7. Chapter 7

Chapter 7

T heo had never slept so well in his life. Waking up to the jasmine that wafted from Juliet’s hair and the feel of her warm, soft skin against his was almost more than his senses could bear. Not to mention that he could start his day by bringing her pleasure.

When he saw her again over the breakfast table, he hoped a pretty blush would reach her cheeks. As rakish as it was, he enjoyed the secret between them. Guilt nagged at him for a moment, thinking about the scandal that would ensue if they were to be caught, given that she was an innocent. Not that her mouth and the way she touched herself were all that innocent. Even so, he wasn’t upholding any kind of gentlemanly principles for taking anything from her, but he couldn’t help himself. He wanted her. He wanted all of her. And worse, he wanted her to want him.

It was something he couldn’t allow himself to imagine. Holding back from discovering what it would feel like to be inside of her would prove to be his biggest challenge yet. He reminded himself of the promise to his brother, and that he had kept the title free from scandal thus far and must continue to do so.

Since he seemed to enjoy torturing himself, he couldn’t stop thinking about the drawing of her while his valet helped him to dress. It was the best drawing he had ever done. He didn’t just capture her physical beauty; he captured the very essence of her. The feat he had been chasing for years. It was the first time he was satisfied with his work and could translate his vision onto the parchment.

When he wasn’t thinking about how perfect she looked on paper drawn with charcoals, he was thinking about her lips and how he longed to kiss her again. He rarely kissed his bed partners, as it wasn’t the type of connection he typically sought, but she was different. Everything about her spoke to him—perhaps spoke to his heart—and he’d had to taste her lips, to possess them, and once he did, he knew it wouldn’t be the last time he did so.

His heart pounded, and he wouldn’t allow himself to consider the cause. There weren’t any feelings between them. They had the duration of the house party to enjoy each other’s company. He would draw her as much as he could, and then he’d figure out where his art would take him since he’d achieved what he had been searching for.

Nowhere, most likely. He still had a title to protect, and the ton wouldn’t accept him as an artist. It was the constant war he fought within himself, even though he already knew which side would be the victor.

Once he was dressed, Theo departed his chamber and made his way to the breakfast room. Like something akin to a lovesick schoolboy—although he wouldn’t call it as such—he looked for Juliet as soon as he entered. When he fixed his gaze on his siren, his expression immediately turned to a scowl. Not that he should think of her as his to begin with, but pushing that aside, he scowled at Lord Duncan settled beside her at the table as if the odious man had triumphed over him.

Duncan said something to her, and then she released a laugh that sounded like the tinkling of bells. He tamped down the frustration building within him upon seeing her enjoying the company of another man, especially that one. He told himself he wasn’t jealous. But hell, even if he was, didn’t he have the right to be? His was the tongue between the lady’s thighs not even an hour ago .

Theo made his selections from the sideboard, putting the food on his plate with short, annoyed movements. A couple of guests glanced his way when he clanked the serving utensils. He huffed and took a seat across from Juliet and Duncan, doing his best to do so without the dramatics he was inclined to invoke to call attention to his irritation.

At least she would be sure to see him and be aware of his presence seated before her. He took a bite of eggs and then looked up at her, finding that she stared back at him, confusion written across her expression. Theo gave her a tight smile, regretting it the moment he did. He tried to shift his visage to something friendlier, but when he smiled with his teeth, he knew he took it too far the other way. What was wrong with him?

“My lady,” Duncan started, capturing her attention. “I do so look forward to shopping with you in the village today.”

Why was she accompanying the man on the outing to the village? If the man thought he would get her alone, he was mistaken.

“It should be an enjoyable trip, my lord,” she replied.

Theo seethed at her response and took a bite of his toast to distract himself. Never had he cared so much about a woman conversing with another man, and he didn’t care to consider the notion any further .

Duncan droned on about his horses and all manner of topics that allowed him to list out the requirements he believed a lady might find desirable in a suitor. Juliet listened and paid him attention but didn’t have the chance to say much in return. At the rate he was going, the man would be out of anything to discuss with her before they ever departed for the village, which would suit Theo just fine.

Once breakfast was over, the group departing for the village had gathered in the foyer so that carriages could convey them. Theo planted himself at Juliet’s side, hoping to ensure that he would be in the same carriage as her.

To his frustration, Duncan had the same idea and wouldn’t cease from sniffing around her skirts.

When it was their turn to board the next carriage, they both held out a hand to her to help her board the carriage. Theo fought the urge to roll his eyes at the mirth in her expression, watching their display. Even Theo had to admit that it was ridiculous, but he didn’t want the man touching her. Even if it was only her gloved hand.

