“Olivia was present,” Addington explained. “Until I upset her. That was not my intent, but the conversation proved… difficult.”
“Then perhaps you are right to take your leave.”
Addington inclined his head, making no attempt to argue. “Miss Theodosia,” he said, “it was a pleasure to see you again.”
“The pleasure was mine, sir,” she replied, her voice composed, though she could feel Lord Wilton’s gaze like a weight upon her.
As Mr. Addington passed, he paused beside Lord Wilton. “We should have that drink soon.”
“Tomorrow?” Lord Wilton suggested, his tone still tight.
“That would do. I’ll send word to the others.”
And with that, Mr. Addington departed, leaving behind a silence that prickled with unsaid things. Theodosia turned to find Lord Wilton’s eyes fixed upon her, his expression far from warm.
He crossed his arms over his chest. “The rules of propriety may be more forgiving in the country, but in London, a young lady does not remain unchaperoned with a gentleman. Surely even you must be aware of that.”
“I was not meeting with Mr. Addington,” Theodosia returned, her spine stiffening. “He came to speak with Olivia. She excused herself, and I remained. That is all.”
“Regardless,” he said, tilting his head slightly, “the result remains the same—you and he, alone together.”
Her temper flared. “Yes, and quite unintentionally. Are you accusing me of some impropriety, my lord?”
He didn’t answer at once. Instead, he approached her, hiseyes narrowing slightly. “I would have to be blind not to notice that Mr. Addington holds a certain fondness for you.”
That startled a laugh from her. “Then I fear your eyesight is in question, for you are entirely mistaken.”
“Am I?” he asked. “He is the second son of an earl, with excellent connections, and he is a Fellow at Oxford. You could do far worse.”
“I have no intention of marrying Mr. Addington.”
“You say that now?—”
“I will say that always,” she interrupted, her voice firm.
A discreet throat clearing from the doorway broke the taut silence between them.
Both turned. Mr. Addington stood there, his expression strained and his posture awkward, as though he regretted returning at all. “Forgive me,” he said. “I appear to have left my hat.”
Theodosia followed his gaze to the table near the window, where a well-brushed black top hat rested beside a porcelain vase. “Indeed.” She crossed the room, retrieved the hat, and handed it to him with a polite smile. “Here you are.”
For a moment, Mr. Addington lingered, glancing between them with his brow slightly creased. “Good day, Wilton. Miss Theodosia,” he murmured, bowing briefly before taking his leave.
Theodosia turned back towards Lord Wilton. “If you will excuse me, I should check on Olivia.” She took a step, then paused. “That is… assuming I have your permission to go unchaperoned,” she added, her tone laced with mockery.
“By all means, do as you please. But keep in mind what I said about propriety.”
“I shall never forget it,” she said dryly, sweeping towards the door.
She left without a backward glance and hurried up thestairs. But even as her steps carried her towards Olivia’s room, her thoughts lingered stubbornly in the drawing room.
She didn’t understand him.
Lord Wilton had looked almost… possessive. Irritated by Mr. Addington’s presence. Perhaps even jealous? But that was absurd. Entirely absurd.
What possible reason could Lord Wilton have to be jealous of another gentleman’s attention?
She paused in front of Olivia’s bedchamber and gently rapped her knuckles against the door.
