Theo attempted to ignore the banter between husband and wife as she arranged and rearranged the series of drawings to solve the conundrum of how they fit together to form a map.
Lucy held up one of Baldwin’s sketches for Blake to assess. “This one looks… well, I guess I shouldn’t say it in front of an unmarried woman.” With a cheeky grin, she winked at her husband. “Well, my dear, what do you think of it?”
Blake glanced at the drawing purported to be a marble; its rendering was of certain aspects of the male anatomy. Coughing at the rather engorged rendition, Blake replied, “I’m shocked that Theo’s brother believed it to be appropriate for her viewing.”
With a loud sigh, Theo bemoaned, “We have been at this for days! I was certain that with the three of us trying to puzzle out the drawing, we would have the map in hand by now.”
“Perhaps that is the problem; there are too many of us working on it concurrently,” Lucy stated.
Was Lucy right? She was the most experienced and the one most likely to solve the rather complicated puzzle. Blake hovered over Lucy, rushing to her side every time she frowned. Meanwhile, Lucy was continually giving her husband devilish glances whenever he rubbed her back. Having him here might not be the most effective environment to encourage Lucy to focus. Combined with the couple’s constant heated gazes and their sudden and often long absences, they were not making much progress at all.
“Theo, I believe my wife suggests we leave her to her own devices. Let’s find Landon and see how he is faring with the lovely ladies in attendance.”
Theo looked up at Blake from where she sat on the floor among the scattered sketches. “He might need a bit of a reprieve; Lady Cecilia has been rather determined. I imagine it is due to her suspicion that the map is in Landon’s possession.”
With an outreached hand, Blake offered to assist her to her feet. “That and I’m sure she doesn’t find him hard on the eyes either.”
“He does have fine features, but he’s not nearly as handsome as you, my dear,” Lucy said as she raised an eyebrow.
Theo tried not to roll her eyes but was unsuccessful. She liked the playful banter between the couple, but at times they were too much.
Lucy waved her hands at them. “Now off with you both! Blake, please have Carrington come attend to me and bring a fresh pot of tea.”
Once Theo was on her feet, Blake approached Lucy who was lounging on the settee. He bent to place a kiss on her cheek, and as usual, Lucy caught him off guard at the last minute by turning and kissing him fully on the lips.
Theo envied the loving manner in which Blake treated Lucy. Wistfully, she wished Graham was present and that they were back in accord with one another. But Graham had remained in London. It had been nearly two weeks since she last saw him. He had sent correspondence to Lucy about some matters he needed her assistance with at the Home Office. However, Theo had not received a single missive from him to date. She had spent many an hour dissecting the thoughts and emotions the man aroused in her. After confessing her love for him to Aunt Henri, she couldn’t deny how essential he was to her. She only hoped she would have an opportunity to express to him her true feelings during the house party. If he ever arrived.
Blake guided her from the room. They found Carrington hovering in the hallway, laden with a tray piled with cucumber and raisin sandwiches—Lucy’s most recent favorite items to eat. Holding the door open, Blake said, “Carrington, my thanks. Please make sure if she tires that you get her to return to our chambers.”
With a semicurtsy, Carrington replied, “Yes, my lord. I will try my best.”
Before Blake closed the door, he addressed Lucy, “I know you will resolve the issue. I will make excuses if you fail to appear for dinner, my love.” Blake softly closed the door and saw Theo looking up at him. “Is something amiss?”
She blinked twice to prevent a tear from falling. “No. I’m glad Lucy found you.”
“You mean rescued me?” Blake returned.
“Semantics. Now let’s go find Landon.”
“To Landon’s rescue.” Blake chuckled and winged his arm for her.
Walking into the garden, Theo saw that Lucy had arranged for her guests to partake in an archery competition. Three targets were assembled, and the guests had been paired into teams of two. Landon had been paired with Cecilia, Christopher with Arabelle, and Waterford with Mary. Footmen retrieved arrows as the male participants lined up, awaiting their turn.
Blake was scowling, his gaze on Waterford, who had apparently said something to make Mary frown. The man was not well liked by at least half the attendees. Why, Theo wondered, had he been invited?
“Archbroke ordered him to attend.” Blake answered her unspoken question.
“I’ve never known Archbroke to act or instruct others without a purpose.”
Blake’s features transformed from a scowl to confusion. “I am in agreement. However, Waterford despises me, and I have no clue as to the reason why.”
As they approached the archery contestants, Theo was greeted with wide smiles from the circle of ladies awaiting their turn. Smiles from all but one.
Cecilia’s expression was closer to a smirk. “Lady Theo, I see you have finally decided to join us.”
“Why, Lady Cecilia, I wouldn’t miss the opportunity to cheer my cousins on.” Theo’s response dripped with sweetness. There was no better way to annoy someone who was filled with spite than to laden them with an abundance of kindness.
