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“As I was saying, Lady Verity, the third Wednesday of the month is so popular due to Parliament,” Henry continued as we began our ride—Hathor and himself in front with Theodore and me following behind.
“Are members of Parliament only given freedom on the third Wednesday?” I tried to jest, looking at Theodore, but he did not say a word, his eyes focused ahead.
“No, of course not,” Hathor replied. “They normally have sessions late in the afternoon on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays. Votes can take such a long time—into the evening if truly contested. By the third week, most are exhausted from debates and find themselves here.”
“You are quite knowledgeable, my lady.” Henry looked at her, surprised.
“Do not give me credit but my father. He stays so informed that I am also informed, not by my choice.” She snickered.
They spoke back and forth, allowing me to focus on Theodore, who was still paying me no mind.
“Have I offended you, Dr. Darrington?” I asked softly.
It was only then that he looked at me, eyebrow raised. “Not that I am aware of.”
“Then you truly seek to avoid me.”
“Forgive me, my lady. I am merely tired.”
“That feels like a lie,” I replied and he frowned.
“What do you wish me to say to you?”
“The truth.”
“You know I cannot.”
“No, I do not know anything of the sort.”
He let out a sigh, as though I were being the difficult party. And so, we rode in silence. Well, Hathor and Henry spoke. Theodore refused to say anything unless addressed by either of them directly, but even then, it felt like his replies were not as cold as they were to me.
How had he gone from kissing me to…this?
Was I mistaken?
Why was speaking so…difficult now?
The more the silence lingered, the more frustrated and upset I became.
“Theodore,” I muttered only loud enough for him to hear. He looked at me with his eyes wide. “Oh, good. You are aware I am beside you. I thought you had forgotten.”
“My lady, you ought not to call me so—”
“What shall you do about it? Ignore me?”
He opened his mouth to speak when a voice called out.
“Dr. Darrington!”
He turned to see none other than Lady Clementina, also upon horseback, dressed rather finely in deep purple and, strangely, wearing a top hat.
“Lady Clementina.” He nodded to her. “How are you?”
“Finally, you have inquired about my health. I had come to believe you no longer cared after you cured me.” She smiled and then glanced over to Hathor and me. “Hathor, Verity, forgive me for not seeking you out earlier. I owe you both a great many thanks as well.”
“I am quite pleased to see you out today looking in much better health.” Hathor grinned widely.
“How shall I thank all of you? I do not know,” Lady Clementina replied.
“Singing our praises to all the world may very well be the place to start,” Henry interjected, causing us all to glance at him.
“And what did you do to deserve praise?” Theodore questioned.
Henry gaped dramatically. “Ladies, I will have you know he has all but made me his henchman. It is I whom he orders to dash toward the carriages to fetch his bag. Lady Clementina, as you are aware, there are a great many stairs in your home, and I am the one who ran up them all to deliver what he requested.”
Theodore rolled his eyes, but Lady Clementina giggled. “I thank you, sir, for telling me. I would not wish to ignore any of my gallant heroes. I shall sing your praises as you requested.”
“That is much appreciated.” Henry nodded.
“Lady Clementina, do you mind if we speak separately?” Theodore asked her and thus found his escape.
“Of course not. I shall see you later, Hathor. You as well, Verity,” she said, pulling on the reins of her horse in order to go in the opposite direction and, in so doing, taking Theodore with her. As I watched them go, I found myself even more upset.
“Whatever did I do to deserve the company of two great ladies today?” Henry said, drawing my attention.
“I do believe our mothers might have something to do with that,” Hathor replied, sighing as she looked at me. “Which begs the question: When are you to tell your family you desire another?”
“Hathor?” I hushed her, sure he did not wish to have his affairs spoken of so publicly.
“I see you were unable to keep my secret to yourself,” he said as we began our ride once again.
“I have told only her, and that doesn’t count, as she does not speak to anyone but her journal,” she teased me, causing me to give her a stern glare. “Anyway you must either come to terms with the fact that this woman is clearly inappropriate for you or state your intention publicly so as to avoid further confusion.”
