Chapter Eighteen
“What are youabout, Dora?” her father asked before she could leave the house.
“I mean to call on Emma,” she said. “I must speak to her.”
“Could your news not wait until after you break your fast?”
Dora’s first instinct was to acquiesce, but then she remembered Alexander’s orders. “I do not mean to be disrespectful, Father. You know I adore you, but, if I am to one day be mistress of my own house, I must abandon my childhood fits of temper.”
Her father’s stance relaxed significantly. “Then you and Alexander have settled things between you.”
“We have, though we have not discussed a date, but it shall be after this matter with Lord Honfleur is complete,” she explained.
“And you are satisfied with these arrangements?” he inquired tentatively.
“Not completely,” she admitted, “but…” she pointed her finger at him, “such does not mean I am unhappy, and, therefore, my father must remove the obstacles from my path.”
“I would not…” he began.
“Yes, you would,” she corrected. “And you have. And I love you most dearly for all you execute in my name.” She rose on hertoes to place a kiss on her father’s cheek. “Now, I must speak to Emma. Later, Alexander is to bring a tray of Dutton family rings from which I may choose to wear to mark our engagement.”
Twenty minutes later, Theodora followed the Orson butler into the morning room at Orson Hall. “Lady Theodora, my lord. My lady,” the servant announced.
Lady Emma was immediately on her feet and circling the table, hands outstretched to claim Dora’s. “I was planning to call on you today,” Emma said as she embraced Theodora. Dora was so thankful that Richard had brought this woman into her life. Into all their lives.
“I knew you would be,” Dora declared with a smile. “But I could not wait to speak to you.”
Orson had stood on Theodora’s entrance. To him, she said, “You shall surely forgive me.”
Her eldest brother chuckled as he, too, approached. “I was just telling Emma something of Marksman’s call upon Mrs. Dove-Lyon last evening.” He bent to kiss Theodora’s upturned cheek. “Come join us. Most assuredly you did not take time to break your fast. Another plate, Mr. Walters.”
“Yes, my lord.”
Emma returned to her place while Richard seated Dora on his left across from Emma.
“What were you saying of Alexander’s encounter with Mrs. Dove-Lyon?” Dora asked, still extremely curious regarding Marksman’s agreement to being “embarrassed” by the woman.
“I just told Emma I could not be late in taking my seat in the Lords today, for Alexander is to make an unusual appearance,” Orson explained.
“Do you know what his lordship has agreed to do?” Dora asked, as curious as ever.
“No, but your father sent a note around to ‘warn’ each of us,” Richard said with a chuckle. “As well as forbid us from telling anyone.”
Theodora could not hide her disappointment for not learning what Alexander would enact to please her nor her elation at having the man’s declaration, at last. “I asked him not to do something that would bring him harm.” To Emma, she said, “Were you like me? Were you unaware of how a woman seeking a match was first put on display for the men to decide if she is worthy of his taking on Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s challenge?”
Emma looked to Richard. “Is such true?”
Orson shrugged. “Some young lords are too bored for their own good.”
Emma appeared shocked. “Oh, Dora, I would never have suggested our visit to the Lyon’s Den if I had known.”
“It is all well,” Theodora assured. “Lord Marksman is to bring several rings from the Dutton safe from which I may choose as my betrothal ring. He will have one designed for the wedding.” She swallowed her sigh of contentment. “As to the bet, Marksman has promised he will only know a bit of ‘deserved’ embarrassment.”
“I would love to observe the proceedings today,” Emma admitted.
Dora confirmed, “As would I, but I must permit Alexander his stratagems. However, if you have no other plans for today, I had hoped you might accompany me to Madame Emmeline’s. I wish to look at the fashion plates and the cloth available. I shall require several new gowns, and I should not wait to choose a dress for my wedding. Marksman has said we shall marry after this business with Honfleur is over.”
Orson stood, “Then I should be off to my duties and later to the Lords.” He bent to kiss Emma with a lingering show of his devotion. “You two enjoy your day, my dear.”
