If she failed, they would retract their invitation. And it did also feel sopersonal.
And why did they even want the betting book? It was filled with nothing but a record of ridiculous pastimes of the masculine realm. In other words, they wanted a book filled with wagers of bored men.
Unless they wanted to use those wagers to blackmail certain people?
“Not so farfetched an idea...” She finished the other horn and leaned back slightly to observe her handiwork. “A much better representation.”
Two maids returned with waistcoats in their arms, followed by Theodosia, who stopped dead in her tracks.
“What on earth are you doing?” her friend asked. “No, forget about that, what are youwearing?”
“Oh, this?” Selena glanced down at Warrick’s robe. “Do you like it? It’s my newest fashion craze.”
“I shall pass,” Theodosia said. “I prefer the Turkish trousers.”
Selena stepped down from the stool, setting the palette and brush aside on a table. “You are just in time.” She waved a hand over the waistcoats the maids placed on the divan before excusing themselves. “We are snipping these up.” A little revenge for daring to lock her in her chamber, regardless of the futility of it. She couldn’t move on without getting him back.
“Your brother’s, I presume.”
Selena nodded.
“As much as I wish to join you in your rampage, I don’t have much time to spare. I came to tell you that I shall be leaving London on the morrow.”
Selena blinked away her surprise. “I never thought you’d take my advice.”
Theodosia picked at one of the waistcoats. “It’s good advice. I’m also taking the betting book. I can’t have that thing in the house when my brothers return, and I want to escape their scolding altogether.”
Ask for the book.“Is your mother joining you?”
Theodosia shook her head. “Which I’m forever grateful for. If I have to sit through one more cursed blind match up I might commit murder.”
“She’s just concerned for you.”
“I know. I believe she is worried about my brothers’ reactions to everything that’s transpired so far this season, so she is allowing me to retire to our country estate.”
“Well, that is good.”Now is your chance. Ask for the book.“What time will you be leaving?”
“I’m not sure. Noon, perhaps. Why? Care to join me?”
Wouldn’t that take care of everything and nothing at the same time! “I wish I could, but that would mean my brother would be following me.”
“Please remain at home then.” Theodosia grinned at the painting. “I’m surprised he didn’t burst into the room to stop you.”
“He has been avoiding me for the past day.”
Theodosia nodded thoughtfully and took a seat against the pile of clothing, glancing at the waistcoats with interest.
“Tempted?” Selena asked.
“A little bit.”
Selena handed her the pair of scissors. “Try it. I promise you will find it rewarding.”
Theodosia paused, but only for the briefest of seconds, before accepting the scissors, inspecting the various selections of waistcoats. A purple one caught her eye. “I think he wore this one when he hounded me in the cardroom that time.”
Ah, yes. Selena recalled that night. It was the night Warrick had stood up for her to her brother. Her heart did a little somersault. “Well then, it’s the perfect one to slice into pieces.”
Theodosia nodded, and a moment later the sound of snipping filled the drawing room. A smile blossomed on her face. “You are right. It is rather rewarding.”
