Theodora

by Christina McKnight

  Chapter 12

  Lady Theodora sat on the blanket she’d spread on a grassy expanse in Regent’s Park, allowing the slight breeze to whip her hair about her shoulders. The fresh smell of early morning air filled her senses and pushed from her mind all that had transpired the day before. She was determined to focus her energy and thoughts on Georgie’s and Adeline’s archery lesson, not the tourney in Whitechapel and her near discovery, the fleeting intimacy of Alistair’s lips against hers, or the longing to have him take her in his arms once more—not that she’d ever actually been in his arms to begin with—that had plagued her all night long.

  Mr. Price was high-handed and tyrannical, demanding everything be as he deemed it—something Theo was unaccustomed to. Her brother never demanded anything of her, and while her mother, the Dowager Lady Cartwright, had expected proper decorum and etiquette in Theo’s younger years, she had moved on to more interesting subjects. Namely, her charities.

  Theo was left to live life on her own terms—at least to a certain extent and within the confines of what was proper among society. Her years at Miss Emmeline’s School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstanding Quality had taught her to be independent and responsible for her own needs. Taught her to reach for her dreams with the freedom to study what interested and inspired her. She’d been happy there. She missed her peaceful days of studying, afternoons on the archery field, and evenings spent laughing with Josie, Adeline, and Georgie. She’d been content, and in many ways, fulfilled.

  Pulling her shawl tighter about her shoulders, Theo watched the trees swaying in the wind.

  It had been a simpler time, when her only concern had been which subject she’d commit to memory next, what map she’d dissect after supper, and what outlandish hairstyle Adeline would concoct—throwing the rest of the girls into a dither, trying to replicate the ‘latest fashion in London.’

  The days ahead, once the season began, would be filled with dress fittings, society get-togethers, the opera, plays at one of the several outdoor playhouses, and endless social calls. But it was only one London season—and then Cart had promised her time to discover what she wanted for her own future, that was if she didn’t meet a man and fall head over heels in love, giving up any hope of a future outside society’s norms. That was her mother’s greatest hope; however, Theo took no stock in the notion.

  She still had her appointment with the French mapmaker in a few days—the same day as the final round of the Grand Archers’ Competition of London, actually. She’d be forced to forego attending, and giving support to her dear friends. They’d spoken of Theo’s love for maps over the years. She’d even received a highly coveted 1324 map detailing England’s fiefdoms from her friends for Christmastide several years before. Though, Theo was unsure how to explain her future plans to three women whose main goal in life included marrying well, having a family, and taking their place among society. Theo feared they would drift apart in years to come, but she was not willing to allow the ocean between them to start forming so soon.

  “Theo?” Josie said, standing beside the blanket with her bow raised. “Are you not listening to me?”

  Theo looked up from her seated position, raising her hand to shield her eyes from the sun. “My apologies, I was daydreaming. Has Adeline arrived yet?”

  “No,” Georgie called from several paces away. “But we cannot dawdle all day—I am expected home for afternoon visitors, and it will not do to anger the duchess by arriving late.”

  “How is your father’s wife faring?” Theo had neglected to inquire earlier after sensing that the topic was off-limits, the duchess not being a favored person to Georgie. “I suspect the babe will arrive soon.”

  “She is in the final weeks of her pregnancy, but refuses to take to the birthing room as my father requests.” Georgie’s tone conveyed her hatred for the woman who’d stolen her father’s love and attention, and in a final act of treachery, had become pregnant, giving the duke hope for a male heir. “But she is as big as the cows that roamed the property bordering Miss Emmeline’s. I find extreme comfort in that.”

  Theo and Georgie laughed while Josie only allowed a slight grin at the jest, her demeanor turning serious. “It is unbecoming to voice such crude comments about your mother.”

  “She is not, nor will she ever be, my mother,” Georgie seethed. “Can we find another topic, please?”

