Page 69 of A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Heirs

“Oh, sir. I don’t know quite what you’ve done, but I can feel the breeze flowing and that addition here”—Tierney pointed to the one item Victor hoped would convey his feelings for Juliana—“is bloody brilliant.”

“Do you think she’ll like it?” Odd, how his earlier concern was pleasing the duke, but now he only cared about pleasing Juliana.

“If she doesn’t, she’s blind. Well done, sir. But you should rest. You have a big night ahead of you.”

After eating some toast and tea, Victor strode to his bedchamber on the opposite side of his apartments. He quickly washed, changed his nightshirt, and climbed into bed. Tierney pulled the heavy drapes closed and promised not to disturb him until it was time to prepare for the ball.

Contentment, deep and real, settled on him, and Victor slept more soundly than he had in years.

When Tierney woke him, the sun, hanging low in the sky, cast elongated shadows from the trees outside.

Victor stretched and rose, then pulled off his nightshirt for his bath. He hummed while washing his hair, and Tierney laughed while laying out his evening clothes.

“You’re in a fine mood, sir. Not dreading the parson’s mousetrap?”

“Not at all. I’m eager to marry Miss Merrick.” Not to mention looking forward to the wedding night. But he kept that part to himself.

“Miss Merrick stopped by to see you this afternoon. But as instructed, I told her you didn’t wish to be disturbed. You needed your rest, sir.”

Victor froze at Tierney’s words. “From now on, Tierney, Miss Merrick is the exception.”

Tierney had the decency to look sufficiently penitent.

“Did she say what she wanted? Leave a note?” Surely it wasn’t to cry off? Not the night of their engagement ball?

“No, sir. She wanted to speak with you directly.”

Victor heaved a sigh. What could Juliana have wanted? At least he would see her soon.

Bathed, shaved, and dressed, Victor gathered Juliana’s portrait, carefully wrapping it for the unveiling.

His parents’ carriage arrived precisely at half-past eight, and Victor hoped his mother would hold her disapproving tongue. Hopes were dashed the moment he climbed into the compartment.

Seated in the forward-facing seat, his mother scowled as Victor settled himself next to his father opposite her. He leaned the portrait of Juliana—encased in its protective covering—against the seat by his mother. “Good evening, Mother. Father.”

His mother huffed. “Unless you plan to end this travesty of an engagement, I don’t see what’s good about.”

“Aurelia.” Icy warning in his father’s tone shot through the carriage compartment. “If you don’t keep a civil tongue in your head this evening and at least pretend you are happy with our son’s choice of brides, once we arrive at Burwood’s, I will send you back home and then to Lincolnshire in the morning. I will not have you ruin this for him. Is that understood?”

Even in the darkness of the carriage, Victor saw his mother pale as she gave a defeated nod.

Ignoring her, his father tilted his head toward the portrait. “Finished?”

“This morning.”

“Is it good?”

Victor grinned. “I think so.”

“Then it is marvelous; you’ve always underestimated your gift.”

His mother gave a discreet sniff and received another glared warning from his father.

Witnessing the discord between his parents throughout his life, Victor swore he’d never settle for a marriage where he didn’t care for and respect his wife, and hopefully, genuinely love her. No matter how many times his mother pushed “acceptable” young ladies in his path, Victor remained resolute. Perhaps, he reflected, it was what had drawn him to Adalyn and yes—he admitted—Juliana, who could not be more different from women like Lydia Whyte. As much as Victor loved his father, a small part of him pitied the man who tried to make the best of a loveless marriage.

Before he could ponder it further, the carriage came to a halt.

Mercifully, the line of waiting carriages in front of the duke’s mansion was short as he promised Juliana he would do his utmost to arrive early enough to stand by her side as they greeted guests.

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