Theodora

by Christina McKnight

  Her sister by marriage kept her eyes trained on Alistair, not hearing his last words, yet scrutinizing his every move, awaiting a proper introduction.

  “Lady Cartwright, may I present Mr. Alistair Price, Miss Adeline’s eldest brother.” During the years of their acquaintance, Theo had come to know the reaction men had to Jude. Her fiery red hair crowned her head like a halo, and her slender, swanlike neck only added to her poise and grace.

  “A pleasure to meet you, my lady.” Alistair turned his riveting smile on Jude.

  “And you, Mr. Price,” Jude said, clearly unaffected by the man’s charm.

  “He came in search of Adeline,” Theo rushed to explain the man’s presence in the dowager’s receiving room…the door closed. “But I informed him that she is not here. And now, he is leaving. Is that not correct, Mr. Price?”

  Jude’s gaze flitted to the tea service and half eaten sandwiches. “Is that so?”

  “It is,” he said in agreement as he took in Theo’s pleading look. “It was a pleasure to see you again, Lady Theodora. Thank you for your assistance.” He winked before turning to Jude. “And it is lovely to make your acquaintance, as well. I look forward to meeting Lord Cartwright. With our siblings being close friends, we are likely to see one another often during the coming season. I would love to invite your family to dine with us.”

  Jude remained silent, turning to Theo with an awkward smile. “Yes, I dare say Theo is very much looking forward to the coming season, and Adeline has been bursting at the seams with talk of new gowns and invitations already arriving.”

  Her sister-in-law expertly avoided acceptance of any invitation to dine with the Melton family.

  Theo was in no way looking forward to the coming season, specifically the endless soirees and midday luncheons with matrons and debutantes she didn’t know. In fact, one more dress fitting, and she was likely to take to her sick bed until the holidays.

  “Very well,” Mr. Price said. “I will leave you ladies to your afternoon engagements.”

  The butler appeared at the door as Alistair left, leading him to the foyer, leaving Theo to answer Jude’s questioning stare.

  “Are you going to force me to ask?” The fiery-haired woman crossed her arms, signaling that they would not be leaving for the museum until her unspoken questions were answered to her liking. “Because I can do that.”

  “Truly, he only came in search of Adeline.”

  “And did you lie?”

  “I told a very minor fib—“

  “You said you hadn’t seen her this morn. That is not a minor fib, it is outright deception if you have, in fact, seen her.” Jude huffed, uncrossing her arms and placing them on her hips—a far more menacing pose. “Which I assume you have, judging from your wide-eyed stare.”

  “I may have seen her for a few moments,” Theo admitted, forgetting whom she’d told the truth to and whose questions begged for white lies. The web she’d woven was tightening around her like a far-too-snug scarf. “I departed Regent’s Park in the Cartwright carriage as Adeline left in Georgie’s family coach.”

  “The footman passed me upstairs, your bow and quiver in hand,” Jude said. “How has your practice been going?”

  “Adequate, thank you for inquiring.” She hadn’t spoken with her brother or Jude about her instruction of her friends; yet, as always, her sister-in-law knew far more than she let on. “It has been nice spending time with Adeline, Josie, and Georgie before the season starts. I have missed them since departing for London. I fear we will be ever so busy. And if Monsieur Cassini’s family is so inclined, I may not be attending nearly as many gatherings as Momma has planned.”

  Jude glanced at her muddied gown and boots. “We shall never know if you do not prepare for us to leave. They will be at the museum today for a tour of the current exhibits. Cart plans to introduce you and your studies to them before your lecture, in hopes they will deeply consider your offer and take in your knowledge of their latest topographical project.”

  “Of course,” Theo replied. “I will only be a few moments.”

  “The carriage is being brought round now. I will meet you in the foyer after I call for Daisy to remove the tea service. Your mother would not be pleased to arrive home to a messy room. Now, be on your way—let us not be late for what could be the most important introduction of your life.” Judith gave her a quick hug and pushed her from the room.

