by Regina Darcy
Chewing worryingly on her lower lip, Theodora walked a little behind her sisters, allowing their chatter on the subject to distract them from her anxious behaviour.
Surprised as she was by the rumour, Theodora could not help but have her heart beat a little faster when she thought of Mr Weston. He had told her he was Mr Sotheby, but she had never thought to question him further. Could it be that he was, in fact, a member of the peerage?
Could he really be a duke, even though he was now hiding from those who might seek his life? It was not unheard of for men of his rank to go out into the battlefield, although it was rare. Surely if it were true, then that meant that he was a man she could respect all the more, a man willing to lay aside the honour of his rank and all the wealth and pleasure that came with it so that he might fight for king and country.
For a moment, a hot blush climbed into her cheeks as she thought of how she had acted around him, even from their very first meeting. She had not been proper in the least, for what lady wished to seek fencing lessons for themselves? Very few, she was quite sure, and it was certainly not the thing to ask a duke to assist with either! However, it is not as though he turned you down, a small voice reminded her. He has been willing to teach you, to spend time in your company.
The blush slowly left her cheeks, soon replaced by a soft smile as she thought of Mr Weston, seeing him now in a very different light. She would not ask him, of course, but allow him to tell her the truth about his title and background, whenever that might be. She was nothing if not patient, and was quite sure that, the more acquainted he became with her, the more he would trust her … and even if he was not a duke, perhaps there was a chance he had developed affections of his own.
They were to meet again the day after tomorrow, and Theodora found her anticipation growing already. Could there be a potential future for them? She sincerely hoped so.
“Do hurry up, Theodora!” Caroline called, making her start with surprise. Theodora realised that she had fallen quite far behind her sisters, so lost in thought was she over Mr Weston. Picking up her pace, she joined them again, and together, they went into the bookshop, hoping to find a few new novels to add to their collection.
FIVE
Thankfully Theodora did not spend the rest of the afternoon with her head in the clouds. Instead she found herself browsing first the bookstore and then the milliners next door, seeking some new ribbons with which to brighten her bonnets.
Her lips twisted as she recalled that Mr Weston very rarely saw her with a bonnet, given that she took it off almost the moment she met him so that she might use her blade to the best of her ability.
She always tied her hair up tightly too, so that it never flowed around her shoulders or became caught in front of her, blurring her vision. In short, there had been no particular way for her to brighten her appearance for his liking or a reason to prior to today. She was sure the sky-blue colour of the ribbon she held would perfectly complement her complexion.
On the way home, Theodora decided that she was being quite ridiculous. There was no need for her to change her appearance or anything about herself in order to please Mr Weston. He seemed quite pleased with her already, despite her desire for such an indelicate sport. The looks he gave her, the moments that they’d already shared made her realise that she had no need to worry about her appearance nor about her future. She would simply enjoy her time with Mr Weston, enjoy her continued lessons and see where things took her from there.
Theodora had no particular thoughts about marriage apart from the fact that she had to secure one to relieve the burden on her father and assist her sisters. Being quite unconventional, she had never wished to marry a boring, staid gentleman who would not allow her to pursue all of her desires. Mr Weston, of course, seemed as unconventional as she, inasmuch as teaching a lady to fence, but if he was a duke then to even go to war as a military man struck convention a death blow.
As a duke, he would be expected to marry and then to produce an heir and a spare in very quick succession. That done, he could then do whatever he wished with his life. To go into the battlefield, to put his very life on the line, was something that not a great many peers would choose to do. It is just another point in his favour, Theodora thought to herself, with a brief smile.
“Papa will be waiting for us,” Beatrice murmured as the carriage drew up. “Are we late to dinner?”
“No, not in the least,” Caroline replied calmly. “You have fifteen minutes, I believe.”
“Fifteen?” Theodora screeched, thinking just how much she had to do. “I need to change, Caroline!” Her gown, having been slightly soiled from their walk, simply would not do in time for dinner.
Caroline chuckled as Theodora leaned forward, eager for the carriage to stop. “Then I suggest you change quickly, sister dear!”
Theodora rushed through her preparations, knowing that it would not do to keep her father waiting, especially when she had promised to be back in time for dinner. Her cheeks a rosy red from the icy water she had splashed on her face, she hurried down to the dining room, only to see Ann walk in, making her evidently the last one to arrive.
Trying to settle her quick breathing, Theodora slipped in behind Ann and carefully took her seat, trying not to show how relieved she was to have made it on time. She had to ensure she was all propriety these days so that no suspicions would be raised about her many outdoor excursions.
To her very great surprise, her father looked to be in quite the jovial mood. In fact, there was even a smile on his lips as he greeted her, his eyes lit with good humour.
“Good evening, Papa,” Theodora murmured, inclining her head a little. “How are you this evening?”
