Gentle readers, you can dress a badger in silks and jewels, but it’s still a Man-Eater badger.
Respectfully yours,
The Midnight Cryer
Thea didn’t have much of an opportunity to consider Will’s strange behavior after her waltz lesson. Immediately, Stella had collected her, Lady Edith, and the duchess for the shopping excursion that she’d promised Thea.
But Thea had a suspicion it was more for Stella and Lady Edith than it was for her.
The first and most important stop was the duchess’s favorite seamstress, Mademoiselle Mignon’s dress shop. As Lady Edith and Stella perused the endless rows of velvet, silk, crinoline, muslin, printed cottons, and the accompanying matching trims and accessories, the duchess helped Thea pick out a few dresses that were close to completion but had not been commissioned by anyone.
Besides two gowns, one evening and one day dress, a lovely but elegant riding habit in an iridescent peacock green caught Thea’s attention. After discovering from Mademoiselle Mignon that it was available, Thea added it to the list of purchases along with a matching hat that mimicked a man’s tall beaver hat, only this one was made of wool felt in a brilliant ruby red with several perfectly placed peacock feathers.
If there was one thing in this world that Thea had a weakness for, it was riding habits. If her grandfather were alive, he’d have insisted she purchase the beautiful garment. With a silent sigh, she let the thought slowly fade away. He wasn’t here, and even if he was, the poor man would have been scared out of his mind with all the seamstresses who were busy attending the shop’s customers. If he’d seen the yards and yards of material laid out before her, he’d have run in the opposite direction. Anything new and different had startled him.
“Theodora?” the duchess asked serenely.
The duchess’s blue eyes were as crystal clear as the lake outside her study window at Ladykyrk, and the smile on her face was tender and open and affectionate. Thea dared herself to look deeply into the duchess’s gaze to see if she was misunderstanding the duchess’s concern.
Before she could decide, the duchess hooked their arms together, then drew her to the front of the mantua maker’s shop. With a look over her shoulder, she addressed the shopkeeper. “Mademoiselle Mignon, will you have those delivered to Langham Hall tomorrow afternoon? Also, if you could accompany the delivery in case Lady Eanruig needs an extra fitting? The peach silk will be perfect for the Prydwells’ soiree. It matches her complexion beautifully.”
“Of course, Your Grace.” The shopkeeper and her employees all curtseyed as the duchess reached the door.
“Aunt Stella and Lady Edith, would you meet us at the perfumer?” the duchess asked. The strength in her demeanor belied the mellow sweetness in her voice, telling everyone that behind the gentle manners, the duchess was a force to be reckoned with.
“Of course.” Stella waved her hand without looking up. Both she and Lady Edith were studying some bolt of fabric hidden in the corner. “We’ll come over shortly.”
As they walked out the door, the duchess leaned her head close. “Those two are up to something. They always find the most exquisite fabrics, and somehow manage to convince Mignon to sew a new gown for them immediately.”
“I’m not surprised.” Thea squeezed the duchess’s arm gently. “They’re everything charming but have an innate way of convincing everyone to do what they want. They seem to weave a magic over everyone.”
“Have they weaved their magic over you?” The duchess’s gaze was direct but warm.
“I’m not certain what you’re asking, Your Grace.”
“Don’t let my aunt talk you into something that you don’t want to do,” the duchess said before she softened her voice. “Do you want to marry my son?”
Thea bit her lip and looked away for a moment. She’d answer honestly. “I don’t think so.” She paused for a moment before she continued. “Stella is everything dear. I asked for her help when I first heard there was a challenge to my title. My grandfather’s solicitor thought it best if I marry before I appear in front of the committee, so your aunt suggested your son would be the perfect man for me.” She released a breath. “But I want to marry on my own terms.”
“Meaning?” The duchess tilted her head.
“I wanted to fall in love and have a family like yours, one that is loving and committed to one another. I don’t want to be forced into anything.” Thea studied the duchess for any reaction.
She smiled slightly. “Go on.”
“I shouldn’t have to marry just because a group of men believe it’ll make their decision easier for them. It should be in my best interests, don’t you think?”
