Page 86 of A Picture Is Worth A Thousand Heirs

Drake nodded. “Because of your previous association with the lady in question. Yes. I can see that. And yet, she hasn’t broken the engagement, so there is hope.”

“She didn’t want to make a scene. She plans to end our betrothal in the morning.”

“Then, Pratt, I would say you have some work to do before daybreak.”

As the ladies drifted in from the retiring room, Drake patted him on the shoulder and went to join his wife.

And Victor hoped he would have enough time.

CHAPTER 24

Supper had been sheer torture. Seated next to Victor, Juliana wanted to enjoy his nearness, the gentle touch of his hand on hers, the smiles, the pleading look in his blue eyes. And yet, she couldn’t, not when she had little faith in his true affection for her.

Excited voices surrounded her in the ladies’ retiring room, and she tried desperately to block them out. A fierce debate raged in her mind. She had two choices.

Take what little Victor would offer her and be grateful for the crumbs, knowing she might never be first in his heart.

Or give him up, hoping someday she would find someone else to fill the void Victor left. And what then? Would that man be second best in her heart? How would that be fair to him?

Her Papa’s words rang in her head.Love takes no prisoners, and there are few survivors.

If no one could win, what was the point?

Somewhere, deep in the recesses of her usually rational mind, the answer lurked. But she was simply too emotional to allow it to dig its way to the surface.

She wanted to give in, to say it didn’t matter.

But it did.

“Juliana?”

Juliana gazed up at the soft, feminine voice, and swallowed down the lump in her throat at the sight of Adalyn.

“May I?” Adalyn motioned to the vacant spot on the settee.

Oh, God.How could she do this now? She schooled her features and nodded.

Most of the other women were occupied in conversation, resting their feet, or having their maids repair their coiffures.

Adalyn kept her voice low. “Please allow me to explain.”

“It’s not necessary, really.”

“Oh, but it is. What happened between Victor and me was innocent, and I alone initiated it. I took Victor by complete surprise, and my only desire was to express my joy that he found someone so wonderful to share his life with.”

“Regardless of your explanation, Victor’s heart doesn’t belong to me.” Juliana fought back the tears.

Adalyn’s gaze swept the room, confirming no one was paying them heed, and she leaned closer. “You’re wrong, Juliana. And if you think his heart belongs to me, that is also untrue. Allow him to explain and tell you how he feels.”

She patted Juliana’s hand and rose. “Now, I believe I have a dance with my husband, who, for a man his size, is remarkably light on his feet.”

Could it be true? The kiss had been innocent? But even so, it didn’t mean Victor’s affections had changed.

Did it?

Wild thoughts like unruly children shouted for attention and rendered rational thinking impossible.

“Juliana,” Honoria’s voice jolted her back. “It’s time to return.” Her brow crinkled with concern. “What is it? You seemed so quiet at supper.”

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