Theodora

by Christina McKnight

  Of late, he’d found his mind wandering at the most inopportune times, however, such as the carriage ride to and from Tattersall’s. Abel had noticed but hadn’t questioned him. Adeline and Abel’s intense stares remained on the archers, and away from Alistair, which gave him time to inspect Theo at the far end. Though she was petite, her courage was mighty. She’d recovered from her near stumble with ease—and with enough wit to put Gladstone in his place.

  Why Alistair had ever worried she’d allow herself to be led into a false sense of mutual affection by the scoundrel, Alistair would never know. He had faith—something he routinely lacked in himself—that she’d not allow her family to marry her off to the highest bidder.

  It was not his place to be concerned in regards to Adeline’s friends. His sister, and his other siblings were more hassle than he could muster the energy to wrestle. If he were to survive the season, he need focus on his responsibilities, not those of others.

  Before long, the many archers had taken their aim and released their arrows, leaving only the two hooded lady archers on the end: Lady Georgina and Theodora.

  Lady Georgina pulled her bowstring back, releasing her breath as she did, and sent her arrow flying. Alistair craned his neck to get a glimpse of her target. As anticipated, she’d sent her arrow through the red circle, though a little below the exact center of the target. That did not stop the crowd from applauding her effort and shouting their good tidings.

  He leaned forward, whispering in Adeline’s ear. “After Lady Theo releases her arrow, you and Abel are to depart.”

  “Of course, dear brother.” She didn’t bother glancing over her shoulder at him. “Now, do be quiet while she takes aim.”

  Perfectly reprimanded, Alistair stood tall to see over Abel’s head as Theo prepared and hefted his childhood bow.

  Even with her hood raised and the cloak’s bulky set, Alistair could see that her form and stance were flawless. Her chin tilted up ever so slightly, causing him to worry her hood would tumble back and reveal her face to the crowd. Immense satisfaction coursed through him at the sight of Theodora expertly holding his bow aloft.

  The gawkers huddled around the brawling men earlier had been distracted, and he prayed no one had paid attention when Theo’s hood was knocked from her head during the scuffle. That would leave only Gladstone to contend with, and there was little reason for him to reveal Theo’s escapades, especially if he sought her hand in marriage.

  The crowd gasped in unison. Alistair had been so preoccupied he’d utterly missed her shot.

  “She did it!” Adeline shouted, covering her mouth to stifle her girlish, joyous outburst. “Theo is certainly the best archer in our group.” Adeline turned a severe glare on her brothers. “If either of you tell her I said so, I will deny it…do you both hear me?”

  “The woman is utterly perfect…captivating even,” Abel sighed. “We should go congratulate her on a shot well placed.”

  “We shall do nothing of the sort,” Alistair said, placing a hand on both their shoulders. “The pair of you will return home and send the carriage back to collect me.” The difficult part of the day would greet him when he arrived home—addressing Abel and Adeline’s fury over being thrown from the tourney grounds. He needed Adeline to understand the precarious position their family was in and agree to behave, or he’d have little choice but to return her—and their entire family—to the country. “Adeline, I will return after the day’s competition is complete. We have much to discuss.”

  She didn’t argue further, her arms falling listlessly to her sides. “Very well, brother. I shall heed your demand and return home, but please make sure Lady Theo arrives home as safely as I.”

  “That is my intention.” That was Alistair’s only intention. He would not repeat his past follies and attempt to pull her close—and by no means, would he kiss her. Not that she would entertain any such thing after his boorish behavior.

  The pair had started toward the park entrance and the waiting Melton carriage before Alistair noted the significance of Adeline’s comment.

  Adeline had bid him deliver Lady Theo home safely, no mention of Lady Josephine or Georgina.

  Certainly, Lady Theo hadn’t told Adeline of their kiss.

  Before he could gain her attention to ask, his siblings had disappeared into the crowd.

