Chapter Nineteen

Noon, the next day

"M ama!" Theodosia burst into her home with a determination that would rival any army general. "Mama!"

She rushed straight to the purple drawing room where her mother and aunt usually took tea this time of day. She needed her mother to back her against the madness that had overcome her sons!

"Theodosia, dear," the marchioness said, setting down her cup. "Whatever is the matter?"

"Your sons! That is what's the matter! They have kidnapped me!"

Seth, Broden, and Joshua appeared behind her as three looming forms. She had not been left alone since they retrieved her from Ashford. Broden had scarcely let her out of his sight, and she could hardly breathe from the suffocation of these rascals.

"What do you mean kidnapped? We are your brothers," Joshua protested.

She whirled on them. "When you take someone against their will, it is called kidnapping."

"Are you telling us that you wanted to stay tied to a tree with that blackguard?" Joshua sniped back.

Yes! "I am saying I wanted to go to Brighton. Yet here I am back in London."

Joshua arched a brow. "Isn't that because you are all but betrothed?"

"See?" Theodosia said to her mother. "They are unreasonable hellions!"

"What do they mean tied up to a tree?" her aunt murmured, setting down her cup as well. "And what blackguard?"

"That's not what's important here, Rose," the marchioness said. "What is this about being betrothed?"

Good question! "Your sons wish to tie me to Sandgrove!" Theodosia exploded.

"Sandgrove?" Her mother's brows furrowed. "As in the Earl of Sandgrove?"

"Yes, Lady Kingsley," Sandgrove's voice drawled from behind them as he stepped up from behind Joshua. "Your humble neighbor." He nodded at her aunt. "Lady Rose."

"Sandgrove," her aunt said in greeting.

Speak of the devil and he shall appear.

Theodosia cast the man her most menacing look. She had thought him a kind of friend. At the very least a good acquaintance. But going along with her brothers despite her wishes was the worst sort of betrayal in her eyes. She could not—would not—forgive him. As for marriage, they had better believe she would carve out all their hearts and cause a hundred scandals before she was dragged off to any altar.

She and Field might disagree on a lot of things, but they did agree on some things, including the fact that Sandgrove would make a terrible husband!

Her mother rose to her feet. "This is quite the surprise."

"You don't say," Theodosia said, "which is why I won't have it!"

"It's done," Seth said.

Joshua nodded. "Biddable sisters listen to their family."

"Biddable? When have I ever been biddable?" She glanced at Sandgrove. "And this is the sort of wife you want? An unbridled, untamed, and unrestrained one? A woman with a fiery temper that will not back down no matter what?"

"If it's you, Theo . . ."

"Do not call me that. You have lost every right to call me anything but my lady ."

He simply remained silent.

Hah! So this was the face of a man who had the backing of her brothers. He need not even utter a word? What a marvelous display of pomposity.

She turned to Seth. "How dare you do this to me?"

"How dare I? That's awfully bold of you to question since you've dared a lot more than we have," Seth said.

"You tied the Earl of Saville to a tree and left in him there with bandits! What sort of person does that?"

Seth sighed. "He will survive."

"Survive? Are you sure? I told you he was shot and fought off highwaymen, yet you still left him there! How could you do that to a fellow peer who has nothing but try to protect me since I was robbed? Is this the sort of men all of you are?"

Seth hesitated.

Good! She'd been shouting and cursing at them since they'd found her in Ashford until her throat hurt, yet this was the first time she'd seen any of them pause to consider her words. Why must men be so obstinate at the worst times?

"We heard you about the duel and the knife wound," Broden finally spoke. "The earl looked fine, though."

Joshua nodded. "Fine enough to glare daggers at us. Be glad we didn't beat him."

"And that makes it all right?" Theodosia demanded. "You left a wounded man tied to a tree with the very highwaymen who were hunting him down and wanted to do him harm."

Her mother and aunt looked at each other, before the marchioness clapped her hands. "I think we might require more tea. Come on, let's cool down. Nothing will be resolved with tempers this high."

