Theodora

by Christina McKnight

  It was everything she deserved. A morning ceremony. Flowers, though not blue or orange. Family. Friends. With nothing but well-wishes and good tidings for all.

  It was everything, and yet nothing he ever suspected he wanted—or needed—when, in fact, deep within, he’d longed for this exactly.

  “Shall we?” he asked, breaking the spell between them. When she nodded, Alistair called over his shoulder into the carriage. “Ladies, if you have not departed the carriage and taken your place by Theo’s side before I open my front door, I will inform Adeline you have both been privy to the affection between Theo and I since the Whitechapel tourney.”

  Alistair didn’t bother with another look over his shoulder as he pulled Theo close and started toward his family home, the woman of his dreams fitting snuggly to his side.

  Behind him, he heard the springs of the carriage groan as Lady Josephine and Lady Georgina each hopped from the coach and hurried behind them.

  He leaned close to Theo and whispered, “I suppose adding two more females to my list of dependents is not all that horrible.”

  Theo giggled, her hair bobbing about her shoulders. “Alistair, I am certain they need our mature guidance as they search for their own matches.”

  “Love matches,” he declared. “Nothing less will do for any woman under my care!”

  “Suddenly you are an expert on love?” They came to a stop at his front door as his butler swung it open wide. “Just the other day, you were prepared to marry your sister off to the first man who showed any interest.”

  He leaned down and placed a kiss to her cheek. “That was before you showed me how mundane and undesirable a life without love can be. When you took me, you were to marry Gladstone and consent to a life without love or passion. I realized the only means to find my own love and passion was with you.”

  “Alistair!” Adeline shouted, thundering down the stairs. “You bloody knave! You had the twins sit below my window, and Adrian and Alfred at my door? Abel even followed me to the loo. This is outrageous…”

  “Ready or not,” Theo whispered, straightening her shoulders as if ready for combat.

  “I have been ready since the moment I laid eyes on you, Lady Theodora.”

  Epilogue

  “Aw, mon petite femme archer,” Monsieur Cassini sighed, rushing to take Theo’s hands in his and placing a kiss to each of her cheeks. “So lovely to see you once more.”

  “Monsieur Cassini,” Theo said with a laugh, glancing to Alistair at her side to gauge his opinion of the man’s naturally flirtatious manner. “Thank you so much for agreeing to stay a few extra days.”

  “It is only Damon, Theodora,” he cooed. “And once we received word that our Lady Theodora was unable to attend our meeting because mon petite femme archer had plied her skill with a bow and earned a place in the final round at the Grand Archers’ Competition at Greenwich Park, well, Comtesse de Salnome and I were ravenous to attend.”

  “You were in the crowd?” Theo gulped, looking between the siblings, the monsieur genuinely intrigued by her hidden talents with a bow while his sister was far more entertained taking in Alistair and his broad-shouldered, fair-haired form, so at odds with their olive complexion and dark, ebony hair. “I did not see…I was unaware…”

  The comtesse released a light laugh at Theo’s muttering. “My dear Lady Theodora, we would not have missed the final day of the tourney, especially once we learned you were the lady beneath the hooded cloak. I hesitate to say you are the talk of the town.” She sighed as if envious.

  “And to claim the place as victor among so many elite sportsmen?” Cassini gushed. “Mon petite femme archer it is a grand pleasure to call you friend.”

  “Certainly, Lady Theodora,” the Comtesse continued, her lip pushing out in a pout. “My brother was so overwhelmed by your generous donation to the school in Canterbury he has professed to match your bequest.”

  “That is not necessary, Monsieur Cassini.” Theo looked between to the siblings, the comtesse’s smile tight and at odds with Cassini’s open, genuine grin.

  “It was in The Post this morning that others too will contribute to your cause. You have certainly garnered much attention.” Cassini nodded, affirming his sister’s words.

  But Theo had not desired to be the talk of anything, let alone all of London. “It is a pity we cannot stay in London and experience the season with you.”

