“Then we are done. Julia will be my wife, and as my wife, she deserves respect. If you cannot do that, then you will not be welcome in my home.” He folded his arms and glared down at her.
He was done playing with her cruelty and mistreatment. Julia deserved better, and he would make sure she had it.
“You wouldn’t dare?”
“Try me. You have your widow’s jointure still. The Pomais investment did not affect that. You will be perfectly fine on your own.” He took a deep breath, trying to calm himself. “You could always marry again. You’re not too old. You would be an excellent companion for someone.”
“Henry, don’t do this,” she pleaded with him, taking a step forward.
“I’m not doing anything. You have a choice. Be kind to my wife at all times or stay out of my life.” The current set ended. Henry turned toward the dancefloor. “Goodbye, Mother.”
He weaved his way through the crowd completely focused on Julia. St. Clara walked her toward him. Henry locked eyes with his future wife and couldn’t help the smile that took over his lips.
God, he was happy.
“My lord.” Florentia Vaughn blocked his path, a sinister smirk on her face.
“Lady Florentia, if you will excuse me.” He had no desire to speak to the rude chit.
“Ahh, there you are, Heartford,” St. Clara said as he and Julia reached Henry. “I believe the lady’s next dance was yours.”
“Yes, it was. Thank you, Your Grace.” Henry took Julia’s offered arm.
It was strange to Henry that this man he had loathed for years was like a brother to Julia.
Henry escorted her to the dance floor as all of society watched. He didn’t care what they thought. He only had eyes for her.
“Is everything well, my lord?” she asked as they waited for the first strings of a waltz to begin.
“Everything is perfect.”
The waltz began, and Henry held her close to him, his eyes roaming her face. She had a permanent light shining through her, and he loved seeing her so bright.
“Did you secure the townhome?” she asked as they glided across the dance floor.
“Yes,” he whispered seductively.
“The special license?”
“Yes.” He leaned in, his lips brushing the shell of her ear. “You will be my wife in a matter of days.”
Her steps faltered, but he held her tightly. Pulling back, he met her twinkling gaze.
“I can’t wait.” She bit her bottom lip and he wanted to kiss her.
Once the set ended, Henry escorted Julia off the dance floor.
“I promised Livie I would check on Freddy. He has a fever.” She placed a gloved hand on his chest.
“I’ll come with you.” He wanted nothing more than to be alone with her.
“No, I’ll go first and check on Freddy. Then come find me in fifteen minutes.” Her seductive gaze told him all he needed to know.
“Gladly,” he groaned and stepped closer to her.
“Until then, my lord.” Julia sauntered away. He watched the sway of her hips, wanting to follow her and claim her.
Soon, he would never have to be parted from her.