"I'd rather not be in the same room with these sons of yours. I think I shall go lie down for a bit."

"Wait, Theodosia, dear. Let us settle this matter first." Her mother's smile turned sweet—too sweet. "Unless it is your wish to wed Sandgrove?"

Theodosia's lips tightened into a thin line. That, she refused to do! She plopped down onto a sofa and crossed her arms over her chest, refusing to look at those heathens who shared the same parents as her.

The marchioness also lowered back to her seat. As did her aunt, who asked. "Where are the twins?"

"They still had matters to deal with in Ashford, but they should be back soon," Seth answered, settling into a chair along with the other men. "The constable and I have been keeping each other abreast of developments. He sent word that the maid and the driver that betrayed Theodosia to the highwaymen were apprehended. The courts will decide their fate."

"How did you know to find me in Ashford anyway?" Theodosia had been wondering this for quite some time, but she had been too angry to ask. It couldn't have been Sandgrove. He didn't know. So just how...

Seth shrugged. "Between all that Sandgrove told us, word that a highwayman was searching for a man and woman and had even had a sketch drawn up of them, and the constable who had a man in the band, it wasn't that hard to guess you'd go to Lady Louisa, as she'd be your nearest safe haven."

The Black Knight had a sketch drawn up? You devil.

"Well, that's quite the adventure you had, dear." Her mother cast Theodosia a look of worry. "And I take it the matter of the betrothal has something to do with this matter?"

Seth nodded. "Sandgrove proposed an alliance to stave off any rumors."

Theodosia snorted. "I don't need his help to stave off anything. Mama, I will not marry Sandgrove."

The marchioness cast a glance at Sandgrove. "What of you, my lord? Are you dead set on wedding my daughter?"

He inclined his head. "I am, my lady."

Theodosia cast him a look of contempt. "Even though I am protesting so greatly?"

"Many matches have started with protests, and many have ended in affection."

Don't make me cast up my accounts. "Be that as it may, I shan't marry you."

"It's for the best." He spoke as though her protest meant nothing. "I recommend we announce the engagement the day after tomorrow at the Greenland ball."

"You can announce it all you want," Theodosia shot back. "I still won't marry you."

Seth sighed. "This is for your benefit, Theodosia. Sketches of you and Saville—the likeness is really quite good—are already being shared around towns and villages. How long do you think it will be before wild tales reach London, even wilder than the truth? We need to get ahead of any rumors that might arise from your little country adventure. I won't have you ruined because of this."

No, only engaged. As if that weren't worse! She cast an imploring look at her mother and aunt.

"I will try my best to make you happy," Sandgrove said.

What was the man still doing here? Was this not a family matter? "You are the last man on earth who could ever make me happy, sir ." There was only one man. A man she had never thought she would ever like, let alone love. But she did. She had fallen deeply for that hellion, Saville.

Was Field all right?

Worry still nagged at her heart. He would be fine, would he not? The man was as wily and resourceful as they came. If anyone one could escape such a predicament as being tied to tree with hostile criminals close at hand, it would be him.

He would be fine .

Yet guilt still clawed at her. She'd pushed him away in Ashford, but he'd come to her rescue even after that. And yet she couldn't do anything for him now. She hadn't even told him, or given him any indication of her affections. Provided he managed to escape both his bonds and the highwaymen, would he even return to London after Seth's talk about betrothing her to Sandgrove?

Field did loathe that man, though. He wouldn't just stand by and allow such a travesty to occur, would he? Her being married to a man with atrocious taste in waistcoats. She couldn't allow it either. So she would do what she could in the meantime while she hoped that Field would chase her down one last time. And this time, she'd be willingly caught.

All she had to do was stand strong.

Not give an inch.

Cause a thousand scandals if she must.

Or, if pushed into a corner with no way out, tell her brothers the truth. That she'd been ruined already. Would Sandgrove want a wife who was no longer chaste? But if she did that, God only knew what her brothers would do to Field then. She would hold onto that card for now.

"Well," the marchioness said. "This is all rather sudden."

