“That would be lovely. I can be an opera singer in Greece, and you can be a simple fisherman who stole my heart!”
“Can you sing?” He shot her a curious glance, wondering if she meant the part about stealing her heart.
She seemed thoughtful for a moment but then began to laugh. “Not even a little.”
Chapter 16
“It… it is quite something.” Lily stood in the foyer of Redding Hall, looking around at all the piles of wood and tools that lay scattered about.
The smell of fresh wood mingled with the old smell of damp that was only just beginning to leave the old bones of the house.
It is worse than I thought.
Julian had mentioned to her that the house would not be presentable, yet she had not quite expected to walk into such a mess. Although she could imagine that things had been a great deal worse, it was still a lot to take in.
“Perhaps I should have waited a while longer before bringing you here.” Julian reached up and rubbed the back of his neck, his expression falling slightly as he watched a few men climb the newly repaired staircase with pales of wood and nails under their arms. He had invited Lily during breakfast to accompany him to the country, yet he now seemed to be regretting his decision.
Sensing the defeat in his posture, Lily rose to the occasion and turned to him. “I think it is marvelous.”
Julian’s brow creased into a curious frown as he looked at her. “You do?” His voice was uncertain as he searched her face.
“I do. It may need quite a bit of work, but that does not mean that it cannot be restored to its former glory, which I am sure was marvelous.” She smiled at him, hoping her enthusiasm would put him at ease.
Something in his gaze shifted, yet Lily could not quite tell what it was. Relief, or something else?
“You do not have to pretend to like the house for my benefit. We can easily sell it once the repairs have been concluded,” he said more seriously this time, watching her face carefully. “We can either stay in London or buy a new house in the country and start from scratch.” He looked around, barely concealing a sigh as his chest rose and fell.
“I am not pretending.” She quickly put on a brave face, sensing that the renovations meant a great deal to him.
The corner of his mouth lifted into a strange smile, making her heart clench as she felt the need to convince him. “Are you certain?” He raised an eyebrow.
She lifted her chin defiantly and returned his gaze with determination. “Most certain. This could be a fine house if we use our imaginations.”
Julian’s brow eased a little as his smile broadened. “And what exactly are you imagining when you look at this mess?” His voice held an unmistakable hint of teasing.
Doubling down on her efforts, Lily turned from him and looked around the messy foyer. She chewed the inside of her cheek thoughtfully as he eyed the curved staircase that led to the upper floor and gallery. “There,” she said enthusiastically and lifted her arm toward the wall beneath the staircase. “Do you see that patch of wall that is much lighter than the surrounding panels?”
Squinting, Julian followed the direction of her finger. “I guess… We can have that repaired.”
Lily shook her head. “No, you do not understand. There used to be a portrait there. We can have our very first portrait hung right there, and it will be the first thing that people see when they come into our home.”
Julian cocked his head to the side and stared at the almost noticeable square. “Do you think it would distract people from the piles of lumber and buckets of tools?”
Turning on her heel, Lily swatted at his arm, but Julian quickly laughed and side-stepped the playful attack. “Do not mock me, my lord. I am trying to make you see that all is not lost just because the house needs a bit of work.” She narrowed her eyes, playfully glaring at him.
Smiling at her, Julian’s eyes softened as he chuckled deep from within his chest. “I was only teasing. I am glad that you have a vision for what things could look like, and I think the space would be perfect for our very first portrait. Perhaps we can get started on having one painted, and by the time the house is ready, it will already be done.”
Her heart leapt at the look in his eyes, forcing her to avert her gaze.
What was that look?
She could still feel her heart racing despite her attempts at distracting herself. They shared a playful moment, yet the tender look in his eyes had caught her off guard. It was almost as if he were fond of her, or at least, the moment between them.
I cannot feel like this.
Her throat suddenly felt too dry as she took a deep breath and swallowed. The marriage worked because she was not emotionally involved, but the more time she spent with him, the more she began to enjoy his company.
“Are you feeling ill?” Julian drew her attention back to him as he took a step forward and reached for her gloved hand.