  He turned back to see Theo and Lady Georgina, who’d returned to Lady Josephine’s side as they huddled together, walking to the practice area to await the next round.

  Alistair skirted the crowd in pursuit of the women, bows and quivers over their shoulders. The other archers practiced in hopes of improving their next shot.

  Neither Theo nor Lady Georgina made any move to remove their bows and send a few arrows toward the worn targets, and the men preferred to act as if they didn’t exist, that two hooded lady archers hadn’t just bested them.

  He’d laugh if he weren’t worried about drawing attention. There was no need to irritate Theo further. If she sought to act as if she weren’t in need of someone to watch over her, that was her right, but he would be unable to live with himself if he departed and something untoward happened to her—to any of them.

  Adeline attributed his concern to his upbringing as a gentleman, and no doubt she was partly correct. However, it went far deeper than a proper rearing by their parents. His muscles tensed, and his fists itched to lash out when he remembered the sight of Gladstone attempting to drag Theo away. There was no denying the man had saved her from tumbling into the pile of belligerent men, but that had been where his good deeds and intentions ended. Alistair shuddered to think what Gladstone would’ve done if Alistair hadn’t been present. It certainly would not be above Gladstone to drag Theo back to her family home and insist she be more properly escorted and watched. Ever the hypocritical, righteous man.

  He was no more pious than Alistair was the indifferent viscount-to-be. His chest tightened with foreboding at Gladstone’s promise to call on Lady Theodora the next day. Alistair wanted the man nowhere near Theo, though he told himself he’d have the same reaction to Gladstone being around his sister or one of her other friends. Gladstone’s only concern was in keeping Theo’s reputation and name unsullied. Arguably, Alistair’s intentions, as well, though not because he had any designs on wedding the woman. Clearly, that was Gladstone’s ulterior motive. He no doubt saw Theo as his chance to climb the social ladder and enter the ton. As brother-in-law to an earl, his membership at White’s would be reinstated with no chance of it being revoked again. His creditors would look the other way at his insurmountable debts, planning to address their notes with Theo’s brother, Lord Cartwright. And what option would Cartwright have but to settle the debts or risk bringing scandal to his family?

  Alistair’s interest in Theo only went so far as to make certain Gladstone did not dig his claws into her. The woman deserved so much more, and would find no happiness with a scoundrel for a husband. Any man worth his salt would do the same.

  At least, that’s what Alistair tried to convince himself as he blended into the crowd and awaited Theo’s next turn with her bow.

  As Alistair anticipated, both Theo and Lady Georgina continued to release their arrows with steadfast accuracy any archer would find daunting to sustain. He’d watched the tourney from his position in the crowd as the lady archers continued to dazzle and enthrall the captivated crowd of both peers and commoners. They’d been dubbed the Dashing Lady Archers by the second round, and now, as they completed their fourth time before the targets, the crowd chanted loudly for the pair. With ease, they released their final arrows for the day, each finding the exact center of the target and solidifying their continued participation in the tourney.

  The pair embraced quickly before leaving the field and returning to Lady Josephine’s side. The trio moved swiftly through the gathering crowd of spectators coming to give their congratulations on a successful tourney day—or comfort the men whose arrows hadn’t found their mark.

  Alistair kep
t pace with the women as they moved along the fringes of the park toward their waiting carriage.

  He quickened his pace as the women arrived, handing their bows and givers to the waiting servant. Stepping from the crowd as the man opened the carriage door and step down the steps.

  “Allow me,” Alistair offered, holding his hand out to assist the women into their conveyance. Lady Josie and Lady Georgie’s eyes rounded in shock as their mouths gaped, unable to turn away his offer, while Lady Theo only looked on, amused. “I extend my services as chaperone to see you all safely home.”

  Lady Theo laid her arms across her chest. “Is it due to the fact that you sent Adeline and your brother home in your carriage, sir?”

  Alistair made a production of looking up and down the long row of waiting coaches, his nowhere in sight. “I am certain it is here somewhere; however, what sort of gentleman would I be if I did not accompany the trio of you to your doorsteps?” he asked, a brow raised in question.