Both Landon and Christopher waved and gave her warm, loving smiles. She had begun to lower her guard with her cousins these past weeks as they had fawned over her, clearly sensing her sadness at Graham’s absence. They threatened to pummel Graham once he made his appearance at the house party. Landon had expected him to have already arrived.
“Theo, if you would partner with me, I’ll have another target set up,” Blake said, jarring her back to the present.
“I would love to!”
At once, the footmen went to work arranging for another target to be added. Blake joined the men who were now placing wagers among themselves.
From the corner of Theo’s eye, she caught a glimpse of a man at one of the upper windows of the house. Had Graham arrived? Theo’s skin began to prickle, and she sensed someone was indeed watching her; but when she turned to face the windows, there was no one in sight.
“Are you regretting agreeing to stay out here and not hide away in the library or your chambers?” Cecilia taunted.
“I’m sure Lady Theo will prove to be a fierce competitor,” Lady Mary replied in Theo’s defense.
Theo wasn’t intimately acquainted with Lady Mary. However, Lucy had informed her that the woman had a brilliant mind and a witty—and at times razor-sharp—tongue.
Theo smiled at the group. “I prefer knife throwing to archery.”
Hearing a collective gasp at her pronouncement, she added, “Perhaps we should have a wager of our own, ladies.”
With her youthful exuberance, Arabelle said, “Yes, that is a grand idea, Theo.” With a slight frown, Arabelle tapped her finger over her lips. “The winner shall be granted a boon of her choice!”
An evil look crossed Cecilia’s features before she said, “That is a marvelous prize. I am in agreement.”
Wearily, Theo agreed. With Mary by her side, they meandered over to the men who were ready to begin the round.
“Archbroke! Please cease pacing. It is extremely distracting, especially when you make sounds similar to that of an angered animal,” Lucy admonished.
Spying from the window, he watched as Blake escorted Theo outside to join the other house party guests. He didn’t care for the hand Blake had placed on her elbow. He was aware of how in love Blake was with his wife, but no matter how platonic the touch, he did not care to see another man’s hands on Theo.
He looked over at Lucy now madly scribbling notes. He had brought with him the key to the code that only the marked families used. When Lucy notified him that she had identified the code to be archaic in nature, Graham figured that Baldwin had used the secret code, figuring Theo would have access to it as well.
While he had extracted Lucy’s promise never to reveal its existence, he still remained nervous about disclosing the generations-old code. “You are not to share the key with your husband, for once he sets his eyes upon it, it will be forever burned into his memory. I cannot risk his having such knowledge. Am I clear, Lucy?”
“Archbroke, I already gave you my word and swore on my dear child here,” Lucy rubbed her protruding stomach.
“How much longer?”
“The midwife cannot confirm…”
“The code, Lucy. The map.”
Lucy snapped. “It would be sooner if you were to be quiet.”
He let out a growl and returned to the window. Why were both Blake and Waterford fawning over Theo?
Lucy paused to ask, “You are certain that you and Theo are in accord?”
Dragging himself away from the vexing scene, Graham sat in a chair near the fireplace and out of Lucy’s direct line of sight. The woman was far too perceptive, and he wasn’t in full control of his reactions when it came to the topic of Theo. “Lucy, you are fully aware as to how our courtship originated. It was a result of you begging me to ascertain the source of her mysterious change in behavior. We now both know it was related to the missives that lie before you. Time is of the essence, Lucy. The quicker we can determine where Baldwin hid the map or where he last believed it to be the better. Please, can we focus on the important matters here?”
“Theo is extremely important to me, more so than a stupid map. I want the truth…”
More to himself and barely above a whisper Graham uttered, “She is important to me too.” It was apparently loud enough for Lucy to hear. She stopped mid rant.
“Archbroke, I believe you are important to her as well. Why don’t you go freshen up and join them on the lawn? I will send you a note once I have completed my task of decoding the messages.”
He wasn’t assisting matters, and now that Theo was close by, he couldn’t deny the ache to be near her. Graham left Lucy to find his chambers. Now if only he could get the damn butterflies in his stomach to cease fluttering. He didn’t know what he would do if Theo continued to remain aloof.
Watching from his bedroom window, Graham saw Theo release her first arrow. Without hesitation, she pulled a second arrow from her quiver and placed it in the bow ready for release as the first hit the target. Impressed with her accuracy and quickness, Graham found himself grinning, and the warmth of pride spread through his chest. He loved the woman he saw below—beautiful, calm, and full of self-confidence. Quite the opposite of the cagey, withdrawn woman Lucy had feared Theo had turned into. Theo appeared much more at ease in the country.
