Or perhaps it was guilt that kept him firmly in her mind. She hadn’t been at all fair to him. In hindsight, he hadn’t really misled her or at least she was fairly certain it hadn’t been deliberate on his part. The man was just being prudent and she could scarcely fault him for that. It wouldn’t have been at all wise to confess everything to a woman he had just met. Certainly, if he had done so she would probably now be questioning his judgment or lack of it. But then she was rather sensitive to men who misled her, deliberately or not.
Teddy fully intended to apologize to the man on their next meeting. According to his aunt, Jack and his father had been in London for over a week now and, as he was here tonight, there was no time like the present. She wasn’t used to apologizing, she rarely had anything to apologize for. She was usually even-tempered and unfailingly polite. Unfortunately, Jack Channing did seem to bring out her less admirable qualities.
She tucked her book into the large bag she carried when coordinating an event and removed the smock she always wore over her gown when in a serving area or kitchen—it would not do to appear in soiled clothing and one never knew what might happen behind the scenes. She ignored the thought that her gown was a few years out of fashion but that couldn’t be helped. She tucked the smock in her bag and stowed it in the corner of what had once been the plate room of the mansion that was now the home of the Explorers Club and tonight served as a station for the waiters providing guests with a never-ending offering of champagne or fruit punch. Everything was well in hand and Teddy could take her leave without undue concern. She started toward the ballroom through the maze of private corridors that wound around the building.
The Explorers Club was housed in a grand mansion in Bloomsbury near the British Museum, presented to the club by a previous benefactor some fifty or so years ago. Another later patron had donated funds for an addition to the original house that provided lecture halls and a large meeting room that also served as a ballroom when called upon to do so. According to Teddy’s mother, this was the first year the club had employed an outside agency to coordinate the ball as usually this was handled by a committee of wives of club members. This year, however, those dutiful spouses had apparently rebelled in support of the effort by a small group of stalwart and very vocal ladies who were insisting club membership be opened to women. While privately, Teddy’s mother thought it was disgraceful, it was to their benefit and a few appropriately placed comments was all it took to secure the event. Teddy was not merely grateful to those ladies attempting to storm the male stronghold but rather proud of them as well. It was yet one more thing she and her mother disagreed about.
As annoying as it was, it was probably for the best that her mother wasn’t here tonight. Since the death of Teddy’s father, her mother had carried on a concerted campaign to convince her daughter to marry the relative who had inherited her husband’s title. A campaign that, for reasons known only to her mother but did seem connected to Teddy’s failure to wed elsewhere coupled with the regrettable fact that she wasn’t getting any younger, had escalated in recent months. Simon, Mother had argued, was a delightful man and marriage to him would return Teddy, and her mother, to their proper positions in life. Teddy had no desire to marry Simon, although he was indeed nice enough, nor did she wish to marry anyone for purposes other than affection. Love, should she happen upon it, would be ideal. But if these past four years had taught her nothing else, she had learned to be a realist. Love was as elusive as financial security. And marriage was no longer her goal.
She passed by a set of French doors leading to a private, enclosed terrace created when the addition to the building had been constructed. Complete with wrought-iron benches and planters and a small fountain that ran in the warmer months, it was exactly the sort of place to catch a breath of fresh air or have an illicit meeting or escape. A gentleman outside paced the width of the terrace, walking in and out of the pool of illumination cast by a gas lamp mounted on a post. To be expected really. As always at crowded events like this, the ballroom was probably overly warm. He turned and she caught a glimpse of his face. Perfect. This would be far easier in private.
She braced herself, pushed open the door, and stepped out into the cold night air.
“Good evening, Mr. Channing.”
He started, then smiled. “Good evening, Lady Theodosia. What a delightful surprise.”
She returned his smile. “Life is full of the unexpected.”
“You have no idea.”
She wrapped her arms around herself. “Good Lord, it’s cold out here.”
“It is a bit brisk but the building cuts the breeze. Here.” He pulled off his coat, moved to her, and wrapped it around her shoulders. “Better?”
“Not really, but thank you.” She shook her head. “Now you’re going to freeze to death.”
He chuckled. “I doubt that. And frankly, the cold feels good.”
“What are you doing out here anyway?”
“I just needed a moment. For fresh air.”
“Fresh air?”
“And to think,” he admitted.
“It’s entirely too cold to think,” she muttered and pulled his coat tighter about her. “Might I be of some assistance?”
His brow rose. “Are you running this evening too? Do you intend to make certain every guest has a good time?”
“Not tonight.” She shook her head. “This sort of event is a far different matter than a private affair. There is no hostess to be held accountable for whether or not one had an enjoyable evening. But yes, I did plan tonight’s festivities.”
“Another business venture?”
“Another way to fill one’s idle moments,” she said lightly. “Besides, as this is the Explorers Club, whose purpose is to support and encourage exploration and scientific advancement, we have cut our usual fees. Taking on tonight’s gathering was as much in the realm of a favor as anything else.”
“You are a supporter of the Explorers Club?”
“Not really although I have attended lectures here on occasion but tonight is a bit out of the ordinary.”
