Page 19 of The Rake and the Muse
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 thecountry 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 thechit’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. Soat 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?”
