Page 7 of The Rake and the Muse
“Unless you have changed your mind about marriage, Camden?” he asked. The bounder knew what he was doing, attempting to make himself more appealing to Juliet, while reminding her that Theo was nothing but a rake. And Theo couldn’t even argue that point, although he hadn’t ever taken an innocent to his bed. He had some honor, even if it were hanging on by a very loose thread the more time he spent in Juliet’s presence.
“I can’t say that I have, Duncan,” Theo said, grounding out the words with a tight smile.
Duncan laughed. “Best to look out for this one, my lady.”
She glanced at Theo and offered him a small smile.
“Lord Camden has been nothing but a gentleman in my presence,” she said, giving Theo a kind nod.
“I am glad to hear it, my lady,” the man said. “Here, allow me to assist you with your horse.”
He placed his hands on her hips and helped to lift her into her sidesaddle. Theo groaned to himself, mostly for the man’s hands being on her, and to tamp down his own desire to feel her lush form.
“Thank you, my lord.”
Theo hopped into his saddle and walked his horse next to hers to ensure he would be beside her for the ride back.But the odious Duncan caught up to them, joining her on the other side. The man kept her focus on him, asking her about her country home and how her father fared. Theo couldn’t get a word in, but he also didn’t wish to discuss the things he had shared with her in the presence of another, especially Duncan.
Juliet’s horse began to slow its pace. “I believe my horse will struggle to keep up, as I must slow down.”
Theo took his opportunity. “Duncan, will you ride ahead and alert the stables that we may need another horse? I shall stay with the lady in the event she needs assistance.”
As if they had planned it, Juliet smiled at the man. “I would be most appreciative of your assistance, my lord.”
Theo couldn’t help himself and smirked at the man where Juliet couldn’t see. The man smiled, but it didn’t reach his eyes. “It is no trouble, my lady. I am happy to be your white knight.”
Duncan rode off, and Theo was left alone with Juliet. The rest of the party created further distance between them, given the slow pace that Theo and Juliet now traveled.
Theo noted the dark clouds in the sky and hoped they would make it back before the rain began and soaked them.
He wasn’t certain if Juliet might have an interest in Duncan and decided to take the high road and not speak poorly of the man. Even though he wished to rearrange the chap’s face.
“It is surprising that your father allowed you to attend a house party on your own,” Theo finally said.
She shrugged. “Papa knew Eliza would be with me, and he thinks highly of our hosts,” she replied. “He made sure to give me a lecture before he left.”
“What is it that fathers lecture their unwed daughters about?” He had an idea, and he was almost certain her father wouldn’t appreciate Theo being anywhere within his daughter’s presence.
“No sneaking off with a gentleman, avoid men who defile innocents, only accept a man who will love and respect me as I am,” she said, waving her hand. “Things like that.”
“So your father hopes for you to find a love match?” he asked. Such a thing was rare in their society. Theo wasn’t certain he was even capable of the emotion any longer. Losing his brother hardened his heart to feel much for anyone or anything, other than the promise he made and his art—and a good tup. He wasn’t fool enough to mistake passion for love.
She nodded. “Very much so. He was very much in love with my mama.” She paused and glanced over at him. “In truth, I’m not certain I wish to wed.”
“I’m not certain I have met a young lady who didn’t have her heart set on marriage.”
“I have my painting and my own dreams and plans. I couldn’t marry a man who would interfere and not allow me to pursue my craft.”
Theo could relate. He had similar feelings about his drawing. Society would frown on a titled peer publicly pursuing his art, but what he did away from the eye of thetonwas of no consequence. He had promised his brother he would protect the title and estates, and being ostracized from society for being paid for his drawings would not uphold that promise. So he drew in private. Only Juliet was aware—to an extent—of his secret, if you could call it that. He imagined it was far worse for a woman set on pursuing such things.
Her horse suddenly stopped and slowed its pace, startled by another loud rumble of thunder. “I don’t believe he can continue, my lord.”
She climbed from her gelding, and Theo halted his horse and jumped down to join her.
“Please, call me Theo. I know it isn’t proper, but I give you leave to do so when we arealone. The formalities feel wholly unnecessary after all we have shared with each other.”
Juliet petted her horse. “All right, Theo,” she said, trying it out. He found he quite liked the way she said his name. “But you must call me Juliet or Jules. Only my closest friends do so.”
“Jules,” he said, “It suits you.”