  She shot a pouty look to Cassini, but the man only shook his head in regret. “You know we must return home; we have much work to do.”

  “But not before you meet with my sister,” Cart said, entering the room with Jude on his arm. “Her ideas are highly enlightening and advanced for such a…”

  “Young woman?” Jude asked. “Certainly, that is not what you meant, dear husband.”

  Cart blustered, patting his wife’s arm to soothe her. “Of course, that was not what I was hinting at. I meant her ideas are advanced for a person with no topographical map training to speak of, nor has she personally visited many of the regions she’s determined need elevation alterations. Hers is a truly spectacular—and ingenious—mind.”

  Theo felt her cheeks heat as a blush spread up her neck at her brother’s praise. “Simon, it is not so truly revolutionary, I promise you.” Theo sought to push aside his high regard. “Monsieur Cassini may have likely already determined the changes needed without my input.”

  Alistair stood silently at her side, as he had on the final day of the tourney, and after, when Gladstone arrived at her family townhouse, fuming with rage at Alistair’s clever plot to make a marriage to Gladstone unnecessary.

  “I highly doubt that, my lady,” the comtesse said with a laugh. “Lord Cartwright has shared with us a bit about your ideas, and I can assure you, we are extremely interested and eager to speak with you.”

  Cassini nodded at his sister’s declaration, but kept his eyes on Alistair’s arm, which Theo held.

  Alistair’s fingers flexed, tightening briefly as if he too noticed the way Cassini was watching.

  “Will you excuse me, my lady?” Cassini cleared his voice before continuing. “There is something I must attend to. You are still able to meet tomorrow, no?”

  “Of course.” Theo watched the retreating man, his sister close to his side as they hurried from the room. “That was rather abrupt.”

  “Oh, he only needs a moment to nurse his injured heart.” Cart frowned, shaking his head slightly. “Though I believe it is impossible for a heart to obtain an invisible wound, the comtesse speaks to the contrary.”

  “What in heavens are you talking about, Simon?” Theo asked.

  “Alistair,” Cart said. “I believe you can explain far better than I.

  Theo looked between the men, and then to Jude, seeing her smirk. The knowing look that passed between them was similar to the looks that continually passed between Georgie and Josie when Adeline was being particularly troublesome.

  Since Alistair had met with Cart and formally asked to court Theo, they’d become fast friends, even having all of the Melton siblings to supper. It was a grand affair, only rivaled by the dowager’s shock when Jude and her four siblings joined their family. It had been utter chaos, and Theo had loved every minute of it; especially the dowager countess’s discomfort.

  “What your brother is trying to explain is that Cassini had a tender for you, even asked Cart to court you properly.” Alistair patted her arm as he spoke.

  “And why is this the first I’ve heard of it?” Theo fumed.

  “If you’d like, I can speak with Cassini and see if he is still interested…” Cart’s words trailed off, challenging her to agree.

  “Of course, I am not agreeable to his pursuit; however, I should have been informed of his interest.”

  “I should hope you are not interested in Cassini,” Alistair huffed. “First, it was Abel, and now this oily Frenchmen?”

  “Abel?” Theo and Jude asked in unison.

  “Oh, he had his sights on you lon
g before he spied you with a bow; although, I believe his interest was more with Lord Cartwright than you, Theo…the sorry fool.” Alistair leaned close and whispered, “I would never have allowed him close if I thought his curiosity genuine. You were mine long before you knew it.”

  A shiver traveled through Theo at the mere suggestion of her being all his.

  “Now, now,” Jude hissed as Alistair placed a kiss to Theo’s neck before drawing up short at her scolding tone. “You both are more than capable of waiting until after you are wed for that.”

  “May I open my eyes now?” Cart asked, his eyelids squeezed shut.

  “It is safe, dear husband.” Jude laughed.

  “My apologies, Lady Cartwright,” Alistair offered. “Maybe we should be off. Theo and I have agreed to a turn in Hyde Park with Adeline, Lady Josie, and Lady Georgie. If that is agreeable, my lord?”