He knew enough about Duncan to know that the man was up to something, and that alone was enough of a reason he shouldn’t be allowed in Juliet’s presence. Theo might be a rake, even if he was beginning to question the accuracy of the label for himself, but he wouldn’t marry a woman for her fortune and then dump her in the country once he had it. From what he knew of Duncan’s gambling problems, he could only assume it was the end the man was playing at. Among other physical reasons the man would enjoy having her for a wife, which Theo would never allow. Another realization that he should ponder but pushed out of his mind.

“Camden,” Duncan started, capturing his attention. “It appears Lady Lily is in need of an escort. I shall see to Lady Juliet if you can escort Lady Lily. We certainly want both beautiful ladies to be well attended.”

One might compare Theo’s reaction to that of a dog in the way he nearly growled through his teeth at the man. He stopped himself before it came to that. There was no polite way out of what the man suggested, unless he wished to offend the young lady, so he turned to Lady Lily, who stood behind them. “Might I help you into the carriage?”

She took his hand and grinned at him, but he didn’t know her well enough to know if her interests were with another man. He hoped she hadn’t set her cap at him, as it would be a fruitless endeavor given his aversion to marriage, or his willingness to give up Juliet. At present, his evenings for the rest of the house party would be spent in Juliet’s chamber if she would have him. If not, he might stand guard outside her door, if only to ensure Duncan didn’t get any ideas .

Theo almost thrashed the man for the way his eyes shifted to Juliet’s arse when he handed her up before stepping back so that Theo could aid Lady Lily. Theo took the opportunity to board next, hoping he might sit beside Juliet, but was disappointed to find the ladies were already seated beside each other.

At least she would be across the carriage from Duncan, so he could live with that. Duncan boarded last and noted the seating arrangement. “Lady Lily, might you be willing to trade me seats? Camden and I are both large men and might find it difficult to share a seat.”

It took every ounce of Theo’s control to keep from reacting. He flexed his hands and formed tight fists. It was looking increasingly more likely that he’d throw a punch at some point that day. The man kept getting the better of him and it was dratted annoying. Of course the chit did as he asked and looked all too content to sit beside him.

He glanced at Juliet, and she offered him a small smile. He wasn’t certain if she welcomed the man’s attention, but if either of them thought he wouldn’t be on their heels for the entire outing, they had another thing coming.

Theo expected Duncan to spout mindless chatter at Juliet again, but surprisingly, he spoke to Lady Lily instead .

“So, my lady, you just had your first season, is that right?”

“Yes, my lord,” she replied. She was the daughter of the Earl of Fairfax. Her father was quite wealthy, and her dowry rivaled that of most debutantes, so the man hoped for an advantageous match for his daughter. At least that was what Theo had heard at his club. Theo figured that alone would have already seen her wed, even if she was a bit on the bookish, wallflower side. Perhaps Duncan would consider such a bride and leave Juliet alone. Although, he wasn’t sure he would wish that on the poor lady.

“How fortuitous,” Duncan said. “My friend Camden here could use a kind young lady to settle down with.”

Theo fisted his hand at his side where no one but perhaps Juliet could see from across the carriage. Would Duncan still call Theo his friend when Theo’s fist connected with the man’s nose? If the man thought he would orchestrate a way to get Theo to leave him alone with Juliet, he was mistaken. It was high time Theo took control of the situation.

“Actually,” Theo started. “I am uncertain of my plans for the future, but perhaps the four of us will get to know each other better when we tour the village together. What a merry group we will all make!” He mustered the most excitement he could. At least he wouldn’t hurt the chit’s feelings, and it would make it harder for Duncan to elude him.

“That would be lovely,” Juliet said, offering him a knowing smile. A bit of tension released from his shoulders from her response. It appeared she didn’t wish to be alone with the man, either. Based on the scowl Duncan gave him, he wasn’t as thrilled with the suggestion just as Theo might have expected.

Duncan attempted to hide his frustration and refocused his attention on Juliet. “Did I hear that Lady Eliza has departed the party with Craven?”

Juliet beamed and Theo’s heart pumped a steady rhythm at the sincere joy that radiated from her for her friend. “You did, my lord. They were childhood sweethearts and the party brought them together. They shall be wed and set up in their home well before the party ends, I wager.”

“Well, good for them,” Duncan said, almost sounding sincere. “Although, I do believe Irvine is licking his wounds from losing his chance with the lady. He stayed back at the house.”

Juliet shrugged. “I can’t help but feel anything but happiness for my dearest friend. She and Craven are a love match.”

