“I’ve only been concerned with Blythe, but it appears I should have looked further afield,” her mother said.
“It was anaccident,” Theo whispered again, opening her eyes to face Mama’s disappointment.
“Yes, brought on by your uninvited presence in Blythe’s study. At least according to Cousin Winnie, who was informed by Lady Blythe.” Mama’s voice held a note of dislike. “It is my understanding that Haven was there awaiting Blythe and his mother to ask their help in speaking to Lord Emerson about courting his daughter. Were you invited to give your opinion as well?”
Her mother knew that wasn’t the case. “No.”
“I can think of no other reason why you would be present in Blythe’s study during a party given in his honor, Theodosia. Except the obvious. We are very distressed by your lack of judgement. You’ve done irreparable damage to yourself.”
We. Her mother at times spoke as if Papa were still with them. But she was correct. Papa would be terribly disappointed in her. He’d had such faith in her intelligence.
Tony took a chair across from Theo, his long legs stretching out before him as he sipped at his drink. “Lady Blythe claims she caught Haven and Theo in a torrid embrace.”
“Yes, Winnie said as much. And what did Haven say?” Mama held up her hand when Theo tried to speak.
“Theo tripped, and he caught her. Nothing more, despite Lady Blythe’s claims. Blythe confirmed that he did ask Haven to meet him in the study.” Tony paused and looked into his glass. “I don’t think he lured her there or took liberties.”
“But?” Mama said.
“Haven is only too happy to do the right thing. I’d feel better if he’d made a squeak of protest. Or at the very least, mentioned he needed to speak to Miss Emerson. The situation only seems a bit convenient, I suppose. If I didn’t know better, I’d assume he intentionally compromised Theodosia, except it would have been impossible for him to guess she was there.”
“I agree, but we cannot condemn Haven for being impoverished. And it is Theo’s own impulsiveness for seeking out Blythe which resulted in this mess.” Mama turned to her.
“I—merely wished a moment alone. His study seemed convenient—”
Mama made a sound of disbelief. “Theodosia.”
“Don’t either of you care in the least that I’m being forced to marry a man I don’t even like?” she said, looking up at them both. Self-pity threatened to overwhelm her. None of this was her fault. “That I love Blythe?”
Her mother set her glass of brandy down on the table with such violence, Theo thought the fine crystal might shatter.
“Tony,” Mama said in a firm tone. “I’m sure you’re exhausted with recent events, not to mention handling Elysium. I wish to speak to Theodosia alone. We can continue our discussion tomorrow.”
Not many would dare to dismiss the Duke of Averell so casually, except his stepmother.
“As you wish, madam.” Tony bowed politely, pausing only to press a kiss atop Theo’s head before carrying his glass from the room.
Mama waited for the sound of Tony’s steps to fade before picking up her brandy again. She took a sip, regarding Theo over the rim of her glass.
“I have hadenough, Theodosia.”
“But—”
“Do not dare interrupt me. I have stood by these past few months and watched you make a complete cake of yourself over the Earl of Blythe. Yes, he is charming. Handsome. Pays you an inordinate amount of attention, most of it directed toward your bosom. Not a bit of his behavior is that of a man with honorable intentions. Or a man with any intentions toward you at all. I think that despite your best efforts, there is little you could have done to induce him to offer for you.”
“I’m not sure that is entirely true,” Theo protested weakly, knowing that her mother was right. Hadn’t she belatedly come to the same conclusion tonight?
“You are not a stupid girl, Theodosia, though you’ve behaved recently as if you’ve not a brain in your head. You were the one I didn’t have to worry over. Romy was always marching about, declaring how she must lead and everyone else should follow. Olivia is kindness itself, so much so I’ve always worried her good nature would be taken advantage of. Phaedra,” Mama’s face took on a pinched look, “is destined for some sort of catastrophe. It is merely too soon to tell. But you? My reclusive artist? My lover of mysteries and romantic novels? My biggest worry has been you’d never leave your studio to associate with the rest of the world but would continue to live your life in the clouds. I thought Blythe aphase. A way to distract yourself because of,” the words stumbled, and her mother paled, “your father.”
Theo tried to take a breath, but it hurt far too much. “No.” She shook her head. “That isn’t the case.” Blythe wasn’t some sort of shiny distraction. “I love Blythe. Adore him.”
“Listen to yourself, Theo.” Mama shook her head. “How many times have I warned you and your sisters that it is one thing to be bold, another to be brazen? Did you assume behaving in such a flirtatious way would earn Blythe’s admiration? He probably told you he found such behavior original. Becoming.” Her fingers fluttered about her glass. “Or other such nonsense.”
Theo looked away because Blythe had used those very words. She and her sisters had often mocked the flagrant ways in which young ladies tried to catch a gentleman’s attention. Imitating the coos and chirps they made while batting their eyes and fluttering their fans.
Theo had become one of them. A nitwit.
“Has Blythe taken liberties?”
