Theo sat across from Luke and Ryker. No one spoke. It was a standoff of sorts and it made him feel like a child. They had been treating him like a child but he also had the vague sense he’d been acting like one. Damn it all to hell.

“When my father passed…,” he started. “I wanted…freedom.” He took a sip of his whisky, leaning his elbows on his knees. “My whole life had been so controlled.”

Luke gave him a nod of understanding. “I felt the same. And though I didn’t leave the country, my rebellion was far worse than yours.”

“Really?” That was interesting. “How so?”

Luke grimaced. “Drinking, women, gambling. Your sister helped me see how my life could be more fulfilling but it took some time and I had to open myself to it.”

Theo nodded.

“And Lady Violette?” Ryker asked. “Does she provoke any emotion in you?”

Theo grimaced. The answer was yes, but it seemed strange to admit. “I am protective of her. I want to help her and…” But he drifted off when he saw both the other men smiling.

“And you’re attracted to her?” Luke wiggled his eyebrows. “How could you not be, she’s lovely and invit—”

But Theo’s growl stopped Luke, who openly chuckled. Theo took a deep breath to gain control over himself. “She’ll leave as soon as her mother is able.”

Ryker stepped in. “Ask her to stay for her scheduled visit at least. Give yourself some time to decide.”

Theo shrugged. “Even that seems a promise of sorts after the declaration I made.”

It was Ryker’s turn to chuckle. “That is the whole trick of marriage. If you’re considering it. You have to set your pride aside at times in order for it to work.”

Was he considering marriage? Hells bells, he couldn’t be. Just yesterday he’d agreed to assume all his ducal duties in some fashion or another.

Accepting that, however, had him thinking of other duties. He could hardly believe it, but all this talk of responsibility had started to make him see that he’d been avoiding, despite his best intentions to build the business. And Violette, she was so much more admirable shouldering hers than he was avoiding his. He’d gone off to become a man, but he was beginning to see that to really be the man he wanted to be, he’d needed to be in England all along.

Bloody hell.

He sat contemplating all they had said and while silence filled the room again, this one was amicable. He found himself scratching at his beard.

They’d join the ladies shortly. But he couldn’t very well whisk Violette away to speak with her and didn’t know what he might say to convince her to stay for at least a little while.

They returned to the music room and joined the ladies once again. Violette sat with his sisters, looking for all the world like she’d always been there. Like she belonged in his family.

Tricia rose and crossed to the pianoforte, lifting its lid, and striking up a merry tune. A grin tugged at one corner of his lip. He’d wanted to dance with Violette. Now was his chance.

Striding over the where she sat, conversation stopped as he held out his hand. “May I have this dance?”

With a nod, she slipped her gloved hand into his and he clasped her fingers tightly as he pulled her toward the open space near the patio doors.

As he slipped his hand about her waist, he thought he might be able to circle it with both hands. It was so tiny and that protective feeling he often felt when she was near roared to the surface. The attraction was there of course, always sizzling within him. He wanted to hold her close, kiss her, and shield her from the world at large and the troubles she faced now.

But he’d always know she didn’t choose him the way he’d be selecting her. He was a means to an end.

“Tell me you’ll be here tomorrow. We’d arranged for you to stay the week.” He spun her again as his sister continued to play.

“I don’t…I don’t know.” She looked over his shoulder not meeting his eye. “You’ve expressed your unwillingness and there seems little point.”

Swallow his pride? Clearly. He had to give her something or she would leave and he simply didn’t want to let her go yet. There was a connection between them that he couldn’t deny. While he had his reservations, he didn’t want to see her go either. “Your mother is ill. Allow her to recover. I’ve been thinking of your brother. I’m sure Luke, Ryker, and myself could look at his books and make suggestions on how to begin growing his assets.”

Her eyes widened and her lips parted. “That would be wonderful. I don’t know how much you could can do at this point, but any help would be appreciated.”

“Let me think on it tonight and we can come up with a plan in the morning. A way to help your brother.”

“Thank you,” she whispered. The music had just ended and he reluctantly let her waist go, tucking her hand back in his elbow. As they reached the settee, she slipped her hand from his arm. He wanted to pull it back, wanted to whisk her away where they might be alone. But he couldn’t do any of those things. Blast, what was he going to do?

The next morning, Violette woke filled with thoughts of the night before. Theo’s stare. His promise to help her brother. Was it foolish to hope there might be something between them? Even if there wasn’t, could he really aid Bentley in saving the earldom?

After rising from bed she went to check on her mother, who was still ill. The doctor had been called and he’d assured Violette it was nothing to be concerned about. But her mother would need a few days before she’d be well enough to travel.

