was addicted to the sound. “I think I should write to Papa and tell him I have fallen in love with the most handsome rake, and that you will call on him at the conclusion of the house party. I don’t want to offend our hosts, especially after Eliza and Craven departed only a few days in.”

“Can you leave out the part about the rake?” he asked, groaning. “I will have to drag you to Gretna Green if your father should refuse.”

She pretended to contemplate his words and then grinned at him. “I suppose you are right. But as long as you know I am not ashamed of who you are.”

“Was, sweetheart. That was who I was. And I am forever wholly and completely yours.”

“Well, hopefully, you aren’t completely reformed because there are certain rakish qualities of yours I find irresistible.” She pressed her lush body against his, and he couldn’t help but clasp the full cheeks of her arse to pull her harder against him, taking her lips. There would never be anything better than every taste of her .

A knock sounded at the door. “Miss, I came to see if you need anything.”

“I’m fine for now, Bess,” Juliet called back at the door. “Thank you.” She covered her mouth and stifled her laughter.

“We are sure to be caught during the day like this,” he said, coming to his dratted senses. “I must depart. Others may notice both of us missing from activities.”

She huffed but appeared to agree with this logic. “Meet me in the main salon in a quarter hour. We can join in the activities together.”

“I will be there. I’m not certain I have an interest in yard games at present,” he said, giving her arse a squeeze. “But at least I’ll be by your side and can pummel Duncan if he should look at you in a way I don’t care for.”

“Be sure to save some of that energy for tonight,” she teased. “Assuming you aren’t now so full of honor that you won’t sneak into my chamber any longer.” She released him and started towards the washbasin, smiling at him over her shoulder.

He followed her and pulled her back against his front. It was pure torture having his hard bulge pressed against her bottom, but as always, he was a glutton for punishment. He nibbled at her neck, then soothed the area with his tongue. Theo brushed his lips against her ear. “Leave your door unlocked.”