  Alistair’s comfortable air, calling her friends by their beloved nicknames, infused her with a great sense of rightness.

  “A word with my sister before you depart?” Simon held out his arm and Theo moved to his side, leaving Alistair and Jude in their wake as they walked a few steps away.

  “What is it, Simon?” Theo’s mind had settled on the idea of a few moments alone in the carriage with Alistair before they were joined by her friends.

  “A man came by the townhouse yesterday. He requested an audience with me…”

  Theo stomach sank. “Who was it?”

  But she knew who’d called on him, before he said the name. “A Mr. Oliver Gladstone. He attempted to convince me that you and he were to be wed. The man had a special license signed by the Archbishop of Canterbury.”

  “What did you say?” Theo would not give away any more information than was necessary.

  “I told him to depart my home immediately, and to take the matter up with your betrothed.” Theo could not have adored her brother any more than in that moment. “Now, let us not speak of this matter again.”

  They returned to Jude and Alistair, and Theo immediately moved to his side.

  Simon’s nod of approval only filled her heart with more certainty. “Do hurry along before Cassini returns with a new scheme to steal you from Mr. Price’s arm.”

  “I fear that would not bode well for the man,” Alistair chuckled, pulling Theo to his side. There was not another place she’d rather be.

  “I am happy to see Miss Adeline has forgiven the pair of you.” Her sister-in-law was not one to pry, but all had been witness to the uncomfortable situation when the Melton family had become acquainted with Theo and her family. Adeline hadn’t said a single word, only pushed her food around her plate until she claimed a headache and begged Alistair to depart. “I do hope the situation improves before the wedding.”

  Remorse tugged at Theo, and she gave Jude her warmest smile. “Adeline is coming around. It just took a bit of convincing to make her understand we had no intention of hurting her.”

  Alistair squeezed her arm in reassurance. “It turns out Adeline was only worried about having to share her new gowns with my future bride. However, I informed her that no wife of mine would be saddled with hand-me-down gowns, but would rather be afforded a healthy allowance to commission her own wardrobe.”

  “And how did she take that news?” Jude inquired, a spark of merriment in her eyes.

  “Oh, she did not take the news at all,” Theo cut in. “She stomped from the room and slammed the door shut before the words had left Alistair’s mouth.”

  The group let loose a great round of laughter, the joyous sound bouncing off the walls of the museum and echoing down the long corridors. Several glares from patrons enjoying their time at the museum were cast their way.

  “I suspect she was more annoyed that she was the last to know and hadn’t been consulted before I offered Theodora my heart.” He glanced at her sideways, and Theo couldn’t help the pool of warmth that spread through her at his words. “Though she would be loath to admit this fact.”

  “She would just as soon perish than concede she had naught to do with our love match.” Always the leader, always the one to have the final say, and always the one to be most informed…Theo was elated to be the one who showed people that even though she didn’t constantly feel involved and appreciated, she did know what she wanted in life—and that was Alistair by her side.

  “I think we should depart before Lord Cartwright has no other option but to throw us out,” Alistair jested. “Come, Lady Archer, you have friends in need of a lesson in attracting the perfect match.”

  “Heavens,” Theo sighed, her heart aflutter once more. “What advice could I offer to that subject?”

  “Your arrow lodged in my heart, surely that was your aim all along, Lady Theodora.” Alistair leaned down, unperturbed by Cart’s and Jude’s presence, and settled a kiss to her lips—a kiss much like the first they’d shared. What she hadn’t realized then was that it was a kiss full of promise: promise for a future, a family, and a love to endure until their last breaths.

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  Georgina

  Lady Archer’s Creed (Book Two)

  By Amanda Mariel

  Prologue

  Canterbury, England

  May, 1819

  * * *

  Lady Georgina Seton sat primly before the headmistress’ desk awaiting her attention. In all her life she had never been made to wait in such a way. Did Mrs. Emmeline not realize who she was? The daughter of the Duke of Balfour disserved her undivided attention. Not that the duke or his new duchess ever paid her any, but no one in society, certainly no one below her status, ever dared to ignore her. Until now.