It had been pure torture knowing she was miles away from him. Should she need him, he was too far. It wasn’t only the physical distance that tore at him. He had to admit that he had uncharacteristically let something he treasured go without issue. Something or someone had caused Theo to withdraw. He had wrestled with the notion that she may never return his sentiments, but he was determined to assuage her concerns. Graham resolved to make it clear to Theo that he intended to have her as a wife and life partner.
It was time to stop hiding and go join Theo on the lawn.
Glancing at the target, Graham’s mouth fell open, then closed, his lips forming a tight line. Lady Cecilia’s three arrows had hit dead center, while Theo’s third had missed. Theo and the other ladies gathered around. Lady Cecilia grinned like a Cheshire cat. Oddly, both Lady Mary and Theo shared a glance. What scheme had the two concocted? Had Theo intentionally allowed Cecilia to win?
Careful not to draw attention to his arrival, he listened intently to the women’s conversation.
“So what is it to be?” Theo asked Cecilia.
Cecilia slowly glanced at each of the ladies in the circle, her gaze landing on Theo as she stated, “I want this evening’s entertainment to be cards.”
“Cards!” exclaimed Arabelle.
Smugly Cecilia replied, “Yes. We are among family and close friends. It shouldn’t be hard for Theo to convince Lucy to hold a small card party, one where everyone may wager.” Cecilia stared at Theo as if daring her to deny the boon.
“Even if I were to convince Lucy, I doubt the men will consent,” Theo answered.
As if she had already anticipated the argument, Cecilia said, “Then Arabelle and Mary will have to use their wiles and convince Christopher and Waterford to agree.”
“I don’t even know how to play cards,” Arabelle confessed.
Cecilia snorted. “That will make it all the more convenient. You can ask Christopher to teach you this evening.”
Cecilia turned, nose in the air, and left the ladies in silence. Theo’s gaze followed the woman until her gaze locked onto Graham. With her eyes boring into him, his chest constricted, and he attempted to heave in a deep breath but failed.
Theo darted her gaze away and announced, “Well, I’m off to find Lucy.”
Why was she running? What was it that had her believing he didn’t care for her? His hope that she would be eager to see and speak to him was dashed as she left for the house.
Landon appeared next to him. “You need to resolve whatever it is between the two of you tonight.”
Graham raised an eyebrow in Landon’s direction. “What outcome do you wish for?”
“Theo’s happiness.”
Landon’s answer surprised him. He wanted the same for Theo. However, he was not sure how exactly to go about ensuring it.
Graham was eager to check on Lucy’s progress. He was stopped at the door by Lucy’s ever faithful footman Evan. “Is Lady Theo with your mistress?”
“No, my lord. Lady Devonton remains alone with Carrington.” The man’s features softened the moment he mentioned the devoted maid. Did his own morph likewise when he spoke of Theo? Should he seek Theo out or check on Lucy?
His decision was made for him when Theo appeared in the hall with her head down and muttering to herself. She was nearly upon him before Theo lifted her gaze to meet his. Her hesitant, shy smile caused his own smile to broaden. He was about to greet her with an embrace, but Blake was only a few steps behind her. Blake’s longer strides allowed him to shorten the distance between them, and they both reached Graham at the same time.
“Wonderful. It appears we are all intent on seeing how Lucy has progressed,” Blake said as he brushed past him to enter the study.
Blake entered first, followed by Theo and Graham.
“What the devil?” Lucy muttered. Scowling directly at them, Lucy complained, “How do you think I’m to finish this confounded task when I’m constantly interrupted?”
Theo was the first to reply, “Lucy, I’m sorry to interrupt, but I must speak to you about this evening’s entertainment.”
“We are to play charades.”
Theo shuffled her feet before saying, “Well, you see, I made a wager with Cecilia, and I lost. Whoever came closest to hitting the bull’s-eye with all three arrows won. The winner was to receive a boon.”
“You lost at archery? Impossible!”
“I thought it wise to allow Cecilia to win in order to determine if, indeed, she was up to no good.”
Lucy asked, “Well, what did she request?”
“Cards.” Theo, Blake, and Graham said in unison.
At the sound of angry male voices, Graham instinctively moved to Theo’s side and turned as Landon barged through the door.
“Why are you behind a closed door with him?” Landon directed his question to Theo.
“Landon, it is not as if we were alone. Lucy and Blake are here to chaperone,” Theo replied defensively.
“Then explain what the lot of you are up to,” Landon demanded.
Graham smirked. “It will be my pleasure.”
He breathed easier when out the corner of his eye he caught Lucy carefully maneuvering sheets of paper over the code she had sworn on her firstborn’s life to conceal.
As he crafted an explanation for Landon, Graham’s heart filled with joy as Theo stood by his side. Selecting his words carefully, he was able to keep his and Theo’s association with the Crown a secret while he shared all the pertinent details of the situation, including the need to gain Cecilia’s cooperation. Occasionally, he would deliberately brush up against Theo’s arm and was happy when she did not flinch or shy away from him. He liked her close. It was precisely where she should remain. With him.
