“Yes,” she retorted. “Although, I distinctly remember informing you on at least two occasions that marriage was not something I actively set out to achieve this season.”
“But my sister must wed. And wed well.”
“So you have said.” Her curt reply angered him further. The group of women combined hadn’t a speck of sense between them. “However, I believe you have neglected to discuss the topic with the one woman it matters most to.”
“And I presume you have spoken with your brother and he’s agreed to your outlandish notion of putting off a match until you’ve, what did you call it, explored your many options?” He pulled her close and spoke a bit softer to avoid being overheard as they reached Abel and the trio of women, each looking in any direction but at Alistair. “I am saddened to inform you that Adeline does not have this luxury. My family will not have the funds for a second season, and your actions may very well have doomed her to a lifetime of spinsterhood. Or worse yet, the necessity of marrying a man in need of a wife in name only.” The threat was harsh and no better than Gladstone’s words; however, Alistair needed Theo to understand the grim position his family was in. It embarrassed him to have to speak it aloud. There was no way around it, though.
At her gasp, Alistair knew he’d used the correct approach. No woman would relish being the reason behind her friend needing to wed for any other purpose but love—as horrid as that sounded.
His parents had wed because of love...given life to nine children due to their continued devotion to one another, and left Alistair with the burden of caring for them all while his mother took care of the man she’d promised to love unconditionally until they were both no more.
It was the same commitment Alistair had promised to his siblings.
He halted before the women, Theo at his side. “Do you have any notion how much danger you are all in?” Alistair looked between the trio, attempting to make eye contact, but the only one to return his glare was Adeline—and she was spitting mad, her cheeks flaming red with her fury.
The color drained from one of the girl’s faces—Lady Josephine, he suspected, as she’d been absent at Whitechapel—while Lady Georgina’s chin notched up a few degrees, consistent with the spoiled nature of a duke’s daughter. Alistair had encountered far too many entitled, flippant women during his short time in London…and he found not one to his liking, no matter the dowry attached to them. An eternity with them by his side would be worse than a fate with all nine of his siblings under his roof.
All the while, Adeline stared directly at him, a challenging air to her posture.
“Adeline Price. Do not look at me thusly,” he seethed. “I have half a mind to send you back to Mother and Father, allow them to marry you off to the local blacksmith!”
“You would not dare!” Adeline’s rage boiled over, the red moving all the way to the tips of her ears. It was something he’d witnessed many times before. “I would run away.”
“That may very well improve your siblings’ chances of making a favorable match.” Alistair widened his stance, prepared to take all of Adeline’s anger. “And I would certainly help you pack your belongings.”
The collective gasp of the other three women told Alistair he may have taken their argument too far.
Chapter 18
Theo stepped away from Alistair, taken aback by his threats aimed at Adeline and her future. No more had she acclimated to the realization that she was going to be injured in the scuffle, then she’d been pulled from the foray by Mr. Gladstone—possibly the last person she’d ever want to come face-to-face with in a situation that could be viewed as scandalous—and then Alistair had appeared. Her very own white knight to rescue her from the evil clutches of Gladstone, only to turn into a man who should be feared far more than Gladstone. At least Oliver offered no true threat beyond his ability to ruin her in the eyes of society, which meant very little to Theo and her brother. But Alistair could very well punish Adeline, impacting her ability to find a suitable husband, and in turn, having to settle for a match devoid of affection.
The possibility did not scare her. Theo was confident Cart and Jude would never allow her to wed a man who did not suit her—both in daily life and love. They’d pursued a match born of mutual interests that had blossomed into true love without either realizing it. They’d never expect anything less for her.
No matter the Dowager Lady Cartwright’s plans for her only daughter, Cart was responsible for any decision concerning her future.
She’d misled Alistair when they’d spoken. Theo did indeed plan to wed, at some point, and share her future with a man she loved. It was on her mind, though not something she longed for during her first season.
Theo understood the burden on Mr. Price’s shoulders, but threatening to offer his sister to any man willing to take her off his hands was unacceptable—and appalling. It would be much the same as Cart offering her hand to Cassini because Theo met his requirements for an educated, demure, and titled wife. Though the match might actually suit them both, she would need to discuss the possibilities and forecasted outcomes of such a match with Cart. Though Theo was fairly certain such a match would be dire for a woman such as Adeline.
“I believe I shall take each of you to your father—or guardian, whatever the case may be—and tell them of your less than appropriate escapades about London.” Alistair scrutinized each of them in turn before continuing. “Maybe that will have you all thinking through your actions with a mind on what is important.”
“You…you…you…” Adeline attempted to find her words. “You are a loathsome man, Alistair Alexander Price, and I mean to never call you brother again.”
“Yes, dear sister.” Alistair’s words dripped with sweetness while his eyes were stone cold. “I may be loathsome to you, but it is what my duties demand.”
“You do not know what you are doing.” Adeline stamped her foot, gaining a whistle of surprise from Abel. “You will not—“
“Calm yourself, Adeline.” Georgie set her hands on Adeline’s raised shoulders.