  Theo hurried to her bedchamber, a fresh gown lay on her bed with matching slippers and gloves.

  Slipping into the dress, Theo couldn’t help but muse over her situation. She was living two separate lives of late—possibly three. She was one person when her friends surrounded her, another when her mother was present, and still one more when she ventured to the museum with Cart. Today, she’d discovered her penchant for witty conversation as she’d mercilessly teased Alistair, holding over his head the information she held. Certainly, a person could not last over long attempting to be three separate people. At some point, the different facets of her life would collide. Archery, mapmaking, lectures on land elevations, dress fittings, and musical recitals, they were all parts of her life, but Theo did not feel that any of them fully expressed who she was. She hoped the day would come when the many people around her—her family and friends—could be a part of all her different passions.

  Theo longed to tell Josie of her position with the museum, giving lectures on many subjects. A part of her suspected her dear friend would enjoy attending, or possibly giving a lecture of her own on modern medical practices.

  In kind, Theo anticipated showing Cart how she’d taken their force and trajectory equation and put it to use with her archery. He would be proud, especially knowing she’d made the discovery six years before and managed to instruct others on how to apply her method. In the future, she’d teach her niece and nephew the same skill—when they grew old enough to hold a bow properly.

  She tied her hair back in a severe knot to hide her long waves. It was something she’d learned from Miss Dires long ago—a woman’s mind was diminished in others’ views if their beauty outshined their presence. Satisfied her hair would not come loose and no tendrils would escape her knot, Theo grabbed her journal with the notes she planned to discuss at the museum. Her mornings had been spent at Regent’s Park, and her afternoons dedicated to accompanying her mother to various appointments—not including her time spent in Whitechapel or entertaining Gladstone. Her spare time, which was scarce, had been spent expounding on her topic of levies and their durability during heavy bouts of rain.

  She’d have to make the most of what she’d detailed the night before after her mother had found her bed, leaving Theo a few hours of solitude in Cart’s library.

  Quiet. It was something Theo had grown accustomed to during her time away from home. Days spent surrounded by books from all over the world, study sessions with other girls, discussing the merits of modern scientific methods as opposed to those from years past, even the hours she spent outdoors, taking walks to the village and practicing with her bow; Theo had come to enjoy that, as well.

  She longed for the simpler time spent away from the hustle and bustle of London—maybe after her season, she could convince Cart and Momma to allow her to return and teach the new students. Could she find fulfillment in such a post?

  Jude was donning her cloak when Theo entered the foyer. “Are you ready?”

  “I am.” Theo held up her journal for Jude to see, her confidence not as it normally was.

  “Cart is very anxious—and proud—to hear your lecture. I dare say he is overjoyed to have you speak before his peers.” Jude nodded in thanks when the butler opened the door for them to depart. “I spent an hour after dinner last night convincing him that the children were far too young—and full of energy—to sit through your lecture.”

  Theo laughed at the vision of Olivia and Samuel fidgeting and fussing as she spoke. “Yes, this discourse may be a bit advanced for their liking.”

  Cart beamed
with pride as Theo concluded her lecture and closed her journal as loud applause filled the room. Not as thunderous and unruly as the cheers from Whitechapel, though far more fulfilling. There was to be a question and answer session after the talk, but it had been postponed to give her the opportunity to meet the Cassini family before they departed the museum for their accommodations.

  During her speech, Monsieur Damon Cassini nodded as she expounded on the need and usefulness of maps that denoted elevation levels in areas that may be susceptible to flooding during heavy storms. His sister, Comtesse de Salnome, had taken an interest in Theo’s hand-drawn ledger with the symbols outlined to make map deciphering easier for readers.

  Theo had nearly lost track of her words when she noticed the pair whispering to one another, each with an expression most serious, their appreciation clear by their intense attention when she moved from one side of the dais to the other as she spoke. It was hard to remember a time when she’d been frightened—almost to the point of inaction—at performing before an audience. In only the past several days, she’d shown her archery skills before a crowd of hundreds, and now, she’d spoken intelligently in front of a room brimming with London’s keenest minds.

