“This can be contained,” he said tightly. “This farce does not need to go further than this roof, and all reputations will remain intact.”
“There is no certainty with Lady Shore.”
“She is the marchioness’s cousin!”
“And a notorious gossip and busybody.”
“It does not suffice—”
“Wasn’t Lady Edith already on the top of your list? Did you not inform me you are ready to select your duchess?”
Her words slammed into his chest with the force of a hammer. He covered his eyes with his hands, raking his fingers back through his hair. When he glanced at the doorway, his mother had disappeared. Sebastian closed his door firmly, ensuring there would be no more surprise visits for the night. He was thankful Theo had slept through it all.
Theodosia.
He dropped his weight onto the bed, staring at the darkness of the ceiling. Sebastian closed his eyes, not wanting to think of how easily he had been compromised. His mother’s logic made sense. He had placed Lady Edith at the top of his list. He had always known her to be cunning and clever, and she was a celebrated beauty.
She was supposed to be the perfect wife for him. So why was he hesitating?
And there it was…golden-brown eyes staring up at him with laughter and tenderness.
“Fucking mess,” he muttered, closing his eyes, and forcing his heart rate to slow.
Once rested, he would confront the mess head-on.
* * *
The very next day,Theo took breakfast with the duchess in the Rose parlor. The informal setting had suited Theo, and she relaxed against a large armchair, sipping a most refreshing brew. The duchess was pleased Theo was leaving, and she gracefully inquired after her health, and Theo politely replied, returning the same courtesies. The duchess did not dislike her, but it was evident she did not like Theo being in her son’s presence.
Perhaps she thinks I’m a social-climbing upstart.
“Forgive my bluntness, Lady Winfern; why are you here at the cottage with my son?”
“I was helping in his search for Lady Perdita. I became aware that she was missing, and please let me assure you my discretion in this matter is guaranteed, Your Grace.”
The duchess slated her a look of disbelief, and Theo’s cheek warmed. Good heavens, the duchess thought her presence to be something of a sordid nature. That perhaps she was the duke’s mistress, and he traveled with her to alleviate his…boredom.
“Is that what you, young people coin it these days?” the duchess rejoined with a narrow-eyed glare. “I believe you should take your leave before my son returns from his morning ride.”
Shock jerked through Theo. It was clear the duchess expected her to hastily reassure her, that Theodosia would scuttle away in shame for offending the duchess and was embarrassed by her criticism. She had the societal power and connections to ruin her, but Theo did not feel in a charitable mood about the duchess’s prejudicial behavior. “I believe you should take up whatever issue you have with your son, Your Grace.”
The duchess’s eyes widened. “You dare!” she whispered in an outrage undertone.
“Of course, I do,” Theo replied calmly. “I have done nothing to draw your uncharitable spite, and I am not a wilting debutante or some hapless lady to wilt under your disapproval.”
The duchess stared as if she were a monster. The marchioness, Lady Edith, and Lady Shore chose that moment to descend in the drawing-room. Everyone had an air of excitement and satisfaction, which notably dimmed in Lady Edith when her gaze landed on Theo. Everyone sat on the sofas in front of the delicacies laid on the large rococo table.
“Lady Winfern, I have been most curious, and I do hope you’ll indulge me. You got married and vanished from the London scene,” Lady Shore said, artfully pouring herself a cup of tea. “What brought you back?”
“I’ve been in London these last three years,” Theo said with a spurt of amusement. “Perhaps I was just beneath your notice.”
The marchioness harrumphed and the duchess gave her a considering glance as if just noticing Theo for the first time.
Lady Shore smiled tightly. “Perhaps. I’ve not seen you much about in theton. I gather you do not socialize in the highest and most fashionable circles.”
Theo chose to pick up a tart and bit into the flaky pastry, saving herself the necessity of a reply.
Lady Shore favored her with a hard stare. “I wonder how thetonwill react to Hartford no longer being on the marriage mart. What are your thoughts, Lady Winfern?”