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“You are not selfish.”
“Then I am ungrateful for not considering the family before me, people who shall become my relations. A man died seeking a life akin to what I have been so open-handedly given. I will not sulk but accept and be thankful.”
I was still not sure he was all right. “Say the word at any time, and I—”
“Theodore,” the marchioness called once more, and he stood straighter, looking to her.
“Yes, your ladyship?”
“You shall return with us to London?” I was not sure if she was asking him or telling him.
“You wish to take him back to London?” I asked.
“He cannot possibly be knighted here,” she stated and then looked at him. “Three days’ time to depart should be adequate, should it not?”
“Yes, your ladyship.” He nodded.
“Then I shall come too,” I said quickly.
“You are injured,” both Evander and Theodore said at the same time.
“It is but a scratch,” I lied, trying to put my foot back down off the pillow only to wince.
“See how she has become?” Evander exhaled, looking to our godmother. “Even Hathor is likely more reasonable than Verity at this moment.”
Aphrodite giggled while I glared at him from the corner of my eye before focusing on the marchioness.
“Godmother, it shall be weeks, maybe months, if at all, for a knighthood to be granted—”
“Theodore.” The way she called his name was beginning to feel like a reprimand.
“Yes, your ladyship?”
“Shall distance or time cause you to forget the Lady Verity?”
“Never, your ladyship.”
I stared down at my hands to keep from grinning so obviously.
“Then, as I said, three days’ time.”
“I shall be ready. Now Lady Verity ought to return to her rooms for rest.”
I lifted my head to look at him as he dared tell her what was to be done. But he simply faced her.
“Very well. Aphrodite, summon Eleanor to help them.” By help, it was clear she meant chaperone, but I would not fight, for at least now we were together.
Finally.
32
Verity
“Oh, how I wish to be rescued by the hands of a handsome gentleman,” two maids whispered, giggling to themselves as I passed by them and entered my private sitting room. All the town spoke of Dr. Theodore Darrington as though he were some poetic hero. I could only imagine what the gossip was about him in London. I had just sat down at the window with my book when I heard someone at the door.
“Enter,” I said, hoping for a letter from Theodore. Instead, it was Evander.
“Do not look so disappointed. It is a bit hurtful,” he said.
“I am never disappointed to see you, big brother,” I said, sitting up from my chair. “How are you?”
“That is a question for you, not me.” He sat beside me. “I know you hate to be kept inside, even if it is for your own good at times.”
“Should I not be the one to determine my own good?”
“When your senses are working, yes,” he teased me.
“You have come to fight?”
“No.” He smiled. “I have come to tell you that you were right.”
Now I set the book down completely. “Truly? On what matter?”
“How many matters do you believe there to be?”
“Far too many to count.”
He laughed and shook his head. “The one I speak of is marriage.”
“Oh, no, you are not permitted to change your mind.”
“I am not, but I recalled when you told me in London, before you lost your mind, how you worried I would take the loss of you. I realized I am not going to take it well.” He frowned.
“It is not as though I am to marry tomorrow.”
“Yes, but it is much sooner than I thought. Just as I had sought to create a haven here, you flee,” he replied and stretched out his hand for me. When I gave mine to him, he squeezed it tightly. “But at the same time, to know you are happy makes me happy.”
I squeezed tightly back. “Let us not have these words until I am actually out the door. It still does not feel real to me. Besides, I fear our godmother greatly underestimates the task before us. Their whole family always believes everything shall turn out as they plan.”
“Yes, the Du Bells are like that.” He chuckled, then shrugged. “But then again, why would they be any different when, in fact, they do get what they wish. I am confident Lady Monthermer would not propose something that was beyond her power.”
I truly hoped not. But still, I was not sure when Theodore would return. “Have you heard any news of Theodore? I have not gotten a letter.”
“Are letters to move so quickly? I saw you had one sent out again today,” he teased me.
“It is just…Well, have you?” I sought to hide my embarrassment.
“No. I am sure one is on the way, for I doubt he can withhold himself either.”
