Her meeting with Cassini might well be her last if Gladstone and she were betrothed. She’d be required to let go of her hopes for the future, but that could not come before she’d passed on to Cassini all she’d studied and the discoveries she’d made while at Miss Emmeline’s school. Theo was not an expert in maps, but her passion for them could lend advancements for every future endeavor. There was much more she hoped to learn from Cassini, if the opportunity was afforded her, but if not, she would be satisfied with passing on her limited knowledge thus far.
Her endless days would be filled with Gladstone’s charitable endeavors, and with any hope, he’d disappear during the night to seek out the gaming hells Alistair had mentioned he favored.
Alistair had been correct, Mr. Oliver Gladstone was indeed a vile, corrupt man who only sought to marry her for his own personal gain. Any expectation of affection between them developing had been dispelled the moment Alistair had kissed her for the second time. No, even after the first kiss they’d shared, she’d known no other man would be right for her.
Her traitorous body trembled at the mere thought of Alistair taking hold of her once more. Things would be different if he did, she’d beg him not to let her go, allow him to force her to see reason and call off her betrothal to Gladstone, propose once more to make everything right. Theo had dreamed of walking into her first ballroom, arm in arm with her friends, watching as they danced late into the evening as Theo spoke with dashing men of the ton. She’d never been one to find a thrill in fancy gowns and extravagant outings. No, thought-provoking conversations and heated discussions about current events were what she most looked forward to. Would she someday be able to experience the simple pleasure of society or would Gladstone deny her even that?
Odd that she’d miss something she’d never thought she’d enjoy to begin with.
Though her betrothed had made it very clear intelligence and wit were not something he favored in his soon-to-be wife.
“Are you feeling ill?” Josie set her fingers on Theo’s arm to gain her attention. “You are as white as the walls in my family’s stable.”
Theo gave her friends a weak smile. “I am only nervous, that is all.” She wanted to reassure the women, but it would only give the pair pause as it was extremely rare for Theo to be worried over something that she had complete control over. For a brief moment, she debated telling them about everything—her betrothal to Gladstone, her meeting with Cassini at the museum, and most tempting, her intimate moments with Alistair—but it would merely incite more questions from them, pushing her to give answers she was unprepared to share. Answers she didn’t know herself.
The truth was, she wasn’t ready to dissect all these things in her own mind, let alone discuss them aloud.
“Adeline will find a way to be here on the morrow,” Georgie said. Theo was glad the woman thought her distracted by Adeline and her situation. “She sent me a note this morning. She plans to be agreeable today, lead her brother to think she is remorseful for her actions. Then she will slip from the house tomorrow and meet us here.”
Theo chuckled weakly at her friend’s precocious plan, but doubted Alistair would be misled into thinking Adeline was in any way sincerely apologetic about her behavior. Georgie and Josie hadn’t any notion why it was important Theo be elsewhere during the final day of the tourney. She was uncertain if it was due to their lack of interest in her or if they sought not to press her for details when Theo hadn’t willingly shared them.
Either way, they hadn’t asked nor had Theo spoken her of plans.
She wanted to share with her friends the immense burden on her shoulders. Would they come together and help her find a way out of the betrothal? Likely, each would offer their reputation to save her from marrying Gladstone. But there was little sense in all four of them suffering.
A trumpet blared, followed by a man shouting for the remaining archers to return to the field for the final round of the day.
After making certain her hood was in place, Theo took her quiver and bow from Josie, slinging both over her shoulder.
She gave her friends another reassuring smile. “That is great to hear, Georgie.”
“We will await you here,” Josie said, placing a quick kiss on Theo’s cheek. “Best of luck, Lady Archer!”
Theo took her place in line as the first to enter the field—and the last to shoot her arrow.
The day had grown overly warm with the sun now blazing hot while it slowly descended toward the horizon. Her heavy, hooded cloak did not help or allow any breeze to touch her heated skin.
Theo was instructed to start the procession onto the field. With her bow and quiver slung over her shoulder, she pushed her sleeves up to allow the afternoon air to cool her—and dispel her unease as her knees trembled.
She’d scanned the crowd continually since arriving at Greenwich Park, but there’d been no sign of Gladstone—or Alistair. Even now, as she strode across the field, her eyes strayed to the spectators, moving down the long rows of people and finally skimming the hordes not lucky enough to afford a seat in the spectators’ area, those relegated to stand at the side of the tourney grounds.
Not a single familiar face stared back at her.
Though every eye was trained on her.
The scrutiny of the crowd sent another wave of agitation through her, along with the thrill she’d become accustomed to since the tourney in Whitechapel.
How would she ever give it up?
The unique excitement that coursed through her each time she stepped onto an archery field and pulled her bowstring back was unlike any feeling she’d ever experienced.
Competing, it was an experience she’d never meant to have, and therefore, a thrill she should have never known. Much like the kiss she and Alistair had shared. He’d stroked a passion—awakened a need—within her that was never meant to be.
Her footsteps faulted when she realized the thrill of standing before the tourney crowd was in no way different from the hum of exhilaration and longing that had coursed through her the two times Alistair had placed his lips against hers.