Her aunt nodded. "I agree. Theo must be exhausted after all that's happened to her. We shouldn't make any decisions too rashly."

Her mother nodded. "Yes, I think it best if we all rest and think matters over."

Thank you, Mama. "I agree," Theodosia said. "Best we all think matters over."

Sandgrove nodded and rose to his feet. "Then I shall take my leave and await word about the Greenland ball."

So the man could catch a hint.

Seth nodded, rising. "I'll call on you later today."

Theodosia snorted. To draw up the betrothal agreement? Go right ahead, Seth. Let us see if things go your way. Urgh! This was why she hadn't wanted to be in London upon their return. She loved them dearly—in her heart, she really did—but they could be so infuriatingly overbearing at times. And usually, they always got their way.

Not this time, brother.

This time, I will have the last say.

*

Saville fell back onto his bed and shut his eyes. He had traveled back to London in record time, yet it felt like a damn lifetime had passed.

He had wanted nothing more than to burst into the King's residence upon his return. But he was dead tired, looked like hell, and smelled of sweat and dust. He needed to look his best when he faced Theodosia again.

At least those blackguards had had the foresight to leave his horse with the constable. The authorities had come eventually, but he'd still been tied to a damn tree for hours with that lunatic Black Knight. And, little as he liked it, he was certain the Black Knight so pitied him now that he and Dream would be safe from him from this point on.

Thank all the stars in the heavens that debacle was over and done with. Now he just needed to find out about Theodosia. Had those heathens truly betrothed her to Sandgrove?

Did it end like this?

No.

Theodosia would never marry that dandy. This Field was sure about. Just as he was sure she could never thrive as a country wife in a life that would never do her vibrancy justice. She deserved so much more, so much better.

She deserved much better than him .

Field groaned.

What was even the point of barging into her home when she didn't want him anyway? He couldn't allow her defense of him beneath that large oak tree to cloud his senses. But damn it, how was he supposed to practice patience when he missed her like hell?

He wanted her as his wife.

He wanted . . .

A family.

How did I sire a son like you? What a waste you are.

Field pressed both palms of his hand against his temples.

There was that phrase again.

A waste . . .

Damn his father to everlasting hell. He had put that word into his head just to haunt him.

Because weeds were wastes too, weren't they? They grew where they were unwanted, and he was most certainly unwanted by the King brothers. Even Theodosia didn't seem to want him for anything more than what they had become to each other on their mission—and the mission was over.

But she didn't think he was a waste. He knew she didn't.

His eyes shot open and he drew his hands away from his face to inspect them. They were good hands. At least as far as hands went. They had picked apples for Theodosia. Lifted her onto a horse. They had even carried her to the door of Mr. and Mr. Bell.

They weren't wasteful.

Her touch obliterated that one word.

God, Field.

You must really have lost your mind.

Nevertheless, mind lost or not, these hands had suddenly become a bit more precious. Weed, waste, or whatnot, he would still try to win her heart. Because he loved her. And because he loved her, he could no more walk away than he could stop breathing.

A knock sounded on his door.

Field glanced over when Warrick entered. "I heard you were home."

"And you're still living in my house, I see." Field shut his eyes again. "In sin."

"Come now, your sister and I are already married."

Yes, yes. "In your hearts, I know." Field lifted an eyelid to eye his friend. "Just when are you going to marry for real?"

"We plan to elope."

"Of course you do. Why do I even bother asking these things?"

"We were planning to leave tomorrow, but judging by the look of you, we might have to postpone our plans."

"Please don't do so on my account," Field muttered. "I'd rather have you marry than worry about my state."

Warrick sat down on the bed. "What happened for you to get into this state? I've never seen you this unkempt before."

"Ah, well, it's a tale so incredible that it belongs in the category of fiction."

"But it's not."

"It's not." Field sighed, looking over to his friend. "But the end of the story is that I have once again failed spectacularly."

"Or perhaps you just haven't succeeded yet," Warrick countered.

Field scowled. "Wise blackguard, what did I do to deserve such sage words?"

"You are my friend and future brother-in-law."

