Page 20 of Kismet

The thought of having to be social to gain the favor of those his mother wanted him to spend time with made Theodore slightly sick to his stomach. In talking to those people, he had learned that for the most part they were self-centered and unaware of the genuine problems in the world. Had Cedric truly spent his time with them trying to gain their votes? Moving forward, he placed his hand on her shoulder. “Mother, I will do whatever it takes to carry on Cedric's legacy of kindness and generosity. His memory will be cherished by both of us and all those who loved him dearly.”

“Hearing you say that makes me so happy.” His mother beamed at him.

Feeling compelled to at least commit some of his time to enjoyable pursuits, Theodore could not help but wonder about having time for himself. It seemed like his opportunities to just be were slipping away. “When will I have time to do anything for myself? I would like to spend time with people I enjoy talking to. Or possibly have an evening at home reading some of the books Darcy has suggested.”

His mother recoiled as if he’d struck her. “Why you would do anything else I do not know. Do you know what most people would give to get into one of these dinners? And here you are being invited. Besides, a true gentleman does not need to read as excessively as your cousin Darcy does. True society doesn't hold such a dull hobby like reading in high regard.”

“The books he has suggested I review are on estate management and crop rotation. Nothing frivolous, I assure you.” Theodore was not going to say anything about the book he had been trying to finish called L’Art de la Guerre, or roughly translated into English, The Art of War.

“A true gentleman lets his stewards, and his people, do that kind of reading. You do not need to bother yourself with it. Learn to enjoy the good life you have access to now.” His mother reached out to pat his shoulder, though the gesture left him feeling hollow.

Refusing to comment on the fact that her ideas continued to neglect his own hopes and desires, Theodore opted to point out that he was still standing there covered in sweat. Maybe that would get him a few moments of peace before he had to go to yet another one of these social events. “Mother, I really must get clean of all this sweat. If I am to be made presentable for your dinner tonight, I must see about bathing.” Moving towards the stairs, Theodore slowly made his escape.

“Go freshen up, put on something refined, and maybe have your batman help you tie your cravat properly tonight. Wearing the same knot all the time will simply not do. If he does not know how, Timmins is still here and he can show him. Your brother always had the best cravat styles.” His mother continued to call after him as he climbed the stairs. Theodore ran a hand down his face, dreading what was inevitably going to be a long night.

It was staring at him—a hare that someone had obviously worked very hard on. The creature's head and paws were still covered in soft, thick fur while the rest of its body had been reduced to a pile of carved meat. The creature's ears stood erect, as if sensing an impending danger, while its unblinking gaze remained fixed, leaving Theodore unsettled. It was disconcerting to say the least.

He liked rabbit. Truly, he did. He had eaten plenty of rabbit on campaign, but it never looked at him quite like this one did. Who wanted to eat like this? He had some boiled potatoes, which were quite good, but most everything else was far too complicated for his tastes. Pushing his plate back, he resigned himself to eating something more substantial once he got home.

He could not even settle into a pleasant conversation because he was seated between Lady Lavinia and Mrs. Meadowbrook. Someone might just be plotting his demise. Between the staring hare and the simpering ladies, his night could not get any worse. Theodore looked down the table at the prattling groups and wished he was nearly anywhere else.

“So, Lord Matlock, I was told that you fought in France before leaving the regulars.” Lady Lavinia had taken a measly three bites and put her silverware down.

Theodore looked at her abandoned silverware for a moment before responding. Did she only plan on eating three bites, or did she also find the hare disturbing? “Yes, Lady Lavinia. I fought both in France and Spain before being wounded and coming home.”

“I was always fond of the uniform of the regulars. I am sure you enjoyed wearing it.” This came from Mrs. Meadowbrook.

What did one say to that sort of comment? Did these ladies know nothing of the horrors of war besides the fashion that went along with it? “The uniform served me well enough, keeping me warm and dry as a uniform should.”

Mrs. Meadowbrook seemed to be put off by his response. Turning to the gentleman seated on her other side, she started conversing with him. Theodore was fine with that, as it left him only having to converse with Lady Lavinia. He desperately searched for a topic of conversation that wouldn't bore them both to tears. “Lady Lavinia, have you read anything of interest lately?”

“While I keep up with the latest fashion magazines, I rarely spend my time reading.” She sniffed, as if turning her nose up at the thought of reading.

So she was not a reader. What else they could safely discuss? “What do you enjoy doing while in London?”

“All the correct things, I suppose. Going on calls. Shopping on Bond Street. Attending dinners hosted by the right people. Occasionally I visit Hyde Park. Oh, and attending balls is always important.”

What did the girl mean by all the correct things? “And do you enjoy those activities?”

Lady Lavinia, face pinched and drawn, looked at him as if he was being cruel or confusing. Did she think he was trying to catch her out? He felt like there was a game at play yet he did not know all the rules. He much preferred more straightforward talk.

Lady Lavinia bit her lip for the smallest fraction of a moment, but then schooled her features into a serene expression. “I am afraid I do not quite understand you.”

Though he had preferred that one second of truth to everything else he saw that evening, Theodore felt bad for making her uneasy. Trying to set her more at ease, he changed tactics. “I merely wondered which you enjoyed the most. You listed quite a few things.”

“Well then, I suppose I do not have a favorite among them. What do you enjoy, my lord?” Lady Lavinia smiled when things seemed to get back on track.

“I enjoy spending time with my cousin Darcy and his family, and a well-executed play at the theater is something I truly enjoy.” Theodore returned her smile, but noted the conversation was cumbersome at best.

“I love the theater, as well. What plays do you enjoy? The comedies or the dramas?”

Theodore studied her expression. It seemed to be schooled to perfection, but there was something about it that did not ring true. Was she hesitant to share her preferences because she was waiting to see what he liked? Why could no one answer truthfully? Instead they felt the need to follow some odd, unspoken script that seemed to proclaim what the ton liked was best.

“I enjoy comedies more than the dramas.” Taking a small sip of wine to fortify himself, Theodore bit back a sigh. He had been right before—it was going to be a long night.

Leaning back into the cushion of the carriage, Theodore closed his eyes while his mother prattled on their way back to Matlock House. “I am glad you enjoyed yourself, Mother. It looks like you have several friends in that group.”

“Oh, there were several ladies that I have known for simply ages. It is always lovely to chat with old friends. What did you think of your dining companions? I do not know Mrs. Meadowbrook very well, but her husband died in a hunting accident not long after she was married to him. This is her first season since she came out of mourning. And Lady Lavinia, of course, is always lovely. Always correct and proper and so very pretty.” The shushing sound of Lady Matlock's fan filled the darkness as Theodore mulled over her choice of words.

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