  Theo knew well the ill content that overtook Georgie each time her father’s wife was mentioned. It seemed the young, beautiful duchess knew it, as well, as she’d sent weekly letters to Georgie at school while Georgie’s father hadn’t sent a single one.

  Theo turned to Josie. “You sent word to Adeline we’d meet here instead of Hyde Park?” It was the only correspondence they could guarantee would not be intercepted by Mr. Price after he’d witnessed Georgie and Theo the day before at the tourney.

  Hyde Park, even at such an early hour, was frequented by hordes of people—any of which who could stumble upon the four women practicing with bows and link them to the article in The Post published that morning. “If she is serious about competing, then practice is necessary, or she will be bested in the first round.”

  “She is a wonderful archer, Theo,” Josie said in her steadfastly positive manner. She dropped her bow and sat beside Theo on the blanket. “She will do what needs doing.”

  Theo raised her brow and asked. “Truly?” She immediately regretted her harsh rebuttal at Josie’s injured expression. “You did not see her at Whitechapel yesterday. Her aim was off—and all due to Mr. Price’s appearance. She must learn to handle her anxiousness and the pressure of so many people watching her, no matter if it is strangers or her vexing brother.”

  “Mr. Price was visibly furious with Adeline,” Georgie said with a shudder. “He was prepared to drag all three of us off the tourney field. I must admit, if he were my brother, I’d have likely fled the park at his unexpected appearance. I was terrified for Adeline. I think she did well, given the circumstances.”

  Theo longed to share with her two friends that while Alistair was overbearing and difficult, he was not what he seemed at all. From their short talk on the hack ride to her townhouse the previous day, she’d learned of the great responsibility he’d undertaken with Adeline and his other siblings. It was a task most men would shy away from or outright refuse. However, he hadn’t. He’d taken on the duty without properly knowing the challenges ahead.

  His actions, as impulsive and overbearing as they were, came from a place of love—for his family and their future. It was a trait Theo had admired in her own brother following his return from Eton to find his estate embroiled in scandal.

  “He was not overly frightening,” Theo mused aloud. “And his skill with a bow was commendable.”

  Theo assessed the knowing look cast between Georgie and Josie—the same expression she’d seen the pair give one another several times over the years. Normally, it was in response to Adeline finding a new hobby or professing an attraction to a handsome boy who worked near their school. It had never been given to Theo. She did not relish the knowing glance her friends shared, mainly because she was unaware what startling discovery they’d made.

  Deciding to ignore her friends’ light giggles, Theo shielded her eyes once more and scanned the expanse of Regent’s Park that could be seen from her vantage point. Adeline was nowhere in sight. It was possible Mr. Price had not only forbidden her from leaving their townhouse but also sat as her personal guard to make certain she did not disobey his command again. It was his right to do as he saw fit to protect against any scandal.

  He’d certainly seen the article in The Post detailing the grand mystery behind the hooded female archers—though one had been disqualified early in the competition—and outlining that the remaining lady archer had won the tourney and quickly vanished, accompanied by the archer who’d placed second. The journalist hinted that the two archers were connected, possibly married, and vowed to uncover the mystery and report his dis
coveries to all in London.

  She prayed no one had taken any particular interest in her during the first round before she’d had the good sense to don Georgie’s cloak to mask her face.

  Theo’s ire at Adeline and Georgie abandoning her at the tourney flared. They’d left her to handle Mr. Price and compete in the final round alone. A note from Georgie had awaited her at home after Mr. Price had departed. Her friend had apologized for their hasty departure, but stated she knew Theo would understand their reasoning. She also stated they both felt confident that Mr. Price would see to Theo’s safe return home. Which he had, though he’d left her confused and undeniably excited.

  It maddened Theo that her friends were correct. She had greatly enjoyed her time alone with Alistair, as much as it pained her to admit.

  “I think I see her,” Josie said, waving her arms wildly at the approaching figure. “Yes, it is her—I can see her bow slung over her shoulder.”

