Page 28 of The Rake and the Muse
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 isIwho 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 thatwill 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? Thetonwould 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 promiseto 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? Youmust 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.”
