The awkwardness of the incident in his study two days before they had dealt with by firmly ignoring it. When they had come together for breakfast the morning after, neither of them had mentioned it.
Margaret felt the pain still in her gut that he had discarded her so quickly on the settee. He had gone from showing affection, even protectiveness, to tipping her off his lap.
What was so wrong in that moment, I wonder, to cause such a sudden change in manner?
“I have to apologize for something in advance,” Evelina whispered in a rush, looking between the two of them.
“For what?” Margaret asked.
“This,” Gabriel muttered warningly.
Behind them, someone else entered. It was Margaret’s father. James walked straight toward them then stumbled as he lookedaround the ballroom, his jaw dropping as he took in the sight of the ballroom.
“I had to invite him,” Margaret said gently. “His presence is hardly a surprise.”
“It’s his mood we’re apologizing for,” Gabriel explained. “We gave him a lift here. It is an offer I am already regretting.” He sighed and offered his hand to Evelina. “Come, let’s get you something to eat. I don’t want you feeling nauseous now.”
Evelina looked at him with such softness in her gaze that Margaret watched the two of them go with a strange twisting feeling in her gut. It took a whole minute of staring after them to realize what that feeling was.
Jealousy.
She wondered how it would feel to have Theodore take her hand like that, smile at her in that way, and to show such simple yet meaningful protectiveness.
“Lord Edlerglen,” Theo addressed her father, urging Margaret to turn back and face them both.
James had control of his awe now and turned to face them both. There was an eagerness in his stride that made him bound in his steps as he halted beside them.
“My congratulations to you both. This ball… it is quite something, indeed.”
“It is all because of your daughter,” Theo said, his voice taking on a deep tone. “She handled all the preparations.”
Was that a compliment?
Margaret caught his eye. There was a small lifting to his lips.
“Your money can certainly purchase many beautiful things, Your Grace.” James’ words made both Margaret and Theo snap their heads around, staring at him. The plainness of the discussion about money was so crude that Margaret felt her insides writhe in embarrassment.
“Well, Father. You have many acquaintances and friends here tonight. Please, enjoy yourself.” She tried to wave him on, further into the room, but he gave no sign of having heard her. Instead, he took a small step towards Theo.
“Well done indeed, Your Grace,” James said again. “Clearly, the ton thinks highly of you. Look how many people have come to celebrate at your ball this evening.”
“People come where money is,” Theo said in such a warning tone that the stony tone seemed to vibrate through Margaret. “Would you not agree, my lord?”
“Oh, yes, yes.” His answer came swiftly, though he barely seemed to pay attention to the words. He had now picked up a fine punch glass from nearby and was turning it over to admire how it was made. “Even this glass alone must have cost a fortune. What riches you must have.”
Margaret pinched the bridge of her nose in humiliation.
“Father, please.” She hurried to drop her hand again. “Let us not talk of money tonight. Come and enjoy yourself with your friends.”
“You’ll have to learn to ignore my daughter, Your Grace.” James abruptly laughed, the sound like a dog barking. “I usually do. She sticks her nose in and speaks when she’s not always welcome to.”
Margaret stood numbly staring at her father, her jaw slack.
She may have endured anger and frustration at her father for many years. Her love for him had even been tested to great limits, but to be so insulted by him in front of her husband was atrocious. Her hand laid over her stomach as she wished to quell the twisting of her gut beneath her skin.
“I beg your pardon?” Theo’s voice took on a dangerous tone, having dropped at least one octave in pitch.
“I said –”
