"I have missed you, darling."
Thea knew that such open affection between members of the ton was not the usual way of things, and she took an instant liking to this woman who had given Drake birth, and had taught him that there were more important things in life than mere societal strictures.
He stood up, his smile enigmatic. "Ah, so that explains your presence in Town when I distinctly remember you saying you had no plans to attend the Season."
"Do not be silly, Pierson." Lady Noreen's soft, melodious voice was tinged with censure. "You know very well I've come to meet the woman you plan to marry."
His muttered imprecation barely registered as the small woman waved her hand toward Thea. "Come here, my dear. I have been waiting these past five years or more for my son to choose a bride. I wish to wait not one moment longer to meet you."
Thea felt inexorably drawn across the room by the woman's warmth and genuine desire to meet her.
She stopped in front of the other woman and remembered at the last second to curtsy as her mother had taught her. "It is an honor to meet you, my lady."
Lady Boyle nodded her approval. "Nicely done, Miss Selwyn."
Amusement lurked on the edges of Thea's lips as she curtsied toward the old woman. "Thank you."
"Ah, she has a sense of humor and impeccable manners. I like that."
Thea's amusement vanished and she cast a worried frown toward Drake, but he was not looking at her. His attention was fixed on his mother as if he was trying to interpret her reaction to Thea.
It was left to her to tell the elegant Lady the truth. "I'm sorry to say my manners are sporadic. Mama and Aunt Ruth tried their best, but social rules on my island were not so strict as London. I'm afraid I have some terrible habits."
"Nonsense, gel. You are a sweet young lady, and so I've told my niece." Lady Boyle's championship was as pleasant as it was unexpected.
Surely the old woman was not blind to Thea's faults.
Even more shocking were Drake's words. "She is perfect, Mama. Do not let her convince you otherwise."
Thea spun to face him, her hands on her hips. "That is not what you told my aunt. You listed my shortcomings for her like a man intent on his last confession before going to meet his Maker. Does your own mother not deserve the same honesty?"
"But I have told her the truth, sweeting. You are perfect for me."
His words warmed her clear to her toes, and she had to clasp her hands to stop them from reaching out to touch him. "Oh, Drake…"
His eyes spoke a message she feared to translate as they stood in silent communication for several seconds.
Finally, he broke his gaze from hers and smiled at his mother over Thea's shoulder. "You will love her, Mama."
Blushing, Thea turned back to face his mother to find the dark brown eyes so like her son's glistening with moisture.
"My lady?"
"I am very happy at this moment, Thea. May I call you Thea?"
"Yes, of course."
"And you must call me Noreen, at least until you are married to my son. Then you will call me Mama."
Tears burned Thea's own eyes. "I would be honored to do so."
But her heart was heavy. She did not wish to see this woman hurt by the disappointment of a broken engagement. And it was apparent no other outcome could be expected. Lady Noreen loved her son and wanted to see him happily settled.
The deception of the engagement was taking on a life of its own.
Thea escaped to Lady Boyle's library and fell into the nearest chair. Slipping her shoes off, she wiggled her toes and wished she had the courage to lift her skirts and massage her feet. She didn't. Not after spending the entire day shopping in the company of her aunt, Drake's mother, and Lady Boyle. Those worthy ladies had taken it into their heads to help her prepare for the role of Drake's wife as well as to take her place in Society.
She didn't even bother to stifle a groan at the thought. How could she have allowed Drake to convince her to go along with his phony engagement scheme?