But he was gone from her life, as archery would be when she left the tournament that day.
Theo took her place at the very end of the line of archers and watched as one after the next pulled back their bow and released. To soothe her frazzled nerves, she analyzed and noted each archer’s stance, posture, and position as they took their turn. One man stood too rigid, another pushed his chest out, changing his aim and causing his arrow to hit the target well above the center mark, and still another man thought it jovial to close one eye and raise one leg as he released the arrow. The crowd cheered with merriment at his stunt, but the exploit sent his arrow far to the left, missing the target altogether. The man, dressed in a tailored suit made specifically for the competition, made a show of throwing his bow to the ground and storming off the field. This sent the audience into another round of clapping as they shouted jeers.
The next two archers, both men garbed in peasant’s clothing of heavy, coarse wool, took their time with releasing their arrows. Theo suspected they had much invested in the tourney, and returning home without the prize purse would hurt them more than it would her and her friends.
Each man did themselves proud with their arrows. Finally, it was Theo’s turn.
The crowd inhaled as she exhaled and relaxed her carriage, arranging her feet as she’d practiced since her first day at Miss Emmeline’s School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstanding Quality, solidifying her reason for placing herself in jeopardy. Her time at Miss Emmeline’s was the best she’d experienced since before her father’s passing and the deterioration of her family. Before her mother had changed from a doting, loving parent to the bitter, emotionally broken woman who now existed only to attend her societal charity gatherings and complain about her son’s ineptness.
Besides Cart’s—and now his wife, Jude—attention, Theo had lived a solitary life of academic pursuit, left alone far too o
ften with only her books as company. That had changed with her arrival at school. It couldn’t be denied she’d always been a bit of an outsider with Josie, Georgie, and Adeline; however, she never doubted their feelings for her. They were friends, willing to do what was necessary for one another.
Though they never spoke of it, Theo had witnessed Georgie giving Adeline coins when they ventured into town. Josie was the mother hen of the group, the compassionate soul who, in all honesty, held their group together and kept at bay any strife between Adeline and the others.
Besides her skill at archery, Theo was unsure what she brought to their friendship. Maybe it was now that she saw her true worth. She was meant to be here—in this moment—to secure each of her friends a future of their choosing, free from Gladstone’s manipulations. It was a small price to pay for the many years of friendship and love the women had given her.
“Lady Archer, release your arrow!”
As requested, Theo double-checked her aim and freed her arrow.
She had no urge to close her eyes or look away from her target. There was no other alternative…she had to hit the target dead center, or all of her sacrifices would be for nothing. She would be betrothed to Gladstone and have no prize purse to show for it. Certainly, her reputation and that of her friends would stay above the realm of suspicion, but Theo would spend the rest of her days dreaming of another man’s kiss; her heart broken and her resilience crushed.
A loud cheer filled the open park, enough to confirm that Theo had not only hit her target but also struck the direct center, making six perfect shots in three days.
Theo didn’t bother holding back a triumphant grin. The hood shielding her face would hide her elation at her victory.
The shouts of congratulations gradually began to follow a pattern as the audience came together, reciting a chant…
“Lady Theodora, Lady Theodora, Lady Theodora!”
“They know my name?” It wasn’t more than a mumble, though the words took with them any possibility of her identity remaining unknown.
She glanced wildly toward Josie and Georgie, who stood behind the row of archers, awaiting Theo’s return. Both women shrugged in response to Theo’s questioning look.
The crowd chanted her name, screaming their compliments. The frenzy increased as all eyes stayed on her. How could they know her name? Her mind scrambled to make sense of it all at the same time her shoulders slumped in despair. Each archer had been assigned a number when they entered the tournament. The girls had made sure to give only fabricated first names, and she hadn’t even entered, Adeline had.
Besides Josie, Adeline, and Georgie, there were only two people who knew of her participation in the tourney; she hadn’t even dared tell Cart or Jude.
Theo was helpless to stop her bow from falling to her side, the bottom of her stomach falling out as the chanting intensified further and someone pushed the crowd on.
The other archers deserted her, clapping as they left the field.
They knew…the entire crowd.
There was no more point in hiding.
Theo pushed back her hood, revealing her dark hair tied back with a simple ribbon.
Glancing away from the spectators, she implored Josie and Georgie to flee before their identities were revealed, as well. They needn’t all suffer the consequences. Her friends only stood taller, neither turning to depart.
“Lady Theodora! Lady Theodora! Three cheers for Lady Theodora,” the people continued to chant.
She scanned the crowd again, trying to find the man responsible for her disgrace. It had to be Gladstone. Who else would seek to bring such shame upon her?
Apparently, he hadn’t been satisfied with forcing her hand in marriage, he also planned to ruin her and dishonor her family and friends, too.
Unfortunately, Gladstone hadn’t calculated his major error. With Theo’s name—and now her face—revealed to all, there was little reason for her to continue with their sham of a betrothal.