  Relief flooded Theo as Adeline hurried toward them. The feeling was quickly replaced with unease at facing her friend after the kiss Theo had shared with her brother. Was it devious to keep a secret so impactful from Adeline?

  The thought needed careful consideration—but at the moment, Adeline was storming toward them, a scowl on her face, and her fists clenched.

  Theo suppressed the urge to smile at the similarities between Adeline and Alistair—when they were furious over something, their resemblance was remarkable.

  A vexed Adeline was not a woman to cross. And so, Theo stood to greet her and attempt to soothe whatever angered her.

  Adeline released a slew of expletives so wicked, Theo found herself blushing before any of the women could offer so much as a simple greeting.

  “Can you believe the nerve of that bloody scoundrel who calls himself a gentleman?” Adeline screeched. A leaf hung from Adeline’s normally perfectly coiffed hair, and a smudge of dirt marred her cheek. “He tried…he tried…“ She was so upset, her words would not come.

  “Do calm down, Adeline, or you shall get the shingles from—“

  “Oh, a pox on you, Josie, and your silly notions,” Adeline ranted, stomping her foot. Josie ducked her head in embarrassment at her friend’s callous words regarding her chosen hobby of examining medical texts. “That arse, that despicable man, that nancy of a gentleman…”

  All three women gasped at Adeline’s excessive use of blasphemous name-calling and language unbefitting a lady, and Theo glanced around to make sure no one had overheard Adeline’s tirade.

  “Do quiet down and tell us what happened,” Georgie begged as Josie turned scarlet red in discomfort.

  “The fiend, that scoundrel…Alistair!” Adeline punctuated each word by throwing down her bow and then her quiver of arrows. “He locked me in my room and sat Abel outside my door, promising him an evening at White’s if he kept me trapped inside.”

  Theo was shocked Alistair hadn’t installed a deadbolt on every door and window of their townhouse.

  “I was made to shimmy down the side of the townhouse, using the window ledges for footings and handholds.” Adeline’s voice increased in volume, the shrill sound piercing Theo’s ears. “And to make it all the worse, the stable master refused to have a carriage readied for me—me! I am as much the lady of the house as Alistair is the lord. I had to walk the entire way here—on foot. I could have been set upon by thieves. I intend to write Mother and Father about this as soon as I arrive home.”

  Theo wanted to ask if not on foot, what had Adeline walked on to get to Regent’s Park, but suspected the question would elicit further screaming and turn the girl’s fury toward her. Being the recipient of Adeline’s temper was never a pleasant thing.

  Josie swiped her cheek as she nodded to Adeline.

  “What is it?” Adeline turned to glare at Josie.

  “You have dirt on your cheek,” she squeaked.

  They’d all learned the lesson of hiding until Adeline’s fury ebbed long ago.

  Adeline brushed at the smudge, but it only smeared. None of them mentioned it again. “I have dirt in other unmentionable places, as well. Did you know there is a bush with pointy branches below my window?”

  Theo wanted to answer “yes,” judging by the leaf still stuck in her friend’s hair and the branch holding tightly to the back of her skirt, but she kept mum.

  “Do you want to know how I know this?” Adeline continued, though none of the women dared answer. “Because I lost my grip several feet from the ground and fell into its evil clutches! It took several minutes to disentangle myself and my gear—and then, I was made to crouch behind the blasted things for several minutes to make sure the commotion drew no attention.”

  Theo could no longer hold her mirth at bay, and she let out a bark of laughter.

  Adeline rewarded her insolence with a penetrating glare. “Do you think this amusing?”

  “You must admit, Adeline, it is slightly comical,” Georgie ventured, the only woman in the group who stood a chance against Adeline’s venom. “The sight of the stick stuck in your hair is…well…worth your wrath.”

  “Oh, the lot of you are as bad as my siblings!” Adeline picked the leaf from her hair and made to throw it to the ground, but it only waved in the breeze as it drifted softly to the grass.

  “Do not forget the branch stuck to your bum.” Josie snickered, proud of her ability to sneak into the conversation.

