Page 84 of A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Heirs

He gave her a stern, brotherly look. “Very well. But I don’t like it. Now, Victor is coming over to escort you to supper.”

Muted conversation swirled around her, the words indiscernible as Victor approached, his expression pleading. She forced a smile, and behind it, everything hurt, like a mask pressed tightly to her face.

He bowed to Drake, then extended his arm to her. “May I escort you into supper, Miss Merrick?”

“Of course.” Slipping her hand onto his arm, she forced a painful smile to her lips, the effort Herculean. Regardless of what had transpired, she would put on a brave front.

And hide her broken heart.

With a heavy heart,Victor had trudged back to the ballroom after Juliana left him standing hopeless and alone. His plan to tell Juliana of his growing affection and honest desire for their marriage spoiled by an innocent kiss, as if someone had splashed paint over the Mona Lisa, turning something beautiful into something ugly.

Adalyn promised to do what she could to make it right. Nash, to Victor’s astonishment, was understanding, saying he trusted in Adalyn’s love. Although, he did make an off-handed comment about going a round or two with Victor at Gentleman Jackson’s Boxing Academy.

But at the moment, as he escorted Juliana into the massive dining hall, Victor ached to see her grace him with a genuinesmile—the one that made her eyes sparkle. He leaned down and whispered, “Juliana, I need to explain.”

Straight ahead, her gaze never faltered. “Not now, Victor. People could overhear.”

She was right, of course. They needed to discuss what happened out of view and earshot of anyone else.

Supper was an exercise in discomfort. Seated across from Victor, Lord Middlebury prattled like an old hen, going on and on about the king’s ill health. Next to Juliana, Miles Grey chatted with Juliana’s mother, although Victor couldn’t discern the conversation. Across from Mrs. Merrick, Victor’s mother dipped her spoon into the turtle soup and glared daggers at the other woman.

But his mother’s glower couldn’t compare to Davies’ scowl. He practically simmered with suppressed anger next to Lydia, who at that moment leaned over to whisper something into Stanley Ludlow’s ear.

Ludlow’s eyes widened as they shot to Victor.

The entire dinner party was seated on a powder keg ready to blow. The only question remaining was who would light the match?

“Your mother tells me you love to ride, Miss Merrick,” Mr. Grey said.

“Yes, sir.” Juliana stirred her soup aimlessly, her answer to Mr. Grey’s question polite, but brief.

Victor leaned forward, peering around Juliana. “She’s an accomplished horsewoman, sir. I dare say she could outride me.”

A tiny smile ghosted Juliana’s lips. “Thank you, Mr. Pratt. But you exaggerate my skill.”

“I’m more at home on a ship than a horse,” Mr. Grey said.

“Perhaps you could visit my brother at his country home in Dorset. I’m sure Drake would be happy to teach you to ride.”

Mr. Grey chuckled. “I know how. I just prefer the ocean. But thank you for the invitation. It is most generous.”

Watching their interaction, Lydia leaned over to Ludlow again, this time, her gaze trained on Mr. Grey.

Drat.The more Lydia spread what she’d overheard about Mr. Grey, the less likely it would be to pinpoint the culprit behindThe Muckraker.To prove his point, Ludlow leaned over, whispering to Lord Harcourt.

Luckily, Harcourt’s affronted expression meant—at least for the time being—the gossip chain had been cut short. He and Ludlow exchanged a few apparently heated words before Harcourt turned his attention to Lady Stratford on his left. Whatever Harcourt said, it most likely wasn’t about Miles Grey as Lady Stratford tittered much like a young debutante, the color in her cheeks rising.

Victor leaned toward Juliana. “Her Grace’s father better mind his wife. Harcourt is flirting with her.”

Juliana’s mouth hung open. “No!” She swung her gaze toward the older pair. “Honoria’s mother is so proper. I wonder what he said.” When Juliana turned back, her smile beamed.

To see her happy warmed his heart. He had to make things right between them.

Then she seemed to remember what had transpired earlier, and her smile faded, taking her warmth with it.

“Juliana, please let me explain.”

Sudden awareness arose that Middlebury, who had been slurping his soup rather loudly, had stilled, his large body tilting closer.

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