  But her time at the podium was at an end for the day, and Theo looked to the clock at the back of the large room. She only had an hour’s time before she was expected at Georgie’s townhouse to accompany her friends to Greenwich Park, the location of the Grand Archers’ Competition of London. The area was formally used for hunting, and one of the largest open areas in London—the ideal place for a gathering that might spill over into the thousands.

  Theo had promised her friends she’d accompany them during the start of the tourney, to calm Georgie’s nerves and remind Adeline to exhale before releasing her arrow. If Adeline were able to outsmart her brother for a few days longer…

  “Wonderful, insightful, and thought-provoking, Lady Theodora,” the comtesse said with glee as she rushed to the front of the room, her brother, as well as Cart and Jude, close behind. “It is truly an honor to hear you speak so passionately about a topic most do not find interest in.”

  Monsieur Cassini nodded, far more reserved in his outward appreciation of her lecture. “We are looking forward to discussing your suggestions for changes to our topographical maps. I agree a set of maps detailing only flood plains would greatly benefit our two nations.”

  Normal introductions and greetings were commonly pushed to the wayside when minds of great intellect congregated—as if names and titles mattered far less than the notions and thought processes of the individuals.

  Theo should feel more at ease around her educated peers. Unfortunately, the moment she stepped off the dais, her feelings of discomfort returned, and she felt out of place.

  Cart smiled broadly at his sister’s success, but remained quiet, allowing her to speak for herself and assume the spotlight. It could also be the hold Jude had on his arm that kept him silent. He was still adjusting to Theo’s return—not as the precocious child who’d demanded to travel alone by coach to her new school, but as an educated, free-thinking woman who he was proud to call his kin.

  “I am happy to hear you found my lecture insightful.” Theo’s face heated at the attention bestowed upon her. “And I am grateful that you have chosen to meet with me during your short stay in London.”

  “My sister could barely contain her excitement during our crossing,” Cassini confided. The comtesse elbowed her sibling. “I mean, she finds much inspiration in discussing topics of import with others, especially women in possession of sound minds.”

  Theo’s nervousness increased. The siblings considered her of sound mind, despite her young age. She only hoped she said nothing to embarrass herself.

  Cassini and his sister were akin to Cart and her—both men were proud and open about their respective sister’s accomplishments. They didn’t seek to place them in a drawing room surrounded by other fawning women to preserve the illusion of a delicate nature.

  “Until our meeting, Lady Theodora,” Cassini grasped her hand and brought it to his lips, gaining a severe glare from Cart and a soft giggle from Jude. “My sister and I look forward to our coming appointment—and working with you in the near future.”

  “And I, with you, monsieur.” Theo gave her hand a quick tug and turned to the comtesse. “Thank you for your kind words, Comtesse de Salnome.”

  “Do call me Samuela, Lady Theodora.” The woman, while ten years Theo’s senior, was the epitome of French classic beauty with her midnight-black hair, crystal-blue eyes, and willowy frame. Widowed at age seventeen—if Theo remembered correctly—her inheritance gave her and her brother the funds to continue with their ancestor’s passion for mapmaking. “As my dear brother said, until our meeting. Come, Damon. We have many exhibits to see, and not nearly enough hours to accommodate all I seek to explore.”

  Theo smiled demurely at the man, a male replica of his sister in every way, including his lanky frame, which was seen as appealing in a woman, though did not have the same effect when attributed to a grown man.

  His dark hair and complexion should incite a sense of handsomeness—but Theo did not find Cassini the least bit charming or captivating to the eye, nor did she seek to gain a deep acquaintance with him. No, she much preferred a certain sun-kissed shade of blond, as if spun from gold, and eyes not of an icy cobalt, but aquamarine, almost clear at times, and at others, pools of deep, turbulent, ocean blue. A broader build was also something she hadn’t realized she favored—or that a man’s shoulder set would be a factor in his appeal. But Cassini’s frame was that of a man untested in any physical capacity. It was likely he’d never held a saber or bow.

