Chapter 27

CHAPTER 27

“ T hat rotten, little scoundrel,” Theodosia huffed as she tossed her hat down on the nearby settee.

Good Lord, now she was too upset to take a seat. She continued grumbling under her breath as she paced about the parlor. Her favorite breakfast was laid out—two poached eggs, toasted bread, and a small lemon tart with citrus tea.

But she couldn’t enjoy a single bite after what she had discovered this morning.

“Your Grace, is everything well? I thought I heard…” Lloyd glanced around the room before he slipped inside. He closed the door behind him and then strode past her to right a chair. “Did you knock this over by chance?”

“I have no idea what you’re talking about,” she retorted distastefully. “Of course, the house is in shambles. Everything is in shambles!”

But Lloyd wasn’t bothered by such a remark. He was never bothered by anything. The man was as stalwart as they came. Sometimes late at night, she liked to imagine him riding into battle like a wild Viking, shouting for bloodshed and victory.

Not now. Now, she was too upset to enjoy her imaginings.

“Your Grace, why don’t you take a seat?” he suggested after a moment of watching her pace the room. “You will make yourself ill if you don’t stop. Nothing could be worth endangering your health.”

“Don’t you dare make such assumptions. Oh, fiddlesticks! That blasted boy. He’s ruining everything for me, Lloyd.”

His eyes trailed after her with more sympathy than she could bear. So she didn’t look at him. But she did trail past him, making certain she could still smell that rich clean scent of his. If only it brought her more relief.

“Would you like to tell me about it?” Lloyd offered.

Grunting, she picked up her hat so she might throw it again. One of the feathers had gone loose, and that only made her growl in frustration. “Look what he made me do.”

“Lady Theodosia?”

It was hard to ignore him when he used her name like that. “I want to strangle my nephew. There aren’t any laws about that, is there?”

“I’m afraid there are,” he replied sympathetically.

“The scoundrel. I should kick him out, at the very least. The girl is ill, not me. She must have been up the entire night crying because of him. She claimed it was a cold but only because she thinks I’m as blind as a bat. And I’m not,” she growled.

Lloyd nodded. “You are not blind, Your Grace.”

“She asked me about leaving. She wants to return to the country, she said. The city is no place for her, after all. Can you believe the silly woman? I told her that would never happen, that we agreed on a year. And then she began to beg me. I don’t like people begging.”

“I’m very sorry, Your Grace.”

Theodosia stopped before him. Only to catch her breath, she told herself. She was about to give herself a fit of the nervous vapors if she wasn’t careful.

“A week, I told her. If she still hasn’t changed her mind in a week, I fear I must let her go.”

Tilting his head, Lloyd stepped around the chair. He offered her his arm. “Would you like to take a seat?”

She fanned herself with one hand before grudgingly nodding and taking his arm with her other. “I shall need to think this through. How can I make her stay?”

“You don’t have a dungeon, and that’s frowned upon,” Lloyd pointed out as though he could see where her mind was going. “You have been doing your best to help her, Your Grace, but you cannot force her to be happy when her heart is not.”

Her scowl returned. “It was Adrian. I know it. We had such a wonderful time last night, Lloyd—you wouldn’t believe it. Charlotte was a diamond at the ball, the prettiest gem that everyone wanted a good look at. The women were green with envy. She danced nearly every set and was humming on the ride home. But now she wants to flee the city!”

“That is a shame,” he agreed. He gave her a minute to catch her breath. “You will let her go, won’t you?”

“Of course, I will,” she grumbled crossly. “But I shall endeavor to change her mind. One week! How ridiculous. I must think on it, Lloyd. This must be a brilliant week filled with every fancy imaginable so she knows what she could be missing.”

“Very good, Your Grace. Perhaps we can look through this week’s invitations again?”

She nodded while tapping her chin. “Yes, yes, yes. I shall take her everywhere. Vauxhall Gardens, Hyde Park, Gunther’s , and everywhere else. The museum, the theater—everywhere. We’ll need tickets for much of it, Lloyd.”

“Consider it done,” he promised her.

Already she was feeling calmer and in better spirits. She gave her butler a rueful grin—Theodosia knew her eccentricities were not for everyone. But here was Lloyd, helpful and stalwart through it all.

“You are a good man.” She dared to lean forward and pat his hand in gratitude. His other hand rose as though to cover hers, before he thought better of it. She wished he hadn’t. “Thank you, Lloyd.”

“I am here for you,” he said, as though it was the answer to everything.

Theodosia smiled before turning away, something else niggling at her. It could not be ignored.

Yes, London was a fabulous place to live. It was always busy, even in the off-season when everyone left for the country, since Parliament wasn’t in session. She adored the hustle and bustle. The busy life allowed her to focus on the present and the future, rather than the past.

London is not the only reason Charlotte wishes to leave. She did not admit it, of course, but I’m far cleverer than she thinks.

“We must do something about Adrian.”

“Are you certain you can manage him?” Lloyd asked her after a heartbeat.

