Page 31 of Her Beastly Duke
The children started running toward Emmeline. “I will return to the house and see about the children having a bath. It was lovely to chat with you, and I think we will be fast friends, Briar.”
“I am sure we will. See you at dinner, Emmeline.”
“Come along, boys,” Emmeline said as she turned and walked toward the house.
Briar watched her fade into the distance. She raised her head to the sky and sighed. She must put her feelings aside because if she continued to hope, her guard would slip, and she would let Julius into her heart, which would be her undoing.
One month later
Julius satat the large Mahogany desk in the library. His chair was pushed back, his feet were popped on the desk, and his hands behind his head. He stared up at the ceiling. The last few weeks had been great in some respects and torturous in others. He had settled into a familiar routine with Briar and Emmeline and even found time to spend with his nephews. His confidence had grown tremendously, dinner conversation came easily, and he enjoyed every dance with her, all under Emmeline’s watchful eyes.
Julius kept his promise to himself and did not seek out Briar for a rendezvous.By God, he did not know it would be so bloody hard. Last night at dinner, he was sure Emmeline saw him staring at the elegant curve of Briar’s neck. He wanted nothing more than to lean down and press his lips to her neck beforegently gliding over her shoulders down to her full breasts. She was wearing one of the new dresses he commissioned from the modiste. It was low cut, exposing her creamy skin, and when she laughed, her breast strained against the fabric. They tasted like cherries the night he took her, so sweet. Julius groaned. He wanted to quell his appetite and carnal desires, but he could not.
Yes, he wanted to bury his cock inside her, but there was more than sensual pleasure to consider. He could not deny he was drawn to Briar. It was like a magnetic pull, and no matter how much time he spent with her, it did not seem to be enough. As promised, he wanted to protect her and made all the arrangements for her family to use his townhouse in London. He enjoyed her being in his home, by his side, but now he faced the reality that they were running out of time. Everything was about to change because Julius would enter society seeking a duchess, and Briar would choose a husband. They would set off for London shortly, and they would no longer be under the same roof. He would not be able to see her every day. It would not be the same. He never wanted to let her out of his sight and for another man to pay her attention.
He had not worn his mask at Berkley Estate in weeks and did not miss it, although he would wear it in London. Briar made him forget he was unsightly, and she brought a certain energy to the room. She was lively and upbeat, and Emmeline seemed to like her a great deal. There was a knock on the door and he bid them enter.
“Good afternoon, Julius. I came to check on you. You have been quiet these last few days and did not join us for lunch.”
“Do not worry, Emmeline. Perhaps I am a bit nervous about reentering society.”
“From what I observe, Miss Walcot has prepared you well.”
“Effortlessly. She made it seem easy, and I am comfortable with her. What will happen if I do not feel that way about anyoneelse? The ladies of the ton may not accept me in the same way that she has.”
“She has accepted you for who you are. You do not know what is going to happen when we arrive in London. You need to wait and see.”
Not only did Briar accept him, but she also understood him. She accepted the entirety of his being, his personality, quirks, and individuality. She appreciated his unique essence beyond just his external or observable characteristics. She was performing a task, one for which she would be handsomely rewarded. Yet, she was not pretending; she never cared about his appearance. Her feelings toward him were unconditional, and at this point, he knew he was not prepared to accept anything less. His duchess must do the same.
“What I will say is that I am pleased you recognize her qualities. I came upon her playing with the children in the garden and observed her for a while. She is patient and compassionate. She will be a good mother and make someone a good wife.”
“I agree.”
“I met with the modiste when the gowns and dresses were delivered as you asked. Miss Walcot has everything that she needs for the season.”
“I will open the townhouse in Berkeley Square for her family. Will you visit with her?”
“Absolutely, and I will make some introductions to ensure she is well received.”
“That would be helpful.”
“Julius, you are a bit apprehensive about how you will be received, but it appears you are more concerned about Miss Walcot’s welfare.”
Julius was silent for a moment. “Do you really think so?”
“I see the way you look at her, and it is obvious that you care for her. Perhaps you should reflect on that while you are in London.”
Whenever he saw Briar, his feelings were immediate and loud inside him, and he had not managed to quieten them. This did not escape Emmeline’s notice.
“I did not mean to be so transparent or to put my feelings on show. It was not my intention because I need to decipher these feelings myself.”
“I am sure you will understand what they mean in time. I hope you will join us for dinner.”
“I will.”
Emmeline stood up and regarded him for a minute. It appeared she wanted to say something else, but she thought better of it. After she left, Julius mulled over the conversation. Julius was never an open book, so it said something if Emmeline could see that he cared for Briar. Now, the question is what he was going to do about it.
CHAPTER 14
