Her poise and lack of fear impressed him, though he longed for a way to ease her troubles.
There were so many things that he wanted to say in that moment, but he knew he could not. It would not be proper, and he did not want his mother to have another scandal sheet to throw in his face. It was better for him to keep his words to himself so that he did not cause any trouble.
“Philip, did you hear about what Lord Pendleton did?” James asked, suddenly drawing his attention away from Verity. “I was quite shocked, as I am sure you will be too.”
Philip truly did try his hardest to listen to the story that James was telling him, but it wasn’t easy. Not when the magnet continually drew him back to Verity. Especially when he could see that she was struggling to focus, just as much as he was.
It really was like they had found themselves trapped in a little bubble that only the pair of them could enter. They knew that they were surrounded by others, but the sizzling connection between them did not include anyone else. No one else was in focus quite like Verity was.
As he looked at her out the side of his eyes, Philip realized that not only was she an artist, but a work of art herself, and the emotions that she stirred in him were utterly magnificent and overwhelming.
Time spent in her company was the best way that he could spend his day.
This was a picnic that he did not want to end at all.
***
Upon returning to his town house after what had turned out to be a wonderful afternoon, Philip found a message from Thomas on his desk inviting him for a drink.
The invitation was a welcome distraction for Philip, whose thoughts were still consumed by his unexpected encounter with Verity in Hyde Park.
As he arrived at Thomas’s stately home, Philip was greeted by a footman who led him to the billiard room. The room was warm and inviting, with a crackling fire and the familiar scent of polished wood and leather. It had been a long time since Philip was last here, but he recalled every part of this room well.
Thomas was already there, leaning back in a plush chair, studying Philip with a knowing look in his eyes.
“Philip, it’s good to see you,” Thomas greeted, gesturing for him to take a seat. “I hear you have been making quite an impression lately.”
Philip smiled wryly as he settled into a chair opposite Thomas. “You could say that. It seems I cannot escape the gossip these days.”
Thomas poured them both a drink, handing one to Philip.
“Gossip has a way of finding us all. But I know there is more to this story than just idle talk. What is going on, Philip?”
Philip took a deep breath, the weight of his thoughts pressing heavily on his chest. He needed some advice, which was why he did not hesitate to be honest.
“It’s Lady Verity. I cannot seem to get her out of my mind.” He sighed heavily. “Every time I see her, it’s like I am pulled towards her. She makes me feel alive in a way I have not felt since… since Juliana’s death.”
Thomas nodded, his expression thoughtful. “It seems like there is a connection between you two, something undeniable. But what are you going to do about it? Have you yet decided? You should do so fast before your mother decides for you.”
Philip stared into his glass, swirling the amber liquid as he gathered his thoughts.
“I don’t know, Thomas. The scandal sheets have already started their whispers about us, which is of course going to impact her. I don’t want to cause Lady Verity any trouble. Her situation in society is tenuous, and I’ve already made things harder for her with my attentions. And yet, I cannot ignore what I feel. When I am with her, everything else fades away.”
Thomas leaned forward, his gaze intense. “Philip, life is too short to live in fear of what others might say. You have been through so much already. If Lady Verity makes you feel alive again, that is something worth fighting for. But you need to talk to her, understand her feelings and her situation. Only then can you decide the best course of action. This is the same advice that I have given you before, but it bears repeating.”
Philip nodded, appreciating his friend’s counsel. “You are right. I need to talk to her, to understand what she wants. But I am afraid, Thomas. Afraid of what this could mean for both of us.”
Thomas clapped a reassuring hand on Philip’s shoulder. “Courage, my friend. You have faced greater challenges before. This is just another one, and I have no doubt you will find your way through it. And remember, whatever happens, I am here for you.”
Philip felt a surge of gratitude for Thomas’s unwavering support. “Thank you, Thomas. Your words mean more than you know. I have been struggling to work out what the best move is, but it seems like you are right. I cannot continue to do nothing.”
“You deserve a second chance at love and happiness.”
Philip felt a renewed sense of determination as he absorbed Thomas's words. “Perhaps you are right.”
“I am always right,” Thomas laughed. “You should know that by now.”
It was a wonderful notion, but the idea of actually confronting his mother about this was terrifying.
