Love could not be controlled.
It was just one of those things that happened whether you were ready for it or not.
One’s heart was completely in charge.
His had chosen Gory and there was no going back from it.
Gory regained his attention by putting her arms around his neck and hugging him. “Don’t you dare put yourself in danger for me, Julius,” she whispered as he marched back down the hall toward his bedchamber.
“Be quiet, Gory. This is not up for discussion. I am always going to protect you.”
“You big ape,” she muttered.
Was she now crying?
How could she think he would do anything less than guard her with his life?
Well, she had not had an easy time of it since losing her parents and put in the care of those weasels, an uncle and aunt who resented her and found their obligations to her most inconvenient. Everything this wonderful girl did was displeasing to them.
This must have been so hard for Gory.
“I’ll have Adela’s maid bring in that green gown you chose, along with anything else you might need once you are feeling better. But do not dress right away. In fact, do not dress at all today. Clothes will only confine you. Just stay in my bed and–”
She laughed softly. “You do realize that sounds lewd.”
He chuckled. “Perhaps, but I still want you undressed and in my bed.”
He also wanted to be in that bed with her, similarly unclad.
But now was not the time to declare his intentions.
It wasn’t about bedding her, anyway.
It was about marrying her.
Caring for her.
Nourishing her hopes and dreams.
There was no way Allendale understood Gory as well as he did, or liked her eccentricities, intelligence, and determination as much as he did. In truth, he was worried that Allendale might break her spirit if she married him. Yes, the man and his family were great contributors to the arts and sciences, especially that rich uncle of his.
But it did not necessarily follow that Allendale would allow Gory to continue her important work at the Huntsford Academy’s newly designed forensics laboratory.
Julius’s brother, Ambrose, had built the museum and hall of science in honor of their father, and was now expanding it to become one of England’s most prominent research centers. He and Octavian had also contributed, of course. It was a source of pride for all three Thorne brothers, and Gory’s brilliant work only enhanced the academy’s reputation.
Were it up to him, he would give her free rein to work there for as long as she wished.
But Allendale would not.
Few men, especially those holding titles, would ever allow their wives to work after marriage.
Members of the ton would view it as scandalous.
Julius knew better than to ever deprive Gory of the research she loved. To do so would steal the joy from her life and leave her heartbroken.
This is why Gory needed to marry him.
Marriage to him would never be a cage for her. She needed to remain that free bird to soar and make her mark on the world.