“Oh?”
“The wives of the club members refused to organize this year’s ball as a form of protest against the club refusing to admit female members.”
“How intrepid of them.” A thoughtful note sounded in his voice. “Do they want to be club members?”
“Not especially but they are supporting those women who wish to do so, most of whom are extremely accomplished and have a far greater right to be a member than many of their male counterparts.” She raised her chin. “And I quite agree with them.”
“Of course you do,” he murmured. “So the ladies have taken inspiration from Aristophanes’ Lysistrata?”
“It’s not quite as firm a stand as that although I daresay, that would be interesting.” In the Greek play, the women of Greece withheld marital relations until their husbands agreed to end the war between Athens and Sparta. Teddy had studied Aristophanes at the very progressive Miss Bicklesham’s Academy for Accomplished Young Ladies. Still, it was a fairly obscure reference. “My, you are well educated.”
“You sound surprised.”
“Not at all,” she said quickly although she had certainly implied otherwise. “Your aunt had mentioned that you had done well in your studies and . . .”
He leaned closer and lowered his voice in a confidential manner. “We do have a few good schools, you know, even in the uncivilized colonies. When we’re not fighting the natives or making our way through the wilderness, that is.”
“I didn’t mean . . .” She winced. “I am sorry. It’s just that your aunt has been going on and on about your accomplishments and, well, no one can be quite that perfect. It’s nice to know she wasn’t exaggerating.”
“She wasn’t exaggerating about you either.”
Heat flushed up her face and she was grateful he couldn’t see her blush in the darkness. What was it about this man that made everything he said either annoy her or leav
e her speechless? “As I was saying, if indeed this was a business instead of a pastime we would not be doing well tonight at all.”
“I see.”
“And do you still disapprove?”
His eyes widened in surprise. “I don’t disapprove.”
“Really? I had the distinct impression at Camille’s wedding that you strongly disapproved of a woman in business.”
“You simply caught me by surprise, that’s all. You must admit it is unusual.”
She nodded. “I will admit that. But I believe you called taking payment for our services unseemly.”
“Surely not. I never would have said such a thing.” He shook his head but his eyes twinkled in the lamplight. “You must have misheard me.”
“My hearing is excellent.”
“Then I misspoke. And for that you have my most heartfelt apologies.”
She narrowed her eyes. “Why?”
“Are you always this suspicious?”
“Yes. So again, why?”
“Because if I called your taking payment for your excellent work unseemly it was both rude and unfair. Unfortunately, I am not always as progressive as I would like. Bankers, you see, tend to be both reserved and old-fashioned.” He shook his head in a mournful manner. “It’s a flaw in my character I’m afraid.”
“A flaw.” She widened her eyes in feigned disbelief. “How very odd as Lady Briston has yet to mention your having so much as a minor flaw.”
He grinned. “I have been on my best behavior.”
“No doubt. But please, go on.”
“I am engaged in the world of finance and, on occasion, I find myself dealing with a woman, usually a widow, who has undertaken the management of a business she has inherited from a late husband or other relative. Sometimes they have no idea what they’re doing.”
“This doesn’t sound like a reason to apologize.”
“I’m not done.” He cast her a chastising frown and continued. “As I was saying, sometimes they are not up to the challenge but, in my experience, as often as not they rise to the occasion. Or . . .” He shrugged. “They are clever enough to realize the world of commerce is beyond them and sell their business, ensuring their financial security, at least for a time.”
“Then why did you say it was unseemly?”
“Again . . .” He heaved an overly dramatic sigh. “I have no memory of that.”
“And yet you apologized.”
“Anything to make you like me again.”
“It’s not necessary.” She drew a deep breath. “I owe you an apology as well. I wasn’t at all pleasant to you the morning after the wedding. I jumped to the wrong conclusions and responded poorly and, well, I do hope you can forgive me.”
“I imagine I would forgive you anything, Lady Theodosia.”
“Teddy,” she said, firmly ignoring the rush of pleasure brought by his words.
“No, I don’t think so.” He shook his head. “If we are going to call each other by our first names, and I suspect Delilah would be more than a little annoyed if we didn’t, then I much prefer Theodosia to Teddy.”
“I can’t imagine why. Teddy isn’t at all stuffy and is a great deal of fun. Whereas Theodosia is the name for an ancient spinster, entirely too concerned with propriety, who will die alone surrounded by her needlework in a houseful of cats.”
He laughed.
“Although I daresay I am fast approaching that point.” She wrinkled her nose. “Fortunately, cats make me sneeze.”
“It means ‘gift of God,’ you know. Theodosia that is.”
“I did know that.” She narrowed her gaze. “How did you know it?”
“You do ask a lot of questions.”
“I always have. Well?”
“Millworth has a vast and impressive library.” He chuckled. “You’d be amazed at the information you can find there. Besides Theodosia is a beautiful name.” He paused. “It suits you.”
“Because I am an adventure?” she said without thinking.
“Absolutely. And a beautiful one at that.”
