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“You are right.” He hung his head. “He is not the worst. I know this and I have tried to move on. But my anger remains. And I cannot bring myself to see him. Part of me wishes, at the very least, to see my younger brother, Alexander. He is but eleven, and I am curious about him sometimes.”
“Then get to know him. Surely, your relationship with your father should not hinder yours with him.”
“It is best not to complicate our lives further.”
I thought of Fitzwilliam once more and how he did not care in the least if he complicated our lives. Theodore was so much kinder.
“May I ask the root of your anger toward him?”
“In my mind, I thought he should have stayed away. He should have understood it was not possible, should not have given my mother hope.” The grimace on his face seemed to grow as he stared at me. “Now I fear I might understand why he found it so hard to do so.”
“So, does that mean you shall make peace with him?”
His jaw clenched and his expression soured.
“It seems your pride will not allow you, Theodore…”
“I told you this, Verity, not for you to help reunite me with my father,” he replied, releasing the tension in his mouth as he looked to me sternly. “I told you so you could see…” He took another deep breath before lowering his voice. “Despite the joy you bring me, I cannot allow us to continue on as we have. If the fault were only on me, or the blame on me, I would not care. I would not run. But you? If your reputation or life was harmed as my mother’s was…I could never forgive myself. Ever. That is why I beg you to cast me aside.”
I understood him so much more now, and it gave me strength.
Which is why I smiled and said, “No. I will not cast you anywhere from me.”
He groaned. “Do you not see that this will be to your detriment?”
“I have been harmed much by many other people and things beyond my control. If this is to be my downfall then at least I choose it myself.”
“Never have I met a woman as stubborn as you,” he grumbled.
“I shall take that as a compliment.”
“Verity—”
“We go hand in hand to our demise, Dr. Darrington, or…”
“Or?”
“I may make a greater fool of myself in hopes of seeking your attention.”
He stared at me for a long time. “I fear I must join you to stop you from plotting anything else, my lady.”
I grinned…for the first time I truly looked forward to my time here in London.
18
Theodore
Like everything in my life of late, I was compelled to action because of none other than Lady Verity Eagleman.
For years, I had done my best to stay on the outskirts of the ton, neither drawing attention nor vanishing completely. Now I found myself in the center of it. Late in the afternoon, I was not in my lodgings, reading over notes on patients or books, but instead, at one of the most respected and exclusive gentlemen’s clubs in London. This invitation was extended to me, not by Henry and his family, but by the great-grandson of a founding member, the Marquess of Monthermer himself.
Why?
Well, partially to solidify the story of me going to his home to converse with him and his son, not the Lady Verity. But also because he simply wished me here, and it was not even the highlight of the evening. Everyone was to meet later at the theater with their respective families. I also was expected to attend.
I was greeted left and right as I walked farther inside.
A month ago, not one of them knew my name or cared to. And usually, upon finding out my background, their interest in me dissipated. Now everyone was rather pleasant. What had changed? Did they accept me now because they knew of my skill? I did not think so. I believed their respect was merely by extension and truly toward my benefactors.
I was not sure if I liked that much better.
So why come?
Verity.
The better these men knew me, then maybe…maybe—
I could not even bring myself to think it.
“Ahh, Dr. Darrington.” Damon Du Bell left his companions and came to me.
“My lord.” I bowed my head.
“I believe us far too well acquainted now for titles. Simply Damon shall suffice,” he replied, motioning for a drink to be brought to me.
“Then, of course, you may call me Theodore, as well,” I replied, taking the drink.
“Right, about the other night…my wife?” He stepped closer, turning his back to where his father sat at the tables. “Nothing is to be said to my parents or family as of yet. Silva will tell them when things calm down.”
“It never crossed my mind to say anything,” I assured him. “How is her health otherwise?”
