Page 13 of A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Heirs

But something about Miss Merrick told him she was not used to the superficial flirtations common among theton. If he imagined she was Adalyn, she might actually believe his pursuit of her was in earnest, and worse—fall in love with him.

Returning his attention back to the front of the room where Lady Miranda played the piano, he curled his hands into fists on his thighs. Could he be such a cad?

He had no intention of breaking her heart as his own had been shattered.

No. He would have to separate Adalyn from Miss Merrick.Juliana. He repeated the lovely name mentally to the beat of the four-four rhythm of the music. He would tread carefully with his flirtation, and no one would get hurt.

When the musicale ended, Victor made his goodbyes to the duke, duchess, and Miss Merrick. “I’ll look forward to the invitation to go riding, Your Graces. Miss Merrick.” His words were sincere, as he looked forward not only to the image of Miss Merrick riding astride but getting to know her better.

Victor bowed and followed Cilla and Timothy out to retrieve their hats and gloves.

As he made his way toward the door, Lydia called from behind. “Mr. Pratt! Mr. Pratt!”

Blast. He’d almost made a clean escape. She had that damnable fan out again, swishing it around like a weapon.

“We barely had time to chat this evening. What did you think of my performance?” She batted her eyes at him, seemingly oblivious that Davies arrived at her side.

“Very nice, Miss Whyte.”

Davies snorted. “You were at the refreshment table practically the entire time.”

Victor glared. “I could hear quite adequately from there. And you’re one to speak. Weren’t you there as well?”

Lydia darted a glance toward Davies, then Victor, her mouth pulling into a pout. She slid her hand through Davies’s arm and met Victor’s gaze as if in challenge. “Lord Felix needs to stretch his legs from an injury. But I’m most disappointed in you, Mr. Pratt.”

“Why? You seem to have found a suitable replacement with Davies.”

Lydia scrunched her face as if she might cry at any moment, but her eyes appeared tear-free. “Must you be so mean, Victor? Lord Felix and I are friends. You told me you weren’t going to attend this evening, and he graciously offered to stand in your stead.”

“Perhaps he has other intentions, Lydia,” Davies said with a sneer. “I understand Burwood has offered a substantial dowry for his sister.” Davies examined his well-manicured nails. “No doubt due not only to Miss Merrick’s common birth, but also the debacle of her come-out. A man would need to be paid to court such a walking disaster. Are you in need of funds, Pratt? Is that why you spent so much time this evening toadying up to Burwood and his sister?”

Victor shoved his hat on his head. “I will not dignify that with an answer. Now, if you will excuse me, my sister and her husband are waiting. Good night.”

Victor stormed out the door and climbed into the carriage with Cilla and Timothy, settling back against the comfort of the squabs.

“What kept you?” Cilla asked, her tone more annoyed than concerned.

Timothy touched Cilla’s arm. “Something’s wrong. What happened, Victor?”

“Lydia and Felix Davies happened. Cornered me right when I was leaving. Davies accused me of going after Miss Merrick for her dowry.”

“I never liked that fellow,” Timothy said.

Cilla snorted. “Yet, both you and Honoria suggested him as one of my suitors.”

Timothy drew a hand down his face. “You’ll never forgive me for that, will you?”

“No. I’ve forgiven Honoria because she was simply trying to help. You, on the other hand . . .”

“Will you two stop?!” Victor slammed his hat down on the cushion next to him.

Cilla jumped in her seat.

“This isn’t about you and rehashing your bumpy road to realizing you were perfect for each other. It’s about me!” Victor’s eyes adjusted to the dim light of the carriage compartment, the surprised expression on his sister’s face giving him a perverse pleasure.

Pleasure which dissipated when she rolled her eyes. “Oh, forgive me for forgetting the world revolves around you, Victor.”

“Nowyoutwo stop,” Timothy said, his tone much calmer and holding a touch of amusement. “In this case, Victor is right.”

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