She let out a chuckle. “Every man secretly wishes to be managed. Adrian is no different. I could strangle the fool for whatever he did. That is what I must first find out. He is not home, is he?”

“No, he left early for his club.”

As though anyone would be caught dead in their club this early in the day.

She glanced at the morning sunshine streaming in through the window. “I will request his presence then. When the two of them are together, I shall be able to sort out what has taken place. And then, because they are utter ninnies, I shall have to fix everything for them.”

“You’re a very generous lady,” Lloyd offered.

“Now you’re just flattering me. I’ve just increased your wages, so do not get ahead of yourself,” she scolded playfully. She put out her hands. “Now, help me to my feet and burn that hat. I shall make a schedule for this week forthwith to salvage my plan, which those children seem intent on ruining.”

Heading off to her study, Theodosia hummed her favorite tune. It was pure luck she hadn’t tossed aside all of her invitations for next week’s events. Though she’d already responded to those she intended to attend, she sat down and sorted through them again.

“Monday shall be Vauxhall with the fireworks. Tuesday the soirée at the Wallinghams’, Wednesday a picnic and a ball… perhaps Thursday we can attend the museum as well as the musicale. If we appear at the luncheon between then, too, that might go well. A ride through Hyde Park on Friday, and perhaps the opera. Saturday, however…” Theodosia paused before beaming. “Shopping, of course!”

What a frightfully busy week it would be. She frowned at the idea of going out every day but knew the effort would be worth it.

Those children are perfect for each other—if only they would realize it. I will not be here forever. They need someone, both of them. Someone to share the cold nights, share their smiles, and share a lifetime. If only they were not so foolish.

And foolish they continued to be. Theodosia had a trial of it during the week attempting to get the two of them together with her.

Adrian joined her at Vauxhall as Charlotte feigned a headache all of Monday. On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, Adrian disappeared no matter what Theodosia asked and ordered and demanded. It was impossible to bring them together. Based on what the staff told Lloyd, the two were ensuring they were nowhere near one another.

“I’m afraid he has not yet returned from his club,” Lloyd regretfully informed Theodosia on Friday morning.

Huffing, she paced around the antechamber beside her bedroom. The butler remained out in the hall with his toes pointed inside. But he never crossed the threshold. And he wouldn’t even be this close if her lady’s maid wasn’t making the bed nearby.

“That scoundrel. He’s mucking it all up,” Theodosia said as she rubbed her aching head. “Is he drinking?”

“No, he is not. His Grace hasn’t touched a bottle of spirits since his arrival there yesterday,” he informed her.

She nodded. That was promising news. Adrian wasn’t making every mistake possible, just a few of them. Still, he was avoiding them. Or rather, Charlotte. Which meant he was avoiding the house entirely.

Snapping her fingers, Theodosia moved toward Lloyd as her idea came together. “Fine. We shall attend the opera tonight. However, this time, I shall not tell either of them who is in attendance—merely that I wish for their companionship, since my friends cannot attend.”

“You already have three ladies in the remaining seats,” Lloyd pointed out.

Theodosia just waved a hand. “That is hardly relevant.”

“So you are lying to them?”

She shot him a stern look. “I’m telling you that it is irrelevant. If anything, it is for their own good. Children must be looked after—what else could I do? The lies won’t last long, and then they won’t care once they are happily married. Wait here, Lloyd. I’ll write to each of them. Don’t you dare let either of them know otherwise.”

“Can I just say that I don’t agree this is the best way to make everyone happy?” he called when she turned toward her small writing desk. It was situated near her large windows for optimal light.

“I appreciate your concern,” she said in response.

The letters were written. Both of them were short but clear invitations that left no room for refusals from either Charlotte or Adrian. She didn’t even ask them to attend, only stating that her carriage would be departing an hour before the show and they were expected to join her.

That will show them. Children and their stubbornness!

Once the letters were sent off, Theodosia felt much relieved. She felt an upcoming victory and treated herself to a game of chess with Lloyd, where she nearly let him win twice. The ride through Hyde Park was canceled so she could enjoy an afternoon nap. Afterward, she readied herself for the opera.

“What a fine hat,” Charlotte told her once they met in the entrance hall. “I’ve never seen such… such tall feathers.”

Theodosia preened. “They’re ostrich feathers, my dear. This hat is one of a kind. If you’re so fortunate in the future, I’ll lend it to you.”

“Oh, that’s too generous.”

“Never mind that. Let’s see how you look. Take a spin—don’t forget that we go to the theater to see the ton, not the show,” Theodosia reminded her. Her eyes followed the gentle spin that Charlotte made to show off her lovely pale blue dress. It sparkled in the candlelight, making her look heavenly. “How lovely. Very good, my dear. You look lovely.”

A warm blush spread across the young woman’s cheeks. “And you’re too kind, Godmother. Shall we take our leave?”

“Oh, no, we are…” Theodosia trailed off when she realized she was about to mention her nephew. She glanced around, eyeing the hall and the stairs.

