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Sebastian was becomingaccustomed to the lurching of his heart whenever Theodosia laughed. Something she’d said earlier had caught at his mind and burrowed deep. Trust his sister a little…and the worry would abate. He had lingered for over an hour in memories, and all the ways he himself had taught her to be careful. He’d realized that he still saw her as his small, helpless sister who needed him to fight all her battles and make her decisions for her, when she was a grown lady on the cusp of marriage. The reckless impetuosity of her current actions aside, Perdie was indeed astute and clever, sensible enough to use his name and power to incite the fear of God into any reprobate who might accost her on her journey.
For tonight…he would worry less, tomorrow began planning anew.
The drums had started to beat, mixing with the fiddlers. “I’ve never been to a fair before,” she said smiling engagingly at him. “It is so very lovely and lively!” She strolled about, watching the villagers, stopping at the different carts buying pastries and beads she might never wear. The sun had lowered in the sky, but several large bonfires roared, providing light along with lanterns and streaming ribbons. There was also a pole richly decorated with garlands and ribbons. The villagers danced around the maypole, holding and entwining lengths of brightly colored ribbons. The very air itself was festive with the laughter, ribald jokes, and music.
Theo ate roasted mutton spitted on a stick, licking the grease from her fingers.
“Your appetite is a bottomless pit.”
She grinned. “Not bottomless. I am halfway satisfied.”
“You’ve eaten three meat pies, and now this roasted mutton.”
She licked her bottom lip and made a purr of pleasure. “Hmm, and I can smell roasted pork on the air, and something sweet. I shall have those too.” Using her finger, she tore off a chunk of meat, and pushed it toward his mouth.
Sebastian parted his lips and took the meat. Flavors exploded on this tongue and he chewed thoughtfully.
“Hmmm?” she said with an arch of her brow and a lift of her chin.
“It is very good.”
Her eyes danced with merriment. “What creature are you? This is more than good, it is divine.”
Sebastian chuckled at her enthusiasm, tugging her further onto the lawns and closer to the dancing couples.
“There was a time if I wanted to eat two pieces of cake at luncheon I was reprimanded most severely,” she said, wrinkling her nose at him. “Everything was moderated by mama, especially how I ate. Apparently if I am not careful, I will get plump. I held that belief throughout my brief marriage. Existing at the will of others feels remarkably like a stone weighing your body to the bottom of a lake and there is no chance to push it off and come up for air.” Theo stopped, she lifted her chin to the sky, and her mouth curved. “Now I eat whatever I want, when I want it.”
Theodosia stared at the dancers, a wistfulness in her gaze, a touch of longing that pulled at a chord deep inside Sebastian.
“Do you wish to join them in dancing?”
“Oh, yes, though I’ve never danced around a maypole before. But first, I must try this local ale!” she said, dragging him toward the cart set up advertising their finest ale.
“I’ve had it before,” he cautioned. “It is very strong.”
That bit of knowledge did not deter her, and she walked closer to the merry villagers who evidently delighted that a lady and a duke joined their raucous fun. She sent him a teasing glance from beneath her beautiful lashes. “What Sebastian has done…Theo can do.”
How incredibly young and lovely she looked. She lifted the tankard the ale keeper had handed her and impressed him by taking several gulps. “It is a fair today. We must drink and be merry!”
He stared astonished when she sampled four mugs of ale in quick succession, humming her delight. “Let’s dance!” Theodosia gracefully pirouette away from him, merriment dancing in her eyes. “Are we to dance, Sebastian?”
The villagers filled with excitement and alcohol roared their approval when he moved toward her, grabbed her about the waist and swung her into the fast jig.
“Oh!” she gasped, grinning. “Challenge accepted.”
He twirled and spun her with increasing vigor as the drums pounded louder, and the fiddlers increased their pace. Those who were best acquainted with Sebastian would be astonished at the ease Theodosia made him laugh. Many of his friends often lamented his serious nature, but he hadn’t known how to be as laid back as his friends when he’d assumed such a large responsibility at the age of nineteen. Seb had tried to balance both worlds, university studies and frivolous pursuits that were expected of men of leisure and wealth. The duty of caring for his bereaved sister and mother, ensuring the lands and holdings he’d inherited flourished had dominated his young life. Seb had found purpose and honor in fulfilling his duties and hadn’t lamented his lot in life but thrown all his determination into ensuring his family and those dependent on his lands were well taken care of. Theodosia brought out a need to laugh and live. Odd. But it was there, under his skin, a burning need to bask in her smile and kisses.
“Whatever are you thinking?” she asked, laughing, almost breathless from the fast reel.
Inexplicably I like you.
“I am not sure I can tell you.”
Pleasure lit in her golden eyes. “Oh, a secret! I like those. I am not very good with recalling things when I am tipsy. You can tell me. I won’t remember in the morning,” she teased.
“Ah, so the lady does know she is foxed.”