  “I am overjoyed the season is to start shortly as I find myself in need of new friends.” After plucking the branch from her skirt, Adeline picked up her bow. “Have you given a lesson without me, Theo?”

  “I wouldn’t dare,” Theo replied, standing. “We were waiting a bit longer in hopes that Josie’s missive reached you, and you were able to slip from the house without detection.”

  “Slip sounds like the appropriate word,” Georgie commented, starting a new round of giggling as Adeline continued to scowl. “Now, Adeline, you must find a bit of humor in your situation, or you will burst from vexation. That is a solid medical diagnosis, right, Josephine?”

  “Not exactly,” the woman commented, sobering at the mention of a subject she alone found fascinating, and the realization Georgie made light of it. “But there are many other possibilities to consider. If your temper does not wane, it can cause a vessel in your eye to burst or your heart to pound so fast you find yourself faint.”

  “She was making another ridiculous jest—at both of our expenses, Josie,” Adeline said. “And I, for one, do not find it amusing in the slightest.”

  Theo looked to the sun, moving ever closer to its midday position directly overhead, signaling afternoon social visits would commence shortly, and the women need return home or be found out, their previous whereabouts questioned. Something Georgie and Adeline could not risk this close to the Grand Archers’ Competition.

  “We must begin our lesson.” Theo collected her bow and nodded to the women to do the same. She’d arrived early and set out a large target, transported and set up by her coachman, who waited not far beyond a grove of trees that shielded their practice from others who may be taking their exercise in the park. “I must return home shortly, as my mother is in need of the carriage.”

  “I still do not understand how your brother—an earl—only has possession of one carriage,” Georgie commented. “My father’s stable house is bursting at the seams with conveyances.”

  “Not every lord is as rich as the king,” Josie said in Theo’s defense. “I find myself sometimes lacking even one carriage.”

  “Yes, well, your family’s status is well-known, Josie.” Georgie set her hands on her hips. “I do not understand why you cannot enter the tourney. You are the most skilled of us all, and we’d only need one entry fee.”

  “I do not think she is the superior archer,” Adeline rebutted, asserting her leadership over their group—a troop, she delighted in reminding them, Adeline had handpicked, knowing the foursome would be fast friends. “And if anyone implies I cannot best every archer i
n the coming tourney, it will be taken as a personal affront.”

  Theo shared a look with Josie and Georgie, realizing it would be highly unwise to mention Adeline’s early departure from the Whitechapel tourney the day before.

  “However, I will admit that I should apply myself a bit more to mastering Theo’s breathing technique and aiming method.” It was the closest they’d get to Adeline admitting she was not, indeed, the superior archer of the group and had taken second place—and sometimes even third—since Theo’s arrival at Miss Emmeline’s. “Let us begin.”

  At Adeline’s command, each took their place. It had annoyed Theodora greatly when she’d first met the trio, but with time and a chance to get to know each woman, she’d decided their relationship suited them all. Georgie—her family overly wealthy and her father a duke—was always willing to share her coin, enabling all four girls to visit the village for sweet treats and new gloves. Josie was content to follow the others, always the sensitive one, and most times, their voice of reason, though that voice was obviously nonexistent when they’d decided to enter archery tourneys to collect money. Adeline was the clear leader of the group, while Theo never quite knew how she fit in with them—she’d been the last to arrive, and had taken her place as the outcast, the one who never fully understood their jests or the meaning behind their whispered words. But the girls had quickly become friends, and Theo wouldn’t have it any other way.

  All three women took their places, holding their bows aloft, preparing their stance for Theo’s inspection. Josie wasn’t to compete, but she enjoyed the exercises with her friends, and her sensitive nature had her fretting about being forgotten as the trio bonded without her if she did not participate.

  “Do you fear you’ll be unable to slip from the house and attend the big competition?” Theo asked as she walked down the line of women. “Would it be best if Josie entered in case you are unable to evade Ali—Mr. Price’s watch?”