St. Clara had reluctantly been invited into the small group of friends, though both Henry and Remington still pretended to detest him.
“But we’ve never really been apart.” Julia laid her head on her cousin’s shoulder.
Henry smiled at Julia, his eyes full of love and affection. “It will be over soon enough. Now come, they must go before nightfall. I’m sure all of society is leaving London as we speak.”
“It is strange how quiet the city is,” Elijah said.
“We really must be going. Come, Livie.” Remington wrapped his arm around his wife, but Julia stopped her cousin to give her one more hug.
“Thank you, Livie! I love you.”
“I love you too, Lady Heartford.” Livie released Julia and gave her a blinding smile. “Don’t forget to send for Brielle if you feel any more sickness or have any questions.”
Julia placed her hand on her flat abdomen, her lips quirking into a small smile.
“Bye, Aunt Julia. Bye, Uncle Heart, Mr. Edwards.” Emily waved madly, happily sitting beside Teddy in the carriage.
Sadness washed over Julia as she watched the carriage roll away, waving until it was out of her sight. She missed her already.
But with Henry by her side, she could survive anything.
Henry walked behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. He rested his head on the top of hers, causing a slow smile to spread on her lips. They both had quickly adjusted to the easy relationship they had years ago. She relaxed against her husband, feeling safe, secure, and loved.
“I’m going to the office. I will see you later, Henry. We have several meetings to attend.” Elijah pointed at Henry before walking away, leaving the couple standing outside of the small townhome.
They stood in silence for a moment. “My mother sent a note requesting our presence for dinner.” He sounded weary.
Henry’s relationship with his family was still strained, although they had settled his mother and uncle in a townhome much smaller than theirs. It surprised Julia that the now dowager Lady Heartford had been amicable, almost sweet.
“Come, my lady.” Henry pulled her into their new home.
A large unfinished painting stood in the corner of the parlor. A sofa was the only piece of furniture in the room. Julia had begun her commission for Lady Jerzy, making her one of the most sought-after painters of the ton.
More than a few commissions had come in, but Julia turned down many of them. She had more important things to do, like growing an entire person.
Henry closed the door behind them and took his wife in his arms. They currently only employed three servants: a cook, a maid, and Rachel. Many of Henry’s former servants had already found positions elsewhere.
“Alone at last.” His hand stroked up her spine to the nape of her neck.
She melted against him. “May I tempt you to finish sitting for me, Lord Heartford?” Biting the corner of her lip, she peered up at him.
He had begun sitting for her at night, allowing her the privilege to sketch his chiseled body—naked. The sketch wasn’t finished as every time they sat down to do it, they became distracted.
His mouth claimed hers in a hungry kiss, causing her body to quake with need. One hand cupped her sensitive breast, and good Lord, did she want him.
“Would you like to go sketch, Lady Heartford?” His eyes were dark with desire. “Preferably with you naked too.”
“I do indeed.” Julia nipped at his bottom lip then held it between her teeth as her hand traveled down to his hard cock.
A knock on the door interrupted them. Before they could compose themselves, the door burst opened. St. Clara strode into the parlor not looking at either one of them.
His clothes were disheveled, his hair a chaotic mess. He paced back and forth, mumbling to himself.
“Get out. Just because I tolerate you doesn’t mean we’re friends.” Henry pointed toward the door, ignoring the look of disdain Julia shot him.
“Is it true?” he demanded, ignoring Henry.
“St. Clara, whatever is the matter? You look a fright.” Julia walked over to her friend, whom she loved like a brother.