Where was he? While she was getting ready for the evening, she forgot to inquire about Adrian. So she searched out Lloyd.

The butler came with a footman holding their cloaks. The footman went to Charlotte while Lloyd helped Theodosia.

“Well?” she hissed under her breath. “Where is he?”

“I’m afraid he is not here,” he murmured quietly, glancing between her and Charlotte. “He only said he would try to meet you there. Perhaps this is too much, Your Grace. Should I––” He stopped when she shook her head.

“It will all work out. It must. Thank you, Lloyd,” she said louder now, putting some distance between them. “Well, how do I look?”

Lloyd ran his hands over his fine uniform. There was never a wrinkle or a spot or a smudge to be found. And then he smiled so wide that his eyes twinkled. That never failed to make her heart skip a beat.

“Very well, Your Grace. Very well.”

“I believe the carriage is ready.”

Turning to Charlotte, Theodosia nodded with determination. “Then let us attend the opera.”

Off they went. Their knees knocked occasionally in the carriage, but there was little conversation. Charlotte informed her she had enjoyed her afternoon and hinted at a letter she’d written to her cousins. Theodosia forced herself to smile through it all. By the time they reached the theater, she could hardly stand it.

“Let us make our way to our box, shall we? We can greet everyone afterward,” she urged.

It soon became evident to her that her three friends would indeed be joining them, but not Adrian. Her impatience made her skin itch. She jumped from conversation to conversation, finding herself unfocused. The show began in short order. Tempted as she was to burn the place down, she forced herself to take her seat and smile for everyone’s sake.

How could I wear my finest hat for such a wasted evening?

“Dear aunt.”

She saw movement out of the corner of her eye, and then started as her nephew appeared suddenly and sat in the empty chair on her left.

Well dressed, with a slight smile on his face, Adrian glanced around before looking at her. “I thank you for the invitation.”

Theodosia glanced at Charlotte, who sitting on her other side and hadn’t noticed the Duke’s arrival. Then, she hissed at him, “You couldn’t have come at a more proper time?”

“I was busy.”

“Then I expect you to make amends by speaking to our guests during intermission,” she ordered him sternly.

His gaze flitted away and then returned. “We shall see.”

Holding on to her hope, Theodosia nodded. She was running out of ideas, though she hated to admit it. Time, too, was not a frequent guest of hers. Every day there were new aches in her body, and every day she saw how the young had forgotten how to cherish one another.

She leaned back in her seat to try and enjoy the show. But her gaze shifted between Adrian and Charlotte frequently. This was how it should be, she thought, with them together. They were the only family she had. She wanted them to have the same joyous life she had. Was that so wrong?

Apparently, it was, because by the time intermission came around, Adrian was gone again. After the show ended, she and Charlotte returned to a silent and dark house.

It was Saturday morning when the sun next appeared. Theodosia was writing to her friends, thanking them for their company at the opera, when a knock sounded at the door. Her stomach twisted even as she ordered her maid to open it.

Charlotte walked in with a brittle smile. “Godmother, good morning. How I wish… It’s only that…” She paused to take a deep breath. “While I am immensely grateful for everything that you have done for me, especially this exciting week, I must admit that I haven’t changed my mind. Please let me go. I wish to return to my cousins in the country.”

Rising from her chair, Theodosia attempted to find any other excuse to keep the girl from hiding away for the rest of her life. “Are you certain? Why, the Season is hardly halfway…”

But the young woman shook her head. “I’m sorry. I don’t think it wise to stay here.”

“Then I suppose we must write to your cousins to see if they can make room for you once again,” Theodosia started.

A piece of paper was in Charlotte’s hand. An opened letter. “I have just received it. My cousin was at his club and reassured me I would be welcome at any time. I don’t mean to… to depart so suddenly, but I think it might be better.”

“Better?” Theodosia put her hands over her heart. “You are such a jewel, Charlotte. I would hate to lose you here. As will the ton. I know how many admire you. And what of your suitors?”

Though she had hoped to find an excuse that might convince Charlotte to stay, Theodosia was surprised to see such darkness sweep over the young woman’s face.

“That is in the Duke’s hands. I await his… guidance, but I believe I have done everything I can here. My maid is already packing. I thought I should leave today.”

“Today?” Theodosia echoed in astonishment.

She stood before the young woman, nearly a head shorter and finally feeling it. She searched her face. Her heart hammered. There had to be something she could do to change Charlotte’s mind. Wasn’t there? But she was out of ideas. She had done everything she could.

Theodosia stepped back suddenly as she felt a sharp sting in her eyes.

“Very well. I… I shall… tell Cook to prepare a basket for the journey. I should not like for you to travel hungry.”

“Oh, I––”

“I insist,” Theodosia sniffed.

She was not interested in farewells, especially not at her age. Nodding, she smoothed her skirts and took her leave.

It didn’t matter now if her heart was breaking. There was nothing more she could do with Charlotte. At least, not until she could hunt down Adrian.