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“Gabrien is not like Fitzwilliam. He is soft-hearted and shy. He rarely ever comes here because he fears causing greater trouble for everyone.” I missed him, and it was only via letters that I now knew where he was or what he was doing.
“I know,” he said as he placed his hand on my shoulder. “My issue is not with Gabrien, nor do I wish to drag him into this battle. I am simply making you aware. Aphrodite says I should talk more about my feelings. And I fear for you.”
“Me? Our half brother is apparently trying to…I cannot even say it aloud. And you are worried for me? If worse comes to worst—”
“If I was not here, Datura and Fitzwilliam could very well try to disinherit you or marry you off to some fool.”
“I do not like this conversation. You are speaking to me as if you will disappear. Stop it at once.”
He chuckled, though nothing was amusing. “I do not plan on going anywhere. I plan to live to a ripe old age.”
“Good. Much better.”
“Even still, I cannot be foolish and leave anything to chance; these people are cruel.” He squeezed my shoulders. “Which is why I have spoken to Mr. Marworth, our family banker, and had a separate account created for your inheritance.”
“What?”
“As you are yet unmarried, it could not be put in your name, which is why I have left it in the hands of Lord and Lady Monthermer until it can be transferred to your husband. Your dowry, as well as all of Mama’s jewels, are left for you.”
“What of Aphrodite and Emeline?”
“I have taken steps to protect them, so you need not worry. Again, I plan to go nowhere. But I believed it only right that you know. Whenever you wish, Mr. Marworth will explain it to you.”
This was what he had been doing with his time? Caring for me as always. And I knew, despite how dear Theodore was to me, that it would break Evander’s heart to have me be with such a person. The guilt ate away at me.
“Chin up. There shall be a ball at Everely in two days’ time. Can you imagine? Never have I seen this place so alive. Aphrodite is very excited. If only Fitzwilliam were not coming.”
“He is coming? Here?” I gasped, and he groaned.
“Yes, I know. I did not like the idea either. However, Aphrodite insisted that we must maintain our image to the public after my…scuffle with him. He is coming with his wife, Marcella, and, I suspect, Datura. Shall you be all right?”
“That woman no longer affects me as she once did. I promise. I am more concerned about how he aims to kill you, and she is inviting him here?”
“Do not blame her. She truly cannot believe that to be his intent. You know the Du Bells. They seek to see good in everyone. They cannot help themselves. In Aphrodite’s case, she wishes to prove to all the world that I am a good man.”
“Who denies it, for you are the best.” I smiled, as did he.
“How wise you are, little sister.”
“It was you that raised me.”
“Now I am concerned…What do you plot?” His eyes narrowed.
“Nothing. Go concern yourself with your dear wife,” I replied and he chuckled, nodding as he moved to leave.
It was only when he was gone that I sat at the desk to write…to none other than Theodore.
26
Theodore
I was early.
I did not wish to be so early that I would be the first to arrive at the duchess’s ball. But I could not stand the wait any longer. It had been two days since I had seen her. And though she had written to me I was unable to deliver a letter in return out of fear we would be caught. Luckily when I had arrived, there were already more than two dozen people in attendance, walking among the gardens. Eagerly, desperately, I searched high and low for her. She might not have been ready yet. But still I searched.
“I was wondering when you would arrive.”
I spun around to see her dressed in white with pearls in her pinned-up hair, a soft, deep-red rouge on her brown cheeks and lips, as if I were not tempted to kiss her enough as it was.
Like always, she had found me.
“I came as quickly as I could, for every passing moment has been excruciating without you,” I whispered, trying to fight the smile creeping its way across my face.
“Your words are charming beyond measure, Dr. Darrington.” She giggled and my heart leapt in my chest.
“Forgive me, my lady.”
“I shall think on it. In the meantime, tell me, did you get my letter?” she asked. “It cannot be done tonight. Evander is in the worst of moods already.”
Would there ever be a good time? I did not wish to push, however, so I just nodded. “I received it. Do not worry. We shall try later.”