Feeling better about her mother’s illness, she started down to breakfast. The family chattered away and she gave Theo a small smile as she took her seat.

Tricia beamed at her as well. “It’s a beautiful morning.”

“It is.” Violette nodded.

“Tell me, Lady Violette.” Tricia’s eyes twinkled with mischief. “Do you ride?”

Violette nearly choked on her first bite of egg. They hadn’t actually meant she should intentionally fall off a horse did they? “Yes, some.” She wasn’t accomplished enough to pull off a trick like that without breaking her neck.

“Let’s put together a riding party then. Tabbie won’t be able to join, but the rest of us could go.” Tricia clapped her hands.

“I’ve got a great deal to do.” Luke frowned. “I’ll stay back with Tabbie.”

But Theo glanced over at his brother-in-law. “Do you need my help?”

“Go.” Luke gave him a nod. “You’ve time enough to work.”

Theo gave a stiff nod. “Riding it is, then. Shall we leave in an hour?”

Violette raised her eyebrows giving Tricia a quick glance, but then she jerked her head in consent. The outing didn’t sit right. She wanted to spend time with Theo but she understood his greater responsibilities. “I know you’ve been gone a long while and you’ve only just returned. If you’ve work to do, I understand.”

He relaxed with her words, his eyes softening at the edges. “We can spend the morning together. I’d like that very much. Perhaps my sisters can entertain you for the afternoon?”

“Of course.” Violette took another bite of her egg. She hated to pull him away but she would make the most of this opportunity. If Theo could really help her brother, she’d take it. Not that she wouldn’t have to marry, she knew she would. Theo’s words from last night echoed a thought she often had. What if her future husband didn’t help her brother?

It was with that in mind that she changed into her riding habit and made her way to the foyer.

Theo was already there and her breath caught at the sight of him. He’d shaved the hair on his face. If he’d looked dangerously handsome before, he was dashingly so now and her insides began to flutter.

She forced herself to remember that she would care for Bentley first. Her brother and sister had been left with their one remaining servant who had stayed out of loyalty. If she didn’t succeed, what would happen to them? She’d spent the entire time she’d been dressing reviewing the particulars of their finances in her mind.

Theo watched her come down the stairs. “You look lovely,” he murmured.

She tried not to blush. Though his compliments always made her do so, this time her cheeks were warm from embarrassment rather than pleasure. Her riding habit was one of the items that hadn’t been updated. It was old and out of fashion. “Thank you.”

He offered her his arm once she reached the bottom of the steps. “I’m glad you’re still here. How does your mother fare?”

“The doctor thinks she’ll be fine, she just needs a few days to recuperate.” She could hardly concentrate on the words, his arm was strong and warm underneath her hand.

He was so close as he said, “I’m glad to hear it.” Clearing his throat, he continued, “I haven’t forgotten my promise to you last night to help your brother.”

She didn’t have a chance to respond because Ryker and Tricia joined them. As they made their way to the barn, Theo gave her hand a squeeze. A thrill of excitement moved through her. “Tell me what you know about your family’s finances.”

“A fair amount.” She took a deep breath, wanting to be concise. While it pained her to share these details, it was no secret to his family that her situation was dire, which had been the main reason she’d come to stay here. “I know my father sold our country estate after several bad investments robbed him of his income. He held onto a few properties but mostly lived off the proceeds. My sister’s dowry was spent shortly before his death. I think with her being the prettier sister, he suspected she’d marry anyway.”

“You keep saying that.” he grimaced at her.

She looked behind them to see both Tricia and Ryker listening. A blush colored her cheeks.

“By the time he passed, we had little money left. I did manage to sell a theater and some sort of club he’d held onto.”

“Wait, you sold them?” Theo looked to her.

“My mother was a socialite. She understands matches and balls. My head has always been better with numbers.” Her cheeks grew hotter, but she refused to feel badly about helping her family. She notched her chin and straightened her shoulders. “I bought farmland and it is turning a profit, just not enough. Given a few good years and the chance to buy more I could turn things around. We’ve had a good crop this year, so it’s just a matter of finding the right buyer.”

Theo stopped walking. “You are running your brother’s earldom currently?”

She blinked. “Not all that successfully.”

“That’s not your fault,” Ryker said behind her.

She turned to face them, which required letting go of Theo’s arm. But only a second passed and then he tucked the other hand into his elbow. “I actually attempted to convince my mother to use my dowry to purchase more. I thought if I could be successful then there would be money enough to replace it. But she wouldn’t hear of it.”

Theo’s hand tightened over hers. “If you are husband-hunting at your mother’s request alone, why do you appear so willing?”

Just because she’d wanted another plan didn’t mean she wouldn’t do whatever she had to. “I am willing. Whatever saves my family is what I will do.”