Theo calculated it had been over a month since Cecilia’s disappearance. Mr. Smyth’s impersonator’s refusal to provide further information led to his untimely demise, leaving questions unanswered. The details regarding Cecilia’s escape plagued her. Had Lord Addington returned and taken his sister away? Each night various plausible scenarios rattled about her mind, but all of them left Theo uneasy, as if she was missing a vital piece of information.
While Theo had been buried neck deep in wedding preparations, Graham and Landon had been meeting daily, and she resented the fact they had not included her in their discussions. She had hoped her marriage to Graham would result in a partnership similar to the one Lucy and Blake shared. She still bore the mark, and she was determined to remain involved regardless that Landon was now in possession of the volume.
Theo stared down at the invitations she dutifully stuffed into envelopes. Everyone was referring to it as the wedding of the Season since the prince regent and other royal dignitaries had invited themselves.
Lucy was busy at Shalford Castle, preparing for the birth of her first child, and had sent her regrets at not being able to attend. Considering Theo had missed Lucy’s wedding, it was only fair that her best friend missed hers.
As if her aunt could read her thoughts, “Lucy is near full term. She wrote, informing me of her hope that her brother will arrive in time for the birth.”
Absently she replied, “Graham received word that Matthew should arrive in time.”
“It is wonderful that Lord Archbroke informs you of such matters,” Aunt Henri singsonged and added, “My papa never shared a thing with my mama. However, my mama was always informed one way or another.”
Was Aunt Henri hinting at something? Theo had come to realize that she should pay closer attention to whatever her aunt said, for it always contained a deeper meaning than the words themselves.
Theo asked, “Did you ever learn of her secret as to how she obtained information?”
Aunt Henri laughed, “Of course, my dear.”
Theo waited expectantly.
“She used her pin money to bribe the servants.” Aunt Henri was having a good old chuckle, and tears began to form as she reflected upon her deceased parents. “She never approved that George worked as a barrister, and neither did Papa. But even so, she still sent me gifts on special occasions, and while I never had the opportunity to speak to her after my marriage, I knew she still cared.”
Tears flowed from Theo’s own eyes as she rushed over and wrapped her arms tightly around the woman who was like a mama to her. Pushing back and looking into her aunt’s teary face, she declared, “Thank you, Aunt Henri. I shall use my pin money wisely in the future.”
Glad she was able to place a smile back on her aunt’s face, Theo rose and bussed her aunt before making her way to Landon’s study.
They had been discussing the same matter over and over for weeks, and Graham had lost all patience. He suspected Landon was withholding information regarding the maps and Cecilia’s disappearance, but the stubborn man refused to come clean.
“It is your duty to gather the required information and provide it to me. It is my duty to see the information is utilized and do with it as I see fit.”
Landon’s bored expression nearly had him jumping over the table and hauling the obstinate man up by the lapels to pummel him. They had even gone rounds at Gentleman Jackson’s earlier in the day, which had released none of the pent-up frustration Graham was continuing to accumulate.
“As I have informed you already, I am still in the process of gathering all the information, and I will report to you with my findings when I see fit.”
Graham was going to murder his future in-law. More than once, he had schemed Landon’s demise, but then images of Theo and the pain it would cause her always prevented him from carrying out his plans. Not that he wanted Landon to come to harm; the man did have certain qualities he admired and respected.
It was apparent that Landon was exceptionally clever. He had successfully engineered every situation to ensure that Graham and Theo never had a moment alone. Perhaps his frustration was the result of his inability to outwit Landon and have Theo to himself. As if his thoughts had summoned her, Theo breezed into the room and stole Graham’s breath.
“Archbroke.” Theo rarely addressed him by his given name in company, which only made it all the sweeter when she did in private. He hadn’t heard his name on her lips since their formal betrothal.
Knowing it would raise Landon’s ire, he greeted her with “My love.”
“Good Lord, man, have you no shame?” Landon scolded. “Cousin, what is it you want?”
“I’ve come to offer my assistance.”
Graham stiffened. There was something in Theo’s tone that caused the hairs on his arms to stand on end.
Landon rose and stepped in front of Theo. Looming over his cousin, he looked down at her through narrowed eyes. “What assistance are you offering, Theo? Did I ask for such a boon?”
Theo placed a hand on Landon’s arm.
Graham’s blood heated. He hungered for her body. In fact, he would settle for any type of physical contact after being deprived of her company for days. Images of Theo’s hands upon him had Graham shifting his weight. He moved to occupy one of the wingback chairs, giving himself and the two cousins some privacy.
He reined in his wayward thoughts and listened to their conversation.
“I believe I know a method we can uncover the information you seek, dear cousin.”
“Don’t dear-cousin-me Theo. Out with it.”
“I’d be happy to share if you are willing to share with me.”
Graham smirked. His brilliant fiancée was about to obtain the details that Landon had refused to share with him. He should have known to involve Theo. Would he ever learn?
Graham hoped they had forgotten about his presence, but he was sadly disappointed when Landon declared, “Perhaps we can have this discussion over supper?”
“Gladly. Archbroke, have you decided upon our plans for after the ceremony?”
Clearing his throat, he shared, “I’ve been rather busy, my dear. But I’m happy to take you anywhere you wish. Paris? The coast?”
“I don’t wish to venture far. I would like to be close by and to visit Lucy as soon as possible.”
He wanted to take her on a month-long journey. He had been busy getting all his affairs in order to allow him the time away. It appeared that all his efforts were for naught. It also reminded him that he should have consulted with her first.
“As you wish, my love.”
Graham saw Landon roll his eyes as he uttered the endearment.
Theo clapped her hands and said, “Then we shall remain in town until we depart for Shalford Castle.”
With a smile that could bring him to his knees, Theo waltzed out of the room. He vowed to do whatever was necessary to affix that smile to her face at every possible moment. He had definite ideas as to how to achieve his goal, but for the interim, he would have to vow to consult her more when making future plans.