“Of course.” The duchess wrapped her arm around Thea’s once more as they continued down the street with one of the Langham liveried footmen two steps behind. “Marriage is a lifetime commitment. You have to choose wisely.” She smiled slightly. “However, I must say what’s on my mind.”
For a moment, Thea tensed, wondering if the duchess would address Thea’s behavior when she helped herself to a second helping of dessert.
“I think you and William need each other as friends,” the duchess said. Her face glowed as if kissed by the sun. “I’m very happy that he has you in his life.”
“He’s an honorable man, one I greatly admire.” Thea said the words softly, but there was no hesitation in her voice. “He’s helping me immensely with my preparation for the committee. He’s unselfish with his time.” More important, he listened to her guilt over losing her grandfather without judgment. He’s the first person she’d ever revealed any of it to.
The duchess sought her gaze as they continued toward the perfumers. “May I share something with you, my dear?”
Thea’s reserve vanished at the term of affection. She was intrigued by the duchess’s warm but serious demeanor. “Please. I’d like that.”
“William can be … stubborn at times.” They stopped walking, and the duchess took both hands in hers. “He’s a typical Cavensham man. They’re loyal, protective, and once they give their heart, it’s always true. But he got his obstinacy from me, I’m afraid.”
Thea had seen that in abundance last night, when he stayed by her side as she fought her humiliation. Thankfully, he had been tenacious and wouldn’t leave her until she found comfort in his words. Because of that, she’d been able to put the matter mostly behind her.
“You see … he’s entirely too cautious.” The duchess looked at their clasped hands and squeezed. Slowly, she lifted her gaze to Thea. The hurt in her eyes caused Thea’s breath to catch. “There’s no easy way to say this, but he’s loath to allow himself to be vulnerable.”
Thea nodded in understanding. “Your aunt Stella told me that long ago he’d given his heart to another, but the matter ended badly.”
The duchess’s eyes glistened, and she pursed her lips as if in pain.
“Though my manners aren’t as polished as one would expect from a woman of my position, my commitment is true. I would never hurt your son or allow him to be hurt by another.” Thea smiled gently.
“Darling girl, comportment and manners are easily learned from others, but how to value another and be a great friend are sterling qualities that a lot of people don’t possess. They’re only learned from the people that surround us. I can tell from your bearing that you were loved and in turn, you learned how to love.” The duchess took a step back and examined Thea from head to foot, then smiled. “I think my son is very lucky to claim you as a friend.”
Her kind words pierced Thea’s heart. How would the duchess consider Thea’s worth if she knew the true regard she’d had for her grandfather at the end of his life? What kind of a family member wished for the suffering for all to be over with? What kind of a person felt relieved when the only family they had finally passed and allowed them some rest?
The duchess’s brow furrowed. “He needs someone with patience and fortitude. You have that in abundance.” The duchess clasped her hands again, and the smile on her face showed true affection. “I’m sorry you felt uncomfortable last night. I don’t know if William told you what was occurring, but Pitts and I were training a few new footmen. We thought it best to make the dinner as formal as possible. I hope, Thea, you’ll forgive me and Sebastian.”
“Your Grace, there’s nothing to forgive. Truthfully, last night I was horrified, but after speaking with Will last night and now you, I can put it behind me. The next time I have an urge to do something, I hope you’ll allow me to consult you first on the proper etiquette.”
“Of course. However, I expect you’ll be the one setting the ton on its head. You’re lovely and most importantly, kind.” The duchess exhaled and smiled. “Enough of this type of talk. Let’s go to the perfumers. Mr. Ainsley is known throughout London for his miraculous magic with fragrances. He’s provided scents for my family and the previous duke’s family for years. Believe it or not, Mr. Ainsley makes the previous duke’s personal favorite for Claire to wear, and he only makes it for her. If you like, he’ll make you an exclusive scent too.” She smiled. “Something as unique and beautiful as you.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.” Heat crawled up Thea’s cheeks at the duchess’s kind words.
As the Langham footman opened the shop door, the duchess swept Thea through the entrance. Immediately, she was transported into another world. Aromas of flowers and herbs gently wafted in welcome. She inhaled deeply. The perfumes didn’t overwhelm her nose. If anything, they teased Theodora’s senses. She wanted to pick up every bottle and investigate the treasures inside.