  Physical ability had always come second—or third—to a person’s mental capacity in Theo’s mind. Yet, it seemed that had changed for her at some point.

  With one last look, the pair turned to speak with another museum patron before leaving the room in search of interesting exhibits.

  “Splendidly done, my dear Theo,” Cart whispered, patting Jude’s hand where it rested on his arm as he rocked back and forth on his heels. Theo had not seen her brother this animated in years, as he was normally the solemn type. “I am certain you will become a regular lecturer here, and possibly be asked to speak in other locations around London. There is a gathering at Eton in a month’s time. I think we should journey there to attend, what say you?”

  Theo didn’t have a moment to consider his invitation before Jude spoke, solidly dispelling the idea. “It will be Theo’s first season. There will be no time for her to journey outside of London until”—she paused—“possibly the holiday break for Parliament, but until that time, you agreed to allow your mother to introduce her properly to society.”

  It had been another condition her brother had agreed to in return for Theo being allowed to attend Miss Emmeline’s and receive a proper education, far more suitable than hiring tutors to attend her in town.

  “Completely slipped my mind,” Cart said shaking his head, and Theo thought it probably true. He had a tendency to focus only on what interested him most while forgetting everything else—like eating and sleeping. “I am certain I can speak with Mother, possibly offer her a more favorable deal, to allow Theo to join me at Eton.”

  Theo turned to Jude, holding her breath and awaiting her answer—it was far too much to hope for that she’d agree and potentially face the wrath of Anastasia Montgomery, Dowager Countess Cartwright.

  “Absolutely not, Simon,” Jude said, using her husband’s given name, a sure sign her declaration was concrete and that she would not be trifled with or made to entertain further discussion on the subject. Theo deflated, the air gusting from her lungs. “Your mother has worked very hard preparing for Theo to enter society. You promised her one season—only one—and you will give her that. After, it is up to Theodora where her future lies. If she deems societal life is not to her liking, then your mother has conceded to that outcome.”

  “Well, certai
nly next year,” Cart granted. “Will you both be joining me on the tour with the comtesse and her brother?”

  Theo glanced at the clock, noting another fifteen minutes had passed. “I am sorry to say I cannot, Cart. I am to meet with my friends for a turn in the park.” She purposely neglected to mention what park or that she would in fact be there to support Adeline and Georgie in the competition; however, she would be walking about in a park. Her brother nodded, not seeming to notice or consider her plans for the afternoon.

  “And you, my lovely wife?” He placed a kiss to her cheek. “May I interest you in a private tour of the museum? I have heard in good confidence that a forgery has been found among the exhibits—maybe you can apply your skill and find it.”

  Jude’s light laughter filled the room, gaining the attention of several other patrons before she nodded. “I certainly enjoy a challenge, especially one that will not end with me under the magistrate’s lock and key.”

  Jude and Cart’s love had been born of a mutual interest in antiquities and had been put to the test several times, yet they continued to prevail. Theo could hardly believe it had been over six years since Jude and her four siblings had entered her life. Even Cart’s son had been named for Jude’s twin, Samantha.

  “The only place you will ever be locked within is our chambers,” Cart jested, a concept he was still exploring. “Come, my love.”

  “I will take the carriage to meet Georgie, Josie, and Adeline,” Theo called as the couple moved toward the double doors leading into the main museum.

  “That sounds marvelous, Theo,” Cart said over his shoulder, leaning in to place a kiss on his wife’s neck. “We shall join you and Mother for a meal this evening.”

  The audience had slowly filed from the room as she’d spoken with Cart and Jude—leaving Theo alone. An outsider. Invisible and forgotten. It was a feeling she’d lived with all her life, but had found easy to suppress in her youth for it allowed her the freedom to lose herself in a story or study a map without anyone pestering her.