Partially satisfied with Graham’s account, Landon groaned, “So, we are to play cards with the ladies then.”
“Yes. Let’s see what the witch has planned. Make sure you do not find yourself alone with her,” Graham answered.
“Once Lucy and Blake have the map, what is to be done?” Landon inquired.
“Waterford will leave as soon as it can be arranged along with a copy. He will be instructed to meet up with an agent currently on the Continent.”
Landon appeared satisfied with the answer. He winged his arm out and spoke directly to Theo. “We should go and freshen up before dinner.”
Theo hesitated before moving forward and away from Graham’s side to accompany Landon. He overheard Landon say in Theo’s ear, “Cousin, I believe there is still much more for us to discuss. Let’s adjourn and find Mama.”
Apparently, the man wasn’t wholly satisfied with the explanation. Graham would have to trust Theo to reinforce only the facts he had shared.
Theo and her aunt sat demurely on the settee. She looked over at Christopher, who was slouched in an oversized armchair. Aunt Henri smiled as if she hadn’t a care that her son had summarily summoned her. Theo, on the other hand, twisted her hands in her lap. Aunt Henrietta covered Theo’s hands with her own, warmth seeped through Theo calming her nerves.
Standing legs wide apart and with hands on his hips, Landon switched his gaze between his mama and Theo, “I will no longer wait for either of you to disclose the secrets you are both withholding from me. Mama, as you have often reminded me this Season, I am the patriarch of this family. Thus, I demand to know why the two of you have been behaving as if I have no clue about all the late night visits from Archbroke or the packed valise that Theo keeps in her wardrobe.”
Christopher bolted upright. “Archbroke has been sneaking into the town house?”
Landon paced back and forth in front of the settee as if he hadn’t been interrupted. “Mama, please explain your lack of diligence in protecting Theo’s reputation.”
“Landon, Theo is a very responsible and wise girl. Lord Archbroke is a well-respected member of the ton, and I have no reason to believe he would take advantage of our dear Theo.”
Frowning and not releasing her gaze, Landon sternly said, “I learned the art of deflection from you; however, you will provide me with the necessary answers even if I have to—”
Theo couldn’t listen to another word. “There is no need to threaten your own mama.”
She paused. How to convey the complexities of their family’s link to the Crown? Her gaze flickered to her aunt, who smiled.
“My papa left instructions for me to inherit a family volume that, by tradition, should have been given to you. It outlines the family’s responsibilities to the Crown. I admit that I’ve struggled to fully understand why he would insist on breaking such a long-standing tradition, but nonetheless, that is how it is. It is I who bear the mark of our family’s oath to assist the Crown. It is my duty to seek and obtain the information requested by either of the two other trusted families.”
Christopher interjected, “Crown? Mark? Who are these other families?”
Aunt Henri answered, “The Neale family has served the Crown for generations. Since Baldwin was set to inherit, your papa and I didn’t think it necessary to have the mark placed upon you and Landon. As for the identity of the two other families, they are Burke and Archbroke.”
Landon’s gaze bore into Theo. “Are you telling me that you have put yourself in harm’s way—that, in fact, I should have inherited some mark that you now bear in my stead?”
Theo nodded. Tears began to form in her eyes as betrayal and disappointment crossed Landon’s features.
She blinked. “Well to be clear, I don’t recall receiving the symbol. It’s always been hidden from sight. I didn’t pay much mind to it until my papa explained that the volume could only be viewed or inherited by someone who bore the mark.”
Aunt Henri confessed to Landon, “I should have informed you upon Baldwin’s death. You should have received the mark then.” Shoulders sagging, eyes distant, she continued. “Your papa had passed, and when Theo’s papa insisted she be the one to inherit the volume, I relented. George had wanted to protect you boys for the responsibilities to the Crown often placed those marked in danger. I gave my word to support and assist Theo when it came time for her to inherit and bear the duties of our family. I realize now that perhaps there are far bigger reasons why we should hold true to tradition.”
Landon waited until Theo’s eyes meet his. “Do you want to continue to carry on as you have?”
Confused, Theo’s mind and heart were at war. Her heart told her to say no. Yet, her mind reminded her that their family’s commitment to the Crown was imperative. Her papa had bequeathed to her an inheritance that had allowed her to be involved in something bigger than the social routes of the ton. The volume had given her life purpose.
Looking to Aunt Henrietta for strength and reassurance, Theo took a deep breath and replied, “Yes.”
“Very well. Then that is how we shall proceed.”
Why had Landon agreed without argument or further questioning? It was unlike Landon to agree upon any matter of import in such short order. Something was amiss with her cousin’s behavior.
Christopher looked at Landon. “You cannot let this continue.”
Landon sternly replied, “It is Theo’s choice, not ours. We will support her decision.”