“That is not your place, Mr. Price,” Theo commanded, rising her hood to shield her face once more, nodding to Josie and Georgie to do the same. He could have all the say over Adeline and her activities, but he was helpless to command Theo and the others to do his bidding. Alistair was free to seek out each of their parents, but by then, the tourney would be over and the prize purse safely in their possession. “Ladies, it is almost time for Adeline and Georgie to take their places in line.”
Theo nodded when Josie turned rounded eyes on her, and she lifted her hood.
“Do you think those ridiculous cloaks will keep you hidden now?” Alistair asked. “Gladstone knows your identity, Lady Theo, and likely that of my sister, Lady Josephine, and Lady Georgina, as well. Your names and directions will be front page in The Post on the morrow. I can only hope that none of you is connected with the female archer who won at Whitechapel.”
Theo’s anger spiked at his overreaching manner. “I am proud of my accomplishments at archery, Mr. Price.”
“I do not doubt that, Lady Theodora.” He turned to her, his mouth etched in a straight line. “I, myself, am overly impressed with your skill; however—“
“There is no ‘however,’ Alistair.”
Josie gasped at Theo’s use of his given name—and Adeline smirked triumphantly, though she pressed on, unwilling to allow him to think he held control over her and the other two women.
“I understand if you forbid Adeline to compete, no matter her good intentions, but that is where your involvement ends. Josie, Georgie, and I are committed to assisting Miss Emmeline in any way we can. If that means risking our future prospects, so be it.”
“Is that right, Lady Theo?” he inquired, turning his scrutiny to her. “Do you speak for Lady Josephine’s and Lady Georgina’s families? I know you do not speak for Adeline.”
She didn’t understand his unforgiving tone. No, she hadn’t listened to his requests or heede
d his warning about competing in public and its consequences, but they had a connection that transcended Adeline, this situation, and society—they’d kissed. Correction, he’d kissed her. She knew for certain now it meant nothing to him.
Theo had mistakenly enjoyed the brief moment…longed for it to happen again.
He obviously did not desire any such reoccurrence for an intimate moment.
It had meant less than nothing when it came to his sister’s reputation.
His fearsome look said it would not come to pass again.
And that wounded her deeply, for reasons she had not time or energy to explore as yet.
She feared what Gladstone would voice to Cart—and if her brother would believe the vile man.
Theo was hard-pressed to believe Cart would side with another against her.
“I speak for no one but myself.” It wasn’t Theo’s place to lead her friends into peril—no matter whose decision it was to help Mrs. Emmeline.
Alistair shook his head, a bitter smile of disappointment etched on his face. “That is wonderful, but I do pray you have thought of a backup plan if this foolhardy adventure causes hardship for each of you.”
Josie clasped Theo’s hand, ever the timid woman, the color draining from her face.
“Adeline.” He turned to his sister. “Gather your things. Abel will see you home.”
“Wait, no,” Josie and Georgie cried in unison.
“She is to compete,” Theo said. “Her fee is already paid.”
Alistair turned sharply, his penetrating glare sending a shiver through her. “Then I suggest you take her place, as you took Lady Georgina’s spot in the last tourney.”
“But I cannot—“
“You will allow your friends to take the risk while you stay hidden and away from the view of society?” he accused.
“No, it is not like that…” Theo shook her head in a vain attempt to convince him to see reason.
“I do not mind overmuch what it is or isn’t.” He glanced over her shoulder as if she weren’t standing before him. “Abel, please escort Adeline home and make sure she remains there until I arrive.”
“Ah, Alistair.” Abel lumbered over to the group. “Come on, why must I leave? The fun is only just beginning.”
He was going to insist Adeline forfeit her place in the tourney; they would lose their money unless Theo or Josie took the empty spot.
Josie was frightened by her own shadow. No amount of confidence would help the woman stand before a crowd of hundreds.
“You cannot seek to order me about as if I do not have my own mind.” Adeline’s hands fell to her hips, her golden hair and defiant, icy stare trained on her brother. “I am a grown woman, out of the school room and prepared to enter my first season. I am not a child, and do not expect to be treated as such.”
Alistair’s shoulders stiffened, becoming so rigid she feared his body would crack from the tension.
“Adeline…” Theo stepped between the woman and her brother. “Georgie and I will compete, do not worry any further. Go home. I will send word when the day is done.”
With one last scathing glare over Theo’s shoulder, Adeline’s resistance crumbled. They were no match for Mr. Price and his demands—at least where Adeline was concerned.
Theo gave Adeline a reassuring smile. “Do not fret. All hope is not lost.”
“But you cannot be here—“
“We shall not dwell on that now.” Theo could think of little else but her meeting with Cassini and his sister; her chance to discuss the changes necessary to create a topographical map that would help so many people. “Everything will continue as planned.”
Her friends hadn’t any idea what kept Theo from competing, only that she had a family obligation she was unable to miss. The thought of letting her friends down—or dashing their hopes of helping their beloved school—wounded Theo. She prayed it did not come to having to choose between two things that meant such a great deal to her.
“Adeline, go!” Alistair commanded, his tone letting Theo know there was no point in trying to persuade him.