“Very well, very well,” he replied, looking as though the whole world was for once at rights. “I have had a marvellous day and received some excellent correspondence.”
Theodora returned his smile but thought no more of it. She did not pursue the conversation but rather waited for the first course to be served. The food looked and smelled delicious, and Theodora tucked in at once realising just how hungry she was.
The conversation around the table drifted from topic to topic, although her father never really joined in. Theodora ate quickly, and after all the courses were served, found herself quite complete.
“Do give my compliments to cook,” she said to one of the footmen as their plates were cleared. “That was simply wonderful.” She glanced at her sisters, who all looked as replete as she. “And tea in the drawing room, I think.”
“No,” Lord Lockley interrupted. “I would prefer you all to remain here. I have some news.”
For a moment, Theodora felt her heart stop, an icy wave going all through her.
“Then tea here, if you please,” she murmured. The footman’s agreement turned into background noise as she gazed at her father. He was still smiling.
Her heart resumed its normal pace as she realised that this news was not in relation to her fencing lessons, for then he would not be smiling so. If in truth he had discovered what she was doing, then she most likely would have been requested to meet him in his study where he would have railed at her for some time. No, this had to be something quite different.
“So, what is your news, Papa?” she heard Caroline say, but their papa shook his head.
“Wait until the tea tray, my dear, for this is not something I wish for the servants to overhear. Not yet at least.”
Theodora glanced at each of her sisters in turn, seeing on their faces the very expression she was quite sure she wore also. They were all a trifle concerned over what this news could be, having never seen their father in such a state before. The servants heard everything; there was no way of keeping secrets from them. Why in heavens name would one even try? Neither could she remember the last time their father had any kind of ‘news’ for them, given that very little had changed since their mother had passed away.
The tea trays seemed to take an age to arrive, but, the very moment th
ey were placed on the table, Theodora’s father dismissed all the servants and then poured himself a glass of port. Smiling merrily at them, his gaze lingered on Theodora, who felt her heart slam into her chest once more.
“You are keeping us in suspense, Father,” Theodora said, her voice cracking only a little from all the emotion she felt. “Whatever is making you smile so?”
“As I said, I have wonderful news!” he exclaimed, his expression almost joyful. “Is it about you, Theodora.”
Theodora felt all of her sisters turn their gaze on her at once. Her fingers clung to the side of her chair as she continued to look at her father, unable to speak a word.
“I have found you a husband.”
All of her breath left her body in one go, her shoulders slumping as she stared at her father open-mouthed. Visions of old Lord Hansing or the beady-eyed Lord Robertson flashed into her mind.
No, please not them.
She clung desperately to the hope that her father had not sought either of these gentlemen for her hand.
“Who is it?” she whispered, unable to speak any louder.
“A man who is in line to become a duke,” Lord Lockley replied, sounding quite delighted with himself. “Can you believe it?”
Theodora stared at her father completely stunned. The heir apparent to a dukedom? There was no such person nearby, which meant that her father must have been corresponding with someone from London. Her stomach began to churn as she thought of Mr Weston, realising, in that very moment just how much she cared for him. The thought of marrying someone else made her feel nauseous, for she did not want Mr Weston to leave her life.
“That is wonderful, Papa,” she heard Beatrice say, still unable to take her eyes from their father’s smiling countenance. “A duke’s son, you say? That is quite a match for our Theodora!”
“Indeed it is,” Lord Lockley replied, turning his gaze back to Theodora. “The Duke of Sotheby heir, Theodora. He is a young man and has been looking for a wife for some time. I came to know his mother when I was last in town, as we were thrown together at a couple of social events, and it is with her that I have been corresponding. Apparently, her son is more than willing to wed you, despite your modest dowry. He fell instantly for the likeness I sent over. He thought you looked fetching. Like a diamond of first waters. We are to meet him very soon.”
Theodora’s blood ran with ice and then with fire hearing the name of Sotheby on her father’s lips.
The Duke of Sotheby? That could be no-one other than Mr Weston, could it not?
He had already told her that his real name was William Sotheby, and with rumours flying of a titled man living with Lord and Lady Raven, Theodora was in no doubt of whom her father spoke. All of a sudden her future did not look quite as bleak as it had a moment ago.
“What say you, my dear?” Lord Lockley asked more quietly. “Are you pleased? I know you have very few prospects here and I have done, my utmost to find you a kind husband. I believe you will do very well with him for by all accounts he is a good man.”
“I am quite happy,” Theodora replied, hardly able to speak in coherent sentences as happy thoughts tumbled through her mind. “I cannot thank you enough, Papa. You are very kind to me.”
He reached across the table and patted her hand, the kindness and love in his eyes making her heartache.
“I have never wanted anything but the best for you, Theodora,” he said so quietly that she could barely hear him. “I know we are often at loggerheads, but I want you to know just how much I care about you. You are very dear to me, and I shall be sad to no longer have you sitting at this table, although I will be pleased that you have a home of your own.”