  “Ahum,” Georgie leveled her gaze on the older woman ignoring the stern set of her face.

  Mrs. Emmeline sat her pencil down then glanced up, revealing her crooked, stained teeth. “Your application states your preferred name is Georgie or Lady Georgie, is that correct, Lady Georgina?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” Georgie offered a cool smile.

  She had been sitting here for well over five minutes and all the headmistress came up with was her nickname. How frustrating. Her bones ached and she was beyond tired from the nearly two day carriage ride from London to Canterbury. All she wished to do was find her room and take a hot bath, followed by a long nap. Nonetheless, Georgie knew she would not get her wish granted any faster by being rude.

  The woman was only doing her job after all. A job the duke was paying a hefty price for at that. Georgie knew of the cost and reputation of Mrs. Emmeline’s school. She could at least acknowledge that father had sent her to the best that money could buy. A fact she supposed she should be grateful for.

  The headmistress jotted a note on the form before her then looked back up at Georgie. “Welcome to Mrs. Emmeline’s School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstanding Quality. We pride ourselves on allowing our young ladies to discover who they are and to become the women they want to be.” Her tone was sharp, but it did not give pause to Georgie. She sensed softness, maybe even mischief under the woman’s stern façade.

  “Indeed. I saw that on the brochure given to me by the new Duchess of Balfour a fortnight before I was sent here. It is a great slogan.” Her heart sank at the memory of her new mother and how easily the lady had seen her shipped away. Georgie had never known her biological mother as she had died in childbirth. When Father announced he would be wed again, she’d had high hopes that she would at last enjoy a mother’s love and guidance. Alas, it was never to be.

  Georgie’s new mother, for lack of a better word, had sashayed into their private London drawing room and dropped the pamphlet in Georgie’s lap. ‘Your father and I have decided you need a more disciplined education. You will depart for Mrs. Emmeline’s School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstanding Quality in a fortnight. See that you are ready.’ Her Grace had stared at Georgie with cool triumph in her icy eyes as she delivered the news. The memory sent a chill across
Georgie’s skin.

  “It is more than a slogan, Lady Georgina. Here at Mrs. Emmeline’s School of Education and Decorum for Ladies of Outstanding Quality we truly live by our mission to shape young women into outstanding ladies based on their potential and desires.” There was no mistaking the sparkle of mischief that lit the headmistress’ eyes.

  Georgina smiled with sincerity for the first time since her departure from London. Perhaps this would prove tolerable if she gave it a chance. “Very well. I believe your school may be a good fit for me.”

  Still Georgie could not help from thinking that she could have reached her full potential from the ducal estate if father would not have sent her away. She had appealed to him, begged him not to send her off. For a short while he seemed to be on her side. He nearly agreed to keep her home before the new duchess entered their conversation. Her new mother saw to it that Georgie did not remain in residence. Mrs. Emmeline’s seemed as good a place as any if she could not remain at home and she clearly couldn’t.

  Georgie met the headmistress’ gaze. “I am bone weary from my travels. Might I be shown to my room?”

  Mrs. Emmeline looked down and jotted another note on the form in front of her. “We lodge our girls four to a room based on their skill set as well as their weaknesses.” She tipped her head up, meeting Georgie’s eyes once again. “This policy breads camaraderie amongst the students while allowing each girl the opportunity to seek help with subjects they are not as well versed in. Are you opposed to sharing a room, Lady Georgie?”

  Georgie was the duke’s only daughter. As such she had never had the opportunity to be close with other girls. She certainly hadn’t ever shared a bed chamber. As a child she had hoped and even prayed for a sister. Perhaps this was her chance to form bonds with other girls. “I do not take issue with sharing a room. I rather like the idea, Headmistress.”