Page 29 of The Rake and the Muse
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 ofhis 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. Thetonloves 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.”