  “I assure you, the trio of us would not think any less of you, Mr. Price.”

  “Be that as it may, I would think less of myself,” he countered. He risked a glance at Lady Josie and Georgie to see they’d recovered enough to close their mouths, but still gazed between Theo and him in shock. “Lady Josephine, may I assist you into the carriage?”

  The woman glanced to Theo for her approval.

  “Come now, my lady,” Alistair prodded, issuing his most dashing smile. “If we do not depart with all haste, we may very well be caught in a horde of carriages moving through the London streets.”

  Lady Josephine gave in and took his hand, stepping up into the carriage, Lady Georgina following quickly. Lady Theo reluctantly took his offered help and joined her friends. He stepped into the carriage to find all three woman sharing the rear facing seat. They appeared quite crammed, not unlike a tin of sardines.

  “I do not bite.” Alistair harnessed the chuckle that threatened to escape him. He would allow the trio to travel in discomfort if they so chose. Meanwhile, he settled into the seat across from them, stretching out his legs to accommodate his height as all three women had tucked their legs close.

  “Now, who are we to drop off first?” He glanced between the women as the carriage pulled into traffic.

  “Me,” Lady Georgie and Lady Josie said in unison.

  Alistair did laugh at that. “You all would likely jump from the moving carriage rather than enjoy your short jaunt with me as chaperone?”

  “They likely do not agree with your heavy-handed manners, Mr. Price,” Theo volunteered.

  “And you, my lady?” he inquired. “Do you enjoy my heavy-handed tendencies?”

  “There is little need to make Josie and Georgie uncomfortable. We have agreed to allow you to see us home safely.”

  He would not point out not one of them had willingly agreed to anything, but seemed more fearful of what he’d do if they denied him. However, he allowed them to sit in silence as they traveled into London proper and across Piccadilly Street.

  “My house in only two down,” Lady Georgina replied. “If you will drop me at the street, Josie and I will see ourselves inside.”

  The carriage slowed, and Alistair called to the driver to remain on the road.

  The women scampered quickly out of the carriage and collected their things from the boot before hurrying to the door of the residence.

  “That was uncalled for, Alistair.” Theo moved to the center of the velvet covered bench. “I think you possibly frightened poor Josie half to death.”

  “They should be terrified,” he countered, pulling his feet in and sitting forward. “If it is determined you were at Greenwich without a proper chaperone and surrounded by men of undeterminable scruples, it will be all of our undoing.”

  When she only glared at him, Alistair sighed.

  “What? Am I not falling in line and doing as you bid with enough swiftness?”

  “I am worried, that is all.”

  “That is kind of you, but you needn’t worry.” She relaxed a bit, her shoulders not quite as rigid, and her eyes not as glaring. “I am a superb markswoman, as is your sister.”

  “I meant no affront, Theo.” Alistair’s mouth grew dry as he scrambled to collect his thoughts. “I’ve seen your skill, and it is far superior to mine. I can appreciate that, but I was speaking to your independent nature. While I sincerely appreciate a person—man or woman—who can adequately care for themselves, a group of proper ladies in a less than savory part of town is just not acceptable.”

  “I have been caring for myself for quite some time.” Theo smirked. “And I do not see that changing in the foreseeable future. Maybe you should give Adeline a chance to show you she can do the same.”

  Alistair slipped his hands into his pockets to avoid reaching out to her—pulling her to him. Setting his lips upon hers.

  And never letting go.

  Her confidence drew him, as he so lacked his own fortitude of late. His admiration of her swelled, though he did not dare speak of it.

  “We are almost at my townhouse,” she said, pulling him from his musings.

  Alistair pulled the curtain back and shouted for the driver to halt.

  “Mr. Price?” Theo grabbed for the seat as the carriage came to a sudden stop, just out of sight from her townhouse. “My heavens, what are you doing?”

