Philip’s eyes sparkled with interest. “I see what you mean. The subtle details, the way the light plays on the horizon... it’s quite captivating.”
As they delved deeper in to the discussion, sharing their favorite pieces and debating the merits of various techniques used, Verity felt a genuine connection with Philip. They discussed the emotions evoked by certain paintings, the skill required to create such works, and their own personal experiences with art. It was a wonderful chat. Exactly the sort of thing she adored at an exhibition such as this one.
Amelia and Cordelia, finding themselves unable to contribute meaningfully to the conversation, eventually drifted away, their initial eagerness waning.
Thank goodness. Verity noticed their departure but felt no regret. This moment with Philip was too precious to be disrupted.
They moved through the gallery together, stopping frequently to discuss different pieces with Philip’s companions not too far behind them. Verity felt a sense of freedom she had not experienced in a long time. With Philip, she could be herself, share her thoughts openly, and feel truly understood.
Eventually, they found themselves back in front of the landscape that had initially caught Verity’s eye.
“This one,” Verity said softly, “it feels like a reflection of life itself. The calm before the storm, the beauty in the uncertainty. I think that is why I cannot stop looking at it.”
Philip looked at her, his gaze intense and thoughtful. “Perhaps that is what draws us to it. The recognition of our own experiences within the art.”
Their eyes met, and for a moment, everything else faded away. The noise of the gallery, the presence of others… it all seemed distant. There was only the shared understandingbetween them, a connection that surpassed words. Verity’s heart raced as she felt Philip’s warm gaze upon her.
“Lady Verity, I…” Philip began, his voice filled with something she could not quite identify, something that made her heart flutter with anticipation.
But before he could continue, a familiar voice shattered the moment.
“Lady Verity, there you are!” Ambrose called out, his tone a mix of impatience and relief.
Verity’s heart sank as she turned to face Lord Aldford. The spell was broken, and the magic of the moment dissipated. She forced a polite smile, trying to conceal her frustration.
“Lord Aldford,” she greeted him evenly, “is it time to leave already?”
“Not quite yet,” Ambrose replied, his eyes narrowing as he took in the scene before him. Philip, sensing the tension, gave a polite nod. “There is still a lot I need to see.”
“Good afternoon, Lord Aldford,” Philip said smoothly. “Lady Verity, it was a pleasure speaking with you. I hope we can continue our discussion another time.”
Verity watched as Philip, Lady Georgina, and Lord Darlington walked away, feeling a pang of longing. She wished she could continue their conversation, delve deeper into their shared passion for art, and simply enjoy the warmth of Philip’s presence.
Throughout the remainder of the exhibition, Verity’s mind remained preoccupied with thoughts of Philip. She tried to focus on the paintings around her, but her heart was heavy with the knowledge that if her brother Henry had his way, she would be married to Ambrose before the season ended.
As they exited Somerset House, Ambrose offered her his arm. “I hope you found the exhibition enlightening, Lady Verity.”
She took his arm reluctantly. “Yes, it was quite illuminating.”
Amelia and Cordelia walked ahead, whispering and giggling as usual, while Verity and Ambrose followed in silence.
This wasn’t the life that she wanted for herself. How could she accept this when there was a possibility of something better out there?
Verity's thoughts raced as they made their way to the carriage. She felt a mix of frustration and longing, the memories of her conversation with Philip haunting her. There was something undeniably special about him, a connection that was so powerful, she wasn’t sure that she would ever be able to forget it.
CHAPTER 16
Philip knew that he should be focusing on escorting Georgina and Lord Darlington around the art exhibition, but it was terribly hard for him to focus on the paintings in front of him when Lady Verity wasn’t too far from him. When all he really wanted to do was steal another moment with her.
He loved the way that her eyes lit up when she talked about art. It was clear that she had a true passion for painting which truly lured him in. She had such fascinating things to say and an extremely interesting way of looking at things which he found truly inspiring. He could have spent the entire afternoon talking to her.
“Are you quite alright, Philip?” Georgina asked as she examined him curiously. “You seem… I am not sure, preoccupied maybe.”
Philip smiled at his sister, trying not to burden her with his own worries. She was here to focus on her courtship with Lord Darlington, she did not need to be thinking about him.
“I am quite fine, Georgina. Simply enjoying the art pieces. Some of them are quite fascinating, do you not think? Very emotional.”
“It’s the art making you feel this way?”