“This is highly unfair, brother,” Adeline sniffed before pulling from Theo’s grasp and following Abel as they moved away from her. Alistair trailed the pair at a distance.
There was naught Theo could do but compete in Adeline’s stead and pray her friend was able to slip from her brother’s watch or that she was bested in the first or second round, leaving Georgie as their only hope. For a brief moment, she debated throwing the competition with a shot that was not likely to secure her a spot in the final round, but that was not in line with anything Theo could do. The guilt would hurt more than letting her friends down.
Theo took Adeline’s bow and quiver from Josie. “Let us find our place in line,” she said, determination filling her. She must prove she could best the other archers to win the prize purse, but that would mean sacrificing her dream of meeting with Cassini, thus eliminating any hope of her ideas being incorporated in his next edition of England’s master guide of topographical maps. She would need faith that another opportunity to meet with Cassini would present itself in the future.
But she couldn’t worry about that now. It was still two days away, and she must make it through several rounds before the possibility of missing her appointment came to light. At the moment, her larger concerns involved the two men who’d indisputably inserted themselves in her life without invitation.
If Mr. Gladstone—or Alistair, for that matter—thought they could dictate her future, they were going to find themselves sorely disappointed.
She was not to be the pliable, demure bride Gladstone sought.
Nor did she relish being a woman who would betray her friend’s confidence, no matter Alistair had Adeline’s best interests at heart.
Tomorrow, Theo would convince Gladstone she wasn’t the woman he thought her to be—her dreams and plans for her life in no way aligned with his criteria for a wife. He would alter his pursuit of courtship to a woman far more consistent with the pious, obedient bride he desired.
As far as Alistair—Mr. Price—was concerned, their association had expired. There was little doubt Theo would see him and Adeline during the season, though there was no need for them to playact there was anything more than a passing acquaintance between them.
And their kiss…it must be forgotten.
As if it had never occurred.
As if her desires hadn’t been awoken by their one chaste kiss.
As if, in that brief, startling moment outside her townhouse, her heart hadn’t stopped beating.
Chapter 19
“But what of you, Alistair?” Adeline pulled to a stop, stomping her foot. His sister had returned to the petulant young child she’d been when their father had sent her away to school almost eight years prior. “Why must I leave and you can stay?”
“Who said I am to stay?” he asked.
“Someone has to remain to make certain Theo, Georgie, and Josie arrive home safely, and you, being ever the gentleman to others besides your own kin, will see to them.”
“So, I am the one being sent home?” This time the protest came from Abel. “I haven’t disobeyed your commands—at least not today—why must I leave? The fourth round of archers is taking the field. I haven’t seen anything but a bunch of overgrown children throwing fists at one another. We have established my skills as a nursemaid leave much to be desired. I am not the person to escort our disobedient sister home.”
Alistair stared into the matching blue eyes of his younger siblings. He’d fully intended to escort the pair home and return to watch over Theo and the others, but Abel was more than capable of returning his hellion sister to their townhouse, no matter how much he spoke to the contrary.
Another trumpet blared, and a man called for the next set of archers.
“Oh, it is Theo’s and Georgie’s turn on the field,” Adeline whined, grasping his arm. “Can we not stay for just this one round? I will go home with Abel willingly
as soon as Theo and Georgie release their arrows.”
“Yes, Price,” Abel sided with Adeline.
Alistair was outnumbered—and likely to face a mutiny if he refused.
“We can stand just over there. No one will notice us.” Abel stared expectantly.
Alistair glanced at the small break in the crowd with a view of the next set of archers taking their places, then back to his siblings. “We watch one round?” When Abel and Adeline nodded, he continued. “Adeline, you are to keep your hood raised…and Abel, you are to stay close by. You will depart immediately after this round.”
“Of course.” Their agreement was followed by Adeline’s huge smile, knowing she’d won.
He would give her this small victory if it meant she would not despise him forever.
They squeezed between two groups of spectators close to the seating area, mainly occupied by other ton members. Alistair searched the seated audience for Gladstone, but failed to spot the man, though he noted several other men of his acquaintance. It was too much to hope Gladstone had departed the tourney altogether after Theo had rebuffed his advances.
“Oh, look,” Adeline shouted, clapping her hands. “There they are, on the far end. They will be the final two archers this round.”
He was unsure if he wanted Theo to do well or be outdone in the first round. She excelled at the sport, far more than anyone he’d met previously. Her victory at Whitechapel, no matter how much it incensed him, was well deserved…and earned from years of practice. Dedication such as Theo displayed was not a trait Alistair had witnessed in many men, let alone a woman of the ton.
He stood behind Adeline’s cloaked figure, certain Lady Theo hadn’t spotted him. He also kept watch over Lady Josephine where she stood in the archer’s area, awaiting the pair.
The line of competitors took their turns, most hitting their target, if not sending their arrow through the center ring. The men would be little competition to Theo—a smile crossed his face at the thought. Very rarely did Alistair find moments when he wasn’t being watched or observed, wasn’t agonizing over the future of his family, wasn’t meeting with his father’s man of business—a time when he could stand with ease and allow his mind to wander.
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