  Alistair opened the carriage door and jumped to the ground. “Cannot have me seen in your drive, my lady. What will your family think?” He winked. “I shall continue home on foot. Farewell, Lady Theo.”

  With a dashing bow, he slammed the carriage door shut and called for the driver to continue on.

  Thankfully, the day was mild, and a brisk wall would do him good. He looked in the direction of his own townhouse before glancing over his shoulder toward her carriage that was pulling into her drive. She’d pulled back the drapery and watched him. With a final wave, he turned and started off.

  The short walk home left him little time to ponder his motivations for keeping watch over Lady Theo. She didn’t require his assistance; she’d made that clear on several occasions. And after Adeline’s departure with Abel, there’d been no reason to remain at the tourney. However, he’d been unable to convince himself to leave, part of him wanting to see how she fared in the following rounds, and another part wanting a few more moments in her presence, even though she was shrouded in a cloak and positioned across the tourney field from him. He could imagine the tilt of her chin, the sparkle in her brown eyes, and the set of her lips—compressed tightly together in concentration.

  Alistair had no right to think of her lips, squeezed in concentration or pressed against his for a delicate kiss.

  Lady Theodora was not his to dream of or lust after. She was not a common trollop, and he had other duties that more than occupied his every moment. But the challenge in her eyes and the smirk on her lips when she issued a witty retort were hard to forget.

  Entering his townhouse, Alistair was first assaulted by the sheer quietness within its walls. With nine Melton siblings in residence, their home was never without laughing, shouting, arguing, or running feet. Occasionally, all four at one time. After the echo of the closing front door receded, Alistair stood stock-still but heard nothing.

  No laughter. No arguing. No piano from the drawing room. No running feet. No slamming doors. No arithmetic or poem recitation.

  Nothing.

  “Mr. Price,” his butler said, clearing his throat. “This came for you while you were out.”

  Alistair glanced at the envelope, delicately placed in the center of the silver tray, his mother’s familiar elegant penmanship appearing bolder than normal against the crisp white paper.

  “Thank you, Squires,” Alistair said, taking the letter and slipping it into his pocket. If his mother was writing, it must be good news. “I will be—“

  “Your siblings await your attendance in the study.”

  The study? Only business and scolding were issued in his office—cor
rection, Lord Melton’s study.

  “Should I be worried?” he asked.

  “I would not know, sir.” But the man was unable to meet Alistair’s stare.

  “Very well.” Alistair gave an uneasy laugh. “Do send in help if we have not disbanded by mealtime.”

  The servant’s eyes rounded, and Alistair clapped him on the shoulder in good humor. A good humor Alistair was not certain he felt.

  But there was no avoiding his family.

  Alistair started down the corridor toward his father’s study, unprepared for what would greet him.

  The door stood wide, revealing all eight of his siblings. His four youngest sisters were positioned on the low sofa closest to the windows overlooking the stables. Each dressed in varying shades of pastel, they appeared like a springtime bazaar. Adrian and Alfred sat on the rug in front of the desk, playing with wooden men, their British soldiers proudly in red. Abel paced before the unlit hearth, not noticing Alistair had entered the room.

  Adeline notched her chin up defiantly from her position behind his father’s desk, arms crossed. If looks could wound, hers would strike him dead in his tracks.

  “What is this about?” He moved farther into the room, dropping into the single chair positioned before the desk Adeline sat behind. “Are we gathered to discuss your mutual displeasure with me?”

  Adrian and Alfred shrugged as if unconcerned with anything except the current battle between their wooden men on the floor.

  Alistair looked to Arabella, Adelaide, Amelia, and Ainsley on the sofa, but none met his stare, each occupied with their own musings or fidgeting with their skirts.

  Strange. Though Adeline found great discord with her eldest sibling, the younger females in his house generally sought out his attentions. Unease filled him at the sight of all his siblings in one room, no one saying a word. No arguing. No elbowing one another. No teasing or jeering.