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“Thank you,” Theo said. “I appreciate that. Now if you’ll excuse—”
“Before you go”—she squeezed Theo’s arm gently—“I do hope you’ll take care of yourself. A woman of fine repute cannot be too careful with unknown men.”
“I have it on excellent authority, ma’am, that my reputation is hardly to suffer damage, seeing as I’m considered something of an eccentric. I did not realize that being unmarried at my age would lend itself to such an epithet, but there you have it.”
“My dear, who can be so cruel as to utter such things in your hearing?”
No denial, which meant it truly was a known thing. The thought that these people, whom she had long regarded as friends, could be so faithless, sent a sharp pain through her chest. But not for nothing did she have Stapleton blood running though her veins. She tossed her head back. “Is it better they speak such things behind my back?”
Lady Bellingham’s eyes fell. “Of course not, no.”
No. Of course not.
“My dear, let me just say, for all that you are not a green girl, you are still a friend.”
It seemed so hard to stomach the claim, when Mama’s friend had been the one to betray them. Theo kept her smile stiff and pushed up her brows, waiting for whatever pearl of wisdom Lady Bellingham seemed desperate to impart, judging from her pressing Theo’s arm.
“A lady must always take heed to her reputation, regardless of her age. And while you may not think it so very necessary for yourself, at least consider the young lady who is under the protection of your roof.”
“How ironic, as it is all for Becky’s sake that his injury even came to be.”
“I beg your pardon?”
For a reckless moment, Theo desperately wanted to share the true identity of their lodger. But then memories of Lady Bellingham’s fuss, the way she had always inserted herself into every function and party of note, came to mind, and Theo drew back.
“Theodosia? What is it you wish to say?”
“Nothing, ma’am. Forgive me. I suspect this wind might give me a touch of a headache, and I must beg your leave to return to the carriage. I would not have Mama stay out in the cold any longer than what is absolutely necessary. She is so prone to take ill, as you know.”
“But of course. I should hate for our little conversation to lead to such a thing. Your mama is rather more delicate than some.”
Theo said the Bellinghams would be welcome to visit during the week, although not Thursday, as the household was taking that day to ensure Becky’s natal day could be remembered well, especially given her mother’s passing.
“Oh, of course. I cannot conceive how poor Amelia would cope if I was to pass on.”
A woman with an increasing family of her own, who lived miles away, would likely find the death of her mother rather different to a newly orphaned girl of more tender years. This she did not say, instead finally making her farewell, only to be captured by Mrs. Crouch, who echoed Lady Bellingham’s words about taking care to her reputation, albeit in much kinder tones.
“Thank you, but I assure you there is nothing to be concerned about.” She mustered a wobbly smile. “The man has a broken leg after all.”
“A broken leg matters little to the minds of some here.”
Her fingers clenched. “Why must people be so miserly minded?” she cried.
Mrs. Crouch held sympathy in her eyes. “You are likely very tired, Theodosia, and I hope you may get some rest and relax. Life always seems more challenging when we are not refreshed sufficiently.”
Relax? What a wonderful idea. If only she could. “Thank you. I will do my best to rest this afternoon.”
“That is what the Sabbath is for, is it not?”
Theo nodded, said goodbye, and finally made her escape to the carriage, where she did her best to fend off the concerns and questions of both ladies. Thank God this day of rest meant she could find solitude, once they reached the hallowed halls of Stapleton Court.
But when they reached the house it was to see an unexpected carriage and two figures waiting at the door.
“Who is that?” Becky asked.
Theo’s heart sank, while her mother exclaimed with glee. “Oh, how wonderful!”
“Who is it, ma’am?”