She stared at him curiously. “No one that I know would ever accuse me of being at a loss for words. Are you aware that you say things that quite take me aback and I don’t know how to respond?”
“It’s not deliberate,” he said with a smile. “But yes I was aware of that. I like it.”
“It must be the American in you.”
“Possibly, because I do find it delightful.” His gaze met hers. “Or maybe it’s just the man.”
Her breath caught. “You are an outrageous flirt. Exactly like your father.”
He paused. “That’s something at any rate.” An odd note sounded in his voice. “Speaking of my father, he’s probably wondering where I am.”
“And I do need to make an appearance in the ballroom.” She nodded toward the door.
“I should escort you in.” Still he seemed hesitant to do so.
“It’s not at all necessary and our returning together might cause more than a few tongues to wag.”
“We wouldn’t want that,” he murmured but it was obvious his mind was on anything but gossip about the two of them.
“Oh dear.” She considered him closely. “Is this another instance of being a fish out of water?”
He grimaced. “Is it that obvious?”
“I’m afraid so, at least at the moment.”
“It’s, well, it’s awkward that’s all.” He blew a long breath and resumed pacing. “I’ve never in my entire life felt out of place before. A few weeks ago, there were no questions in my life. I knew who I was, what I was, and where I was headed. Now, I’m not even sure of my own name.”
“Jack,” she said helpfully. He stopped and stared at her. “Or do you prefer Jackson?”
“Jack,” he said and continued to pace. “I’ve always thought of myself as Jack even if everyone else has always called me Jackson. Jackson is the name of a banker. I don’t know who Jack is.”
“I can see where that would be difficult.”
“You don’t know the half of it.” He shook his head. “I’m a banker, Theodosia. For much of my life I knew I would be a banker and I’ve been a banker since I left school. My grandfather is a banker and my great-grandfather founded the bank. Banking defines my family.”
“Your mother’s family.”
“Exactly. Now I find myself with a father who is bigger than life. Who has been places I have only dreamed of seeing and done things I have never imagined doing. At least not since childhood. My father is the stuff legends and heroes are made out of. And I’m . . .”
“A stodgy, straitlaced banker.” She nodded sympathetically.
He stopped in midstep. “I never said stodgy or straitlaced. I believe I said reserved and old-fashioned.”
She waved off his objection. “One in the same really.”
“Not . . . yes, I suppose you’re right.” He returned to pacing. “And tonight, well, ever since we arrived in London, he has been introducing me as his son to these friends and acquaintances of his, all of whom are as adventurous as he and—”
“Don’t be absurd, Jack.” She scoffed. “Why, I would wager a great deal of money that no more than a handful of those men in that ballroom right now have ever ventured anywhere close to the wilds of Africa or jungles of the Amazon.”
“Regardless, they obviously have adventurous spirits or they wouldn’t be here in the first place. I don’t fit in and worse I don’t know how to fit in.”
“Come now. I’m sure they’re all quite fond of fish. Why, they simply devoured the salmon en croute served tonight.”
He ignored her attempt to lighten his mood.
“And as much as you might think we all speak the same language, we don’t.” He ran his hand through his hair. “Good God, Theodosia, I don’t even understand their jokes.”
She clapped her hands to her cheeks in horror. “Oh no, not that!”
He stared at her for a long moment. Finally the corners of his lips c
urved upward slightly. “This is not amusing.”
“Of course it is. It’s most amusing. You’d see that if you weren’t the fish.” She shook her head. “Fish have a terrible lack of confidence.”
“Do they?”
“Oh my, yes.”
“Am I being absurd?”
“Absolutely.”
“It’s not very heroic, is it?” he said wryly. “Not up to my father’s standards.”
“Jackson Channing,” she said sharply. “I daresay your father has no expectations when it comes to you.”
“Oh, that’s good to know.”
“Now is not the time for sarcasm.” She sniffed and continued. “Why, you’ve barely met after all. Besides, I have known Colonel Channing for nearly a dozen years and yes, he is known for his adventures and certainly he has done any number of things other men have only dreamed of doing but I have never seen him as proud and happy as he is when he looks at you.”
“Still, I’m certain he never expected his son to be a stodgy, straitlaced banker.”
“A reserved, old-fashioned banker if you please,” she said firmly. “In point of fact, he never expected to have a son at all so as far as your not being what he wanted why that’s just so much nonsense, rubbish, poppycock.”
He raised a brow. “Poppycock?”
“Complete and utter poppycock.” She nodded and stepped closer. “Furthermore, it seems to me you have been given an opportunity few other men have.”
“And what might that be?”
“Why you can now be whomever or whatever you choose. Although who you are, the man you are, I mean, hasn’t changed, not really. But the entire world is open to you. You can follow your heart as it were.” She stared up at him. “You can continue to follow in your grandfather’s footsteps if that’s what you truly want. Or you can choose instead your father’s path in life. And eventually of course, you can step into your uncle’s shoes. You . . .” She emphasized her words with a poke of her finger. “Can be anything you want. An adventurer. A hero. A banker. An earl. Anything.”
The Shocking Secret of a Guest at the Wedding (Millworth Manor) Page 11