“Good afternoon, Your Grace.” A handsome elderly man bowed deeply. He managed the feat without upsetting the mop of snowy hair that crowned his head. “How delightful that you’ve come to visit today.” He turned to Thea and smiled.
“Mr. Ainsley, I’d like to introduce you to Lady Eanruig, a dear friend”—the duchess announced as if daring a challenge—“of the Cavensham family.”
The pride in the duchess’s voice was unmistakable, causing a sudden heat to lick Thea’s cheeks. It was simply glorious that Will’s kind mother thought of her so fondly. She couldn’t help but think the entire Cavensham family had come into her life to ease her loneliness. She straightened her shoulders and smiled at the shopkeeper. Earlier, she thought a shopping trip was unnecessary, but now, she wouldn’t have missed this afternoon in the duchess’s company for anything. “Good afternoon, Mr. Ainsley.”
He smiled warmly. “I’d hoped you ladies would stop by today. I have it on good authority that Lady Eanruig is looking for a new fragrance.”
Thea tilted her head in confusion. “How did you know?”
“Lord William sent a note earlier saying I should expect you and Her Grace to visit.” He picked up a tray and set it on a mosaic tile table surrounded by two chairs. “I have some fragrances that you might like to sample.”
Thea and the duchess seated themselves as Mr. Ainsley pulled a stopper from a bottle. The subtle scent of roses filled the air. He waved the stopper under his nose. “This is a classic scent, one that Lady Somerton favors. Dab your wrist. You’ll see how it smells against your skin.”
Before he handed it to Thea, she shook her head. “I’m sure it’s lovely. But I was wondering if you might have something made with pomegranates?”
With a perceptive smile, he inclined his head. “Indeed. I was going to save it for last, but I can tell you’re a woman of discriminating tastes.” He pulled an antique bottle from a tray and repeated his ritual of pulling the stopper and waving it under his nose. Only this time, he closed his eyes as he inhaled. When he finished, he turned his attention to Thea. “Would you like to smell it first before you try?”
Thea nodded. He slowly held the glass stopper at an angle in her direction. The scent gently floated through the air, and Thea breathed it deeply. “Melograno,” she murmured.
“Indeed, my lady. My favorite and a very rare scent. I have it imported from Italy.” He held the delicate glass top between his fingers. “Try it on. Lord William suggested this might be the perfect fragrance for you.”
Thea’s eyes widened. “He suggested this?”
“My son?” The shock in the duchess’s voice perfectly matched Thea’s astonishment.
Mr. Ainsley nodded with a smile. “His missive said that only a woman with Thea’s strength and character could do justice to this fragrance.”
Thea dabbed the fragrance on her wrists. Immediately she knew the rich floral scent was hers. “I adore it.”
“Shall I prepare a bottle for you?” Mr. Ainsley asked.
“Please,” Thea answered. She sniffed her wrists again and immediately thought of Will.
When Mr. Ainsley went in the back room to prepare her purchase, the duchess gracefully reclined in the chair and regarded Thea.
“I wonder why Will wrote such a note?” Thea mused aloud.
“Friends looking out for friends, I suppose,” the duchess said then leaned over, her small hand covering Thea’s. “William wants you to succeed and enjoy London.”
“He’s been everything kind to me already. But as far as London?” She shook her head. “I’m not certain if I can enjoy it.”
“Try for your sake, at least?” the duchess asked gently. “Along with Will’s?”
She’d do her best in London under the careful tutelage of Stella, Lady Edith, and of course, Will. She had to remember that her journey here was just a moment in time, one that she hoped to enjoy with Will. But she had every intention of returning to Ladykyrk.
Immediately, the large fish that had jumped out of the pond, popped into her thoughts. If she caught such a mighty creature, she’d admire him, then release him back to his own world.
Just as if she caught William for her own, she’d release him too. He was too magnificent to tame or keep contained. He belonged to his family and to London with all its finery and pomp—not the wilds of Northumberland.
All of this was rather fanciful thinking, but the truth couldn’t be denied.
She was the real proverbial fish out of water.