Theodora’s eyes filled with happy tears, her throat working to press down the ache growing within. Her father had never truly spoken to her in such a way before, although she had always known that he had loved her in his own way. It was true that they were often at loggerheads, but that had never stopped Theodora from believing that her father had her best interest at heart.
“You shall do very well as the wife of a duke, although as I said, he is yet to inherit that title,” he said lifting his hand from hers. “And how proud of you we shall all be. Your sisters shall have a greater chance of finding themselves an equally advantageous match with you as the wife of such a man.”
Theodora’s throat closed as she smiled, her heart beating quicker as she thought of Mr Weston, hardly believing that this had all worked out in such a wonderful way.
“What is his title now then Papa?” Caroline asked, capturing Theodora’s attention for a brief moment. “You say he has not yet inherited the main title?”
Theodora saw her father’s expression change somewhat, a slight frown betraying his concern. “Yes, there is something about the title that is bringing some confusion, but as I said, I do not think it will be long until it is all adequately sorted.”
Ah, Theodora thought to herself, understanding immediately what the confusion was. Mr Weston cannot claim his title when the army thinks him either dead or on the run. Once Lord Raven has conducted his inquiry, then he will be able to take on his true title once more.
“As for the moment, he is the honourable Lord Westerly,” Lord Lockley finished, making Theodora’s smile widen even more. “I am glad you look so happy, Theodora. It will be a wonderful match, I am quite sure.”
“And when am I to meet Lord Westerly?” Theodora asked, more certain than ever that the man she had been fencing with was the very same.
“We are to go to London,” Lord Lockley announced, making her sisters squeal. “There is to be a ball and we have been invited to attend. I have already sent servants to prepare our townhouse for our arrival next week.”
Theodora heard her sisters exclaim in delight, a jolt running through her body and making her want to squeal with excitement also. Mr Weston must have made some kind of substantive progress with regards to what had occurred out on the battlefield for him to consider returning to London, which made her heart lift with happiness for him. Her thoughts drifted back towards him, seeing his smiling face in her mind. Had he known for some time that his mother was making such arrangements but had never said a single word to her? Was that why she had seen him watching her on occasion with that slight gleam in his eye?
Theodora felt herself blush from head to toe, wondering what he thought of taking her as his wife. She hoped that he was as pleased as she was, even though she was something of an unconventional female. Would they continue their fencing lessons once they were wed? Would he be able to teach her other things that she wished to learn, encouraging her interests? Or would she have to act as an entirely proper duchess? Where would they live? Would it be near to her family?
Her mind abuzz with a million questions, Theodora rose to her feet to excuse herself, catching her father’s slightly concerned look.
“You are not overwhelmed I trust?”
“In truth, I am overwhelmed, Papa,” Theodora laughed, bending to kiss his cheek. “But that is quite to be expected and is I believe something of a good thing. I am quite happy, I assure you.”
“I am glad to hear it,” he replied, evidently relieved by her answer. “You are going to do very well, I am quite sure of it, Theodora. I am very proud of you.”
Theodora smiled softly and caught his hand for a moment, squeezing it gently. “You have done very well for me, Papa. I could not ask for more. I thank you.”
Excusing herself, Theodora took her time to walk upstairs to her bedchamber, her mind still running through everything that had occurred that evening.
It was astonishing to her to discover that, having gone down to dinner an entirely unattached woman, she was now returning to her bedchamber as a betrothed lady. Of course, the gentleman in question had not asked her specifically, but that mattered very little given the correspondence between her father and his mother. It was just as well Mr Weston – Lord Westerly – was as amiable and as open to the engagement as she was!
Her next meeting with Mr Weston would be an interesting one, for she would make quite sure to mention that she was travelling to London, letting him know in as subtle a way as she could that she was more than aware of what was to occur. She was utterly delighted for him that the investigation seemed to be going well, for at least he was able to return and take his place at his family’s side. Briefly Theodora wondered what he would say – and what he might do – when they next met. Perhaps he might steal a kiss or confess his love to her. Her hands clenched in delight as she became lost in wonderings, a happy smile on her face.
SIX
“You have some correspondence, sir.”
Thanking the butler, William reached for the two sealed letters, and noticing the seal on the back of one, discarded the other on the table. His heart began to race in his chest as he broke the seal, unfolding the letter carefully. He scanned the contents, holding his breath until the very last sentence. Then it all came out in a whoosh. Finally at least part of his nightmare was over.
“That’s an interesting expression you’ve got on your face,” Raven commented as he walked into the room and saw William still staring at the letter in his hand. “Good news, I trust?”
William looked up at his friend, entirely grateful. “Yes, indeed. You have worked wonders, Raven. I must thank you for I am entirely in your debt.”
Raven smiled and sat down opposite him at the dining table, reaching for a piece of toast.