He looked wickedly handsome as he arched an eyebrow and nodded. “Yes, and do not get irate about my being eager for it.”
“Me? Irate? I cannot wait for that moment to happen. I want to learn everything with you. But I should not let on how much I am looking forward to it because this will swell your head.” She wrapped her arm in his as they walked inside the building and made their way to the cabinet of Deacon & Mosley, the solicitors Julius used to manage his affairs.
“Julius, that first night I came to you,” Gory said in a ragged whisper as they walked down the hallway toward their chambers, “I know I was in shock, but your every touch soothed me. I was not even embarrassed when you removed my bloodied clothing. It just felt right. I want you to know this is how much I trust you. You have always made me feel safe.”
“And I shall always keep you safe,” he said with a rasp to his voice.
Gory released a breath as they walked into the impressive Deacon & Mosley offices. The floors were richly carpeted and the desks and bookshelves were of the finest rosewood cabinetry. Mr. Deacon immediately hurried forward to greet them. “Lord Thorne, a most pleasant surprise. What brings you here?”
Julius introduced Gory to the gentleman. “A delight, Lady Gregoria.”
He led them into his private office, a large chamber decorated as richly as the common areas. Gory took a seat in one of the soft leather chairs and Julius settled beside her. She winced as Julius explained the situation to Mr. Deacon, for it sounded to her ears as though she were a flighty debutante who had changed her mind about marrying one man mere days before their wedding and immediately managed to sink her claws into another, namely Julius.
Not that he explained it that way, of course.
But what else could Mr. Deacon think?
However, his expression remained stoic as Julius related his intentions and provided details about their situation. If the solicitor held any doubts about her, or the wisdom of Julius attaching himself to a woman the likes of her, he did not show it.
Perhaps she was being too hard on herself, but having been used to people thinking the worst of her, it was not easy to believe anyone could possibly admire her as sincerely as Julius did.
“The betrothal agreement between Allendale and Lady Gregoria is held by Lord Easton’s solicitors, Mayfield & Sons,” Julius advised.
The distinguished looking man arched an eyebrow. “The Mayfields? No worries, my lord. I shall send one of my clerks to them to collect the necessary information. We’ll prepare the termination of betrothal and settlements right away. Since Lady Gregoria is of age, her signature ought to be sufficient.”
“Good,” Julius said. “Now for the next matter.”
“Another matter?” Gory frowned lightly. “Is there more needed to end my betrothal to Allendale?”
“No, but I want to draw up our own betrothal agreement now, too.”
Gory was surprised but did not protest. “Oh, I see. But we do not know yet for certain what I shall bring to the marriage.”
“I do not care. This is about my protecting you. It does not matter what the new Earl of Easton, whenever he appears, decides to do about your dowry.”
“Or the matter of my inheritance.” She turned to Mr. Deacon. “I believe I am to inherit one hundred thousand pounds, but I expect Lady Easton will contest it.”
“None of it matters to me,” Julius insisted. “Whatever Lady Gregoria brings into our marriage shall remain hers to do with as she wishes. Make certain this is clearly stated in the terms.”
“But I would share everything with you.” She meant it, too. There was no finer man than Julius, nor was there anyone she trusted more. “Is it not our marriage? Should we not look out for each other? Besides, the law gives it all to you anyway.”
He chuckled. “Yes, and this is why I am contractually committing to giving it back to you.”
Mr. Deacon cleared his throat. “My lord, this all seems quite rushed. Perhaps you ought to give more thought to what you are willing to provide for Lady Gregoria. Shall we leave that discussion for a later time?”
This was an obvious hint by his solicitor to have Julius seal his lips and not give away everything to her because he was besotted by love. Gory thought this was quite humorous. Julius was too sharp a businessman ever to act rashly in any investment, be it securing a property or a wife.
However, she agreed with his solicitor. “Yes, Lord Thorne. This is something that ought to be discussed outside of my presence.”
Julius cast her a stubborn look. “No, have I not been clear about my desire to protect you?”
She wanted to kiss him even though he was being obstinate. “But you can be clear between you and your solicitor. I should not be involved in the discussion.”
Julius turned serious. “I want you to be involved. You are already so much a part of the Huntsford Academy and our family. Your forensic research has added to the academy’s acclaim. What do you need me to provide you in order to continue your work? And we’ll need to decide on what to provide for our children.”
The thought of a life and children with Julius had her heart in flutters and filling her with warmth. It seemed miraculous that this unexpected love should flourish out of the ashes of tragedy. Julius mentioned he had intended to reveal his feelings for her and stop her wedding to Allendale. But what if he had never found the right moment to speak to her? What if she had inadvertently said something to change his mind?
He had kept quiet for months believing she and Allendale were a love match. Were it not for the fact he had been roped into escorting her around London this past week, he might never have spoken up.