Chapter 25
Alistair watched the stark terror take hold of Theo as she pushed her hood back to reveal her face, allowing her a better view of the crowd. For a brief moment, the sight of her splendor stalled him, stopped him dead in his tracks as he allowed himself time to take in all her beauty. What others didn’t know was that her magnificence was not only on the outside but infused every part of her being, inside and out.
When her terror turned to fright, Alistair started again, pushing his way through the milling crush to the field as her eyes skimmed the crowd.
It was as if a deep expanse of impassable sea separated them, its depths churning to keep him from her side, much as Gladstone had tried to do.
But Alistair was stronger than any sea.
There had been another choice for Theo the entire time, though not the decision he’d hoped to make in the situation, especially since he’d been unable to consult with her before deciding his course of action. He needed to believe she would forgive him. In time, she would comprehend why he’d done what he did.
It was not beyond him to force her hand, even if it only meant she would be free of Gladstone.
He strode closer to Theo, the invisible draw making it impossible for him to take any other path but directly to her side. Fighting it was beyond him—possibly, it had always been beyond his control. He only longed to hear her say she felt the same.
Gladstone had executed his plan with perfect precision, down to the final detail of threatening not only Theo and her friends but also her family and his. It had been enough to send Alistair running back to Theo’s home, only to find both Lord Cartwright and Lady Theo out.
He hadn’t any notion she’d go against him and deny his proposal…and truly, Gladstone had given Alistair no way around his next move.
What neither Gladstone nor Lady Theo had wagered on was Alistair ruining Theo himself.
He finally reached the edge of the archery field, and her eyes landed on him. His heart beat almost clear from his chest knowing she was so near, yet not in his arms.
Relief quickly faded to confusion. Alistair suspected she’d be upset with him, possibly furious. Reason would take hold before too much time passed, though.
Lady Theo’s behavior was only scandalous to the eyes of the ton if someone deemed it so.
Alistair was determined to make sure not a single member of the beau monde viewed her participation in The Grand Archers’ Competition of London as shocking or disreputable in any fashion.
He started across the field to her, clapping to continue the crowd’s enthusiastic appreciation of her skill, making each person note something special, something grand was happening, and they were witness to it.
Her furrowed brow rose in shock, and her eyes narrowed.
His chest seized, making breath impossible. He had a moment of regret over his involvement in taking away her choice at her future; though he’d done the right thing. It was the only decision for him to make if Theo was to avoid Gladstone’s suit.
There was no stopping him as he marched toward her across the open field with the crowd still cheering at his back. No one would dare keep him from her side.
The other archers turned, departing the field only to turn and watch him. Alistair was satisfied not a single soul was missing a moment of his grand production. It had to be big, a show no one in attendance would soon forget. This day needed to be the talk of every London drawing room when the season officially started, only to be overshadowed by the betrothal announcement of Mr. Alistair Price, future heir to Viscount Melton, and Lady Theodora Montgomery.
With a few more strides, he stood before her, taking in the captivating woman she was, his eyes begging her to understand…and agree to wed him.
“Lady Theo.” He didn’t know what came over him, but he dropped to one knee and took her shaking hands in his. “You are the most enthralling woman I’ve ever had occasion to encounter.” His words didn’t capture an ounce of the feelings coursing through him: pride at her bravado, ad
oration at the way she’d captivated the crowd, sympathy for the position he’d had a hand in placing her in, and most of all…hope. Hope Theo would listen to all he had to say and that she’d confess she felt the same. Alistair cleared his throat and started again, speaking loudly enough for the watching crowd to hear. “Lady Theodora Montgomery, Theo, your skill at archery, your compassion for others, your willingness to put yourself and your future at risk for those you love, and especially your willingness to do all in your power to protect my family…these are only a few of the reasons I adore you.”
He searched her intense stare, praying for her to say or do something besides gaze at him.
The spectators’ cheers had ceased, going quiet as they strained to hear every word he spoke. They sensed the magnitude of the moment, just as he’d hoped they would.
While The Post would have the story of the season, he was determined to have Theo. All of her. She was selfless and pure of heart. Not meek and malleable as he’d first thought when they met. She had a quiet resilience about her. The notion of her giving up her future and marrying a man who would crush her spirit made Alistair weep inside, but she’d raised her chin a notch and did what needed to be done to protect her family and friends.
That determination was why he’d had to step in and save her—from herself.
“I envy your ability to take the most daunting of paths without fear for your future,” Alistair continued, “when I am weak and so often take the easiest path. That does not have to be the way of things any longer. You are free.”
Alistair begged for time to speed up and for the silence to end. He may not be the man she chose. Could he let her go if that was what she wanted? Doubt, dread, and desperation threatened, causing tightness in his chest, but he pushed back at the negative cloud settling on him, making from for the light that was Theo. She shone so brightly, she was certain to lighten any dark day to come.
“You can seek any future that makes you happy,” he said when she remained silent. “You can travel to France and study or travel across England competing in archery tourneys or stay here, with me, and attend your first London season with me by your side—along with Adeline, Lady Josephine, and Lady Georgina. You are properly, thoroughly ruined.”
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