Juliet glanced out the window, and Theo thought he saw Duncan roll his eyes where she couldn’t see. So at least that confirmed what Theo suspected, and love wasn’t the emotion at the center of Duncan’s motivations. Just as he had suspected.

When the carriage arrived in the village, a footman opened the door and handed each of the ladies down. Theo was left alone in the carriage with Duncan.

“Stay out of my way,” Duncan warned before exiting the carriage.

Theo hurried to remove himself from the carriage. He knew Duncan would already have Juliet on his arm, but at least he could ensure he stayed with them.

Grumbling to himself, he extended his arm to Lady Lily, and he urged them to catch up to Juliet and Duncan.

“My lord,” Lady Lily said from beside him, “I don’t recall seeing you at any of the events this season.”

He tried to pay attention to what she said. “What? Oh, I rarely attend those events.” They needed to pick up the pace to stay on their heels.

“I see. Based on your current ire directed at Lord Duncan, can I assume that your heart belongs to Lady Juliet?”

At that, he spun his head towards her. “No, of course not.” His heart didn’t belong to anyone, nor would it ever. The notion was almost laughable.

She giggled, and it annoyed him since her expression was one of disbelief. “Are you certain? ”

“Quite,” he ground out. “She has become my friend of sorts, and I don’t want her taken in by him,” he said, nodding towards Duncan.

“I see. He does certainly seem to be trying hard. Too hard.”

Theo released a hearty laugh at that. “Indeed. So I take it you don’t find yourself interested in the man?”

She scrunched her nose. “Not at all. My father hopes that Lord Knox will ask for me.”

The pair finally caught up to Lord Duncan and Juliet, following them as they strolled through one of the outdoor markets. Lady Lily stopped to look at some quills on display, and Theo stopped with her.

“My lady, I have to ask. Why didn’t Knox attend with you today?”

“He wasn’t feeling well and is resting from what I was told,” she replied. “Although I’m uncertain if we shall suit. But my father is pushing the match. He says the earl has expressed interest.”

“Hopefully, you will get to make the choice for yourself. Marriage is forever. That seems an awfully long time to be shackled to someone you don’t wish to be.” Theo glanced at Juliet, and something gnawed at his insides at the way she laughed at something Duncan said to her. The man’s lips were far too close to her ear. Theo’s entire body tensed, and his jaw set in a firm line, watching them .

“I quite agree, my lord. I am to spend this house party getting to know him better, and perhaps some of the other guests.”

Duncan had moved his lips away from Juliet, and Theo did his best to refocus on his conversation with Lady Lily, uncertain if he had heard everything she had said. “I have heard nothing that is concerning regarding his behavior, if that is what you worry about. He isn’t known to gamble or to frequent brothels.”

She paid for the quill she held in her hands. “Thank you. That is helpful. I don’t feel like I know him well at all. Perhaps the next few days in his company will give me more to go on.”

“I wish you luck in your endeavor.” At least she wasn’t interested in him, nor Duncan. She seemed like far too kind of a lady to get snared by such a snake.

“Thank you,” she replied. “I wish you luck in yours.” She nodded towards Juliet.

He shook his head, starting to question what he had just thought about her being kind. “I told you already…”

“I know what you told me. And not that you asked for it, but my advice is that you quit pushing aside whatever it is you feel. You are merely lying to yourself.”

Theo contemplated what the young miss said. He was certainly attracted to Juliet. He thought of her constantly and wished to be near her as often as he could. They both shared a love of the arts. She supported him, inspired him even.

He had to marry eventually, didn’t he? Perhaps he should contemplate marriage as he promised his brother he would keep the title respectable and their tenants provided for. That would include marrying and providing an heir. The thought of marrying typically filled him with dread and would cause him to run as far as he could in the other direction, but all he had done thus far was try to get Juliet closer to him. The thought of marrying her didn’t scare him, and that realization brought on the fear.

“Perhaps you are onto something, my lady.”

He watched Juliet, and he found he could easily imagine waking up to her every day. The realization sent a shiver of unease through his spine and his heart beat so rapidly that he almost placed his hand over it.

If he didn’t marry her, what then? He tried to picture what life would be like without her in it. What it would mean when they left the house party. He may never see her again, other than perhaps across a crowded ballroom, if he forced himself to attend. His stomach knotted and reeled from the realization of such a future.

Theo had much to think about. He owed it to himself, to both of them, to figure out his mind…and his heart. He needed to draw, to lose himself in his art. A wide grin played on his lips when an idea formed.

“Lady Lily, might you be willing to let me draw you when we return?”