Field scoffed. "Don't remind me of either."

"Stop fussing over shite." Warrick slapped a paper over his chest.

"What's this?" Field asked, his eyes dropping to a familiar set of sheets.

"The latest gossip rags. Don't you enjoy reading them?"

Field sighed. "I'm not in the mood to read them today."

"Not in the mood? Now I know something terrible must have befallen you."

"Go to hell."

Warrick chuckled. "I would, but then I won't be able to urge you to read your beloved columns."

"What's so damn important about them anyway?"

"Lady Theodosia," Warrick said, almost like an announcement. "The very one you chased after a few days ago."

Field shot upright, grasping for the paper that flitted to his lap and scanning it rapidly for her name. "What about her?"

"She is attending the Greenland ball, and everyone can expect an announcement to be made by her brother. Know anything about that?"

Bloody hell. "Just who would announce that in the damn papers?"

Warrick shrugged. "Then you do know what announcement they speak of."

"Yes. That damn Sandgrove! Kingsley is thinking about announcing their engagement." He spat the last word out like a curse.

Warrick brow shot up high. "Is that jealousy I hear?"

Field snorted. What did he have to be jealous about really? Sandgrove would never make it to the altar—not with Theodosia. "Merely a violent impulse that momentarily overtook me."

"Ah. So jealousy."

"Who would be jealous about that fool?"

Warrick nodded thoughtfully. "A fool, eh?"

Selena breezed into the room in the wake of his friend's mild taunt. "Ah, there you are." She raised a brow at her brother, coming to a stop before the bed. "Lord, Field, why do you suddenly resemble that portrait of yours?"

"You mean the one you turned into the devil?"

"Well, I didn't do that."

"Right, Theodosia did that." Another reminder of her affection for him that he had nearly forgotten about. Should he go to the ball and intercept the announcement? Would it change anything?

"Should I even ask what happened? We expected you back much sooner." Selena settled on Warrick's lap.

"Can you not do that in front of me?" Field growled.

"Can you answer my question?" Selena snapped back.

Field pulled a face. "The Kings," he muttered. "They caught up to us."

"Ah," Warrick murmured.

"Us?" Selena questioned. "You and Theodosia?"

Field nodded. "Who the hell else?"

"Well, you used the word ‘caught.' That means there was a reason to use the word ‘caught.' What happened? I'm surprised my dear friend even tolerated your surly presence."

"She had no choice. We lost the betting book, had to get it back, and in the end were caught by her brothers." He didn't go into all the other details. Field was sure her dear friend would relay everything in time.

"Where is the betting book now?"

"Ashford. With Lady Louisa."

Selena pointed at the papers. "What about the announcement?"

"An engagement to the Earl of Sandgrove." Warrick filled her in.

Selena blinked, and Field probed his sister's expression, hunting for any clue that Theodosia would ever marry that tasteless clout.

"Oh."

"Oh?" Field's hackles immediately rose. "What do you mean oh ?"

"Her older brother must have engaged her, correct?"

"What does that have to do with anything?" Field asked Selena. "I tried to engage you but that didn't work."

"Theodosia's situation is different from mine. I only had to fight you. She has to fight six brothers. Besides, what does this have to do with you?"

What did it have to do with him?

He was madly in love with the woman, that's what it had to do with him! Damn it, what do you do when the woman you love not only doesn't return your affection, but was also being engaged to another man, and her brothers—six damn heathens—did not approve of you either?

"I need a drink."

Warrick nodded. "Good idea."

"Before the two of you start drinking, at least take a damn bath."

"I'll drink while I'm bathing."

"Well, I'm packing. Warrick must have told you of our plans."

Field nodded. "Congratulations on your elopement."

"Well, we shall be leaving in..." she paused, looking him over, "a day or so."

Field sighed. He must be the most pitiful person in the world if his own sister was postponing her elopement because of him. "When is this ball?" he asked Selena.

"Tonight."

Tonight? They were going to announce the engagement tonight ? He would need some fortitude.

"Better bring a bottle."